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

Game Master Zynete

Khargrom sizes up the sitch and offers a plan, ”I say two pronged tactics with beat em up as the backup option as usual. One prong, sneaky sneaky go in and break that fancy device. I’m going with that group for sure. Other prong distract and try to talk them down from their plan, who knows maybe they don’t want to even be here. If’n ya just want to provide security you can go with either group but I hope ye are sneaky if ya come watch me back. Plan? Good/Bad/Indifferent?”

"Good plan," Pavo says. "Agon, why don't you distract them while I try to put Karela's lessons to the test."

The rake slips away.

"DIstraction is my middle name. Well, not really, but..." he simply nods and sheathes his weapons.

"Hello there!" Agon raises his hands to show he's not armed. "What is that device you have there? What does it do? These things can backfire easily if you're not careful. Why, I once heard of a necromancer who tried to activate a metal device buried in the sand. He and his zombie minions were scattered across the desert by the explosion."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

"Maybe you should be a bit more careful?"

Sorrina Westyr urgently projects her image to speak to every Pathfinder, and appears to be holding tightly to a steel ring near an alien device.

“Everyone, brace yourselves. We have finished repairs of a strange craft on the bright side of the asteroid, and the engines will fire shortly, hopefully causing this rock to spin and even out the extreme temperatures. This may get a bit bumpy though in three…two…one... Hold on!”

A sudden jolt shakes the entire asteroid, sending anything unsecured reeling as the stars begin to spin overhead.

Table GMs, the Engines benefit is now in play.

Sneaky sneak...

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Disabley disable...

Disable Device + MW Thieves Tools: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 2 = 28 (+1 vs. traps)

“More good news! I have just received word that Pathfinder Hector and his companions have claimed the Frozen City and it is now safe for travel! Keep going, Pathfinders!”

The small group begins to push their way through deeper into the icy reservoir of the asteroid. The asteroid seems to return the favor as rain begins to fall.

GM's enact the Water event elemental manifestation.

The Frozen City has now been Claimed! The Icy Reservoir is now discovered.

Ironshanks clanks across the rocky ground, keeping himself within arms reach of the Elf, looking all the bit of 'body guard'. "Ya, careful." Amazingly enough it doesn't come off as a threat.

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (20) - 2 = 18

Ironshanks stumbles a bit as the ground shifts, then it starts to rain. "Rain up here eh. Better not be some weird rain, rustin' my armah."

"Ah rain, how fortuitous!" Agon smiles. "Now now, no need for... whatever that device is." Agon stumbles as the sudden jolt causes the planetoid to spin.

Bemmer agrees to the plan. Walking up to the group of humanoids he begins to prosthelytize about Torag and the dwarven pantheon in general.

Kn Religion?

The men curiously feel the rain before casting some off as they carefully eye Agon and Ironshanks. After a moment one takes charge and says with a rough voice, "The rain doesn't change anything here. This place has passed by our home far off from your own, created gateways as it passed by drawing people in. I've been hired to make certain it isn't able to do so on a second pass."

"The greatest danger is not what we do, but letting whatever this rock does continue unchecked for months and years outward. I assure you these gifts are more trustworthy than a stone flying though the sky. What do you know about this place yourself?"

"So the rock has been kidnapping people? We came here willingly." Agon notices. "If your device works as intended, it will shut out our only means of returning home. I am a member of the Pathfinder Society, and we dedicate ourselves to acts of heroics. Join us and we shall save the day, together!"

Is there a knowledge roll I should make, or should I roll a new Diplomacy check?

If a new roll is needed: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Diplomacy +7, Knowledge (Local) +6, Knowledge (other) +2

"That may be all well and good for your world in some months or years, but what you're doing could keep us from getting home today. Why don't you turn that off, and we'll commit to helping make sure this rock doesn't trouble you in the future. The Pathfinder Society has a very broad reach, and is more than capable."

Diplomacy, aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1

...is what Nahko said in his head. "Hey! Don't strand us, jerks!" is somehow what came out.

