Ruins of Azlant (Inactive)

Game Master Nathan Goodrich

"Oh, you poor thing!" Tettia says sympathetically, storing her magic spectacles. She steps forward to reach out and place a hand on the person's knee.

A diplomacy check is needed to convince him of your good intentions.

"I serve... I serve!" The cyclops murmurs, seemingly unconvinced or downright uncomprehending the kindness it is receiving. "Aeroclyse serves great mistress!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

"If you will not harm us, Aurelian Fache will let no more harm come to you, Aeroclyse!" the swordsman says.

I agree with Sarine, though I think it's worth the time off our spells to try to befriend this guy.

"Your name is Aeroclyse? Who is your mistress, Aeroclyse? Did she do that to you?" Tettia asks with a frown. She turns to look at the others. "Who would do something like that?" She looks back at the cyclops, her eyes seeking the locking mechanism holding the chains.

"How would you like to be unchained, Aeroclyse?" she continues in a softer voice.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15 Yeah, she doesn't know any better.

"Don't worry, Aeroclyse. We'll keep you safe. And free..."

Diplomacy Assist: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Convinced enough that the cyclops won't harm her, Sarine moves to pry Aeroclyse's chains from the wall.

Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 Here's one of the annoyances of unchained bloodrage... I can't juice a Strength check. Someone remind me to get a crowbar later.

After a few seconds of prying at the chains Sarine goes for simple solutions. Her Azlanti sword slices cleanly through the thick iron and the cyclops collapses forwards, making pitiable weeping sounds.

"Mistress. I serve! I obey! No blood mist! Please no!"

Unwilling to use any more time on a creature that clearly isn't going anywhere the group returns to the main room. The only way onwards is the staircase looping upwards. It doesn't seem like there can be much more of the tower left.

Aurelian frowns, but unable to do anymore here, chooses to venture up the stairs alongside Sarine.

Knowledge (dungeoneering): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

"A blood mist?" Tettia says with a frown. "I think he's talking about a vampire mist. 'Mistress' has access to a vampire mist." Her face takes on a determined cast. "We'll just see about that."

She pats the cyclops on the shoulder.

"Don't you worry, Aeroclyse. We'll take care of 'Mistress'," she says before moving to follow the others.

"If this mist gets in our way, it can die too. Time to finish this. Let's go."

...Well, alright them." Ashlyn says with uncertainty. She waves at the cyclops as they leave, forgetting for a moment that he can't see her do it. "Bye, Aeroclyse."

"Poor bastard," Jenner whispers. More loudly he says, "Just stay there, fellow. We'll be back to get you patched up, gods willing."

He awkwardly pats the blind, broken cyclops on the shoulder in a ginger fashion, then hurries to pick up the pace again.

"Tettia, you've heard of these mists, eh? Know anything about 'em?"

The stairs spiral around the tower's wall under finally emerging at the top level.

A colossal device of jeweled, copper-lined globes, steel rings, and dazzling lights fills this room. The contraption—an elaborate orrery—rises from an octagonal dais at the center of the tower peak. The instrument surges with phantasmal depictions of constellations and cosmic phenomena. Periodically, a lens pauses, briefly concentrating the light of some distant star upon one of the glowing glyphs circling the perimeter of the massive orrery. Around the room, windows twenty-five feet tall and five feet wide allow a spectacular view of the crater lake outside. The copper plates forming the dome of this chamber form a mechanical iris engraved with arcane sigils.

The hideous hag Helekhterie works to fine-tune the orrery. Hair like rotting seaweed drapes the ancient witch. Loose, algae-colored skin sags off her starved frame. A coat of starry radiance surrounds her. The two vampiric mists float in the air near her, clouds of crimson vapor reeking of fresh blood.

"Intruders!" the hag shrieks. "How dare you attempt interfere with my destiny?" She points a crooked finger at you. "Slay them! Drain their blood!"

The sea hag's levelled finger flashes for a second and Tettia feels an impossibly numbing cold that threatens to freeze the blood inside her.

