The Red Arm of Absalom - Ongoing Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master GM Red

On arrival Mr Peppers will also fortify his abilities with some extra magic. Wand of Mage Armor, Heroism, Heightened awareness; as well as casting message on the group just in case.

Mr Peppers watches Sirettis cast the protection magic and a twinge of jealousy crosses his face There should be a way to learn such magic... being forced to rely on scrolls and wands? Undignified! He turns away to respond to Uesugi.

"Let's take a look shall we? I expect those vultures could be more than just that, but we won't know for sure until we get a bit closer."
Perception, buffs: 1d20 + 17 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 17 + 4 = 34

Gallix follows suit and puts a couple magical enhancements on himself, in addition to lighting up his mutagen. "Let's not delay too much, alright folks? This thing has a timer on it after all."

Cast wands of Heightened Awareness and False Life

False Life: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Mr Peppers makes an annoyed face, wafting away the lingering smoke from Gallix's 'cigarillo "Haven't you developed a more socially acceptable form of consumption for that yet? Perhaps a tasty gummy, or maybe a discreet skin patch?"

He waits to see what sort of alchemical mumbo-jumbo Kai will apply to himself And they said I was bad with magical enhancement. This guy is a walking advertisement of better living through chemistry!

"Sir D, Uesugi: are there any important spells you wish cast on yourself? Or perhaps wands or scrolls I can read on your behalf?" He asks with only 1% of a magical superiority complex.

He does reach out and bestow his own magical blessing then the two battle masters: Heroism "Since your own arcane talents are nil, and your importance in dealing with what I expect are numerous mutant agressors inside, these heroism spells should help immensely. They will expire in exactly 100 minutes from now."

Not sure if anyone else can toss around heroisms to those who don't have them, but figured this spot will likely call for many attack rolls, skill checks, and dreaded saves. I am now however down to only 2 3rd level slots.

With Sonarisa trailing, you get a little closer to the wreckage to get a better look at it and at the scorched earth surrounding it. Mr. Peppers peels his eyes and ears... and hears some sort of creature hissing. Looking up at the charred trees, he watches as a lone vulture soars into the sky. As it's ascending, what seems like an endless torrent of vultures shoot from the trees into the sky and begin circling the crash site, shrieking madly.

A cacophony of louder shrieks fills the air, and suddenly, four much larger vultures appear from deeper in the trees, and launch forward towards you...

-- Bold is up --
D., Sirettis, Kai, Mr. Peppers
Blue, Yellow, Red, Green
Gallix, Uesugi

An official map wasn't provided for outside the crash site, so consider that the grey stonework on the map is difficult terrain, the orange box represents the crack in the structure leading in. The vultures are hovering 30 feet above ground level.

Combat Map

K Nature, buffs: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 4 = 25

"What do we have here? Those are some very large vultures.. hopefully they aren't resistant to elemental damage or weapon attacks. I wonder if they have strange abilities or defenses?" Muses tall, dark and arcanistly.

Sorry I didn't manage to post yesterday. Kai would have done some more buffs (10min/lvl type) when they arrive if that's ok.

knowledge, nature: 1d20 + 13 + 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 13 + (8) + 2 = 37

"Are they mutated common folks as well? I hope not?" Kai quickly grabs an extract and downs the content. Immediately, his arms seem to mutate and lengthen. He then steps forward beside Gallix, ready to strike whichever draws near, studying the one closest to him in particular. (Studied Combat vs Red)

Drink long arm extract. Threatens 10-15 ft with his long spear now. With combat reflexes he can make 3 AoOs which he'll roll in spoiler

Sirettis looks up and tries to identify their resistances and weakest saving throw.

Knowledge: 1d20 ⇒ 11
Add +12 Arcana, +16 History, +9 Local, +16 Nobility, +11 Planes.

Unless she knows they are immune to electricity, she casts Aggressive Thundercloud, Greater upon the closest vulture. It deals 6d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 5, 1, 5, 3) = 20 electricity damage. Reflex Save DC 21 for no damage. If this hits, the vulture must make a DC 21 Fort Save or be stunned for 1 round, and cannot fly.

Assuming no cold resistance or vulnerably.. snowball it is.

Mr Peppers begins packing the largest snow ball you've ever seen out of thin air, then tosses it with no effort at the red bird. "Don't question it, its magic." He says as he releases the snow boulder.

