GM Spicer's Cradle of Night

Game Master Neil Spicer

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22 to identify them; if they're undead, it's a 20.

GM, based on your description, I’m guessing these guys are incorporeal...

You should have ample opportunity to test that theory soon enough. ;)

Do they have reach or are the elongated limbs just fluff?

Based on how they attacked Bastian and Lydia, their arms seem capable of stretching...so, yes, in game terms, they have reach...and, again, you're welcome. ;)

Do they have concealment due to lighting?

Due to the current light sources in play, none of you are afflicted by concealment penalties...not yet, at least... ;)

Ailis' arrow sizzles with arcane fury as it traces a path through the air and rips through the wispy frame of her target. A hiss like the sound of air escaping between clenched teeth assails the hilly pass, and the creature looks beyond Lydia to identify the source of its pain. A shimmer of dark, shadowy wisps drift in mid-air around it, almost like blood swirling through water.

Daehalya:

Suetonius:

"By the Grace of Black Butterfly, begone!"

Suetonius draws upon the power of his patron god, a mysterious force from between the stars. The radiance from his outstretched lantern-staff blasts like a beacon, ripping and tearing at both of the shadow creatures.

Will save #1: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 2 = 24
Will save #2: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 13

Clearly damaged, they elicit shrieking wails that hurt everyone's ears, but unfortunately they're still standing...and, in unison, they both leave Lydia and Bastian in an attempt to race past them, as well as Daehalya, to reach Suetonius.

OOC: Since Lydia, Bastian, and Daehalya are all currently flat-footed (i.e., it's the first round following the surprise round and we haven't gotten to them in the initiative order), they're unable to take Attacks of Opportunity as the shadow creatures move past them to converge on Suetonius). For flavor, we'll say it's due to the shock of these creatures appearing so suddenly...and their unusual nature.

Their legs also seem to stretch and elongate, enabling them to take swift, far-reaching strides and they're suddenly upon Suetonius with a furious savagery in silhouette. Claws lash out...

Attack #1 vs. touch AC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Strength damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Attack #2 vs. touch AC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Strength damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Wicked strikes sweep through the cleric's body, bypassing his armor and sending spearing cold through him, followed by a sickening wave of incredible weakness.

"DIE!!!" they demand in voices like wind-scraped steel...

OOC: The rest of the party may now act...including Ailis and Suetonius to kick off Round 2 after the others complete their Round 1 actions.

"Begone, foul creatures of shadow! Your kind is not welcome here..."

Suetonius, stoically, accepts the damage, and once again channels the energy of the stars through his staff.

Channel Positive Energy: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 2, 3) = 13, DC 17 Will for half.

Lydia grunts as the shadows sap her strength. She turns and staggers after the shadows as they attack Suetonius. "Desna!" she shouts, infusing her blade with power as she attacks!

Curve Blade, Heroism, Bane, Str Damage: 1d20 + 12 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 4 - 2 = 19
Damage, PA, Bane: 1d10 + 7 + 6 + 2d6 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 6 + (4, 3) = 30

Swift action to make weapon undead bane, move up to shadow and attack. No penalty on attack roll for Power Attack because of Furious Focus. If I am flanking with Suetonius, please add +4 to the attack roll for Ailis's Outflank feat.

Sorry, GM, will do.

Daehalya flinches back as the shadows race past her, her mind racing through the spells she knows for one that will be helpful. She's used to fighting with shadow as her ally, not against it as her enemy.

Finally, she selects one and quickly gestures, calling out arcane words of power.

Casting slow (DC 18 negates)

Oh no you don’t... Bastian yells as the two shadows dart past him and Lydia. Flail whirling, he strides after them and send the enchanted ball and chain crashing through the dark form of the closest target.

Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30 +4 if flanking
Damage: 1d10 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28

Lesska is reaching for something in her pack when the shadows emerge and tactical chaos erupts. Of a sudden, the battle shifts much closer to her position and puts Suetonius in danger. She looks quickly at Ailis to ensure her friend's safety, then changing the grip on her longspear with the hand holding it and bringing the other to bear further down the haft she steps to flank, then strikes at one of the apparitions, calling to Suetonius.

"Fight the pain Suetonius, I will protect you!"

Swift Action: Challenge, designating Suetonius as ward as part of Resolute Defense. [N.B.: Ailis is still Lesska's ward for Challenge as part of daily nomination for Order of the Guard]

Move Action: Move to flank from reach distance with Suetonius.

Standard Action: Attack shadow Lydia did not attack if possible.

