World's Most Interesting Night March of Kalkamedes (Inactive)

Game Master Great Green God

"Kala, Almaas would you care to accompany me as I venture around this cave a bit more?"

Kala glances around. "Uh, sure. Just a sec." She darts back to tag Kalkamedes, placing her light spell back on him. Jogging back, she catches up with Lynn. "All right, but we shouldn't get separated. Just a peek and we go back. Stinky, heel."

Kala leans down to murmur to Lynn: "So that guy's not the only one stuck down here. We should report back to the others and see where Kalkamedes leads us. Let's just tell the guy that we think some powerful magic is drawing Kalkamedes, and it may be linked to a way to set him free. Maybe then he'll have some hope. Goodness knows he needs it."

Almaas is concerned but understands that caution is essential.

”Let us see where K is headed and then we return!“

Lynn slows as she see's the fallen elf, "There are three such caverns, but I only see the spell circles for the two.. I fear there may be more to this than we're seeing Kala. A moment before we go back."
She started towards the third section and stopped making a few hand gestures and casting Detect magic and scanning over the pool area to see if it has a magic similar to that of the circles. She kept her distance however lest she also become trapped in some kind of ancient complex spell.

"Uh, I cannot determine anything more about the Circle. I am sorry."

I conflated Spellcraft and Knowledge (arcana), my error.

Sleeping Sword calls after Lynn and Kala: "Shall I release our friend?"

And then turns to Koth'Vaul: "I left my name behind me when I entered the monastery. I am a follower of the Way of the Sleeping Sword."

Angela Isafira wrote:

Angela comes into the room with the gnome and immediately focuses on the circles on the ground, listening to the gnome chatter and analyzing.

*Please tell me I don't need detect magic*

This is going to be one of those if I can't say anything nice I shouldn't say anything at all, so...... You do need to be able to see the auras to understand the magic involved. Don't forget our little talk about black lights in the discussion thread.

It was a just in case the scenario said otherwise and I don't really know the rules on magic circles that well. I'll just assume the Knowledge (arcana) check needs a black light as well. She is getting one asap, possibly as soon as they get back to a place where purhcases are possible.

Was Angela looking at or for something in a particular? If she is just looking at the Koth and the circle neither looks any different from the descriptions given above.

Mostly is there anything unusual about him that might have been able to place how long he'd been in the circle, also wanted to make sure there wasn't anything apperance-wise that might suggest something is off about him. Likely irrelevant now.

Angela perks up at the mention of other areas of the caverns, having analyzed all she can about the magic circles with her eyes alone. "It's written in Thassilonian... and has some pretty colours, I guess? Can't really say much more about it... Wait there are more? Why, yes, please!"

The halfling then trundles off over to the second circle and the person in it. She gives the woman a call. "Hello there! Sorry to wake you or intterupt, but would you mind answering a few questions for me?"

If the woman doesn't wake up she picks up a small pebble and lightly tosses it into the circle.
If she proves to be a demon we can handle her, right?

The woman doesn't respond to Angela's entreaties, even when she hits her with a pebble.

The woman doesn't respond to Amanda's entreaties, even when she hits her with a pebble.

Who is this Amanda you speak of?

She then makes sure everyone is in close before dropping into a whisper in hopes Koth won't hear them. "But I am afraid that this might be a conjuration circle and that our gnome friend might not actually be a gnome after all. I say we try getting the azata free first, in case our friend turns on us."

Angela, I have no idea what you are talking about. Thank you 1-hour edit window.

Further Addendum.

Mostly is there anything unusual about him that might have been able to place how long he'd been in the circle, also wanted to make sure there wasn't anything apperance-wise that might suggest something is off about him. Likely irrelevant now.

Simply by looking at him there is nothing unusual about Koth, but you'd have to get closer (use something more invasive like the heal skill) to know that he is a weird(er) wolf-in-sheep's-clothing for sure. Someone with ranks in knowledge (history) might be fainting right now though.

Meanwhile.

Lynn notes a strong magical aura (superficially similar to the other areas with summoning circles) in the area of the pool.

And... I'm moving Angela (and Amanda both) back to stand next to the firmly planted Sword and Kalkamedes who is very slowly wearing groove in the stone floor, so she can whisper in the monk's ear.

