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"GREAT MOTHER OF MUSHROOMS!" All evidence of sloth is gone. He is nearly giddy with the thought of attempting to disarm a living, moving trap while is is actively trying to kill everyone around it. But its effectiveness on the ranger makes him worried that he may not have enough time to disarm this thing cleanly. "The gem! Destroy the gem!"
With that, he rushes forward, weaving between his fellow pathfinders and attempting to tumble safely past the blender of doom.
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-- bleed 1
Just as Roran kinks the robot on it's head, Naneryn makes his way through the slow construct. Through the diversion, Telos is able to deal a devastating blow to the robot.
The cleric tries to hit the construct and deal some damage.
HA-HA! TAKE THAT YOU BAG OF RUST! … Looking over at the bleeding body of Seward, Someone should probably fix him up...
Bssst. Destory non-master. as it slams Roran.
-- both miss
Round 3
@ Telos (-2 con)
@ Naneryn (-3 lethal, -1 non lethal)
@ Roran
Round 4
@ Seward (-36 lethal, unconscious, bleeding)
@ Pietro
Robot -28 lethal
@ Everyone go!
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Telos immediately switches hands and prepares to channel another ray of electricity...
This time, Roran jumps up in front of him just before he sets his aim and so his shot goes quite wide as he tries not to fry his teammate.
Guys, it's been a long day. I'm all tapped out on spells and rays. We've gotta get this passage clear so one of us can get to Seward. Is that thing looking rough yet?
Naneryn steps into flank with Pietro and stabs the creature!
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Unhappy with itself for missing, the robot tries to strike again at the hadry paladin. Only Roran's hit manages to scratch the construct this time. A warm wave of healing energy blankets you, and you feel slightly better.
Roran braces the first attack with minimal damage, but the construct keep at it and forces through the paladins mighty defences, dealing a bruise to his abdomen.
Round 5
@ Telos (-2 con)
@ Naneryn
@ Roran (-6 lethal)
@ Seward (-32 lethal, unconscious, stable)
@ Pietro
Robot -32 lethal
The construct looks like it's on it's last legs. It is sparking everywhere, and the red gem in the centre of it is glowing irradicably.
@ Everyone go! Last round...I hope!
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Roran softens the metal up on the construct, taking all of the attention onto himself. Pietro finds a nice angle and strikes the Morningstar into the red crystal. You watch as it glows, and glows, and finally stops. The construct finally is motionless blocking the hallway where Telos and Roran stand. As it powers down, you watch the energy leave it's body and it falls limp.
Party Conditions
Telos (-2 con)
Naneryn
Roran (-6 lethal)
Seward (-32 lethal, unconscious, stable)
Pietro
The room finally stands quiet, although some of you can hear soft chittering coming from the cavern cut out beside you on your left. A door in the room on the right side is closed and locked.
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As soon as the construct falls inert, Telos rushes up to it to examine the state of the crystal, and try to pry it out. He hopes that Pietro's morningstar didn't crush it, rendering it useless.
If this crystal is still intact, I would try it on the "guardians" that we passed in the prior room. I suspect they obey the commands of those who provide a power source.
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After a few minutes pass, the team is feeling a little better. Telos is busy investigating the construct and the gem, making sure everything is in place, while Telos tries his best to unlock the door to the next floor.
As Seward is being tended to by Pietro, the boisterous cleric helps him clean up the broken arm. Finally, bow back in hand, Seward feels a little better.
Meanwhile, Roran stands guard, and rightfully so.
Out of the darkness, the chittering grows louder and louders, until the sound is almost unbearable. Then, out of the darkness, two red eyes - focusing their attention to you come forward. You see, as a large spider, adorned by millions of tiny baby spiders comes out from the cave.
This crumbling cavern looks like it was made by some sort of drilling device that tore through the surrounding stone. A large pool of stagnant water fills part of the cavern, fed by a rivulet that runs from the ceiling. Thick sheets of webbing hang from the roof of the cave. You think that by clearing out the denizens in the surrounding rooms, these vicious spiders have come out hungry for tasty prey. You have weakened the dark alchemist's presence on this place. The spiders launch forward!