Kwirrr!!!: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 29 [+8 BAB, +2 Str, +1 weapon focus, + 1 enhancement, +1 close at hand] [+4 if flanking]
Swiksh!!!: 2d8 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 8 ⇒ (2, 8) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 8 = 23 [vital strike, + 3 THF, + 1 enhancement, + 1 close at hand, +8 challenge]

Free action: End bardic performance. Lingering performance begins, which keeps the effects of bardic performance going for 2 rounds.

FRA: Full attack with bow.

Snatching another two arrows from the quiver on her back, Ailis lets fly at the creature that her friend Lesska went after, her mouth a line of focused determination. Her eyes squint slightly, trying in vain to bring the uncertain forms of the strange shadow-creatures into focus. As she draws each arrow back, arcane energy emanates from her fingers and crackles along the shaft before she releases it, imbuing each shot with additional power.

Arrows v. Shadow (Into Melee): 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 4 = 21 Damage (Arcane Strike): 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7
Arrows v. Shadow (Into Melee): 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 6 - 4 = 6 Damage (Arcane Strike): 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7

"Fight the pain Suetonius, I will protect you!"

Lesska's protective instincts extend to her newfound companion and she swiftly comes to his aid. The length of her weapon grants a superior angle from which to strike and she drives the spearpoint through the gangly silhouette's face. The shadow substance comprising its body seemingly melts away, leaving nothing behind.

Lydia....turns and staggers after the shadows as they attack Suetonius. "Desna!" she shouts, infusing her blade with power as she attacks!

Close on their quarry's heels, Lydia just manages to beat Bastian in catching up to the remaining shadow menacing Suetonius. She brings her empowered blade down from behind, cleaving straight through the figure. It too explodes into a dark mist that slowly fades and drifts away.

OOC: Combat is over.

Bastian reaches Lydia's side as the half-elf staggers once more from another unexpected bout of weakness following her exertion. Thankfully, she manages to keep her feet under her. The rest of the party halts their actions...with Daehalya falling silent before releasing her spell...and Ailis holding her readied arrows in case another target appears...and Suetonius announcing to the hills around them...

"Begone, foul creatures of shadow! Your kind is not welcome here..."

The priest holds his lantern-staff aloft, trembling slightly from the weakness in his limbs. As a result, the light wavers over the entrance to Haramil's tomb. A nighttime breeze also stirs, and the shadows cast by swaying branches from the nearby trees play across the open doorway...not unlike the elongated, clawed arms of your recent attackers.

As Suetonius looks on, a fluttering moth, struggling on the breeze, but drawn to the light of his staff settles on his arm, clinging to the fabric of his sleeve. Its pale wings flutter in the wind, but it holds fast. And then, a peculiar thing happens. Its color begins to darken, as if absorbing some kind of unseen ink. And, as it blackens to midnight, Suetonius' arm grows stronger and more steady. The nausea and weakness he felt earlier is entirely gone. And when he feels entirely normal again, the moth is fully transformed into a...black butterfly. Just as quickly as he recognizes it as a gift from his god, the wind shifts and the creature is blown away, catching flight and disappearing once more into the dark.

OOC: All Strength damage suffered by Suetonius from the shadows is restored.

"Well, that was...certainly interesting...and maybe a little frightening, if I'm being honest about it..." Aiyana's well-timed voice cuts through the silence. "Well done, everyone. That was a swift reaction, even if they caught us by surprise. I don't think I've ever seen anything like those creatures before. They were positively eerie. What were they?"

Daehalya:

Suetonius looks on in wonder, as the newly-minted butterfly stretches its wings, and then soars off into the darkness.

"Thank-you, my Lady!"

He then sighs, feeling suddenly at peace, despite the ominous nature of his surroundings.

Nodding to Aiyana, he adds:

"They were some kind of shadowy undead. I am just glad that we reacted so swiftly and decisively - that could have been extremely unpleasant..."

He then gestures towards the tomb.

"Shall we continue? If that was the welcome committee, I dare say that there will be worse horrors awaiting us inside..."

"Ah," Daehalya cries out. "There are voices! It sounds like they want to kill us all! I heard them right before they attacked too! They said the barrier -- maybe between here and the Shadow Plane? -- wasn't thin enough, but they wanted to test it."

She tries to think of what it could be.

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

Daehalya:

"Shall we continue? If that was the welcome committee, I dare say that there will be worse horrors awaiting us inside..."