Koth'Vaul snorts as if he can hear Angela whisper from 20-feet away. He shakes his head in resignation and chuckles. The laugh grows deeper and more resonant like a lion's basso roar. The laugh grows louder and more thunderous until it fills the entire cavern.

"ENOUGH OF THIS!! ILLVATER! KILL ALL BUT TWO OF THEM!! Heheh."

Round 1! (Final Battle Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Rhinshin
__ Kala
__ Stinky
__ Angela
__ Lynn
__ Sleeping
__ Kalkamedes

Map (slide 11) updated.

Angela freezes for a second as the gnome drops his deception. Shit shit shit! Worst case scenario confirmed. Okay where is everyone? Over there, there and around here. Okay. What and where are the threat(s)? Unknown and unknown. But from Koth or the pond is liable. What is this Illvater? Also unknown. What should we do? Uncertain, but maybe release the azata. How? Also unclear, but maybe break the circle... What can I do to keep everyone safe? With the threat unknown, unclear. Myself? Take a defensive position?

Angela, after a second to two to think, springs into action. She first turns to Kala, "Kala, can you do something to break the circle around the azata? Try hitting it or cutting it. What ever you can get to work. Lynn, stay away from the pond we don't know what's down there. Everyone else stay on your toes we have no idea what is coming." The little halfling in the red skirt then pulls out a flask from inside her jacket and downs the contents in one go. She then moves closer to the hopefully friendly azata.

Standard to draw and drink her shield extract. move to get closer to the good outsider.

"Uh, a ghaele azata you say? An angel, imprisoned in a summoning circle like this one? My sword is the best tool we have to break the circle! It is fashioned of indestructible sky-metal!"

With a fluid motion, Sleeping Sword draws his katana and cuts the rope holding Kalkamedes to him.

technically a sunder?: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 11damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 If cutting the rope close to himself, I'm not sure a die roll is needed since nobody is trying to prevent the sunder?

"I will help; or I will loan Kala my sword."

Actions: move=draw sword, standard = cut/sunder rope, free= 5' step

"ENOUGH OF THIS!! ILLVATER! KILL ALL BUT TWO OF THEM!! Heheh."

"Crap!" Kala immediately is on guard, scanning for any incoming threat. Angela's brisk, confident commands (which follow her identification of the inhabitant of the second circle) are enough to convince Kala that she knows what she's talking about. Kala makes a mad dash toward the second circle, shouting to Stinky: "Stinky, heel!"

As soon as she arrives, she activates her last use of Animal Focus, giving herself the Aspect of the Bull (+2 STR).

Double move for both of them.

Yes, I'm coming! ...She was uneasy before. Now she's really moving. Looks like something's about to happen! Oh boy! I was so bored...

Sleeping Sword cuts Kalkamedes' Gordian Knot. People rush about. Koth laughs. The GM fixes initiative chart.

Round 1! (Final Battle Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Rhinshin
__ Kala
__ Stinky
__ Angela
__ Lynn
__ Sleeping Sword
__ Illvater?!?
__ Almaas
__ Kalkamedes

Map (slide 11) updated.

"ILLVATER! THE MONK'S SWORD! BRING ME THE BLACK BLADE!!" roars the thing in the circle. What was a small, disheveled gnome now crouches in the space of the circle that only just fits its tremendous bulk. It cannot even stretch to its full height because the ceiling is only 20 high in the alcove. Unholy light pours from fathomless eyes, its hide is like a suit of spiked banded mail, and its broad, horned, and sinewy shoulders brush the unseen edges of the circle causing it to momentarily flicker into view as Koth'Vaul moves.

Angela stops mid stride and stares at the thing slack jawed for a second.

DC 23 Know (Planes): 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (12) + 7 + (6) = 25

"Burn my filing cabinets and the back-ups! That's a demon! A Glabrezu demon to be exact and NOT something we can handle! Protect Sleeping, and get that katana to the azata!"

Lynn blinks out of her spell at realizing the subtle differences between the sections of the cave and turns to warn her fellows. "Sleeping Sword don't let Kalkamedes f-" She was drown out by the unholy screech and roaring tone of the demonic entity. To her horror Kalkamedes had also already been set free "We mustn't let Kalkamedes complete the ritual circle!"