"Gifts?" Ironshanks looks around for he would consider a gift. Where are the kegs? The gold bars? The shiny jewels.. Ceremonial armor? I don't get it...

"So ahh, who exactly hired you out on this rock? Those fiery ladies and their flamin' buddies?" He scratches his beard, continuing to look around for those gifts.

"We were hired by the Contemplatives." Looking at you all over and appends, "The Contemplatives of Ashok. We have no business with the elementals here as long as they aren't causing trouble for us."

"We have no business in heroics, just here to do a job. Not try to outthink what we have been told to do." He ponders for a long moment as he thinks on the matter. "But this will be much harder with you all getting in the way. I'll need to talk to my superior about this, but I won't continue this just yet. You should have a few hours before I get orders back. Hopefully that is enough time for you to settle your business here."

With that he wave his hands over the sand and utters a foreign word toward it. The motion of the sand slows to a steady slow undulation with none of the noise that came from it before.

Success

Ironshanks stops scratching his beard and shrugs his shoulders "Ain't heard of yer bosses, or where ever they're from... Ashok? That on Golarion?"

He flips his steel visor down, then back up again as he squints watching the sands "Huh. Not somethin' ya see every day. Maybe we should move along." He reaches a hand out to shake hands with the men, introducing himself with conviction "Ironshanks Magee. Glad we could come to an accord!"

"No, are based on Akiton. I do not reconize you, but I suspect you came from that world."

Returning the handshake he declares, "Timarian. I wish you luck with your task. If you find yourselves unable to return to your own world, I will put in a word with the other to allow you to return with us."

Continuing forward into this side of the asteroid, the temperature has lowered significantly as the sun falling over the horizon. Rain sizzles as it hits the heated ground.

Sulking from holes in the ground a pair of alien creatures with rasping teeth and eight legs spread across their round body. The sniff at the air for a moment, shaking angry to throw off the water from themselves to no avail. Sensing the party they attack without hesitation.

- Round 1 -
Kuti
Pavo
Agon
Ironshanks
Green Creature
Bemmer
Nahko
Khargrom
Red Creature

Conditions: Low Gravity (1/5), Raining

Ironshanks smiles as more hostile locals show themselves "Stay behind me kids, let this veteran Dwarf show ya how its done!" He straps on his shield and moves up, drawing his war axe from his belt.

"Let's see if these bug eyed spider mites can bite through Dwarven steel!"

Pavo draws his whip this time and moves toward cover.

"Brace yourselves! This will be a fight worthy of at least one tale: bold adventurers traveling far into the void to slay monstrous aberations from a madman's dreams," he encourages his companions.

Inspire Courage: +1 competence to attack and damage, +1 morale to saves vs. fear
Performance: 12/16

I'll reuse my roll in a previous post.

"Ah, the Contemplatives... Are you from the red world of Akiton? Amazing? We've never seen people like you on Golarion. Thank you for the opportunity- hopefully the two... realms can come to some kind of agreement."

Once the Akitons leave, Agon visibly relaxes. "That was easy. Maybe I can share a drink with them later- if I don't get stranded on their world."

"What are those?" Agon points at the strange creatures lurching towards them.

Knowledge(Dungeoneering): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

"No really, what are those?" Inspired by Pavo's words, he moves up, draws his longsword and swings!

Wielding my longsword 2 handed this turn. Also using Power Attack.
Masterwork longsword : 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 - 1 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 3 + 1 = 10

The creature gives a shill echoing screech as the Agon's longsword cuts through it, leaving a trail of blue ichorous blood-like substance in the wake. The response is quick as it leaps onto Agon tearing though everything in the path to rip the half-elf to shreds.

Green Bite at Agon: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Bite Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

- Round 1 -
Kuti
Pavo
Agon (6 damage)
Ironshanks
Green Creature (10 damage)
Bemmer
Nahko
Khargrom
Red Creature

Conditions: Low Gravity (1/5), Raining
Buffs: Inspire Courage +1 (Pavo)

Knowledge: Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 lol, 0/3 in the group so far!