Hold on a moment, Suetonius. Lydia was struck as she pushed me from danger, and while your god has restored your strenght, she is still weakened. Can your divine magic aid her too? As you said, we will likely need our full capacaties to deal with what awaits us in the tomb.

Bastian turns to the half-elf inquisitor.

Thank you for the shove, Lydia. You alerted me to the danger and still managed to cut down that creature before I could bring my own weapon to bear even though you were struck and I was not. You are a formidable warrior and I hope to be able to repay the favor. he says, his respect for his fellow warrior obvious.

Ailis purses her lips. "Maybe fighting a horde of those things isn't the best idea, if there are more coming. As important as this errand is, dying before we get through the door isn't what I had in mind coming along."

"Either way, we need to move quickly. We don't have the time to waste chit-chatting."

Lesska's nostrils flare as the battle just as suddenly ends, and she is somehow robbed of her desire to push the foe disdainfully from her spear's blade. Returning to calm, she smiles as Ailis characterises emergency planning so.

"My friend, I do not believe a moment or two - even longer perhaps - to gather our strength and resolve constitute idle banter." she chides gently. Turning to Bastian she speaks gently, her harsh Hallit-accent softened through much practice.

"I have restorative potions in my pack if they might provide succour?"

Regardless of the need, Lesska rummages in her pack, as she was just before the shadowy battle. She produces what she was looking for then, a roughly sphere shaped crystal, worn and obviously flawed in its form. She gives a shy shrug to Bastian, rubs it carefully then taps it against her head a few times before tossing it into the air where it lazily spins about her skull on a strange lopsided and cantilevering orbit.

Lesska's flawed tourmaline sphere - that thing is now operational!

The Kellid stands, stiff and far too upright, just as she was in the saddle. A red cloth falls from her sleeve and she carefully winds it about her longspear just below the blade.

"My banner. May it bring you hope and inspire you to overcome your foes."

Lesska's banner is now also extant, though I imagine there might be times where seeing it might be difficult. While clearly visible all allies within 60 feet receive a +2 morale bonus on saving throws against fear and a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls made as part of a charge...

While Lydia is being tended to, Lesska consults Ailis.

"How did the Janderhoff dwarves erupt from the ground so easily, and not be noticed? Could there not have been..." she continues to pester Ailis with earnest, if irritatingly specific tactical and logistical queries [read: military chit-chat] until the group is ready to move on.

Lydia nods to Bastian. "You are welcome. If this is just the perils facing us at the tomb's entrance, I am certain you will have ample opportunity to pay me back." She smiles thinly, then winces at the lingering pain of the shadow's touch.

"Indeed, Suetonius. A bit of restoration would be appreciated before we press on."

Chastised, Ailis nods. "Of course you're right, Lesska. Let's get recovery done and then let's get going."

Your warrior compaion is right, Pathfinder. I do not suggest we linger long, but for all we know, we could walk straight into another fight as soon as we step through the door. Healing our injuries before we press on should always be a priority, unless we are in imminent danger, Bastian says, giving Lesska a nod of equal respect.

To the offer of potions, he replies: Thank you for offering. It is good to know we have that option, but if our spellcasting friends have the power to cure her out of their daily power, that should be our first choice, I think.

Let’s save our consumables for a rainy day. I have several healing potions, neutralize poison, fly and 4x enlarge person.

When Lesska unfurls her banner, Bastian smiles brightly.
A fine sight! Fighting united under a banner fortifies the soul and bolsters the spirit. It almost makes me feel like I’m back in my old company.

Daehalya interrupts the conversation: "I think there's a chance this could get worse and we should move as quickly as possible."

She explains what she thinks about what she saw and heard everyone can read my spoiler above, and adds, "I think it might be the Cradle of Night, and I worry that means someone may already be using it... Or maybe even that it's still Haramil. Perhaps the tomb bound him and/or its magic before it was opened, but now someone's breached it.

"Also, just a reminder that much of my own magic plays with shadow. Not everything shadowed in there that you see is definitely the enemy."

Suetonius nods.

"Of course!"

He then gently touches his lantern staff to Lydia's forehead, and starts casting.

Lesser Restoration: 1d4 ⇒ 1.
Lesser Restoration: 1d4 ⇒ 3.

"I think there's a chance this could get worse and we should move as quickly as possible....I think it might be the Cradle of Night, and I worry that means someone may already be using it...Or maybe even that it's still Haramil. Perhaps the tomb bound him and/or its magic before it was opened, but now someone's breached it.

