[Retrocon] GM Blazej Cosmic Captive 1-2 CORE (Inactive)

Game Master Zynete

Khargrom takes a deep breath, securing his warhammer to his belt and picking up his dart. Moving back over to the circle, he grabs his fine tools and slips them back into his pack. He muses for a bit to his allies while looking at the puzzle, "okay, so do we know for sure that we even want to release this thing? Obviously Mr. Argyle wants us to not release it, but maybe it's just a misunderstanding and we are releasing some sort of prisoner that SHOULD be in prison."

His voice picks up and he turns to the prison puzzle, "tell me Mr. Prisoner Sir, why should you be released and maybe... fill us in on a clue or two so we can help with it?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13

Changin' up da tactics!

"I've had 'nuff foolin' 'round with that thing. I'm gonna carve the side of it off, one bit at a time!" Ironshanks stomps over to the prison and lines up a hack at what he thinks is a seam.

Sunder: Adamantine Waraxe, Power Attack: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 10 - 1 = 161d10 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 12

"Maybe I'm better chatting than fighting." Agon turns to the strange elemental noises.

"Be you friend, or be you foe? Azyrul certainly doesn't like you."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

"Hmm. Sounds like you don't like me much, either!"

The teaching of Torag may help us in this case.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Pavo returns his attention to the puzzle. "This is going to be a legendary story to tell."

Disable Device: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Nahko still can make a skill check for the puzzle prison.

Ironshanks is having a bit of luck tearing off pieces of the shell, but it is slow going. The sphere itself is made of the same metal he wields himself and it resists the damage he deals out.

Khargrom is answered by the wind inside speaking in Auran. Along those words drift bits of Common. They are weak and hard to hear as the words crash into one another in the echo chamber, almost impossible to discern as Common even.

"Failed... failed to protect. ... united tyrants enslave ... must fight tyrants ... cannot give in ... to open the shell..." The voice dies on the wind as quickly came and several more guardians rush out of the passages. Each of them yelling in prayer chanting praise to their lords as they move to slash.

"You will not speak with the imprisoned. The creature inside can be of no aid to you. Frail and weak compared to the might of Azyrul."

"Even then he deemed it worth to work with lesser lords of fire, water, and air to end his pathetic contender. To make his sovereignty known to all. All of earth belongs to him."

"To challenge this pact is to challenge his right. Ownership of all in his domain!"

For the sake of speed I'm rolling Purple's attack. If Nahko steps in front it it, purple will attack him. Otherwise it will be going after Khargrom (I've marked on the map where it would end up).
I'll resolve the attack after knowing who it is attacking. Let me know if your action changes depending on where it ends up.

- Round 1 -
Nahko
Purple Celedon (attacking Khargrom or Nahko)
Kuti
Ironshanks
Khargrom
Bemmer
Agon
Pavo
Black Celedon

Bemmer moves past Agon and touches Pavo. Torag guide your hand.

Ironshanks moves to help double team the purple rock, frustrated his adamantine didn't make much of a dent in the prison "Looks like its up to you kids to crack that egg. I'm outta ideas!"

His mood ticks up as he hacks at the next stone mouthpiece, not that you'd know it.

Adamantine Waraxe, Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 1 = 241d10 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6

Based on Init order I moved Ironshanks where you indicated purple would end up. I would also provoke an aoo. 23AC

"Hmpf, I haven't felt this ignored since that performance a few months ago. A skilled thespian ran circles around me." Agon grunts when the wind answers Khargrom.

Watching more creatures emerge, and not trusting his aim, Agon decides to Inspire Courage with a short but simple rant.
"Azyrul sucks. He's the molehill pretending to be the mountain."
Inspiring Courage +1 is now active.

Pavo follows Purple after it passes to his current location

Pavo steps along behind the (purple) celedon and draws his rapier. He strikes as silver energy begins to dance along the blade.

+1 rapier, IC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 = 17
P, magic, IC, AS: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 6

Opening the prison

The only success Nahko has had working on the prison was in studying and trying to undo its ties to the natural, physical world, so Nahko returns to that strategy.

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Combat!

But he'd only barely begun to make progress when more automatons return to attack. He whirls around and commands Kuti to close on the celadon rippled with that purplish metallic sheen, while he circles around to approach the one with smudges of black soot.

As their weapons clash against yours their blades falter while Ironshanks and Pavo are able to continue to tear through their plating.

