GM Tealk's - Core - Thornkeep Series (Inactive)

Game Master Tealk

Besides a tiger, what other wards does he have, magical or otherwise?

"WELL, HE HAS HIS FANCY PICTURE GALLERY, TOO, OR HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN?"

"A powerful evoker, my brother is. Do not underestimate him. A section of the sanctum, he controls. Traps, he would set. Now, be on your way."

Telos gives a half-salute wave and begins to walk off, at the wizard's urging.

Once out of earshot (perhaps around a few corners) he mentions to his companions But he believes we might also work for him. So, we'll obviously use that to our advantage...

"A powerful evoker, my brother is. Do not underestimate him. A section of the sanctum, he controls. Traps, he would set. Now, be on your way."

"HOW DO WE DO THAT, EXACTLY? TRAVEL AGAIN THROUGH YOUR BOOBY-TRAPPED FUN-HOUSE TO GET BACK TO A MAGICAL PUFF CLOUD?"

No idea why tehre was such a delay in posts from my end guys, I have no excuse...Good news, we are nearly finished!

The wizard ignores the question, simply stepping back and offering his hand to show you out. The helmet on Telos's shoulder bobs up and down, but ultimately stays silent.

As you make your way out of this particular form of the sanctum, you prepare yourselves for the final steps of your journey. Now sure of your task, knowing that you are about to commit the lesser of two evils, you step through the yellow mist finding yourself back in the large reception hall.

To your surprise, standing in the middle of the hall, arms crossed is Rozimus. He has a demented grin on his face, his body contorted and decaying. "YOU...THEVING...CONSPIRING...WORMS...THEY TOLD ME WHAT YOU ARE PLANNING. YOU WERE NOT SUPPOSED COME HERE AND MESS EVERYTHING UP. YOU PATHFINDERS ARE ALL THE SAME. YOU...SHALL...NOT...PASS..." The adventurer sticks his hand into the space to his left, and with his fingers he opens a tear in space. A few seconds of folding around in there, he eventually takes out a large wooden staff and slams it on the ground in front of you.

The air gets cold and thin.

Map updated! Have a think about who this might be? How do you react?

We're all doing our best in this trying time. Thanks for updating!

Will tries to calm who he knows to be a magic jarred Rozimus, Who told you what? Perhaps we could talk about this before irrevocable actions are taken?

Exactly, take your time. We have been with you the whole way.

Roran draws his sword, erring on the safe side, "Do you think talking to this abomination will work Will?"

Under his breath," Usually works better when you don't call people abominations..."

Same on the post rate, don't sweat it. I'm definitely finding it's easier for time to disappear with everything blurring together now (lol, what's a weekend?)

Telos looks down at the little helmet. Why... is he grinning like that?

He looks back at the mage and directs a quick Detect magic his way.

His eyes narrow in suspicious focus as he thinks any illusion at work here?

"And what exactly was it that we were 'supposed' to do, Rozimus?" asks Pietro in the most stone-cold, serious tone you have ever heard him use. "You've been frittering about with time like a blind man playing at mumblety-peg, so you should know, right?"

Seward admits I have honestly completely forgotten who is who here. Is this the evil one finally?

"ONLY SLIGHTLY MORE THAN SEWARD THE BENEFICENT, WHO SHARES HIS ARROWS WITH ALL. HE SNUCK OUT IN THIS SKIN SUIT TO GET US TO COME BACK WITH HIM. BUT WHY, YOU DON'T LIKE YOUR OLD FRIENDS, SO WHY COME BACK? WHAT'S KEEPING YOU HERE?"

Full update tomrrow morning!

Telos does not see any illusion, the helmet on his head goes back around his neck to hide as best he can from the deranged Rozimus, "I dont like the sound of where this is going. Vuzhon always has that look on his face when he is about to kill someone..."

The tortured man smirks even harder, "THEY TOLD ME YOU WANTED TO BREAK THE PUT AN END TO THE TIME MAGIC HOLDING THIS PLACE TOGETHER. YOU ARE FOOLS, YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO DIE IN HERE! THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO END YOU!"

He sticks out another arm, and breaks open another tear in reality. An overwhelming cacophony of vibrations pierce your minds, making it more difficult to think. A feeling you are mostly used to by now, and know what is to come next. "Your world is strange...pathfinders...I wish to study more of your kind...I will use your bodies as vessels to bring more of your kind here...stuck in an endless loop...we will be."

"THIS IS THE END OF THE ROAD FOR YOU!" Vuzhon screams from the body of Rozimus, as he flays his quaterstaff in your direction.