"Well, in that case, we should definitely hurry along..." Aiyana agrees, "But, obviously, we need to proceed with caution. If the Reborn are already here, they can be quite formidable. And, if the Cradle of Night is in their possession, doubly so..." She draws a longsword and gestures towards the open doors of Haramil's tomb where the gloomy shadows continue to stir and shift with a supernatural menace. "Shall we?"

With Lydia's strength fully restored by the power of Suetonius' patron, the party gathers and moves forward.

OOC: Feel free to designate any kind of marching order you wish.

A short passage leads beyond the doors. As you move into the gloom, every light source in the party's possession immediately dims. Though they don't go out entirely, it's clear something is interfering with their full illumination properties.

OOC: In game terms, you're in dim light, at best, regardless of any given light source...though they each provide dim light to the range/distance of their normal illumination radius.

Though alarming, Aiyana encourages everyone to keep moving. Soon, black stone walls rise all around you as you enter a cylindrical chamber. Its ceiling reaches a domed height of thirty feet overhead with half-seen, decorative runes carved all along its length. Aside from the tunnel you used to get here, two more passageways lead east and west, while a stone double door blocks progress to the north. In addition, a ten-foot-radius circle of more distinctive runes adorns the floor in the center of the room, but the etchings appear to have been badly damaged by cracks and gouges.

GM rolls:

OOC: What do you do?

Daehalaya examines the runes to see if she can make out any details of what they mean, entering the room if she needs to get closer to see them.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 to make out the runes on the ceiling
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 22

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 to make out the runes on the floor
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27

In just in case arcana's not the Knowledge check needed here:
Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

Letting Ailis and Lydia take point, Bastian marches in the middle of the column, ready to move forward to aid the scouts or to protect the spellcasters in the case of another ambush.

Suggested Marching order: Ailis and Lydia up front, Bastian, Daehalya and Ayiana in the middle and Suetonius and Lesska in the rear.

Noticing the dimming light, Bastinas brow furrows with concern. Aware that his human eyes will leave him at a disadvantage in the shadowy illumination, he reluctantly retrieves and drinks one of his magical potions. At once, his eyes glow a muted red and he is able to discern his surroundings clearly in black and white. Drink potion of darkvision. Should last 3 hours.

As Daehalya moves to examine the runes, he puts a cautionary hand on her shoulder. Be careful. Let the scouts check the room for danger before we proceed, he wispers. Once Daehalya moves into the room, he moves with her, flail at the ready.

""How did the Janderhoff dwarves erupt from the ground so easily, and not be noticed? Could there not have been..."

"Dwarven stonework is among the best in the world," she explains academically. "Dwarves are able to conceal a door as many things. A rock, a tree, or a crevice too small to admit passage. After the goblinoid armies would pass, dwarven teams would travel down their secret passages to these doors which laid behind the goblin armies and emerge quietly."

- -

Ailis switches from her bow to her maulaxe, a dwarven two-headed weapon that is both a hammer and an axe. Then, she takes the lead, confidently striding down hallways, peeking around corners and motioning for the group to move ahead when it is safe.

When they reach the first, strange room, Ailis examines the etchings alongside Daehalya. Despite the rush, she removes her journal from her backpack and makes sketches of a few of them, showing them to Daehalya to see if she got them accurately enough.

K. Arcana Aid: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

After examining the room, she moves to the stone door and tests it. "A blockage seems to indicate something to protect," she says. "If we can, perhaps this way first?"

Lydia walks beside Ailis, eyes alert for danger.

Well, Lesska's abilities work best with her between or next to the squishies, so she'd probably prefer to go in the second rank, where she can also thrust past the front with her longspear but we'll leave it like this for now so if the attack comes from the rear, the squishies are protected same same.

All that only matters if caught in tight formation in a corridor, as long as folks fall back and spread where possible, she'll be much happier...

Lesska hums a little as the lights dim, and her human eyes try to adjust to the poor illumination. A creeping cold of a less than physical nature still has her shrugging deeper into her furs, gnarly grip taut on her longspear. She shares a nervous smile with Suetonius, then a fierce and grim look of determination slowly coalesces over her sharp features.

In the sigiled round chamber Lesska looks with distaste at the extremely evident magicks or writings of magicks that scrawl across the walls and floor. She tries to stay calm, and channels that by asking a question, forcing her voice to keep straight.

"Ailis, Daehalya - does any of this pertain to the God-Callers of Sarkoris by any chance?"

As Daehalya moves to examine the runes, he puts a cautionary hand on her shoulder. "Be careful. Let the scouts check the room for danger before we proceed," he whispers.

