The Seasoned Six: Episode 9, Song of the Sea Witch (Inactive)

Game Master PatheticWretch

Cody pulls firmly on the chain next to the symbol on the seventh tunnel.

The group practically has to shout as they coordinate efforts, so loud is the celestial chanting and cacophony from its infernal companion.

Immediately after Cody pulls the chain, two things happen. First, the granite slab from which the chain hangs rotates 45 degrees, releasing a torrent of water from behind into the chamber. At the same instant, two identical slabs slide from the ceiling at the two exposed tunnels, cutting the Pathfinders in half. Only Stephani, Cody, and Sel'erick remain in the chamber with the water, and the others on the other side of the slab.

The water continues to pour into the room for approximately twenty seconds as the three scramble for a way out. Not finding one, they shiver as the cold water reaches their knees, then their waists, their chests, and finally they are treading water.

The water is just over your heads (about 6' deep). I won't require a swim check since it's not much taller than you.

Sorry, I usually don't post on the weekends. How do I move now towards the rest of the group? Are Stephani, Cody and Sel'erick a little ahead? I'm trying to understand the Cavern map, I apologize.

You're cut off from the three of them by a large stone slab that came down. You can hear rushing water on the other side.

Can I force it out to release them? With strength?

chilled and soaking wet, Cody looks up at the stairs "Well only 24 more feet to go. Can everyone tread water well enough. I'm thinking we need to release the 4 and 20 to get us up to the stairs. Not sure how we drain the water and let Lyrio in."

"Quickly Lyrio, let's try to move this stone slab. For what we know they might be drowning on the other side!"
Strength check: 1d20 ⇒ 15

The water stops coming into the chamber, leaving only six feet of water. The massive stone slab seems immovable, leaving the group separated. With all the noise from the water and the Celestial Song, they can hardly hear each other yell.

The stone slabs don't look like they can be moved. You'll either need to find a way to disable the device or see if it deactivates after a while.

Not sure we can push it, Starling. - said Lyrio, not too confident. He pat his lioness and started searching for a lever or something that would release the others. As far as he and the Human could tell, like she well said, they could be drowning on the other side.

Cody looks around to see if there is any reset or drain control.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

The group can find no way to activate the drains or get through the doors. However, after perhaps five minutes of looking, the mechanism appears to reset. The door separating the Pathfinders opens, and the water drains out again.

Rather than wasting time trying to open the door or drain it, I'll just have it reset, which it does after a time. You are now reunited!

Are you guys okay? I mean, besides cleaner - which I guess was a welcome event? - asks Lyrio, relieved no one drowned.

"Yes, we are all fine, but a little wet. Let's move on."

Cody looks at Stephani, "Move on? You mean Move up don't you." pointing to the stairway that starts 30ft up in the air. "Unless we can fly or climb I thing the normal way up is to flood the room with 30 feet of water."

Getting a rope out and giving it to Max, Cody meditates for moment to give Max the benefit of the frog aspect (+4 to climb). Cody directs Max to try and climb the walls to reach the stairs above.

MAX, Take 10 with climb speed of 30' and adjusted total 10+14+4 = 28 climb.

"I didn't know Max was a climber," Starling looks at the climbing ape with appreciation.

"Last time I lick a strange symbol,I thought you were going to drown Maggie!" wringing water from his hat looking to make sure no scary fishes snuck into his pouches.

"Any ideas what we should do, I'm just not wanting to collapse the tunnel again let's be careful what we yank." As he shrugs to the group

Nice idea.

With the group reunited, Max climbs to the strange ledge at the top of the chamber, where there is a landing, then steps moving up toward a door.

The incredibly loud chanting makes it hard to communicate, but eventually the ape reaches the top.

Lyrio smiles at the hunter as the ape climbs up.

Nice call. I imagine that, if we're to climb after the ape now, using the rope, I might have to tie my companion and pull her up at the end. She's quite heavy, and definitely can't climb like that! - he said, petting the lioness gently on the head.

Now comes the tricky part, casting guidance to help Cody pushes Max to lower one end of the rope and to hold tight as he climbs up.

Handle animal push DC25 w/+4 companion +1 guidance: 1d20 + 6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 4 + 1 = 25

Max looks down from the stairs and looks at the rope. Getting the idea he drops one end while holding the other.

Channeling the animal aspect of the Frog for himself (+4 climb for 10r 1 of 3 daily uses.), Cody carefully climbs the rope while pushing against the wall.