Casting Intense Snowball:Ranged Touch Attack/Caster Check/Damage: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 201d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 2610d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 5, 3, 1, 2, 3, 5, 3, 1) = 25

Mr. Peppers knows they have no DR or resistances to anything. They are known to be diseased, however.

Sirettis knows their weakest saving throw is Will, and Kai can easily tell these are actual birds rather than half-mutated people.

Reflex, Blue vulture: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Fly, Red: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Sirettis conjures up an angry cloud that crackles with lightning, but the vulture caws wildly as it flies around the bolt.

Mr. Peppers lobs a massive boulder of ice and snow at the disease-ridden creature, causing it to lose some of its altitude as it recovers from the attack.

Combat Map

-- Bold is up --
D., Sirettis, Kai, Mr. Peppers
Blue (30ft), Yellow (30ft), Red (-25, 20ft), Green (30ft)
Gallix, Uesugi

D. does a flak cannon against the red vulture.

Sand bullet, overflow, burn bonus: 1d20 + 13 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 3 = 17 Dmg, overflow, burn bonus: 5d6 + 5 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (4, 2, 4, 1, 1) + 5 + 5 + 6 = 28

Sand bullet, overflow, burn bonus: 1d20 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 3 = 22 Dmg, overflow, burn bonus: 5d6 + 5 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (4, 2, 6, 1, 4) + 5 + 5 + 6 = 33

POOF - Where there was a vulture, there is now an explosion of feathers and flesh and bird blood. Or dust and mosaics in the Kid's version

The yellow beaked veulture advances on Kai, and Kai sees him coming, using his extra-long arms to slash at the foe just as it leans in to peck him, but Kai easily dodges. Blue dives in after Uesugi, and Kai also slashes at it, but the bird manages to chomp open the samurai's shoulder, its disease spreading into his blood. The last remaining vulture moves in on Gallix, and again, Kai slashes at it, but Gallix is unharmed.
Bite vs Kai: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 122d6 + 9 ⇒ (3, 5) + 9 = 17
Bite vs Uesugi: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 272d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 4) + 9 = 19
Diseased? <= 10: 1d100 ⇒ 4 Sugi needs a DC 16 Fort Save vs Blinding Sickness, though nothing will happen for 1d3 ⇒ 1 days
Bite vs Gallix: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 202d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 1) + 9 = 16

Combat Map

-- Bold is up --
D., Sirettis, Kai, Mr. Peppers
Blue (-21), Yellow (-21), Green (-20)
Gallix, Uesugi (-19)

"Yeah, not a chance, bird-brain," Gallix sneers as he leaps back and unleashes a barrage of dancing strikes to the central vulture.

5ft step; Brawler's Flurry, Mutagen, Outslug Style, Lunge all in effect.
AC27 from Natural Armor/Outslug this turn.

Flurry AdCestus, Mutagen: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 13 + 2 = 24 Damage, Mutagen, Outslug; Shock: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 171d6 ⇒ 1
Flurry MCestus, Mutagen: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 13 + 2 = 26 Damage, Mutagen, Outslug: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 13
Flurry AdCestus, Mutagen: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 2 = 18 Damage, Mutagen, Outslug; Shock: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 131d6 ⇒ 3
Flurry MCestus, Mutagen: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 2 = 30 Damage, Mutagen, Outslug: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 13
Crit?: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 2 = 12 Crit Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 15

Sirettis directs her thundercloud onto the bird with the Blue feathers.

It deals 6d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 4, 1, 3, 4) = 22 electricity damage. Reflex Save DC 21 for no damage. If this hits, the vulture must make a DC 21 Fort Save or be stunned for 1 round, and cannot fly.

Meanwhile, she faces the green vulture and simply wills it to sleep. DC 22 Will Save to resist the slumber hex.

Mr Peppers will wait to see if the birds survive the melee onslaught about to be delivered by 'THE WALL'.

POOF - Where there was a vulture, there is now an explosion of feathers and flesh and bird blood. Or dust and mosaics in the Kid's version

Reminds me of blood being replaced by mere dust in a certain animation.

D. waits to see whatever bird survives the damage being dealt.
He taps Mr. Peppers with the back of his hand.

"You wish to use your magic, or save it?"