With a nod, Daehalya waits for Lydia and Ailis to give the all clear. The scouts look around but still find it hard to make out much in the gloomy interior of the chamber. Once satisfied, they wave the elf forward, and Daehalya starts to move into the room, intent on examining the runes with Ailis and Aiyana close beside her. While the runes in the ceiling above are too far away to make out with any clarity in the dim light, the ones on the floor are much more accessible.

Daehalya and Ailis:

Daehalya, Ailis, and Aiyana all spend a bit of time conferring over the runes. Bastian and Lesska have moved up behind them to keep an eye on things. Lydia is about halfway between them and the entrance to the tomb. And, Suetonius is hovering near the actual door, not yet having entered the chamber fully.

Suddenly, a pair of worm-like creatures land upon the floor, descending out of the gloomy shadows from the vaulted ceiling above. The first drops between Suetonius and Lydia, while the second lands directly within the circle of runes to assault the others. They both clatter upon dozens of small legs and a writhing array of dangerous bristles cover their backs. Meanwhile, dark clouds of murky shadow coil beneath their pallid skin, forming and pooling into half-seen shapes and images. With a chittering shriek, they attack...

Melee attack against flat-footed Suetonius: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 6) + 4 = 15 plus Additional acid damage: 6d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 5, 1, 3, 4) = 21
Melee attack against flat-footed Lesska: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 = 10 plus Additional acid damage: 6d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 4, 2, 2, 2) = 13

Initiative checks:
Worms: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Aiyana: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Ailis: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Bastian: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Daehalya: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Lesska: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Lydia: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Suetonius: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

OOC: Round 1 of combat
Initiative order: Ailis, Lydia, Daehalya, Bastian, Lesska, Suetonius, Worms, Aiyana

Yech! Got me! @Neil, Lesska has DR 2/-. Does that apply to the melee attack, the acid attack, both or none? Also, from a story standpoint, what is the melee attack - the sharp bristles or something else?

Also, does Lesska have room to take a 5' step [to enable reach] or is she hemmed in by her companions?

Daehalya quickly tries to identify the creatures as she considers her options. Sorry, answer to this will determine my action.

Knowledge checks to try to identify these things (not sure which is the appropriate check):
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35
Knowledge (dungeoneering): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27
Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

Also, do they know part of the damage they took was acid? (I'm thinking of casting communal resist energy, but don't want to assume facts I may not know.)

Knowledge (planes), Monster Lore: 1d20 + 11 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 3 = 21

Lydia's mind races as she sees the worms, trying to recall what she knows about the monsters. "Heads up, Suetonius!" she shouts as she moves to flank the worm attacking the cleric. Her blade flashes with starlight as she infuses it with power and slashes at the monster!

Swift action to make sword outsider bane. Move action to flank, standard action to attack.

Curve Blade, Heroism, Flank, Bane, Power Attack (Furious Focus): 1d20 + 12 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 6 = 23
Damage, Power Attack, Precise Strike, Bane: 1d10 + 7 + 6 + 1d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 6 + (3) + (1, 2) = 26

Suetonius pulls out a wand, and invokes the Blessings of Black Butterfly upon the party.

Casting Bless.

Sometimes I hate being right... Bastian thinks to himself as he steps forward and pummels the new threat with his flail.

Full attack on the worm attacking Lesska, 5-ft step if needed or to flank if possible.

Attack #1 - Heavy flail, Power Attack (Furious Focus): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
Damage: 1d10 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28

Attack #2 - Heavy flail, Power Attack (Furious Focus): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Damage: 1d10 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20

Ailis narrows her eyes, furrows her brow, flips her axe in her hand and then charges into battle, shouting a war-cry. Not wanting to waste good magic if not necessary, she simply channels arcane energy into an axe-blow.

Axe v. Worm (Charge, Bless): 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 32 Damage (Arcane Strike, Sneak Attack): 1d6 + 3 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 + (4) = 15

I know they got us in the surprise round, but technically I think they're flat-footed until they act during initiative anyway.

...Lesska has DR 2/-. Does that apply to the melee attack, the acid attack, both or none?

Only to the melee attack, not the acid...

Also, from a story standpoint, what is the melee attack - the sharp bristles or something else?[/ooc]

It's a bite. The bristles haven't come into play yet. :->

Also, does Lesska have room to take a 5' step [to enable reach] or is she hemmed in by her companions?

She has an outlet path to step back 5 feet, if you want.