Purple Slash at Khargrom: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Slash Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

AoO on Ironshanks: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Slash Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

- Round 1 -
Nahko (readied)
Purple Celedon (12 damage)
Kuti
Ironshanks
Khargrom
Bemmer
Agon
Pavo
Black Celedon

Buffs: Inspire Courage +1

Khargrom deftly hops over the wall and whips his warhammer off his belt, "I'll get ye good for distracting us!"

5 ft step (nimble moves), draw warhammer, attack purple.

MW Warhammer + IC: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 = 23 for Bludgeoning + IC: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

Nahko clashes blades with one of the constructs as Khargrom avoids the continued assault while adding to the existing damage his attacker had already accrued.

"We are on a mission from our god. You have defied his mandates. He is not the molehill nor the mountain, but something far more vast than your feeble minds can tolerate. You can only see the greatness cresting over the horizon."

Black Charging Slash vs Nahko: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8
Slash Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Purple Slash vs Khargrom: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Slash Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

- Round 2 -
Purple Celedon (19 damage)
Nahko
Kuti
Ironshanks
Khargrom
Bemmer
Agon
Pavo
Black Celedon

Buffs: Inspire Courage +1 (from Agon)

Ironshanks steps up closer to help harass the purple sheep, but puts his axe to the black sheep of the group instead. "That one's half dead, finish it off while I break the seal on this one here." Hack at black.

Adamantine Waraxe, Power Attack, Inspire: 1d20 + 8 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 1 + 1 = 251d10 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 9

Khargrom does as requested, attempting to hack the purple-hued enemy to bits so his allies can slip past to get to black-hued one. "Good plan old man!"

MW Warhammer + Flanking + IC: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 27 for Bludgeoning + Sneak Attack + IC: 1d8 + 2 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + (2) + 1 = 12

Crit?: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 23 for Bludgeoning + IC: 2d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5, 8) + 4 + 2 = 19

... I'm going to assume that might do the job and move myself around behind black.

"Ah, but the horizon relies on the sun. Your god ultimately bows down to heat and light of the day, or the lunar waves of the night. If he cannot recognize the strength of unity, then he is doomed to fail."

Agon marches over, satisfied with his retort against preprogrammed stone monoliths. He shrugs and takes a futile swing at the Black celadon...

Warhammer : 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

But a gust of wind corrects his aim at the last second.

Another swing from Khargrom shatters the celedon leaving just fragments in the wake of the blow.

Meanwhile the other holds firm as it's mind looks for some parable or prayer to respond to Agon, but in the face of the hits from Agon and Ironshanks it may not get the chance.

- Round 2 -
Purple Celedon (50 damage)
Nahko
Kuti
Ironshanks
Khargrom
Bemmer
Agon
Pavo
Black Celedon (16 damage)

Buffs: Inspire Courage +1 (from Agon)

"Ah, but the horizon relies on the sun. Your god ultimately bows down to heat and light of the day, or the lunar waves of the night. If he cannot recognize the strength of unity, then he is doomed to fail."

Agon marches over, satisfied with his retort against preprogrammed stone monoliths. He shrugs and takes a futile swing at the Black celadon...

[dice=Warhammer ]1d20+3+1
[dice=Damage]1d8+2+1

But a gust of wind corrects his aim at the last second.

Ironshanks stops and turns to Agon, a stunned look on his face before it breaks into laughter "Even a noodle armed Elf lands a solid blow once a moon! Good one."

Bemmer moves up and swings at the Black Celedon.

Warhammer, flank, inspire: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 11 Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Pavo scrambles over the rubble to flank the doomed celedon. "If these things are coming out of some sort of planar gate, someone should really close it," he comments as he stabs with his charged rapier.

+1 rapier, IC, Flank: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 18
P, magic, IC, AS: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 10

Bemmer's blow barely bisses, but sets up Pavo to deal a finishing blow to the latest construct.

"They are not coming through any portals!", calls out a priestly Pathfinder as he connects his longsword against another construct pushing forward from another side of the orb. "They are trying to summon help, but we have been able to delay most of their efforts. We must of struck a nerve though since it seems like there are hundreds of things things crawling through the tunnels here and they are all descending on us."

Scanning for more threats he turns back to attending to others as he adds, "My goddess guides me, there is a noble soul in this and I'm certain it would aid us if not for these infuriating riddles. Still that is the only way to free them. Hopefully we can break this shell before we run through every blasphemy spouting construct on this rock!"