Reflex, blue: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Will vs Slumber: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Two more birds are put down by the efforts of Sirettis and Gallix. It's not as if a measly vulture can survive a series of four powerful electrified punches, nor a sparking thundercloud.

The last vulture sputters to the ground asleep.

Out of combat

The circling vultures above your heads soon disperse and fly off, and all is quiet back outside the wreckage once more.

"Ah, never mind. We have our answer now."

Sirettis directs the cloud to her and pets it, like a dutiful pet. Then she turns to Sir Uesugi.

Healing Hex: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (6, 8) + 10 = 24
"I have healed your immediate wounds. Please tell me if there were long lasting effects."

Heal: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
"You seem to be in perfect health."

She turns to the rest of the group and flaps her hair to gain some height. "Let us proceed."

"Filthy birds! Let's hope the rest of them stay away at least until we leave. There must be quite a bit of carnage around here to attract such a flock." Mr Peppers steps back from the corpses and thoroughly prestidigitates himself clean before flying over towards the ship with the group, eyes on magical high alert.

Perception, buffs: 1d20 + 17 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 17 + 4 = 38

If this is truly a ship traveling between planets I'm sure there will be much interest within the society's factions for it... and beyond.

The area is free of magical auras, and the way into the wreckage is by way of a fissure on one side. A sizable chamber fills the space beyond the crack in the strange ship's hull. The crack spreads across the width of the room splitting the area in half. The western half is taken up by what appears to have been a meditation area and by a kitchen with a large circular stove sitting in one corner, while to the east lie the ruins of several tables. A small storage area lies to the north.

The walls leading up are easily scaled, however, just as you emerge above, two mutants swiftly move ahead, growling with deep bellows of rage.

Sonarisa shudders. "Sonarisa knows. Friends? Not remember."

The mutants respond, speaking together. "Leave our home at once, or die!"

Combat Map

I divided you guys among each side of the fissure, but it's only DC 10 to climb, or you can hop across with a long jump if you need to get into melee.

-- Bold is up --
Mr. Peppers, Uesugi, D.
Red, Green Mutants
Sirettis, Gallix, Kai

K Roll...+14 or +23 Arcana: 1d20 ⇒ 2

"We aren't here to take your home, just investigate things, geez." Mr Peppers takes a pinch of sparkly dust from his pouch and glitter bombs the pair while the others sally forth.

Glitterdust, using 1 arcana to push up the DC, Will Save DC20

Knowledge: 1d20 ⇒ 10
arcana +12, history +16, local +9, nature +12, nobility +16, planes +11

"Sonarisa, stay back." She turns to the mutants. "Please, we do not wish to harm you or invade your home. Be at peace, please!"

It's not Kai's turn yet, but he would have drunk an extract of shield before entering the structure. Also, I presume his longarm is still on (13min duration from start of vulture fight). Rolling potential AoOs below.

Waiting to see what their reply is, before D. does his gig.

Mr. Peppers and Sirettis recognize that these two are definitely showing similar signs of transformation as Sonarisa and Leeara. They're id mutants affected by the same toxin. They still maintain some elven features, however.

The two mutants growl loudly at Sirettis, and it's apparent that all reasoning left in them has been lost to the transformation when they point their swords at her, baring their teeth.

Mr. Peppers realizes this, and lobs a cloud of sparkling dust at the foes.
Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
.. And both now strike the air in pure rage as their world goes black.

Combat Map

-- Bold is up --
Mr. Peppers, Uesugi, D.
Red (blind), Green (blind) Mutants
Sirettis, Gallix, Kai

"Beyond all reason. Now, it is open season.
Maybe your senses return in death."

Targeting the green rhino.

D. fires a combo of shots,
One to entangle the rhino, the 2nd to knock it prone.

Rt touch, overflow, burn bonus: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 12 + 1 + 3 = 26 Negative energy, overflow, burn bonus: 5d6 + 2 + 6 ⇒ (4, 3, 4, 3, 1) + 2 + 6 = 23

If hits, DC 20 reflex to avoid being weighed down. If not passing save, he's entangled for a minute.

Regular sand bullet, overflow, burn bonus: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 + 3 = 16 Dmg, overflow, burn bonus: 5d6 + 5 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (1, 2, 1, 5, 5) + 5 + 5 + 6 = 30
Bowling infusion, trip: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Would weapon focus add to a CMB attempt? +1 if so on the trip check.