Round 1
@ Telos
@ Naneryn
@ Seward (-4 lethal)
Swarm
Giant Spider
Roran (-1 lethal)
Pietro
@ Telos, Naneryn and Seward go! Last fight!
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After a few minutes pass, the team is feeling a little better. Telos is busy investigating the construct and the gem, making sure everything is in place, while Telos tries his best to unlock the door to the next floor.
Telos runs over past Roran, just into the tunnel, to get a look at the new threat, drawing an alchemist's fire as he goes. He sighs audibly.
It never ends.
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The pathfinders aim their alchemist fires at the swarm, dealing much damage, yet some stay and cling onto their much larger mother. The fire wisks at her hardened skin, she lurches forward at the sorcerer!
+ fortitude vs poison!
The little spiders jump off and onto the most clumped up group of pathfinder they can find. THey make their way past Telos and onto Naneryn and Pietro. As they get there, they are burt up by the rest of the fire and disappear!
Round 1
@ Roran (-1 lethal)
@ Pietro
Round 2
@ Telos
@ Naneryn
@ Seward (-4 lethal)
Swarm
Giant Spider - missed
@ Everyone go!
Seward takes out his bow and take two shots!
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Unfortunately, the readied attacks all miss as the spider stays in its cave, and lunges out towards the party. It takes an attack of opportunity as Telos moves out of the way.
+ fort, aoo
Telos, once again lucky enough to avoid the attack, throws the alchemist fire and hurls it at the giant spider, burning it with fire!
it retaliates with a bite at roran!
Round 2
@ Roran (-1 lethal)
@ Pietro
Round 3
@ Telos
@ Naneryn
@ Seward (-4 lethal)
Giant Spider
@ Everyone go!
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"Bah, gotta die sometime. Might as well make like everyone else and throw fire too." Flitting around the rubble, he comes to stand next to his buddies and tosses one of his alchemist fires at the nightmare with too many legs.
He stares into the flames with an angry smile. "Burn b%+#+, BURN! YOU NEVER LOVED ME! Oh.... ummm.... burn spider, burn!"
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The giant spider hails another barrage from the Pathfinders. Roran deals another solid hit against th beast. It extends its mandibles, enough for the rogue to throw an alchemist fire into the beasts mouth. It stumbles back and after a few moments falls unconscious. What little spider lints are left on the mother, quickly skitter sway.
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The battle over, the giant spider lifeless on the floor of the cavern. As the dust settles, and the little embers from your alchemist fires burn away, you're left in silence.
Naneryn works on opening the door to the next floor, finally revealing a set of stairs that reach down. Telos manages to secure a working red crystal from the broken automaton, and with the help of Roran drags it over to the other machines. As a group, you place the red gem into one of the inactive machines. It activates and announces you as it's new master.
Clearing the rest of the floor doesn't take long. A single room acts as a cell for failed goblin experiments, the goblins within submit to your new automaton. Pietro spends this time loudly announcing himself in every room, and making sure he takes a swig of whatever alcohol he has in each room to bless this floor with Caeden's presence. Seward studies the notes of the mad alchemist, and uncovers more about his vile plan to slowly take over the town of Thornkeep after his new apprentice above ground has finished her end of the deal.
Happy with your work here, you decide to make your way back out of the dungeons to rest over night, and potentially do some shopping after reporting your findings.
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As you all finally make your way out of Nhur Athemons dungeon, the cold air feels much better on your burns on your skin. The alchemical fumes not harassing you any longer, you all take a moment to breathe in the fresh air.
It takes you a little while to notice the ring of spears pointed towards you. Soldiers, dressed in the common Thornkeep guard attire you've seen over the last few days stand at attention, pointing their weapons and torches directly at you.
One familiar face in the crowd steps forward. The golden haired gnome clears his throat, and with a worried look lets out a peep. I think you better come with them. The Baron, would like to have a word. The ghome you know as Losli looks like hes been up all night, and still in high nighty ushers you over to follow him.
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We've learned the secrets of Thornkeep dungeon, we can live there quite happily for some time!
Telos blurts out in a non-serious, class-clown demeanor that's obviously not threatening.
Then he rolls his eyes at the spears pointed at them.
Can this wait? We're making a lot of breakthroughs down there.