Daehalya & Lydia:

...do they know part of the damage they took was acid? (I'm thinking of casting communal resist energy, but don't want to assume facts I may not know.)

You don't yet have an idea of what you're facing. And, though Lesska took excruciating damage from the creature, she hasn't yet communicated anything about her wound. That said, I'll elaborate a bit for Lesska and Suetonius...

Lesska & Suetonius:

I know they got us in the surprise round, but technically I think they're flat-footed until they act during initiative anyway.

They are.

OOC: I'm going to wait on Daehalya and Lesska to declare their actions...

Daehalya steps away from the nearest worm and weaves shadow magics over it, trying to trap it.

"Be careful," she calls out. "They're tenebrous worms! They're from the Shadow Plane, and will try to eat you if they can!"

Casting shadow trap. If it's dim light in here, I'll use Tenebrous Spell, which would increase the DC to 19. Otherwise it's 18.

Lesska stifles a cry of agony, but those near her still hear the sharp grunt she can't stop. The Kellid steps back from Bastian even as the staunch warrior cleaves and Suetonius calls forth divine power; Lesska clumsily tries to spit the worm with quick lunges, Daehalya's words echoing dully like a far off paean...

5' step

Full Attack

Fsss!!!: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 14 [+8 BAB, +2 Str, +1 weapon focus, + 1 enhancement, +1 bless]
Skktt!!!: 2d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1, 2) + 3 + 1 = 7 [vital strike, + 3 THF, + 1 enhancement]

Skssss!!!: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 18 [+8 BAB, +2 Str, +1 weapon focus, + 1 enhancement, +1 bless]
Fttt!!!: 2d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4, 5) + 3 + 1 = 13 [vital strike, + 3 THF, + 1 enhancement]

Ailis brings her axe down in a vicious chop at the writhing caterpillar-worm, opening up a massive wound. At the same time, however, the dark bristles on the creature's back jab outward in response, extending like obsidian shadow weapons.

Ailis' Reflex save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

Fortunately, the nimble dwarf evades them by swiftly drawing back...but she has a newfound respect for her cagey opponent. These are certainly no ordinary predators.

Lydia, too, quickly comes to Suetonius' aid by flanking the second worm, slashing at it from behind. The bristles on its back react as if they had a mind of their own, and she notices they're made of some kind of shadowstuff.

Lydia's Reflex save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 (fail)
Lydia suffers 1d4 ⇒ 1 piercing damage
Lydia's Fortitude save vs. poison: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17 (fail)
Lydia is paralyzed for 1d4 ⇒ 3 rounds, and suffers 1d2 ⇒ 1 Con damage. She'll need to make a new save each round for the next 5 rounds.

Next, Daehalya calls upon her arcane power, reaching out to find the first worm's shadow along the dimly-lit chamber floor. Sensing it like a tangible thing, she sends a spike of power through it to try and shackle the beast and restrict its movement.

Tenebrous Worm #1 Will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 (success)

The worm shudders and strains against some seemingly insubstantial force trying to impede its movement and attacks...but it breaks free and continues to snap and struggle to reach its prey.

Bastian then wades into battle, moving on the beast and swinging his flail in a complicated pattern. Though he comes close with one swipe, both swings fail to connect. Unfortunately, the attacks still elicit the same response from the creature's bristles.

Bastian's Reflex save #1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 (fail)
Bastian suffers 1d4 ⇒ 3 piercing damage
Bastian's Fortitude save vs. poison: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24 (success)

Bastian's Reflex save #2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 (fail)
Bastian suffers 1d4 ⇒ 1 piercing damage
Bastian's Fortitude save vs. poison: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25 (success)

Even as Bastian moves forward, Lesska withdraws...but only far enough to use the reach of her spear to stab at the monster. Though her grip is strong, she fails to penetrate its hide. The bristles stab out in response, but she's too far away for them to threaten her.

Across the din of battle, the voice of Suetonius rings out, calling upon the power of his deity to aid his comrades.

OOC: Everyone benefits from bless.

The worms then rage once more in an effort to bring down their prey. The first one seems to sense Bastian as a greater threat and snaps at him before he can back away.

Melee attack against Bastian: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 14 - 2 = 13 (miss)

The other wheels around to face Lydia, snapping back in retaliation for its wound.

Melee attack against helpless Lydia: 1d20 + 14 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 4 = 22
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 2) + 4 = 7 plus Additional acid damage: 6d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 5, 3, 1, 3) = 22

It's mandibles close over the half-elf, chewing away flesh and transforming it into a bloodless feast of shadowy mist.