Khargrom moves up next to Pavo while drawing his warhammer, "doesn't matter what they are, beat it to a pulp!

Move 20 ft while drawing weapon, Standard to attack Green.

MW Warhammer: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 for Bludgeoning: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Confirm?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 for Bludgeoning: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 = 9

Bemmer reaches out toward Pavo and gives him a small amount of Guidance.

casting guidance

The hammer comes down on the beast and doesn't stop until the creature's body slams into the rock. The creature is broken by the blow and is clearly not able to continue fighting

- Round 1 -
Kuti
Pavo (Guidance)
Agon (6 damage)
Ironshanks
Green Creature (26 damage)
Bemmer
Nahko
Khargrom
Red Creature

Conditions: Low Gravity (1/5), Raining
Group Buffs: Inspire Courage +1 (Pavo)

Kuti, though alert and ready almost instantly, still waits for Nahko's command before taking any action against these strange creatures. Delay until Nahko's turn in initiative

"Stay back, Kuti... it's only the one left, and the other went down quick. Protect me if they come at us." Nahko retrieves his sling and fires a bullet across the expanse between them, trying to bean the creature silly where it huddles.

"It's only a flesh wound!" Agon clutches at the the wound on his chest. "But many thanks, nonetheless!"

The sling bullet deals a grave wound, but doesn't bring it down. It responds by skittering toward Ironhsanks and attempts to bring the razor-sharp teak and tear through the dwarf's armor. Even as the creature tries to take a hold of the plate and shield, the water serves as an irritant that prevents it from making a solid blow.

Red Attack at Ironshanks: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Red Bite Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

- Round 2 -
Kuti
Pavo (Guidance)
Agon (6 damage)
Ironshanks
Bemmer
Nahko
Khargrom
Red Creature (8 damage)

Conditions: Low Gravity (1/5), Raining
Group Buffs: Inspire Courage +1 (Pavo)

That beautiful sound of a foe clanging off his steel armor rings in Ironshank's aged ears and a smile lifts his mustache "Not quite space spider. Yer done fer." He hacks down into it.

Adamantine Waraxe, Power Attack, Inspire: 1d20 + 8 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 1 + 1 = 171d10 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 12

Agon readies his shield for protection. He steps aside and flanks with Khargrom.

Using Power Attack and readying my shield.
Masterwork longsword : 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 1 + 1 + 2 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 8

"That is a blow worthy of the tale, Khargrom! If you continue like this, we shall be telling tales of Khargrom One-Strike. Let us all aspire to be as strong of arm and sure of aim as you!" Pavo continues to inspire his companions as he moves over the rocky ground.

He cracks his bullwhip at the alien beast.

Inspire Courage: +1 attack, damage, saves vs. fear
Bardic Performance: 11/16

Khargrom looks at Agon and chuffs, "hah lad, I just swung and musta hit something special. These things are alien to me, ain't no clue where the sweet spot might be. But thanks fer the words!"

He moves up behind the remaining enemy, flanking with Ironshanks and swings his hammer again.

Move 20 ft, Attack Red.

MW Warhammer + Flanking + IC: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 24 for Bludgeoning + Sneak Attack + IC: 1d8 + 2 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + (1) + 1 = 10

The creature has no chance of standing up to the successive blows from the party and crumples to the ground giving a brief respite and a chance to recover. Looking around there are no other victims to these creatures or any other sign of other items of interest.

After few minutes to heal and regain your bearings you hear a voice come alive in your mind. Images and feelings hit you and congeal into words and sentences.

Moving meat! Is it meat all the way down? If meat cut in two, would both meat be aware? Is meat aware? Meat emits sonic vibrations. Vibrations are communication?

Approaching from a short distance is a swollen brainlike bulb encrusted with fungal shelves resting atop several ropy legs. A wide mouth bisets the bulb's crown, but it makes no vocalization but instead produces a constant series of slurping and sudden breathing noises.

It is hard to look at as the mouth seems to close in one space and open in another, the limbs grow, change, and wrap in an unnatural matter that is unsettling to say the least.

Communication! Communication! You! Meat! Must be examined and understood!