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Seward comes back a new tawny colored pony in tow. This work does pay well - look at me, I have a draft animal now. Very nice. And what a good girl Bela is. He says doting on the pony and paying nearly no mind to the gnome.
He eventually focuses and follows I wonder why this Baron thinks he owns us and our time.
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One of the guards, a little bigger than the rest and wearing a different uniform comments, And what makes you think that you can be going against the Barons direct law? We don't have many laws in Thornkeep, and you seem to be violating every single one of them...
Your walk back to Goldenfire Keep is quick, as you keep pace with the marching army escorting you. You eventually make your way into a grand chamber, a single oaken desk standing at the head of a giant room adorned by different furs and other memorabilia. The latest in the line of petty despots calling themselves lords of Thornkeep, Baron Tervin is a brooding, sullen brute of a man 40 years of age with a terrible secret. His legs kicked back, finishing off a large bone of what you can only assume is a pig, he smirks as you enter. Lady Iliara is by his side, her hair dancing in the reflections of the torches which light the room.
The Baron begins. His heavy voice seems to be a little grogy, yet has a presence behind him of both authority and strength. You dare to enter my city, and cause havoc and unrule in my absence. New comers from Absalom, a nation that has abandoned us long ago. You are charged with three counts of espionage, two counts of lawlessness and four counts of trespass! What do you...?
Lady Iliara coughs once and adds, ...only one count of trespass, my lord.
He gives the sorceress a stern look. Iliara is the only reason you stand before me not in chains. Speak, finders of paths, why is it that you seek to cause so much dissrule in my lawful city? What is it that you seek, from Nhur Athemon's play rooms?
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As you all finally make your way out of Nhur Athemons dungeon, the cold air feels much better on your burns on your skin. The alchemical fumes not harassing you any longer, you all take a moment to breathe in the fresh air.
It takes you a little while to notice the ring of spears pointed towards you. Soldiers, dressed in the common Thornkeep guard attire you've seen over the last few days stand at attention, pointing their weapons and torches directly at you.
One familiar face in the crowd steps forward. The golden haired gnome clears his throat, and with a worried look lets out a peep. I think you better come with them. The Baron, would like to have a word. The ghome you know as Losli looks like hes been up all night, and still in high nighty ushers you over to follow him.
"Oh! The Baron! I'm going to see the Baron. Well I'm hardly dressed for it but sure! Lead on little fellow. You know, some of my best friends are short!" Pietro says indicating Seward and Telos.
You eventually make your way into a grand chamber, a single oaken desk standing at the head of a giant room adorned by different furs and other memorabilia. The latest in the line of petty despots calling themselves lords of Thornkeep, Baron Tervin is a brooding, sullen brute of a man 40 years of age with a terrible secret. His legs kicked back, finishing off a large bone of what you can only assume is a pig, he smirks as you enter. Lady Iliara is by his side, her hair dancing in the reflections of the torches which light the room.
The Baron begins. His heavy voice seems to be a little grogy, yet has a presence behind him of both authority and strength. You dare to enter my city, and cause havoc and unrule in my absence. New comers from Absalom, a nation that has abandoned us long ago. You are charged with three counts of espionage, two counts of lawlessness and four counts of trespass! What do you...?
Lady Iliara coughs once and adds, ...only one count of trespass, my lord.
He gives the sorceress a stern look. Iliara is the only reason you stand before me not in chains. Speak, finders of paths, why is it that you seek to cause so much dissrule in my lawful city? What is it that you seek, from Nhur Athemon's play rooms?
As the tirade continues Pietro face grows redder, and redder, and finally goes purple.
Pietro steps forward, clears his roughly, and opens his mouth--
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Well, as we entered to figure out a way past the door of seven stars, we encountered opposing groups of goblins. One led by Graalsk, and another, Murgmo. It seems if Murgmo were to find a temple to Zog, she could become powerful and troublesome for this town. We were able to end her threat before you knew it existed. We have this sword that was important to them...
He fishes out the magical sword to hold up.
The gem went here, but we needed it to get through the door of seven stars. he says, pointing to the empty spot on the hilt.
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Discovery merits our continued expedition. It's not my fault your city is out of order. Try killing more goblins on sight next time. We have had to clean up after your overly tolerant mess. Kill the greenies. Leave us to do our work. We're going to do it either way. Just be glad we aren't liberating your slaves too while we're here.