Aiyana crosses over the rune-inscribed circle to put herself alongside Lesska. She casts a quick spell and touches Bastian's shoulder to keep him on his feet.

OOC: Bastian receives 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 hit points of healing from cure light wounds

"Someone help Lydia!" the caligni cries out, noting the inquisitor being savaged by the second worm.

Round 2 of combat begins...

GM notes:

Seeing that she's on the wrong side of the battlefield, Ailis nods at Lesska - if anyone could handle the creature on their own it would be her. She begins another war-tale, this time one of personal bravery and heroism rather than superior military tactics:

"In the winter of 4122, there was a great underground threat - the orcs had constructed a massive machine capable of harnessing energy directly from the Plane of Fire to belch forth magma. Torgra Stigardsdam, a famous dwarven hero, delved below with a squadron of the legendary stalwart defenders to destroy the tool before it reached a Sky Citadel. When they reached the defenders of the tool, Torgra dove right into the enemy formation, giving her allies the distraction they needed to annihilate the most powerful orcish berserkers. Though she gave her life that day, Torgra's boldness saved one of the Sky Citadels."

Activate war chant, sharing Outflank and Precise Strike. Flanking bonuses increase to +4 and flanking allies get an additional +1d6 precision damage added to their damage rolls.

Then she steps away from the worm in front of her and next to Lesska, getting some room in between herself and the rampaging worm. She speaks a word of arcane power and suddenly becomes a multicolored blur which flashes across the battlefield next to Lydia. As she appears, her axe already cleaving into the creature, she calls: "Hey! If you're hungry, I got plenty of meat!"

5' back and then cast bladed dash to dash into flanking position with Suetonius. I get a free attack with a +3 bonus.

Axe v. Worm (Outflank, Bless, Bladed Dash): 1d20 + 11 + 4 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 4 + 1 + 3 = 20
Damage (Arcane Strike, Sneak Attack, Precise Strike): 1d6 + 3 + 2 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 + (5) + (3) = 16

I may not be nimble, but at least I am tough... Bastian thinks to himself as he feels his wartrained physique fight off the shadowpoison. Seeing Lydia frozen in place by the worm’s deadly defense mechanism, he supresses a shudder and takes a step back to evaluate his options. 5-ft step back, preferably into flanking position.

Stay back! Their tendrils sting and stun if you strike them up close. Use ranged weapons and spells if you can.

Noticing how Lesska’s spear lets her evade the bristles, he suddenly knows exactly what to do. He grabs a potion from one of the pockets on his adventurer’s sash, chugs it down and immediately begins to grow. A few seconds later, he towers over everyone else in the domed chamber, able to threaten a much larger area with his equally enlarged heavy flail.

Potion of enlarge person expires on round 11

Suetonius nods to Ailis, and then starts swinging.

+1 Adamantine Lantern Staff: 1d20 + 13 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 4 + 1 = 28, for 1d6 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 10 + (6) = 17 damage.
Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13.
Fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28.
+1 Adamantine Lantern Staff: 1d20 + 13 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 4 + 1 = 32, for 1d6 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 10 + (6) = 22 damage.
Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24.
Fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21.

The brief prick from the worm's bristles barely hurts Lydia, but her muscles suddenly seize up as it injects a virulent poison into her body. Her eyes blaze with fury, but her body does not respond to her thoughts. She can't even scream as the worm turns and bites her, her flesh beginning to dissolve painfully from its strange acid. The poison ravages her body, further weakening her.

Fortitude, Heroism, Con Damage: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Ugh, Desna weeps! GM, is declaring a judgment a purely mental action? If so, Lydia will declare judgments of purity and resistance to gain a +2 sacred bonus on saving throws and acid resistance 6.

Ailis: Thanks for heads up on Vital Strike...

Her pain fading slightly, Lesska redoubles her efforts, now free from being actively targeted. She sees Ailis is safe, for the moment, and tries to move to keep herself between the creature and her friend, flank if possible and all while still protecting Aiyana.

Essentially, trying to flank with Bastian first and foremost, secondary to get between her current target and Ailis for the AC bonus from Order of the Guard's Challenge component, and if no longer adjacent to Aiyana, so be it... But really, it's the flanking with Bastian (or Aiyana) that is most desirable

Swift Action: Challenge tenebrous worm, designating Aiyana as ward as part of Resolute Defense. [N.B.: Ailis is still Lesska's ward for Challenge as part of daily nomination for Order of the Guard]

Move Action: Move to flank with Bastian or Aiyana (or anyone fighting the worm A, B or Lesska is fighting...