What buffs does everyone have up? Just doing one last spot check.

Will looks heroic, but that’s presently his only magical ward.

Heroism

Pietro has his furry little hat on.

Telos feels caught entirely off-guard.

As they'd just awoken, spoken with one crackpot, and walked out to here, Telos has none of his protection spells up. He does have Energy Resistance electricity 10 from his bloodline. Also the hair on his bare feet.

I mean, I was going to put up Prot from Evil before we met the other guy. Was not thinking of being cut off prior to him. So none. Luckily Roran was smart enough to pull his sword out while talking to this thing.

And just for fun. He would have detected evil on this thing as a move action. Just to be sure

Haha, super evil. Both of them. Maps are updated - tokens on the map!

The party of pathfinders springs into action! Finally, the tear in space opens up enough to let through your favourite alien bug creature, it snarls at you as it begins casting an incantation.

Round 1
Active buffs - --
Active debuffs - --

@ Telos ([/i])
@ Will ([i]Heroism)
@ Roran ([/i])
@ Seward ([i])
@ Pietro ([/i])

! Vuzhon, The Reckless
! The Visitant

[I]Everyone may act!

None of your bullshit today Visitant!

Will says as he conjures sparkling glitter into the air arround both Vuzhon and the Vistant.

DC 15 glitterdust

"OH FOR CAYDEN'S SAKE! SHUT UP AND FIGHT ALREADY!" Pietro launches himself at the wizard. Here's hoping he is unarmed and still flat-footed.

unimproved grapple v Vuzhon: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Roran moves forward, pooling his holy power into his blade.

He moves towards the wizard and swings.

Smite+power attack
+1 longsword: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 261d8 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17 6 additional damage if target is evil outsider, evil aligned dragon or undead.

Okay, it's a party, I guess.

Telos begins to weave a ball of fire in front of him until it speeds towards the Visitant, landing nearby it so as to envelope it and Vuzhon.

[standard] Cast fireball, targeting 1W of the Visitant, NW corner of the square, so that the 20' radius catches both foes but not Roran. DC 19
FIRE damage, DC19 reflex half: 7d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 2, 6, 1, 1, 5) = 20
if necessary Spell resistance attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Seward moves and readies a shot vs Vuzhon in the event he tries to cast.

Finally...

The team start off with a bang, and both of the enemies are already on their toes.
Will save, vs Glitter, Vuzhon, Visitant: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 171d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Reflex save, vs Fireball: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 91d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

The glitterdust provides good cover, as the team rushes in, the fireball dealing massive damage. Pietro moves in to grapple the wizard, while Roran steps up and lands a huge swing on the disintegrating mould that is Rozimus.

He coffs, "YOU CANT KILL ME! OR YOU RISK KILLING THIS PIECE OF FLESH!"

The visitant tries his signature trick to cast darkness, but gets shot with an arrow.
Concentration: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
...but fails.

Well this will be over quickly! Going to count your shot agasint the Visitant.

Round 2
Active buffs - --
Active debuffs - --

@ Telos ([/i])
@ Will ([i]Heroism)
@ Roran ([/i])
@ Seward ([i])
@ Pietro ([/i])

! Vuzhon, The Reckless grappled -37
! The Visitant -15

[I]Everyone may act!

Note, Pietro's morningstar still has continual flame cast upon it. There's no way to really sheath the thing, so....

"A... little... help... Will...." Pietro grits out as he tries to hold the struggling Vuzhon.

Pin for the win! v Vuzhon (+5 maintaining the hold): 1d20 + 7 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 5 = 20 Or is it death by yellow mold! We'll see!

Will begins to inspire all of his allies.

O' Pietro the bold
He must hold
Prevent the wizard
from turning us each into a toad
Things are going well, all things considered
lets end this before we all end disfigured

Plus 2 to all attacks and damage rolls including Pietro's

"A sacrifice made to defeat the true evil." The paladin says as swinging again.

Smite + power attack
+1 longsword: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 161d8 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

+1 longsword, iterative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 171d8 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

Hey, don't let that thing get away!

Telos trots forward and executes a different incantation aimed at the visitant.

[move] 20'
[standard] cast scorching ray on the visitant

Scorching ray 1 attack, FIRE damage (inspired, pbs): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 = 224d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 6, 1, 2) + 3 = 13
Scorching ray 2 attack, FIRE damage (inspired, pbs): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 2 = 144d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 4, 1, 3) + 3 = 16
Spell resistance attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Will is convinced at this point given the option of slaying the visitant, or preventing the death of Aroden and ensuring the golden age, all of his comrades would choose the former.

