[Outpost II] PFS #9-04: The Unseen Inclusion (lvl 1-5) [GM Uktar] (Inactive)

Game Master Uktar

Robyyn fixes his gaze on the skeleton in front, and sends forth waves of ill-will towards it. The air between he and the skeleton shimmers like heat, flowing around his allies and settling on the skeleton. He begins a deep, gutteral laugh; though low in volume, it ripples throughout the room with an enduring tenacity.

Alarmed at his friend’s wounds, Craggark performs a brief kata with his prominent shield.

”Jamir! Stay near me!” the half-orc bellows, taking a sidestep to avoid clogging the hallway.

5 foot step to the right. Move action to use martial flexibility and enact Saving Shield.

He then brings down his ham of a left fist on the skeleton’s head.

Melee Unarmed Strike, Power Attack, Flank (as per Underfoot Assault): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 2 = 161d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Saving Shield applies to any adjacent allies.

Unfortunately, the green hued skeleton's breastplate and heavy shield are too much fortification for Graggark to overcome.

But Craggark's efforts to protect his short but stalwart companion are more successful, as the red skeleton takes a step forward 5' and futilely attacks the halfling again.

Aroden, you're up.
will: 1d20 ⇒ 13
att: 1d20 ⇒ 11dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

. Initiative order
Bold may act
Jamir -14hp
. Green -9hp
. Robyyn
. Craggark
. Red -4hp
Aroden
. Blue -11hp
. Myth
. Katswiri

"FOR HUMANITY!!"
The wizard takes a step and swings the Sword of Aroden around in a dizzying display of martial prowess.
Whether he has any connection to the lost God of Humanity or not, there is something inspiring about this.

INSPIRING SWORD feat - full round action, all allies within 30' get a +2 sacred bonus to attacks, saves, and skill checks.

Free action; off-turn

Craggark yells out: "Jamir! Myth! Remember how we fought the undead in that Osirion tomb of horrors! Let's use those tactics to take these bony knobs down!"

I'm reminding Jamir and Myth of their 'Back to the Grave' boon that they got from completing Risen from the Sands. Yes, I forgot about it too until I just spotted it on my character sheet.

While these may be intelligent skeletons, they are baffled by the halfling's display of panache, as the blue skeleton fails to strike the halfling despite his best efforts.

att: 1d20 ⇒ 7dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

. Initiative order
Bold may act
Jamir -14hp
. Green -9hp
. Robyyn
. Craggark
. Red -4hp
. Aroden
. Blue -11hp
Myth
Katswiri

INSPIRING SWORD in effect: +2 sacred bonus to attacks, saves, and skill checks. (and suggested boon from Craggark)

Use it or lose it! Activating Back to the Grave.

"'Humanity?' Aroden, my new oversized friend, you need to lower your sights!"

Jamir smacks the skeleton warrior on its backside with the flat of his rapier, then ducks between its legs and stabs up, looking for a weak spot in its bony structure.

Mwk Rapier, flanking, Back to the Grave, Inspiring Sword: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 261d4 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 = 10

Myth will move 20' south to get a better angle on the skeletons and fire another blunt arrow at blue...

Shortbow: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 31
Confirm: 1d10 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 21
Magic/Bludgeoning Damage: 3d6 + 3 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1, 1) + 3 + 3 + 3 = 14 (Only 6 if not confirmed)

Aroden look apologetic.
"Sorry, old habits... FOR GOLARION!"

Attack, Flanking, Inspiring Sword: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Katswiri pushes forward into the room, pulling her morning star and smashing into the skeleton distracted by Jamir.

Move Action: Move
Standard Action: Attack

Jamir and Katswiri team up to finish off the green skeleton, while MythDeadEyeryndyr fires an arrow into the eyesocket of the blue skeleton, and the blunt arrow blasts out the back of its skull. Only the red skeletal champion remains.

Myth I'm not seeing a +2 for Inspiring sword (which should apply). You still managed to confirm crit

. Initiative order
Bold may act
. Jamir -14hp
Robyyn
Craggark
. Red -4hp
. Aroden
. Myth
. Katswiri

The half-orc shifts his focus to the last remaining skeleton as two of the undead foes crumble beneath his allies’ assault. The brawler brandishes his shield but lashes out with his bare fist and his back leg.

Not activating his boon for now. Flurry of Blows. Saving Shield is still active for anyone adjacent to me.

Flurry of Blows, Inspiring Sword, Bludgeoning #1: 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 3 = 81d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Flurry of Blows, Inspiring Sword, Bludgeoning #2: 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 3 = 181d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

The punch misses, but Craggark’s roundhouse kick slams forcefully into the armoured skeleton with destructive force.