Climb w/+4 frog aspect: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 4 = 12 5ft
Climb w/+4 frog aspect: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 4 = 21 10ft
Climb w/+4 frog aspect: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 4 = 7 10ft no progress
Climb w/+4 frog aspect: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 1 + 4 = 20 15ft
Climb w/+4 frog aspect: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 4 = 18 20ft
Climb w/+4 frog aspect: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 1 + 4 = 20 25ft
Climb w/+4 frog aspect: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 4 = 18 30ft

Once up to the stairs, Cody takes the rope ties knots in it for easy climbing (DC5) and holds it for the next person to climb.

Starling nods, and easily climbs up the dangling rope, reaching the top of the stairs.

Lyrio ties the rope on Radagosa, intenting to pull her up after he climbs. He waits until everybody else climbs and goes last.

Not sure if I can take 10 or 20 on the Strength check to pull the animal companion. I assume it might be simpler with multiple people pulling the cord.

Take 10 should be fine.

Climb: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Stephanie lends a hand pulling the rope up.

Muttering "I know Maggie you are afraid of heights especially after that last climbing incident"

climb: 1d20 ⇒ 6
climb: 1d20 ⇒ 16

with some effort, the group is able to make their way up to the strange landing and stairs at the top of the chamber.

I'm fine taking 10 to get companion up, Lyrio.

Thirty feet above the floor of the chamber are a series of tiny 1-inch-diameter circular holes in the wall.

Immediately above the thirty foot mark is a second series of holes.

However, looking around at the top, the group sees a metallic door. The celestial music seems to be coming from behind it, but it appears to be barred shut.

Cody looks at the others to see if they have any ideas on how to get past the barred door, "Well on the plus side they may not hear us bash the door in."

Serak looks at the wall-holes.
What in the nine hells are those for? They aren't climbing holes...

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 Are those holes natural? Maybe done by some sort of animal, like a bat or whatever?

I agree. They don't look exactly fit for climbing. - says the druid, trying to think about it.

Starling looks warily at the holes. "It might be a trap of some sort. Be careful."
But she is completely scatterminded herself.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

The holes in the wall do not appear to be natural, and are evenly spaced at precise heights. The first set appears to be at the lower end of the landing, all the way around the chamber, and the second set a foot or so higher.

Cody shrugs, "If the water gets up to the level of the holes then maybe it is some sort of overflow."

The hunter tries casting create water into one of the lower set of holes.

Cody casts his spell, though he can scarcely hear it over the noise.

He begins pouring water into the holes and he hears a click. The door begins to open.

Sorry, wish I had more time to post, and it will probably have to wait until Monday. But that was a clever work-around. You're supposed to pull on the cords below and get the water up to this level, which makes all of you swim to the top. But the door is activated when the water reaches that level, so I figure that should open it, too. Nice work, and I'll post the encounter Monday.

Crudely carved stonework expands into a dank circular chamber. Twin torches on both the eastern and western ends of the cavern illuminate a large stone slab that resides in the northern portion of the chamber. Littering the area around the slab are all manner of strange offerings, ranging from chipped skulls, ancient coins, strange pearls, crude tools, and broken pieces of art. Among all the treasures on the makeshift altar, the largest item appears to be an open tome of the most immaculate bone-white shade. From the tome comes an earshattering hymn—a chorus which sings the most beautiful of melodies.

The Infernal Incantation appears ready to burst open.

Inside the chamber, a strange creature appears to be reading a tome. In place of legs, this handsome humanoid sports an octopus's eight writhing tentacles. It seems to hear a change in the noise as the twin volume adds to the cacophony. He turns to face the group with a menacing scowl.

Round 1 (bold may act!)
Spellcasters casting spells with verbal components have a 10% fail chance.

Lyrio
Starling
Bad guy
Sel'erick
Cody
Stephani
Serak

Lyrio and Stephani are up!

Stephani moves forward, drawing her sword and standing ready.

"Why are you playing with this book? We have it's twin, and need to close a portal. Can we work together?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Both Lyrio and Radagosa move exactly 20 feet forward and ready their actions. If the enemy advances towards them, both will attack it once. They're fighting defensively and power attacking.

The druid seems to contain himself and his companion - as if, for a moment, he was hopeful to have cooperation.

Did you mean Starling? She's second on the initiative list...

yes, so sorry. Starling was up.

Starling still up. I'm not going to delay her since it's the final battle.

Starling begins chanting her battle tune, inciting the others for deeds of bravery.
Inspire Courage, +1 to hit, +1 to damage for everyone.

Lyrio and his lion both move forward to engage the enemy, who does not appear interested in idle conversation. But whether he hears Stephani or cares what she said is unclear.

Starling begins inspiring the others; though it is difficult to hear what she has to say, imagining is enough to inspire the others.

Moved Stephani back since it's not actually her turn yet.