Seward spits upset. Prison is nothing more than another form of slavery and if this baron tried to put him in chains then this room was going to be covered in chunks of fat rich nobleman. That was just a fact.
But. Diplomacy.
Your town is on top of a ticking time bomb that your local goblins you tolerate too much were going to set off without our interruption and will again because you're very incompetent. You can let us continue our work save your sorry town from being ground zero for a mad ancient wizard's super weapon. Or not. At this point I think you know the right choice. But threaten me with chains again....I dare you.
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After hearing the Baron rattle off the charges, Roran steps forward, "The trespassing I can understand. However, the end justifies the means for that charge. I would like to know details of the other charges, so I could at least try to explain our actions." He then sits down on a chair. "Unless of course you would like to show yourself more of Tyrant than a honorable noble"
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Pietro steps forward, clears his roughly, and opens his mouth--
The halls are taken back by the sheer level of detail coming out of the cleric's lips. He presents each detail with a finesse, his words almost turning to song as they escape his breath. And then everyone realises that he's just drunk, and probably made everything up.
He fishes out the magical sword to hold up.
Everyone is pleasantly surprised as physical evidence is presented. The Baron speaks up. I didn't realise you were of the sharing sort. What fine craftsmanship, even for Goblins. If there is any more of that down in those dungeons, you be sure to bring it back to me. I will pay you handsomely!
Your town is on top of a ticking time bomb that your local goblins you tolerate too much were going to set off without our interruption and will again because you're very incompetent. You can let us continue our work save your sorry town from being ground zero for a mad ancient wizard's super weapon. Or not. At this point I think you know the right choice. But threaten me with chains again....I dare you.
The Baron recoils in his chair, and nearly falls off. You words striking a stark contrast after listening to Pietro yawn all over the chamber. You sure raise a good point, small one. Our chains in our dungeons would be too big for your hands anyway. If you can promise to keep this town safe, then I will allow you to return...
"Unless of course you would like to show yourself more of Tyrant than a honorable noble"
The large man on the throne turns into a child as he bursts out laughing. Honarable noble...don't make me laugh boy. You have no idea how I came to rule over this hole. The sacrifices I had to make to get here, the people I had to ...I am no more a noble as you are a conjurer. he spits into a golden bowl at his side. Your party has a strength about them, I like that. Maybe you have use for you left. The ends, do infact, justify the means. So go, explore, report, cooperate. And bring me Nhur Athemons head as a trophy. It would look quite nice on my walls!
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Somewhere in your research on the next floor, one of you comes across a fun little piece of literature. "When the mad wizard Nhur Athemon wasn’t tinkering with his subjects on Golarion, he found his way to even stranger worlds, be they other planets, other planes, or even other dimensions. The myriad relics and strange mementos he returned with held great power, and in his hands they proved potent tools that he used to further explore the universe as well as solidify his earthly domain. the dread magician even managed to capture creatures from the impossibly distant locales he visited thanks in part to his stolen technology. His most prized findings inevitably found their way into his personal collection, a museum-like complex only recently unearthed and cryptically referred to by its strange denizens as the Enigma Vaults..."
It takes you almost an hour to reach this floor by foot from the entrance to Nhur Athemons dungeons. The way down, reminds you how far away from civilisation you are - the endless tunnels and dungeons serving as a memory of the tough fights you've had. Finally, a ten-foot-wide hallway curves north, where a flight of stairs descends to a corridor leading to a octagonal central chamber. Iron bars separate this room from the eastern and southern hallways, and the floor of the chamber is painted with what appears to be a night sky filled with stars.
The northern section of the hall surrounding the central chamber features a single shelf that runs along the north and west walls. Dozens of ancient books sit on these shelves, but time has caused the words to fade from their pages, and you think that any attempt to handle the tomes causes them to crumble to dust. Simply scanning the spines reveals many intriguing titles written in Azlanti.
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Everyone is pleasantly surprised as physical evidence is presented. The Baron speaks up. I didn't realise you were of the sharing sort. What fine craftsmanship, even for Goblins. If there is any more of that down in those dungeons, you be sure to bring it back to me. I will pay you handsomely!He fishes out the magical sword to hold up.