Standard Action: Full Attack Action/Attack (if flank not possible, otherwise just use first attack and add Vital Strike)

If Lesska moved to flank...

Fki!!!: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 28 [+8 BAB, +2 Str, +1 weapon focus, + 1 enhancement, +1 close at hand +1 bless] [+4 if flanking]
Fttt!!!: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 8 + (6) = 20 [+ 3 THF, + 1 enhancement, + 1 close at hand, +8 challenge, +1d6 flanking]

If not, then:

Thwiii!!!: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 20 [+8 BAB, +2 Str, +1 weapon focus, + 1 enhancement, +1 close at hand +1 bless]
Kippt!!!: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 8 = 18 [+ 3 THF, + 1 enhancement, + 1 close at hand, +8 challenge]

And, if flanking

Vital Strike: 1d8 ⇒ 8

-2 to my AC against anything other than the worm I'm attacking
+1 to my AC if I'm between my target and Ailis...
If I'm somehow in the universe still adjacent to Aiyana I can use my Resolve ability on her if she needs it...
Also forgot close at hand was always on as long as Ailis and I are within 30'. So. Many. Moving. Parts. I do like it tho'.

Daehalya tries to trim the odds again, this time using her magic to slow the two worms. Casting slow (DC 18)

Calling upon her arcane magic, Ailis leaves behind the first rampaging worm to magically transport herself to face down the second one savaging Lydia. The dwarf's axe flashes down at the creature, but the hardened carapace turns aside her blade. At the same time, the shadowstuff barbs lash back at her...

Ailis's Reflex save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18 (success)

...but Ailis manages to recover and avoid them before they can find purchase in her exposed skin.

Lydia:

Suetonius, too, comes to Lydia's aid, trying to distract and challenge the worm before it can consume their friend. The priest's staff whirls with devastating effect, cracking not once, but twice against the worm's shell and successfully drawing its attention away from Lydia. The creature's bristles strike back, however, and only a few manage to scratch Suetonius.

Suetonius suffers 1d4 ⇒ 1 piercing damage, but he successfully resists the poison.

Daehalya also intones more words of power, attempting to impede their opponents and slow down their attacks as a means of turning the tide of battle. Close by, Bastian down his potion and suddenly grows into a giant large enough to menace the worms from a safer distance. Lesska also moves around their mutual combatant, successfully flanking the beast. Her spear strikes home and deals a significant wound, causing the worm to rise up and emit a high-pitched squeal. The shadowstuff bristles jab outward, but can't quite reach either of its attackers.

Tenebrous Worm #1's Will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 (success)
Tenebrous Worm #2's Will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 (fail)

The worm attacking Lydia suddenly becomes more lethargic, its predator mind clouded by Daehalya's spell. Beset by both Ailis and Suetonius, it can only instinctively lash out at the priest who wounded it...

Tenebrous Worm #2's slowed melee attack: 1d20 + 14 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 14 - 1 = 17

...but can't seem to penetrate his armor with its clacking mandibles.

Meanwhile, the first worm is unaffected by Daehalya's spell, and, after being pierced by Lesska's spear, it bites back at the daughter of the Kellid horselords.

Tenebrous Worm #1's melee attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 5) + 4 = 14 plus 6d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 3, 2, 2, 2) = 12 acid damage

The creature inflicts a grievous wound upon Lesska, clamping down on her shoulder, piercing her armor, and then savaging back and forth with its mandibles, chewing away flesh and transforming it into shadowy mist.

In an attempt to aid Lesska, Aiyana draws back from the ensuing melee, raises her bow, and fires an arcane-empowered arrow at the first worm...

Ranged attack with shortbow, firing into melee: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 7 - 4 = 6
Damage with Arcane Strike: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

...but, unfortunately, her shot sails wide, striking the far wall of the chamber instead.

Round 3 of combat begins...
Initiative order: Ailis, Lydia, Daehalya, Bastian, Lesska, Suetonius, Worms, Aiyana

GM notes:

Bastian wastes no time. As soon as his magical growth is complete, he thashes the worm between him and Lesska twice, making full use of his new size and tactical advantage.

Attack #1: 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 16 + 4 = 37
Damage #1: 2d8 + 20 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 2) + 20 + (1) = 24

Attack #2: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 4 = 17
Damage #2: 2d8 + 20 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 6) + 20 + (1) = 28