Cold Damage, DC15 fort to halve: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 4, 4, 2) = 21

Ashlyn may act before the mists!

The sight of a sea hag is so revolting that anyone within 60 feet who sets eyes upon one must succeed on a DC 17 Fortitude save or instantly be weakened, taking 1d6 points of Strength damage. Creatures that are affected by this power or that successfully save against it cannot be affected again by the same hag's horrific appearance for 24 hours. This is a mind-affecting effect.

"Tettia, you've heard of these mists, eh? Know anything about 'em?"

"They're a gaseous mist that survives on blood. In Grendle's Guide, he postulated that ..." She stops and shrugs. "I guess it doesn't really matter what Grendle said. They drain blood. Burn them with fire."

She stills seems shaken by the state of the library.

~~~~~

Fortitude Save DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

The student stumbles back at the magical assault.

"S-s-so cold," she manages through chattering teeth.

Getting this out of the way as well ...

Fortitude Save DC 17: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Strength Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

How big is this room? And how far away are we?

Ashlyn stares hard at the space in front of the hag, imagining a massive trident skewering it! Sweat forms on her brow... Finally a magical trident appears and stabs at her! Spiritual weapon, 1/5 rounds used.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Force Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Elizar places himself right in front of Ashlyn, between her and the enemies, and howls loudly! He stands ready to defend Ashlyn if needed...

Readying an action to attack any enemy that comes within reach.

Fortitude Save vs Revolting Hag: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Strength Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1 - a mix of failure and success! Not actually penalized by that! (yet)

Sarine recoils at the sight of the hag and feels her strength slipping away. Memories of the tower below sustain her, however, as she prepares for battle.

"For Talmandor!"

And then she waits politely for her turn to come up. Current AC 23, touch 13, touch vs insubstantial 17

Everyone will need to make the save - the tower isnt that big.

Ashlyn's magical trident doesn't phase the hag at all as the two clouds of swirling mist swoop in for the attack!

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 Con damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1 Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Con damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2 Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Sarine is engulfed by the mists but stands strong. One successfully draws some of her blood and glows more brightly as it enjoys the feast!

Everyone except Ashlyn, go!

GM Note: Green border is overdosed.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

"Stand strong, mates!" Jenner roars as he shakes off the attempted horror.

Standard to cast bless, will hit all allies. +1 on attacks, +1 vs fear. Swift to cast protection from evil on himself via fervor, move up the stairs, unless they are difficult terrain, in which case he will instead use his agile feet blessing as a swift action to negate the diff terrain and still move up them (but won't have protection from evil up). AC 19 with prot evil figured in, 18 without. (12T/13T, respectively)

Fortitude (Ashlyn): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 = 9
Strength: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Fortitude (Elizar): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Strength: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Touch attacks for Con damage & bleed? That's nasty.... What does the dashed circle on the map represent? Can we threaten the hag from the lower platform?

Sarine growls as the mist drains some of her blood. "It will take more than that to slow me down. Let's tear them apart!"

9/14 bloodrage remaining, 10/10 temporary hp remaining, bless, power attack & combat expertise
Attack Overdosed Mist: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 2 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 28
Damage Overdosed Mist: 2d6 + 8 + 2 + 6 ⇒ (6, 3) + 8 + 2 + 6 = 25

47/49 hp from bleed damage. Sarine has 1 Strength damage & 1 Constitution damage. Current AC 24, touch 13, insubstantial 17, using combat expertise to offset the rage penalty

Tettia, I'm seeing you with full damage from that cold attack even though you made your Fort save?

Fort save (charmed life 1/4): 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 4 = 11
Str damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Aurelian shudders at the sight of the horrible hag, feeling the strength go out of his limbs.