As does the party have another chance to deal their blow to the prison. The voice is still to far within the casing for communications, but yet more sliding puzzles asking where the elemental planes fall within the cosmology, arrays of panels requesting the elemental names of the elemental lords, and various others.

The party will need to make additional checks to open this puzzle.

Bemmer scratches his head. My memory has failed me in sollving this. I should remember this. These are dwarves and Torag's teaching should help.

Kn Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Ironshanks huffs a bit and returns to the prison, this time he takes a few deep breaths to calm himself and he goes back to looking for anything that could be helpful to those more clever than he.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

"Is this a thing? Tell me I finally found a thing..."

"Well, I'm out of inspiring tales for today. Hopefully I can hit more frequently."

Knowledge(Engineering): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

"Does the... where does this part fit?"

Khargrom pulls out his tools and settles in to take another crack, ”talkin’ was a waste, better crack it open the easy way.”

Disable Device + MW Thieves Tools: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 = 25 (+1 vs. traps)

"I'm not sure any way is the easy way with this safe," Pavo says as he turns his attention to the prison.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Bemmer recalls teachings of Torag from the Quest for the Sky that allows him to recall the teachings of the structure of the planes. Parts of the facets unlock as he locks in the answer.

Ironshanks and Agon have trouble navigating the puzzles at the fore, but both Khargrom and Pavo significant progress toward unlocking the rest of this shell.

Successes mounting yet more enemies charge from the shadows intent to stop your progress.

Still need skill check from Nahko on previous section.

- Round 1 -

Nahko
Pavo
Ironshanks
Dark Gray Celedon
Agon
Bemmer
Khargrom
Kuti
Blue Celedon

"Ah good, was startin' ta think they run outta fodder." Deadpans Ironshanks as he moves towards the sounds of rock on rock, readying his axe for the first to be foolish enough to approach.

"All will hear of our incredible stamina and persistance! Our ability to go and go and go will be immortalized... likely in the form of a drumming animal of some sort," Pavo encourages his companions.

Inspire Courage: +1

Botting Nahko skill check
Knowledge (nature) to solve puzzles: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

"And those who failed to abide by his word were melted away by his fury," declares the construct as it rears it's head and fires a directed spray of acid in the direction of Ironshanks.

Spray of Acid at Ironshanks Touch: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Acid Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

- Round 1 -

Pavo
Ironshanks
Dark Gray Celedon
Agon
Bemmer
Khargrom
Nahko
Kuti
Blue Celedon

Buffs: Inspire Courage +1 (from Pavo)

Agon realizes these celadons can be slashed as well as bludgeoned, so he switches to his longsword. A gust of wind helps him charge the gray celadon.

Masterwork longsword : 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4

AC is 15 for this round.

Sorrina Westyr’s image appears, her hair windblown and a look of wonder on her face. “The Society's discoveries have weakened the prison of the powerful being sealed within Aucturn's Tear,” she pauses, studying a flotilla of crystal balls that hover around her. “Our divinations indicate that it’s now offering a fraction of its power to our forces!”

Table GMs, the Thunderous Aid condition is now in effect.

We have 49/90 clues!

Khargrom looks at the prison and flips a thumbs up, "thanks for the help! We'll be back to cracking you free soon!"

Dropping his tools, he takes a page out of Agon's playbook and rushes the other Celedon while pulling his warhammer, ending with a big overhand swing.

Free to drop tools, Charge (25 ft) Blue while drawing warhammer. AC is also 15 this round.

MW Warhammer + Charge: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8 for Bludgeoning: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Ironshanks watches the acid shoot past and scowls "Ah, ya got some new tricks I see... next time ye should just run face inta mah axe head n save us the time!"

Pavo laughs at Ironshanks wit.

Calling a prayer to Torag, Bemmer offers Ironshanks divine guidance.

Nahko moves up and deals a devastating blow to one of the celedon and powerful magically charged winds wash over the party from the prison.

Both of the Celedon's are knocked back an inch by the changing winds and their blows fail to connect. They chant repeatly their faith, either to remind other servants of the earthen tyrant as they crumble.

"His strength is greater, his domain is unbound."

Nahko Scimitar vs Blue: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 = 26
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

Nahko Confirm Scimitar vs Blue: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

Blue Slash at Khargrom: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Dark Gray Slash at Agon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

- Round 2 -

Pavo
Ironshanks (guidance)
Dark Gray Celedon (4 damage)
Agon
Bemmer
Khargrom
Nahko
Kuti
Blue Celedon (19 damage)

Buffs: Inspire Courage +1 (from Pavo)

The voice from within the prison reaches out, giving both thanks for the efforts and pleas to continue. It seems to be still blind to the world can has difficulty identifying what is occurring right now in the combat, but wishes to help those can call upon him.