"I am so sorry...."

Seeing the mutants on the other side of the fissure Uesugi leaps across activating his slippers as he does so.

Acrobatics, armor penalty: 1d20 + 3 - 6 ⇒ (14) + 3 - 6 = 11

double move and jump over the fissure

Barely clearing it his hands catch the side and he uses the momentum to lift himself up and then waits for the mutants to reach him.

Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

The mutant roars as D. fries its insides with negative energy, though it manages to resist any entanglement. The second sand bullet flies off into the distance as Uesugi gingerly leaps across the fissure, nearly falling in.

New Save vs Blind: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
New Save vs Blind: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Still unable to see anything, the mutants slice haphazardly at the air...

Combat Map

-- Bold is up --
Mr. Peppers, Uesugi, D.
Red (blind), Green (-23, blind) Mutants
Sirettis, Gallix, Kai

Really, the threat level is low here, but they're technically still hostile, so I've left us in rounds.

Mr Peppers looks at Sirettis then at the creatures, then at the 'Thrall' "Maybe she can talk some sense into them? That spell won't keep them blind forever so its now or never if you want to save them.

D. Looks at the mutant woman to see if her words would do anything, but suspects no succes.

If they indeed are still not susceptible to reason, he continues firing at the mutant.

Rt, mods: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17 Negative energy, mods: 5d6 + 8 ⇒ (2, 1, 2, 6, 1) + 8 = 20

Regular sand bullet, mods: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18 Impact, mods: 5d6 + 16 ⇒ (3, 2, 1, 3, 3) + 16 = 28

Trip if hits: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

"Thank you, Mister Peppers." She turns to the mutated elves and casts Calm Emotions. "Please, calm down. You must listen to reason. One of your friends is here. She will convince you we are not threats."

Will Save, DC 19.

Will delay to see the result of Sirettis' spell.

Same as Kai. Delay to see if Sirettis's spell works.

Will Save, Red: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 2 = 14
Will Save, Green: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 = 17

Both mutants drop their swords and rub their eyes in confusion.

Out of combat while Sirettis is concentrating

Comparing these two mutants to Sonarisa, it's clear that Sonarisa's transformation is much more advanced, with several more animal features than the two rhino-elves.

"Home. This home." She mumbles in Aklo.

As their vision returns, the two mutants glare at Sonarisa. "Sona.. Risa? Not remember who you are. Things are..." One says. "Fuzzy." The other finishes.

"I can attempt to break their.. curses, but it isn't a for sure to work. I can also only do it twice, so if one fails then I can't help them." Mr Peppers offers up his assistance, not one to needlessly slaughter... especially when he can show off his magical mastery in the process.

Mr. Peppers begins casting, and one of the mutants screams as its horn falls off of its face, its elephant-like hooves morphing back into elven feet. Its snout narrows and turns back into a set of lips and whites reform in its eyes. Soon, the mutant looks a lot more elven.

"What? What's going on?" He looks around in confusion. "And who are you people? What happened to our ship?" He scrambles around, looking at the damage. ".. Is that.. Are you... Sonarisa?"

Unfortunately, the other mutant is unaffected.

"Greetings, friend. Normally I would curtsy, but it is difficult to concentrate." Sirettis takes a deep breath. "You and your friends- as well as Sonarisa here- have been mutated. Animal instincts overtake your senses, and you are prone to agitation and violence. Mister Peppers was able to revert the damage you received, but Sonarisa is too far gone for us to handle. More powerful clerics are needed, and we will gladly help her once we return to Absalom."

She looks upon the freed elf. "Can you calm him down without my magical assistance? We wish to end the source of this horrible mutations before it can get any worse. How did you arrive here?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Once his story is laid out, Sirettis turns to his friend. "I can try to... dominate your friend here, to prevent him from more violent activity. At least until we can get him the help required." She exhales.

If the party is fine with this, she stops concentrating and casts Dominate Person on the other rhino-elf.

Will Save DC 22 to resist.

Gallix nods to give Sirettis the go-ahead, but stands ready to back her up in case the remaining mutated elf turns violent again.