Lynn dashed over towards Kalkamedes pulling her 50 ft of rope from her pack as she moved, getting rather close enough she tossed the line in an attempt to ensnare kalkamedes once again and prevent him from rushing to complete whatever foul magic might be in place.
"Coil and Knot!" She shouted in draconic.

"Quickly to the angel!"

know:planes(She can see it once she moves): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
RTA(2nd increment): 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 - 2 = 22

move, throwing rope and using animate rope to entangle kalk(Reflex DC:14) but keeping enough on hand to leash him. Also how much rope length would be needed to tie him securely to the pillar nearest the angelic being?

The pillar is roughly 30' in circumference, so the rope can only get completely around it once.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Kalkamedes stops suddenly and the rope passes by him. Then Kalkamedes continues forward unimpeded.

Zzzz.... Zzzz.... Zzzz....

Rhinshin shudders as the enormous creature shouts. He finally realizes, he may be a bit over his head on this mission. He draws his dagger and moves over to try and help free the azats.

The abyssal monster turns its attention to Almaas.

"WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT LITTLE MAN!? ARE YOU HIDING BACK THERE!? BRING ME YOUR FRIEND'S SWORD, AND I MIGHT LET YOU LIVE!"

intimidate v Almaas (Demoralize, DC 18, larger size): 1d20 + 22 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 22 + 4 = 38

Something large and fast explodes from the surface of the pool! Its a blur of shadowy black. It races forward at tremendous speed. Before he he can even feel the pain he notes the brackish pool water raining down all around him and the large, horned, horse-skull-shaped head of the lizard that has clamped it's teeth down around his arm. The thing's ember-colored eyes staring at him.

bite v Rhinshin (charge!): 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 2 = 29 damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (5, 2) + 7 = 14

"THIS IS WHAT AWAITS YOU ALL IF YOU DO NOT FREE ME. OTHERWISE I WILL COMMAND MY PET TO SLOWLY FLAY YOU TO DEATH ONE BY ONE.... THERE IS STILL TIME FOR YOU--WELL, MOST OF YOU. HEHEH. RELEASE ME, AND I SHALL LET THE SURVIVORS GO."

Round 1! (Final Battle Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Rhinshin -14 hp
__ Kala
__ Stinky
__ Angela
__ Lynn
__ Sleeping Sword
__ Koth'Vaul
__ Illvater?!?
__ Almaas shaken rd 1
__ Kalkamedes

Map (slide 11) updated.

Now might be a good time to carefully plan your next few actions. You can do that in-character here or meta-wise on the discussion thread.

know:arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
well lynn doesnt know what it is but i can make a good guess lol

"WHAT IN THE NINE HELLS!"

Almaas moves forward and fires his bow at the dragon.

MW Longbow, pbs, deadly aim : 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 281d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Can you please move Almaas 6 squares nearer to the dragon.

Ilvaster is within range of Sleeping Sword's Deathwatch. What does the spell reveal?

GM, I forgot shaken. Please deduct 2 from the attack roll.

”Hey you voice coming from my backpack! Anything you can do to help?! This is quite a dangerous situation!! And I am almost peeing in my pants!!“ Almaas shouts.

”Hey you voice coming from my backpack! Anything you can do to help?! This is quite a dangerous situation!! And I am almost peeing in my pants!!“ Almaas shouts.

"I'm not speaking to you dwarf! The way you have treated Kalkamedes. Tying him up like a dog! By my maker, what's he doing now!?" comes the voice. "Turn around I can't see! LOOK OUT!"

bite v Almaas (AoO): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28 damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (3, 6) + 7 = 16

Oblivious to the turmoil around him, Kalkamedes slowly walks through the battle zone.

Round 2! (Final Battle Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Almaas -16 hp, shaken rd 1
__ Rhinshin -14 hp
__ Kala
__ Stinky
__ Angela
__ Lynn
__ Sleeping Sword
__ Kalkamedes
__ Koth'Vaul
__ Illvater! -8 hp

Map (slide 11) updated.

Rhinshin moves around the beast, hoping it does not have combat reflexes, and strikes it in the rear haunches.

Flanking
attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 = 24
damage+sneak attack: 1d3 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + (2, 3) = 8

I feel it only fair to warn you that Rhinshin is on his last hp.

Retcon, after GM's warning.

Rhinshin withdraw and goes behind Sleeping Sword.