The elemental being inside wishes to help, if you are adjacent to the orb during the fight, as a standard action, you can make a Diplomacy (DC 15), Spellcraft (DC 15), or an Use Magic Device (DC 12) check to direct his power into you and cast cure light wounds, shocking grasp, or summon nature's ally II (air elemental) with the caster level of your character level.

Ironshanks nods at Bemmer in agreement, as he whispers sweet Torag nothings in his ear "Ye got that right brothah!"

Armed with some motivational speech from the normally tight lipped Cleric, Ironshanks weaves his way into the fray, hacking down into what serve as Gray's legs with his axe. "For Kaz Modan!"

Adamantine Waraxe, Power Attack, Inspire, Guidance: 1d20 + 8 - 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 8 - 1 + 1 + 1 = 211d10 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 12

Agon steadies himself and prepares his shield.

Masterwork longsword: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

He swings again, feeling a cool breeze guide his aim.

Khargrom steps up next to Ironshanks and swings his warhammer while adding, "what he said!"

5-ft, attack Blue

MW Warhammer: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 for Bludgeoning: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

After being hammered and cleaved by the sudden push, both are barely standing and a strong breeze could take either of them out.

- Round 2 -

Pavo
Ironshanks
Dark Gray Celedon (23 damage)
Agon
Bemmer
Khargrom
Nahko
Kuti
Blue Celedon (24 damage)

Buffs: Inspire Courage +1 (from Pavo)

Bemmer moves over and casts Guidance on Agon

Botting Pavo, despite it not being normal, I will suspect Pavo will end bardic performance this round to save the limited rounds as both of these enemies are so close to falling.

Pavo focuses arcs of energy through a thrust that barely misses the sapphire studded construct, but pushes it directly into the path of of Nahko's blade. With that construct felled Nahko commands Kuti to finish off the last, but repeats curses as Kuti seems quite comfortable where she is leaving Pavo to deal a blow to end this wave.

Pavo Rapier vs Blue: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Pavo Rapier Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8

Nahko Scimitar vs Blue: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Nahko Scimitar Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Nahko Handle Animal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Pavo Rapier vs Gray: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Pavo Rapier Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Time to return attention to the puzzle

The voice of wind blows much clearer through the cracks in the prison. It still seems a distance away, but it has much of an awareness of you as it funnels magic outward in an effort to tend to the lingering aches and pains of the Pathfinders.

The voice carries over in a resounding Auran, but with fragments of Taldane spread throughout as tries to communicate with the teams of Pathfinders. "Act with prudence. There will be more, but ... I can aid."

You all can make skill checks to try to unseal the puzzles binding the orb (or ask questions), but now you can request the assistance of the elemental within to lower the DC of your check. Only one PC can use this each phase. If it isn't claimed I will assume will be used on the last PC in the round.

"You can AID? Well, how 'bout ye wiggle yer metal egg ah bit where we should work on next. Can ye do that fer me?" Then Ironshanks leans in to try to get a bead on where exactly that may be...

Perception (GM add the 'aid'): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

"Ah, I see." Agon keeps his weapons ready, but he looks for another mechanical weakpoint.

Knowledge(Engineering): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

He might have found something!

Is that spell effect granted during combat 1/combat of unlimited?

Khargrom moves back to the usual routine now, if anything about this sitch is usual.

Disable Device + MW Thieves Tools: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 2 = 21 (+1 vs. traps)

Even as the many-faceted prison spins and reconfigures itself, it cannot keep pace with the combined efforts of the Pathfinder Society. A refreshing breeze pours from the immense orb, restoring the agents’ will to fight.

Table GMs, the Winds of Restoration condition is now in effect.

We have 74 out of 90 clues!

Feeling like he is on the cusp of some fundamental understanding, Nahko continues to apply his knowledge to the problem, but the solution still eludes him.

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Thanks Blazej. Unfortunate timing between next round and start of my long evening shift. I have two overnight in a row starting tonight, so I might be off-set again for the next couple of days.

Pavo sheathes his blade and returns to his tools next to the prison. "We seem to be making progress, at least," he says as he feels the winds and static electricity near the surface of the puzzle.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19