. Initiative order
Bold may act
. Jamir -14hp
Robyyn
. Craggark
. Red -12hp
. Aroden
. Myth
. Katswiri

Robyyn steps up just so that he can see into the room and attempts to bring down the same twist of fate on the final remaining skeleton.

Sorry if I'm jumping the gun, but it looks like we're starting the next round and I probably won't be able to post after this point for another 10-12 hours.

"Nice work, my friends! Keep it up!"

As the green skeleton crumbles to bone dust around him and the blue skeleton collapses to the floor, Jamir grins and turns to the red skeleton.

"Your turn to be sent to your final rest, abomination!"

Jamir lunges forward, feeling inspired by their success against the first two skeletal warriors.

Mwk Rapier, incl. precision damage, Inspiring Sword, Back to the Grave: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 331d4 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 = 9

Confirm?: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 291d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Yes! And that returns 1 point of panache!

The red skeleton cares not one whit about the fate of its fellow champions. On the other hand, it isn't just a mindless zombie--having witnessed the devastating effects of the halfling moving into its compatriots space, it attacks Craggark instead. Despite its misfortune, it just manages to strike true, damaging the brawler.

Emboldened by his success against the other skeletal champion, Jamir lands a critical blow, knocking its vertebrae out of alignment--if it survives this battle, its chiropractor bills will be enormous...

Who gets the killing blow? 1hp left, need to hit ac 22. Have at it!

. Initiative order
Bold may act
. Jamir -14hp
Robyyn
Craggark -10hp
. Red -16hp
Aroden
Myth
Katswiri

Myth will fire a couple more blunt arrows, trying to take the remaining skeletal dude out...

Shortbow: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 10
Magic/Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 9

Shortbow: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 28
Magic/Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 8

Ol' Dedeye puts down the final skeletal champion, and just as suddenly as the quiet peace of the ruins was disturbed, it returns, broken only by your labored breathing and pounding hearts...

Now that the violence has subsided, you take in the contents of the room...other than the three no longer animate skeletons.

Broken marble litters the southern corners of this room, where a pair of toppled statues brandishing curved stone swords must once have reached nearly to the ceiling. Many broken weapons lie scattered about the room.

Each skeletal champion had breastplate, heavy steel shield, and masterwork longsword (i.e. there're 3 of each).

Aroden searches the room with Detect Magic, and looks for anything hidden.
Take 10 if possible - Arcana +13, Spellcraft +12, Perception +9.

Katswiri puts away her morning star as the last skeleton falls, then looks around the room before turning her attention to Jamir and Craggark. "You're both hurt. Here, hold still."

Katswiri takes the two Wands of Cure Light Wounds she was given earlier, and unless there is complaint proceeds to heal both Jamir and Craggark.

Jamir
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Craggark
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

After the last spell, she runs her fingers across the bloody, healed flesh and examines each man closely for remaining injury before her serious expression lifts and she smiles at the two of them. "Well fought, both of you. Be careful in here; some of those cuts were deep. How do you feel?"

After healing, Katswiri will begin by examining the armor and weapons of the skeletons for any important archaeological evidence; material of construction, symbology, heraldry, how well they held up to the ravages of time and the like. Being artifacts from the tomb, they should be returned for further study, and she will make a neat pile as she finishes examining them.

After that, Katswiri will inspect the broken statuary, cast her own Detect Magic, and try to determine what the statues looked like when they were whole.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Are the statues broken into pieces and difficult to identify, or still mostly whole?

I am still waiting for the GM to confirm that rolling 2d20 on his last attack on Craggark was a typo. I don’t think you’re healing me, Katswiri.

It was misfortuned, and had to roll twice taking the worse of the 2 attacks...which was the 12 on the die, which was good enough to hit. I usually do not add modifiers to attacks and saves when I roll, just showing the raw die roll.

Katswiri heals her compatriots back to full health, then examines the statues. She quickly susses out that they were once columns. She also notices the stone smells faintly of ash and char, despite there being no signs of scorching.

You do not detect any magic in the room, other than what you brought with you.

Aroden's knowledge of the arcane still proves quite useful, as he determines that the columns were once magical constructs and that the magic animating the columns is Jistkan in origin, based on the symbols carved into the destroyed constructs. He also notices that the symbols contain intentional flaws that would have weakened the constructs or caused them to lose control.

"Jistkan! This is fascinating!"
Aroden takes notes on the column-constructs.
"Intentional flaws? To what purpose? Maybe for training warriors to face the full-strength versions?"
He ponders this as he examines the rubble.