Pulling a vial of alchemist's fire from his hip pouch, he throws it at the mist as Sarine attacks it, stepping out of the line as he prepares to circle round to deal with the hag. I think pulling the item would be a move action, so can only take a 5-ft. step

Alchemist's fire: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 = 21
Round 1: 1d6 ⇒ 5 Sarine and the other mist take 1 point of fire damage (sorry, Sarine!)
Round 2: 1d6 ⇒ 6

The dotted circle is irrelevant. You do threaten from below the platform but the hag will have partial cover.

Thanks, Sarine. My brain saw the DC 15 save and then moved right on down to the DC 17 save.

Trying not to shiver too much, Tettia gestures towards the hag and a flash of heat streams out towards the woman but misses widely.

Scorching Ray Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Scorching Ray Damage - Fire: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 1, 6) = 18

The girl harumphs in frustration and summons up a barrier of magical protection.

Arcane Barrier - +7 temp HP

Overdosed HP: 1d8 ⇒ 8

After being assailed by alchemist's fire and Sarine's mighty blows the mist nearly discorporates completely. Unfortunately for the bloodrager it hangs on to (mostly) corporeal form!

Helekhterie levels her finger at Aurelian.

"Petty boy. Go and stab that annoying woman for me!"

Aurelian must make a DC16 will save or be affected by Murderous Command

Ashlyn up!

Oh, that's not good.

Will save + charmed life (2/4): 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 1 + 4 = 19 Phew, that is!

"Aurelian Fache loves all of these women, and they are NOT annoying!" the swordsman replies, shaking off the spell! "If you talk about his sword, you are the only one he will stab!"

"If you loved me Aurelian, you wouldn't have burned my hair!"

The hag wouldn't know, but I think Aurelian is immune to that due to his Protection from Evil effect anyway?

Aurelian's second tick of fire damage hasn't hit the blood mist yet, correct?

Nope. Ashlyn and the mists get to go before the second burning. And yes he was immune :) You get the charmed life back Aurelian.

Ashlyn's magical trident attacks the hag!

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Force Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
2/5 rounds used.

Ashlyn hurries into the room, focuses on the shattered remains of the alchemist's fire's bottle, and sends them flying at the green blood mist.
Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 4 = 11
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Elizar glides into the room and slams into the green blood mist.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 3 ⇒ (19) + 6 - 3 = 22
Magic Bludgeoning Damage: 1d8 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 1 - 3 = 6
If it hits DC13 Will save or the mist regrets its poor (un)life decisions and takes a -2 penalty on attack and damage rolls for 1 round. This is a mind-affecting fear and emotion effect.

Doh, that's what I get for rushing in the morning. I almost looked it up to doublechecked, but just went ahead and saved.

Ashlyn is unable to strike the hag but Elizar's blow bludgeons the vampire mist out of existence. The second mist however continues what its fellow started and tries to draw the blood from Sarine's wounds. As her life-force flows away Sarine starts feeling weaker and weaker...

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 Con+Bleed: 1d3 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (2) = 5
HP: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Everyone but Ashlyn go.

Setting her face in what she hopes is a grim mask (but is probably only just a little cute), Tettia again attempts to hit the hag with her spell of fire.

Scorching Ray Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Scorching Ray Damage - Fire: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 5, 2) = 16

"This always seemed to be so easy when the hero in story did it," she mutters to herself when the spell still fails to hit her intended target.

"Hang on, Sarine!" Jenner calls, seeing how Sarine has been taking damage. "Abadar, bless my blade!"

Swift to make my axe magical, move to the mist (circling so as not to provoke), std to attack

vs Mist, bless: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 1 = 17
Damage, magical: 1d10 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9

(Can I get a confirmation of whether I was able to get Prot from Evil up last round, or whether I had to use my swift to get agile feet for the stairs instead? That way I can list my AC accurately.)

BLESS is up on the party folks, don't forget your +1

You got prot evil up last turn Jenner.

Sarine leapt to the side as the vampiric mist reached out for her, but too late. She gasped as it feasted, eagerly devouring the blood that flowed from the wound left by its companion mist.