Knowledge (nature) DC 13: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

"Whoa, that thing could be dangerous. It may not leave us alone until it understands us, and the understanding could kill us!" He draws his scimitar and begins brandishing it threateningly. "Wave your arms, be a threat. Maybe we can convince it to leave us alone instead!"

He tries to scream at the creature with his mind, hoping to scare it off.

Leave us be!!! You cannot understand MEAT, and MEAT will kill you if you don't leave us be!!!

Intimidate, aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9

Khargrom yells, "FLEE! FLEE FROM THE MIGHTY DWARVEN WAR MACHINE! ALL SEVEN OF US DWARVES WILL DESTROY YOU!!!"

He turns to his allies with a grin poking out from behind his beard, "y'all have fought well enough to be hon'rary dwarves in my book."

Intimidate Aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Agon uses the party-given wand to heal his wounds. "I'll have to ask a seamster from Goka to patch up my undershirt. He has a way with a needle...."

"About five charges left, I'd say." He tucks the wand away.

---

"That's quite... wow. I don't think I've ever seen that before." Nahko gives a quick summation and Agon's eyebrows wiggle. "So it's like a predator? Time to remind it who is at the top of the food chain."

With Agon's sword raised high, he yells "I AM THE POWER!"
Intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
"You know, if Kuti roared just in time we would really be in business."

Loud thoughts and loud vibrations! Angry? Predators with long thin bladed arms! Consider! Little nutritional value can be found within self! Contents within likely toxic! Self not contains minimal metal, but far louder vocalizations! Describe natural prey of <DWARVEN WAR MACHINE> that I may offer direction?

It shudders as you begins to gesture to it, it isn't in full retreat or cowering before you. It is far more cautious of you all, but is still measuring your strength.

You can continue to communicate with it or others attempt aid another.

I may be compact, but Torag is mighty and where I go, so too treads Torag.

Handle Animal (roar), push DC 25, companion: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 4 = 11

Hearing Agon's whisper, Nahko motions to Kuti, but the cat just looks up at her master, sits on her haunches, and begins cleaning her paws.

"That's the Kuti I know."

Ironshanks hollers and shouts along with the others, but a gust of wind blows his beard up over his face at the wrong moment. The wet hair sticks to his bald head for far longer than one might expect. "What in the hells! Get it off! Get it off!"

Intimidate Aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1

Intimidate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

"Shoo! Get out of here!" Pavo shouts, cracking his whip. "Go! Go! We'll take you down before you get anything out of us!"

“We’ve cleared the Vault Entrance!” Sorrina Westyr’s image appears drenched but defiant, in the midst of pouring heavy rain. Ignoring the water sleeting off her, the Master of Spells points with her wand as she illuminates the asteroid map behind her. “Reports from those traveling through the Sea of Light indicate that most of the enemies in that region have been mopped up, though a few scattered groups may still be dealing with ongoing fights. The air at the Vault entrance is still unbreathable and poisonous, keep clearing out the Labyrinth of Flame and Icy Reservoir while I figure out a plan.”

GM's enact both the Fire and Earth event elemental manifestations.

The Vault Entrance and Sea of Light have both been Claimed! Labyrinth of Flame has now been discovered.

It worbles and undulates as the whip cracks running up and down the length.

Strife! Ignorance! Anger! Retreat from the hostile meats! Information is a corpse, abandoning it for safety!

It makes a full retreat and it is settling to not need to comprehend the motion and material of the creature's being.

Yet more enemies roar within the asteroid as the elemental forces rage at the Pathfinder invaders. Gravity yet again pulls you down, taking away the ease of moment your lighter weight allowed. In addition heat washes over you, far greater than that severe heat that the mage's powerful magic repels. Even now it presses at the boundaries of the warding magic and tries to drain your energy with oppressive heat.

Everyone that doesn't have fire resistance will need to make a DC 11 Fortitude save or be fatigued for the next encounter. The endure elements you have from the magical spell does not protect you from this.