Alright guys, i guess i won't even get to play my end game bosses. You guys are no fun. Kidding. :)

Pietro uses his weight advantage to pin the evil wizard to the ground, he winces and spurrs under the pressure, "YOU...HEAVY...AAAGGGGH" He has no chance of escaping.

The first swing from the paladin is enough to knock Vuzhon unconsious...
Giving you one last chance to take your swing back, Roran, because they both hit. Do you follow through? And yes, he is SE - super evil.

The visitant takes the borrage of fire, and probably a flurry of arrows directly to the face, looking pretty scared and worse for wear. "AAAAAGGGHHHH. ANTS! YOU ANTS!"

In a fit of rage, and not concidering his own actions, the Visitant flies towards Telos to do his best to disembowel him.
Claw: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 241d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Claw: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 241d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Claw: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 321d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Claw: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 241d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Grab; Eviserate: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 202d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 71d4 ⇒ 1 -- @Telos please make me a DC 18 Fortitude save, or take CON damage.

Round 3
Active buffs - --
Active debuffs - --

@ Telos ([/i]) -34 lethal/FORT SAVE
@ Will ([i]Heroism)
@ Roran ([/i])
@ Seward ([i]) - ACT TWICE!
@ Pietro ([/i])

! Vuzhon, The Reckless - unconsious/dead maybe
! The Visitant -46

[I]Everyone may act!

Seward takes aim at the Visitant and grins Goodbye ya little bastage

Arrow Barrage+Favored Enemy Evil Outsiders: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 13 + 2 = 241d6 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 2 = 11
Arrow Barrage+Favored Enemy Evil Outsiders: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 2 = 251d6 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 = 12
Arrow Barrage+Favored Enemy Evil Outsiders: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 2 = 271d6 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 = 13

*Hurk*, message for you sir...

Telos goes down.

Fortitude, DC18: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 ouch
Stabilize, DC 10, at -4hp: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (6) - 4 = 2 double ouch

Seward then breathes So that's how its gonna be. You racist against halflings?

Arrow Barrage+Favored Enemy Evil Outsiders: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 2 = 291d6 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 2 = 11
Arrow Barrage+Favored Enemy Evil Outsiders: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 13 + 2 = 331d6 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 = 10
Arrow Barrage+Favored Enemy Evil Outsiders: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 2 = 231d6 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 = 13

Tough moral decision for the player. Not so much for the Paladin

Previous Turn

Roran drives his blade into Rozimus's chest. "Rozimus, this is for the greater good. Forgive me."

Current turn

Roran turns and points his blade at the Visitant. "Now, you die". He takes a step towards his new target and swings.

Smite + power attack + inspire courage

+1 longsword: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 211d8 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22 additional 6 if undead, evil outsider or evil aligned dragon

+1 longsword, iterative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 261d8 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20

Will continues singing and pumps the Visitant full of arrows.
Rapid Shot, PBS, IC, Heroism: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 14damage,IC,PBS: 1d6 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 10
Rapid Shot, PBS, IC, Heroism: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 21damage,IC,PBS: 1d6 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 10

Will thinks Glad it was Rozimus magic jarred and not me... I wonder if the soul is now back in original vessel, or what happened. Different magics at work here.

Tough moral decision for the player. Not so much for the Paladin

Previous Turn

Roran drives his blade into Rozimus's chest. "Rozimus, this is for the greater good. Forgive me."

"WATCH WHERE YOU'RE SHOVING THAT THING!" Pietro shouts at Roran. "I'M STANDING RIGHT HERE FOR CAYDEN'S SAKE!"

Seeing Telos laid out (like usual) on the floor, Pietro attempts to scrabble over the table through the hail of high, and low arrow fire to reach him.

His normal move is 20' so this might take a moment.
climb: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
And he will probably have to try again.
climb: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17

Seeing Telos laid out (like usual)

Hey! He had to get a closer look!

The next assault happens quickly, but only Seward is able to land his first barrage of arrows. The paladin bravely steps forward, and treatens the creature with a second hit, after glancing his forward thrust.

CON damage, Telos: 1d4 ⇒ 4
...oh no, how much HP do you lose when you -4 CON at this level? I forget how this works.