This thing doesn't lead on its attacks at all. I can't avoid it...let's finish this. Gripping her sword tightly, Sarine stepped into her attack, hoping to destroy it before it could drain her dry.

8/14 bloodrage remaining, 7/10 temporary hp remaining, bless & power attack
Attack Vampire Mist: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 30
Damage: 2d6 + 8 + 2 + 6 ⇒ (3, 5) + 8 + 2 + 6 = 24

1 Strength damage, 4 Constitution damage, 2 hit point damage, 3 temporary hp damage, current hp 37/39, Fort Save +4. Current AC 22, touch 11, insubstantial touch 15

Aurelian leaves the mist to Jenner and Sarine, striding athletically around the orrery and up the stairs to confront Helekhterie directly!

+2 relic rapier: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Damage (includes 4 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 4 = 14
Intimidate (demoralize as a swift action on a successful hit): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

Parry (DC=attacker's roll): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
Riposte (if parry succeeds): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Damage (includes 4 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 4 = 14

Unfortunately the witch has a spell of protection which matches Aurelian's own and his blow is thrown wide!

Sarine and Jenner hammer the mist almost to the point of no return (1hp!) but it still remains, a pale but dangerous wisp of red!

Concentration: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Helekhterie throws out a hand, charged with magic and attempts to caress Aurelian's pretty face!

Disfiguring Touch: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Will, Charmed Life: 1d20 - 1 + 4 ⇒ (9) - 1 + 4 = 12

Aurelian feels his skin dry and crack, open sores breaking out across his face and arms! The hag laughs and steps backwards, drawing a potion as she goes.

"Not so pretty now are we boy?"
Aurelian: -2 on attack for 5 days. Charmed Life 2/4

Ashyln go!

Elizar slams into the bloody mist!

Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 6 - 3 = 20
Magic Bludgeoning Damage: 1d8 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 1 - 3 = 6

Ashlyn's magical trident attacks the hag!

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Force Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
3/5 rounds used.

Ashlyn gasps at the sight of Aurelian! "Hey! Leave him alone! He loves his face!"

She focuses on a nearby stone and sends it flying at the hag!
Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Elizar smashes through the mist and it evaporates into nothingness. Ashlyns assault however doesn't even come close to the hag.

Everyone (else) may act

One mist is still on the map I see-- if that's incorrect token-age, then these are my actions:

Jenner spins away from the bloody mist droplets falling to the floor and hurtles along to go join Aurelian, clomping up the stairs and leading with axe-to-the-face.

"Aye, you've no idea how many bereft, vengeance-seeking admirers you may have just incurred," he tells the hag. Before chopping.

Attack, incl bless: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Damage, magical: 1d10 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 = 14

Move to move, std to attack. If the mist is actually still there the attack would go on it instead.

Bleed damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2 - I believe I'm still bleeding, right?
Also, while I'm admiring the face jokes, did Aurelian not parry/riposte that touch attack?

"You'll pay for every life you stole, vermin," Sarine growls as she roams around the orrery, hoping to corner the witch.

7/14 bloodrage remaining, 5/10 temporary hp remaining
Attack through Cover: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 2 + 1 = 33
Damage: 2d6 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (3, 4) + 8 + 2 = 17

Tettia, remind me to give you some wands that Sarine has been packing around later.

"I was hoping for something more dramatic than just 'pew, pew, pew'," she says in annoyance as she begins the gestures for her magical bolt spell.

Three bolts of mystical energy fly to strike the hag.

Magic Missile: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2, 4) + 3 = 11

"Don't knock it if it works, Tettia," Jenner half-chuckles.

RETCON!

Aurelian ducks aside from the hags caress and his rapier flashes out, puncturing her defenses and leaving a thin, but copious stream of thick blood in its wake.

"Normally Aurelian Fasche would never treat a woman so." He says sternly, "But women like Aurelian Fasche's good looks!"

Confirm Crit?: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25 Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Unfortunately Aurelian is blocking Jenner's path (as he always does to the pretty girls!), but Sarine's great cleave strikes through the ornamental railings and the hag alike to leave another wound even as Tettia pummels her with force bolts.