"Shall we move on?"

"Or some deeper motive? Some form of sabotage? To what end though, is hard to see." Robyyn assists in noting down the pertinent details they've discovered, then sends Ayrii flying above the scene to get a different perspective.

Myth nods at Aroden and proceeds warily down the western passage with bow in hand...

Stealth: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Statues of men with hyena heads block the passage leading west from this room. There is little else in the room.

Myth, having been stung by constructs before, fires a blunt arrow at the nearest statue, just in case it's not what it appears to be...

Shortbow: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 27
Magic/Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 + 1 + (2, 3) = 11

Rolling damage just in case it applies here...

Jamir bows to the oracle. "Thank you, Katswiri."

When Myth fires at the statue, Jamir exclaims, "Good shot, Mythryndyr! Better safe than sorry, I always say." Jamir runs a hand through his shaggy hair. "To be honest, I may say that, but I rarely abide by it. Still, well done, my friend!"

Craggark also thanks Katswiri for the timely healing.

”Much obliged to you!”

Katswiri nods in response to the thanks from Jamir and Craggark, then puts the wand away.

Before leaving the room, Katswiri will examine the broken weapons scattered across the ground. "Broken weapons, and shattered constructs that once were columns. Hmm...." She pauses for a moment to contemplate the surroundings before turning to Aroden and Robyyn. "I think these may have been Caryatid Columns. Look, it is hard to tell since they're broken, but they seem to have been built to a column form. I fought against several Caryatid Columns on our last mission, and they have a magically hardened skin that damages weapons that strike them. Our team had several adamantine weapons which made short work of them, but our druid's silvered warhammer was badly bent on contact." She gestures around at the broken weapon fragments. "This seems exactly what I would expect to see if these were that particular construct. Robyyn, Aroden, I would consult with your expertise if you have any additional knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of Caryatid Columns. If there were two here, more may lie in wait as guardians further in."

Knowledge skill for identifying the construct and its special abilities or other information. The interaction of knowledge skills and personal experience with encounters is always a little weird in pathfinder society, but she's got the knowledge to know what she suspects. Can Robyyn and Aroden make knowledge ID rolls vs. Caryatid Columns to remember what they know about them?

Knowledge:Arcana, take 10: 10 + 10 = 20

Robyyn considers what Katswiri has asked. "I don't have the experience that you have with these, and... well... I don't use weapons. But, that may be to our advantage, as I pay attention to other things in classes at the Grand Lodge." He pulls out a small journal and begins flipping pages to jog his memory.

Knowledge (arcana), take 10: 10 + 11 = 21

Indeed, Katswiri's suspicions are confirmed, as Mythryndyr's arrow shatters when it hits the caryatid column. The creatures spring to life.

I'm assuming Myth waited for the brainiacs to finish their notes and deliberations before moving on to next room. You get no questions based on examining the shattered remnants--just not enough intact to make the call, other than recognizing pieces of some kind constructs or maybe animated objects (and the previously revealed Discovery). You'll need to roll a check when you see the intact ones...you can roll now and let me know your question(s). I'll give info on your turn.
Kn-Arcana DC13 to ID column (but I'll grant Katswiri does recognize they are caryatid columns, albeit of archaic design-N Constructs with construct traits). KN-Arcana 18+ gets 1 question, 23+ 2 questions, 28+ 3 questions.

. Initiative order
Bold may act
. Myth
Craggark
Aroden
Jamir
Katswiri
Robyyn

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24
On his turn, Aroden would like to know special attacks and defenses.

Knowledge: Arcana: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Katswiri will know about the weapon breaking ability, since she's already mentioned it.

Craggark springs into action, brandishing his shield and shouting "Stay near me! I can help shield you!"

30 foot move. Martial Flexibility to gain Saving Shield once more.

The column made out of what appears to be blue quartz lumbers forward and attacks Craggark. The sword it wields suddenly no longer appears to be made of stone, but rather high-quality steel. It cuts Craggark deeply.

Aroden knows that, in addition to having construct traits (immune to mind-effecting, poison, etc), they are also immune to magic that allows SR, although spells like Transmute Rock to Mud and Stone to Flesh are effective against them. He cannot recall any special attacks.