With the area on the surface of the asteroid now secured, in part due to your own efforts, you are able to head down deeper into the asteroid. It is surprisingly bright as the heat steadies and the dim glow of heated rock illuminates your path.

Eventually plumes of cool air grow hot and dry as they rush out from this network of igneous tunnels. A palace constructed of obsidian bricks stands high within a large cavern, surrounded by cultivated gardens containing brass mockeries of plant life and elegant pools of lava. The gates stand open without a guard in sight, while sounds of revelry emanate from within.

Do you wish to enter?

Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Fortitude: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Pavo begins to sweat under the oppressive heat. He takes his hat off and wipes his brow.

"Well, maybe it is cooler--if marginally--inside," the bard suggests.

Vote for continuing on the Fire side.

I'll take that as a desire to continue forward and specifically explore the building with a degree of caution.

Moving through the gates inside you find a lavish display of opulence as jeweled decorations adorn the walls, gilded silverware graces the tables and succulent dishes take their place on those settings. The host here are a variety of fiery creatures. Some are much like the ifrit, the elemental humanoids, you met before in the fields of flame. Among the others are motes of flames that drifts about the room, and several creatures you would recognize as dwarves, if not fire being in place of their hair. Many here eat from the dishes and others relax on the plush carpeting. Some take note of your entry. Some shrug while others grumble while driving themselves deeper into their decadence.

From the end of the hall one of the creatures of flame rises to meet you. His skin is a deep red and his jewelry serves accents his horns. Rising well over 10 feet tall he holds his arms open wide as a blade rests in his scabbard. ”Greetings my friends! Welcome to my court! I am master of the Labyrinth of Flame, Fahaz Nahlam and I’m proud to have such distant travelers as my guests. Please, please! Sit! Eat and relax! I have so little opportunity to entertain strangers these days and I am interested in the stories you can share.”

Servants move at a good pace to deliver an exceptional amount of food and drink for you all. New seats are brought in to take places at the table or the cushions at your discretion.

Fahaz adds, ”Please, what brings you well versed travelers to my court?”

Will Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

This is an impressive table that you have here Mr Nahlem.

"It's quite hot in here, eh?"
Fort Save, DC 11: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Agon is glad to take up the hospitality offered.
"Fahaz Nahlam, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance!"

Will Save, DC 11: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Agon takes a look at the jewelry, the coinage and the wealth here. "You certainly know how to present yourself."

"This realm called us here. We know something is out there but we don't know exactly what. Still, the Pathfinder Society sent its finest agents here to investigate. Oh, and us as well!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Agon eats all the food he can.

"Do you know the identity of our mysterious caller?"

Fort vs Heat, DC11: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

The heat, combined with a full suit of metal armor has Ironshanks sweating bullets and sapped of strength. "Cooler inside? I'm not sure it can get any hotter... Anyone got any extra water? Or ale even?" He drags his legs forward into the palace.

-----------------------

Will Save, Spell, DC11: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 2 = 12 Ironshanks' eyes light up as he starts to take in the fanciness and wealth of the place. He narrows his gaze a bit as he recognizes things for what they are. "Hey. I'm Ironshanks. Nice party ye got here, don't mind if I take a seat for a bit I hope." He crash lands quickly on a pile of pillows and starts looking around for anything that could cool him off for drink.

Sense Motive vs Nahlam: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Fortitude DC 11: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Nahko struggles against the heat along with the others, but by shifting some layers he's able to proceed without it affecting him too much.

He's surprised by the genial invitation received, and approaches the food cautiously.

Will DC 11: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Hmmmm, flash and glam. He chuckles, and ignores the offer of food. "Very gracious, your masterfulness. But we shouldn't dally; we have things to do on this rock, and really shouldn't allow ourselves to be delayed."

Diplomacy, aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9

"Tell us though, what is this space? What do you do up here on this rock flying through space?"

Fortitude DC 11: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Kuti's panting seems to increase as her tongue lolls out of her mouth, but she otherwise seems to weather the increased heat well.

Will DC 11: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

She eyes the food longingly, though stays near Nahko, preferring to guard her master when in the presence of such strange creatures.