Amidst the chanting of celestial and infernal voices, the strange handsome humanoid with an octopus's tentacles lashes out at Lyrio, attacking the half-orc with both spear and tentacles. It strikes him once with a spear, but misses with his tentacle.

Round 1 (bold may act!)
Spellcasters casting spells with verbal components have a 10% fail chance.

Lyrio
Starling
Bad guy
Sel'erick
Cody
Stephani
Serak

Everyone is up!

Starling begins to cast a spell, weaving its words into the tune she is singing. She deftly manages to control her gestures and maintain concentration, overcoming the multitude of celestial and infernal voices around her.
Cast Sleep. DC 15 vs. Will.
10% fail chance, 1 fails: 1d10 ⇒ 8

k(local?): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Cody tries to identify what type of creature they are fighting as he and Max move forward.

(using: Animal aspect 1 of 10r Bull +2Str. Outflank, Pack Flanking , power Attack -1/+2, precise Strike +1d6)

Max Attacks:
bite w/+4PF +1str, -1PA: 1d20 + 4 + 4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 4 + 1 - 1 = 14 to hit, if hits w/+2pa,+1 str +1d6 PS: 1d4 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 + 1 + (5) = 11 damage

Then Cody attacks:
Cody +1 scimitar w/+4PF +1str, -1PA: 1d20 + 5 + 4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 4 + 1 - 1 = 26 to hit, if hits w/+2pa, +1 str, +1d6 PS: 1d6 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 + 1 + (2) = 10 damage

Did I take damage? How much? The attacks will just happen if the creature is not sleeping. Otherwise, I will just five-foot-step and coup-de-grace it.

Both Lyrio and his companion five-foot steps to approach, and unleash their full attacks on the creature.

Apparently the Druid and his Lion aren't having the best of their days.

Starling begins casting a spell to put the creature to sleep and manages to start the spell successfully.

Cody tries to remember what this enemy might be, but can't quite put his finger on it. Whatever it is, the hunter cuts it deeply with his scimitar, though Max misses.

Lyrio misses his attacks, but his lion manages to rake it with its claws.

Sorry, Lyrio, I didn't mention you took 5 dmg last round...I meant to write that.

Round 1 (bold may act!)
Spellcasters casting spells with verbal components have a 10% fail chance.

Lyrio (-5 dmg)
Starling
Bad guy (-10 dmg)
Sel'erick
Cody
Stephani
Serak

Sel'erick, Stephani, and Serak are up!

Letting a bolt loose from his crossbow Sel'erick takes a careful aim.

attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8
Dmg: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

"Well Maggie let's make this our encore and send this thing back to the sewers"

know local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Stephani moves forward, and throws her trident at the creature.

Ranged Attack, into melee: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 4 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Stephani strides forward and throws her trident, an appropriate weapon given the enemy, and strikes it in the abdomen! Sel'erick misses his attack, but does know the creature is a cecaelia. You can know one thing about it.

Round 1 (bold may act!)
Spellcasters casting spells with verbal components have a 10% fail chance.

Lyrio (-5 dmg)
Starling
Bad guy (-20 dmg)
Sel'erick
Cody
Stephani
Serak

Serak is up!

Glad you are doing okay, Sel'erick! I hope it isn't anything too serious, and hope you feel better soon!

Botting Serak...you still with us Serak?

Having previously hit Lyrio, the strange creature again tries to batter its way past the druid.

Thought Lyrio is a tough target to hit, the creature adeptly bypasses the druid's defenses, striking him once with a spear, then also with two tentacles. Somehow, Lyrio remains standing after the relentless assault, but finds himself tangled up in the creature's tentacles. You took 19 damage and are grappled.

Round 2 (bold may act!)
Spellcasters casting spells with verbal components have a 10% fail chance.

Lyrio (-24 dmg)
Starling
Bad guy (-20 dmg)
Sel'erick
Cody
Stephani
Serak

Everyone is up!

Lyrio sees himself grappled and severely hurt. Without much else to do, the druid keeps doing his full attack against the creature, signing for Radagosa to do the same.

The druid stops power attacking, though, and tries to fight defensively to make it harder for the creature to keep its grab; the lioness however keeps power attacking.

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Serak dashes in, and lets out a whistle.
Hoooooo boy you're an ugly one! Did your mom get busy with a squid or something? Sheesh!

He then draws in a huge breath, his cheeks bulging with air, and then spits it at the thing, a shrill whistling sound trailing the blast!
Casting Ear Piercing Scream at the thing.
Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5
Fortitude Save DC 15 or be Dazed 1 Round

Starling finishes her spell and targets the creature with Sleep. If it doesn't fall asleep:
Starling loads her crossbow and fires a bolt at the creature.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Stephani moves in an swings her sword, hoping to at least take out a few tentacles.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14