Katswiri recalls that, when struck, they can Shatter Weapons: Whenever a character strikes a caryatid column with a weapon (magical or nonmagical), the weapon can easily be damaged. While hardness can protect the weapon, anything less than adamantine stands a chance of being damaged. And weapons that take any amount of damage in excess of their hardness gain the broken quality.

att: 1d20 ⇒ 14dmg: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

. Initiative order
Bold may act
. Myth
. Craggark -11hp
. Blue, lightly damaged
Aroden
Jamir
Katswiri
Robyyn
Red

"Don't use direct spells on them! Indirect might work..."
Aroden moves up and casts Create Pit on Red, spending a reservoir point to boost it to CL 6 (so 30' deep). Reflex DC 17 or fall in and take 3d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 1) = 5 damage.

the column made out of red stone tumbles out of sight, landing at the bottom of Aroden's pit with a satisfying thump.

reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 4

. Initiative order
Bold may act
. Myth
. Craggark -11hp[/b]
. Blue lightly damaged
. Aroden
Jamir
Katswiri
Robyyn
Red -5hp in pit

Katswiri hustles forward,
"As I feared, Caryatid Columns! Don't strike them in melee, anything softer than Adamantine or enchanted Mithril is likely to break! Jamir, help me block the path while our ranged support picks them off. Craggark, fall back and cover Jamir from behind!"

Double Move

I think we're probably going to have some trouble here unless someone is carrying an enchanted mithril or adamantine weapon, since I think we probably want to keep our weapons intact for the most part.

Jamir and Katswiri can form a pretty effective wall though if we block the path and take total defense actions; Katswiri would be AC 25, and Jamir AC 28 I believe (though Kat will be at 21 this turn, since she had to double move to get in place). That would hopefully allow for Aroden and Mith to handle these in a way that doesn't involve all our gear getting destroyed.

That's a lot to shout in six seconds. ;)
We'll be okay. Craggark can just punch them. I don't think his hands would take damage, though I could be wrong.

Robyyn moves up to the edge of the ledge, pushing past Aroden and Myth to get through. Both feel the breezes that constantly swirl around Robyyn briefly intensify, raising motes of dust into the air as they ruffle both Pathfinders' clothes and hair. Robyyn pushes outward with both hands together, pointedly in the direction of the column advancing on Craggark. "Back!" he yells as the combined force of all of Robyyn's breezes push outwards, attempting to bowl the column over.

The dust settles around Robyyn as his hair and beard fall to his shoulders and chest, both lifeless for the first time any of this group have seen.

I don't think I'll be following that plan, Aroden. I'll be falling back.

Forgot to roll for Knowledge

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Resistances, Saves, Weaknesses/Vulnerabilities (kinda think I might have preferred that roll for the bull rush, but it is what it is)

Robynn's blast of air pushes the creature back a few feet.

You pretty much know everything other than that they can stand as still as a statue, gaining a bonus to catch someone unawares. They have a little bit of DR (helps with the shatter weapons). The weaknesses are susceptibility to Stone to Flesh and Transmute Rock to Mud...

. Initiative order
Bold may act
. Myth
. Craggark -11hp
. Blue -6hp
. Aroden
Jamir
. Katswiri
. Robyyn
Red -5hp in pit
[/b]

Sorry, folks - tough week at work. But it's almost over!

Accepting Katswiri's suggestion for the moment, Jamir moves to the top of the stairs next to Craggark and takes the total defense action.

You hear the faint noise of the red caryatid columne attempting to climb out of the pit.

hmm: 2d20 ⇒ (9, 1) = 10

. Initiative order
Bold may act
Myth
Craggark -11hp
. Blue -6hp
. Aroden
. Jamir
. Katswiri
. Robyyn
. Red -5hp in pit

Myth will fire twice more at blue...

Shortbow: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 18
Magic/Cold Iron Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 8

Shortbow: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 19
Magic/Cold Iron Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 9

Small chips of stone fly as Myth's arrows shatter against the column, damaging it slightly.

Craggark, you're up.

Craggark pulls out a flask of alchemist’s fire and flings it at the guardian, stepping back from the front line as he does so.

Ranged Attack, Alchemist’s Fire: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 241d6 ⇒ 2 CRITICAL HIT!
Critical Confirm if subject to such: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 71d6 ⇒ 4

Saving Shield still active for those adjacent to me.

Craggark moves away from the construct, seeking to put some distance between himself and the deadly creature. Then he pulls out an alchmist fire.

you can't pull out an alchemical weapon as part of a move action, it's a separate move action. So move action to move, standard action to pull out flask.

Then the caryatid column made of the blue stone moves forward and attacks the halfling, slashing one of his arms.

att: 1d20 ⇒ 15dmg: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

. Initiative order
Bold may act
. Myth
. Craggark -11hp
. Blue -13hp
Aroden
Jamir -5hp
Katswiri
Robyyn
Red -5hp in pit 4 more rounds