The mutant-restored shakes his head. "My name is Elkas. Everything is so hazy right now. I was on our ship, this ship.. Lirgen's Glory, in stasis. I awoke suddenly with horrible nightmares, and mutated into one of those things. I don't remember what happened after." His eyes gloss with tears. "Valar.. Can you hear me?"

The rhino grunts and snorts, but doesn't respond.

Will Save: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 = 17
Seeing that it's hopeless, Sirettis stares into the mutant's eyes and soon brings him under her control.

Elkas wipes a tear off his face. "I see. At least he won't be feral this way." He points in each direction. "I take it you're going to explore the rest of the ship? The engine room and cargo hold are to the left, and our quarters to the right, as well as the library."

"Thank you for your understanding, Elkas. I apologize for what I must do to Valar. Mister Peppers and I can try tomorrow to restore him."

She listens to his words, carefully. "Perhaps there are clues within your quarters. We should travel there first, anyway. You can collect your belongings there. How long ago did you crash here?"

"I am glad we have been able to spare your lives, Elkas," Gallix chimes in. "I do worry that Sirettis here won't be able to calm many more like you or Valar. Are there any more of your people still inside your...ship." Gallix looks sidelong at the vessel, a look of confusion and unfamiliarity plain on his face. This looked like no ship he had ever seen!

"I'm not really sure," Elkas rubs his head. "As I say, my memory's foggy.. and the visions.." He doubles over as if overcome with pain, panting. "I keep getting this sense that something horrible is about to happen." The elf shakes his head wildly, and he breathes deeply as the pain fades. "... And now it's gone." He shrugs.

"There was six in the crew, including Sonarisa and Valar," he says.

Valar approaches Sonarisa and starts grunting at her. Sonarisa mumbles broken Aklo back.

"Please, try to jog your memories. Converse amongst yourselves, naturally." Sirettis turns to her thralls.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Take 10 on perception.

D. takes a careful look at the sight of the crashed vessel, then noticing and pointing out to the vultures and bodies.

"Three of you are alive, and over there are two dead.
That leaves one unaccounted for."

The thralls don't seem to be getting any closer to remembering what happened, so you follow them to the next room. Their quarters contains three bunk beds, and the remains of a small shrine clutter one corner of the room. Numerous books rest on thin shelves lining the chamber.

Yet perhaps what's strangest about the room is a shadowy elf whose body is made of the darkness of space, floating in the center of it. Its eyes
resemble spiraling galaxies and its long, thin fingers end in talons, and it doesn't look friendly!

The phantom gets the drop on the party, and floats down on Gallix, reaching out to touch him.
Vs Touch: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19
Lucky!

... Yet by some weird stroke of luck, the creature can't seem to grasp the brawler.

DC 19 Planes for lore

-- Bold is up --
D., Kai, Uesugi, Gallix, Sirettis, Mr. Peppers
Phantom

Combat Map

D. looks past the corner of the door.

"I reckon we have just found the final member of their group. And it's very dead looking to me. Like a specter made of a star filled sky."

Sand bullet vs space specter, PBS, overflow, burn bonus: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 1 + 3 = 20 Dm, overflow, burn bonus: 5d6 + 5 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (4, 3, 1, 2, 5) + 5 + 5 + 6 = 31

Sand bullet vs space specter, PBS, overflow, burn bonus: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 1 + 3 = 25 Dm, overflow, burn bonus: 5d6 + 5 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (2, 1, 3, 4, 1) + 5 + 5 + 6 = 27

My blast counts as magic, in regards to incorporeal and magic resistant traits.

K Planes: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Sirettis doesn't know what it is. She hopes it is vulnerable to gravity. She casts Air Geyser and tries to blast it into the ceiling.

Reflex Save DC 20

As the creature descends, Kai's quick reflexes kicks in as he jabs at it with his magical spear.

Kai has combat reflexes and 15ft reach.

Mutagen, Heroism, Power Attack
AoO: +1 inspired longspear: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 14 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 28 dmg: 1d8 + 10 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 3 + 6 = 21

knowledge(planes), heroism, inspiration: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (2) + 15 + 2 + (2) = 21
(defences, vulnerabilities, special attacks, and whatever else you have)

Kai's actions is pending what he knows.

Can I get Caster checks with your spells? Also waiting for Peppers to roll his Kn Planes as he will likely be able to get more information than Kai's roll result.