Suddenly assailed from all sides Helekhterie screams in frustration, swigs down her potion and shoots upwards! She passes out through the hole in the ceiling and disappears into the sky!

AOO for Sarine - it'll take a crit but you might be able to stop her! Either way. Combat Over!

Oh, interesting. If you'll allow it, I was already considering this on my last action but rolled first so I gave up on it. I'd like to sunder or otherwise CMB the potion when she provokes to drink it. The problem is that I know what she's up to now, which could be changing my mind. In case it will help make this allowable:

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

"Oh no you don't..." Sarine growls at the hag. Either way, whether she thinks this is healing or escape or something else.

/crosses fingers. I'm not going to look at either spoiler. Time to roll back into bed... Also, I think Aurelian would have had another turn before hers?

Spent a long time reading about this. I don't see anything allowing an AAO of an AAO either way but the sunder is permitted.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26 Damage: 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
AAO: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 Damage: 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Sarine strikes for the potion bottle, a hair too slow and misses her target. Helekhterie cackles and lobs the empty bottle at Sarine's head, even Aurelian catches her in the leg with his blade. It isn't enough however and the hag escapes to fight another day! The Azlanti Orrery however, is yours, as is a major triumph as the greatest threat yet to Talmandor's Bounty has been dealt a major blow.

Ugh. That sunder was her worst attack all combat long. Oh well.

Sarine glares at the hole in the roof of the orrery for a moment at the escaping hag before saying something obviously unladylike in Azlanti. She swipes her sword to clear it of the blood coating the blade (much of it hers via the mists) and releases her bloodrage.

Suddenly fatigued and feeling the weight of her lost blood, she collapses to her knees. "Oh, right...that. I could use some help..."

Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Sarine isn't actually missing many HP, just Constitution. A small heal would be greatly appreciated though.

List of things I'm thinking we need to do (not necessarily in order):
1. Search the orrery and the rest of the tower more thoroughly, including taking some notes for Carver.
2. Specifically search it for secret doors/dungeons we might have missed. Some of our people might still be alive in here.
3. Tell Aeroclyse that we defeated the hag and her blood mists. Maybe we can get him to help us or come with us. (IMO it'd be kind of cool to invite a blind cyclops to the village as long as he's safe)
4. Return to the laboratory and loot what we can of the notes there.
5. Search the library we skipped on the way up the tower.
6. Search the rest of the island. There is probably an exterior door, but I don't see one mentioned in the room descriptions on the way up the tower.
7. Figure out a boat or something to get us back off the island. Sarine does have Touch of the Sea for swim speed, but not enough for everyone. We need to watch out for the crab too.

Jenner hurriedly turns to Sarine to staunch her bleeding.

Fervor heal: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Snort

At work right now but I'll probably throw some channels, is everyone's listed HP accurate?

Tettia's HPs are current.

I'm getting a lot of experience in watching hags fly away. ;/

The young woman watches as the hag flies away. She turns to the others, her eyes expectant. "Does that mean we won?" she asks nervously.

Once everyone is safe, she opens one of her sketchbooks and begins multiple studies of the orrery - her fingers racing over the pages. After she's captured it from every angle, she moves closer examining the device.

"Can we go back down to free Aeroclyse now?" she asks after finishing her work.

That's enough to stop the bleeding Jenner!

"Thank you, Jenner," she says after her wounds close slightly. She smiles at him wearily. "I've seen enough of my own blood for today."

Sarine is missing 6 hp after the heal. My phone doesn't let me edit Sarine's profile & I won't be home for a while.

"I'm not sure if we won, Tettia. It doesn't feel like a win right now. We chased that witch off, but we still haven't found any of our people. Maybe someone is alive around here somewhere. But we're still alive. Let's hold onto that for now."

Orrery Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Tettia, Sarine has two arcane wands we found in book 1. She should probably keep the Burning Hands scroll for swarms. You can check her character sheet for details if you want.