Enraged, the Visitant claws after Roran. he is going straight for your vitals.
Claw: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 281d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Claw: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 341d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Claw: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 311d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Claw: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 161d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Grab; Eviserate: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 182d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 111d4 ⇒ 2 -- @Roran please make me a DC 18 Fortitude save, or take CON damage. - Final attack misses!

Round 4
Active buffs - --
Active debuffs - --

@ Telos (bleeding, unconsious, prone) -35 lethal, -4 CON
@ Will (Heroism)
@ Roran -21 lethal ([/i])
@ Seward ([i])
@ Pietro ([/i])

! Vuzhon, The Reckless - unconsious/dead maybe
! The Visitant -57

[I]Everyone may act!

...oh no, how much HP do you lose when you -4 CON at this level? I forget how this works.

That's two hp down on maximum, but it doesn't impart damage.

Stabilize, DC 10, at -5hp: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (12) - 4 = 8

GM, just to be fair. There was a nat 20 on the second claw attack if you want to try and confirm it.

Roran tries his best to hold off the plant creature. He retaliates.

Smite + Power Attack + Inspire Courage

+1 longsword: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 181d8 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19

+1 longsword, iterative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 251d8 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17

Seward grimaced and fires more arrows at the pest.

Longbow: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 13 + 2 = 221d6 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 = 12
Longbow: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 13 + 2 = 271d6 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 2 = 14
Longbow: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 2 = 151d6 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 = 10

Once again, the paladin's first attack is evaded by the agile creature, and right as it is focusing on avoiding the arrows from Seward, Roran is able to land a powerful blow to the creature. It's fury permeates the air around you, you can literally feel it's anger, and right as it is about to counterattack, Seward's second arrow goes straight in and out of the creatures head. It hangs in the air, vibrating violently for a few more moments, fighting its own alien instinct to murder the rest of you. "N...NNNN...NNNOOOOOOO!!"

The creature is no more, as the vibrations it generates cause it's own body to disintegrate into nothingness. Or perhaps, the creature was never supposed to be here in the first place, an echo of a time long since forgotten.

We are out of comabat, but Telos is still bleeding.

As Pietro eventually crawls off of the magic-jarred Rozimus, the wizard's body is already limp and dead.

Stumbling up the stairs into the entrance of the chamber, you see another echo of Rozimus standing, staring at you in terror. He points at himself, "What...who...did you just...kill me?" His facial expressions contort in disconfort, as he pats himself down to make sure that this version of his is actually still there and he isn't dreaming. "No...no, this can't...this can't be possible. What is ... this is all a trick? Right? I need ... i need to get out of here ... where ... WHERE DID I PUT IT?" He seems to be searching for something on his person.

GM Tealk wrote:

...oh no, how much HP do you lose when you -4 CON at this level? I forget how this works.

That's two hp down on maximum, but it doesn't impart damage.

Well....

Pietro rolls off the table, and offers up a toast with his tankard.

channel positive energy: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 3) = 8

Then if Telos doesn't move he looks him over.

Oh good. We won. I tried to soften them up for our bruisers to finish off, but I got a little too close to that blasted Visitant.

He sighs, sitting up and letting Pietro treat him as he thinks is best.

At 2 hp after channel energy.

He pulls out his own wand and offers it to the cleric. Here, just use this and save your own energy. CLW, CL1

Seward looks around Is it bigger than a breadbox? he askes Rozimus.

CLW rolls assuming Pietro obliges...
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
7 charges to full

He gets up, feeling better.

Okay, how many more cranky wizards between us and freedom?

Will uses it if Pietro doesn’t, or it takes half the time

...oh no, how much HP do you lose when you -4 CON at this level? I forget how this works.

My hesitation in healing Telos stems from the fact that might be a waste of a healing wand because....

For every 2 points of Con damage your character takes you apply a -1 penalty to that character's Fortitude saving throw. That character also loses their Hit Dice (usually their level) in both total and current hit points. So a level 7 character who took 4 points of Con damage would instantly lose 14 hit points. [I'm paraphrasing the ability damage rules here, but that's a lot of damage starting at 34 hp down.]

That, and I am not one-hundred percent sure we are out of combat, nor am I sure where the Con damage is coming from, and if it is ongoing (i.e. poison).

If you're dead, Telos, I am more than willing to help pay for your recovery (after celebrating his life and death with a round or two at the tavern, of course). On the plus side of things, Telos is easier to carry than say Pietro, and we can indulge in one of my favorite movie franchise/D&D-esque cross-overs: Weekend at Bernie's Dungeon.

oy, I thought it just decreased the max. This should be fun. I can cover raise dead, but now to look into removing the negative levels.