Post-Almaas time-space warp

The winged lizard takes releases it's grip on Rhinshin and snaps at the passing Kalkamedes, allowing Rhinshin the chance to safely withdraw.

[ooc]Also, Rhinshin, in case you missed it, I left you a note a little ways back.

Round 2! (Final Battle Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Almaas shaken rd 1
__ Rhinshin -14 hp
__ Kala
__ Stinky
__ Angela
__ Lynn
__ Sleeping Sword
__ Kalkamedes -16 hp
__ Koth'Vaul
__ Illvater! -8 hp

Map (slide 11) updated.

"NOW, I'M REALLY NOT TALKING TO YOU!" shouts the voice behind Almaas and something shifts savagely in his pack.

Glancing back, Kala sees the large black thing charge out of the pool and snap up Rhinshin, savaging him. Crap! Knowing that it is imperative that the angel be release immediately so that the party has a chance of survival, she swings with all her might at the stone floor beside the outermost metal circle, hoping to shatter the floor enough to pry up the metal and destroy its circle. "YAAAAAGH!"

Cold Iron Warhammer: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 51d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Frustrated with her ineptitude, she points to the metal circle and shouts: "Stinky! Attack!"

Stinky snaps his vision back from watching the big black thing attack the ratfolk as Kala yells "YAAAAAGH!". He gives her a quizzical, disbelieving look when she points to the floor and orders him to attack. What? Attack the floor? Really? Not the big, scary monster behind us? The floor. Really. Oooooookay... He gives it a go, using teeth and claws to attack...the floor.

bite: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 201d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
1 claw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 221d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
1 claw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 151d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

I'm holding to see what Lynn and Angela want to do. If they hit Ilvaster with a Tanglefoot bag, I'll come in and try Gentle Rest. Otherwise, if they follow the proposed plan that Lynn outlined in Discussion, I'll move and cast Bless from my wand.

"Uh, it's undead! Illvater is an undead!" Deathwatch.

Bloody 'ell I didn't roll this Knowledge Arcana yet?: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 7 + (6) = 19
Angela gives the dragon a look of unbelieve as it rises out of the lake. "Dragons and demons! WHAT IN THE NAME OF THE FILING GODS ABOVE DID WE GET INTO!" Unsure of what to do she delays for a second.

Glancing back, Kala sees the large black thing charge out of the pool and snap up Rhinshin, savaging him. Crap! Knowing that it is imperative that the angel be release immediately so that the party has a chance of survival, she swings with all her might at the stone floor beside the outermost metal circle, hoping to shatter the floor enough to pry up the metal and destroy its circle. "YAAAAAGH!"

Kala swings in a rush and nearly smasher her own toes.

That's a natural miss against an AC 0--and not an AC 0 like in the old timey days where an AC 0 was actually really good either.

Frustrated with her ineptitude, she points to the metal circle and shouts: "Stinky! Attack!"

Stinky bites into the metal, which ends as you might expect.... He chips a tooth on the hard engraved surface.

His biting and clawing doesn't penetrate the hardness of the material.

Round 2! (Final Battle Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Almaas shaken rd 1
__ Rhinshin -14 hp
__ Kala
__ Stinky
__ Angela
__ Lynn
__ Sleeping Sword
__ Kalkamedes -16 hp
__ Koth'Vaul
__ Illvater! -8 hp

Map (slide 11) updated.

Now moved away from the dragon, Rhinshin yells out. "IT'S A DEAD DRAGON!!!!! ALL BONE NO MEAT!!!"

Angela gives the situation a look over and decides that the best thing she can do is distract the dragon in hopes someone with more ability can handle what they need to do. She reaches back and grabs her longspear out, stepping out of the Demon's line of sight. "I hope Rhinshin's exaggerating and the thing is not ACTAULLY just bones and stuff or this spear is going to be COMPLETELY useless. But here goes nothing."

Longspear: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Piercing damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Angela's spear skitters along the side of the dragon's scales, but finds no purchase.

Round 2! (Final Battle Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Almaas shaken rd 1
__ Rhinshin -14 hp
__ Kala
__ Stinky
__ Angela
__ Lynn
__ Sleeping Sword
__ Kalkamedes -16 hp
__ Koth'Vaul
__ Illvater! -8 hp

Map (slide 11) updated.

"Heheheh-HAHAHAHA!!"