Bemmer uses his magic to inspect the cage, and sees a minor but long-lasting enchantment to keep the mechanical equipment in operation. Satisfied that it is safe, he steps in with Ironshanks and Kalkamedes.
Hannar pulls down the lever, and the cage begins to descend. It takes about half a minute for the cage to reach the bottom, in a natural cavern.
Palm-sized shards of jagged steel jut from halfway up the walls, bathing the cavern with a dark green light. A set of natural rock columns support the chamber’s ceiling, which rises to a height of twenty feet. A small tunnel leads to the south.
Another console, identical to the one above, sits here. You send the cage back up, and Wraith and Hannar ride down to join the first group.
The corridor is 5' wide, so I need a single-file marching order.
Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!
If Bemmer wanted to take the rope Ironshanks could lead the crew forward. I certainly don't want Kalkamedes to be bouncing down the hallways first. It should be easy to control him if something happens with the grappling hook.
"Eh Bemmah, mind holding our friend here so I can play first fiddle here in these tight quarters? Keep our sleepy friend here from gettin' outta control?" He offers up the rope.
If in front I'll have my axe and shield out at the ready and take 10 on perception and survival along the way: 20 and 16.
With Kalkamedes latched to the cage fairly securely, you advance down the corridor of the cavern. It quickly opens into a large cave. Palm-sized shards of jagged steel jut from halfway up the walls, bathing the cavern with a dark green light. A set of natural rock columns support the chamber’s ceiling, which rises to a height of twenty feet. A small tunnel leads to the northeast, and several rounded alcoves branch off from the main cavern.
A circular alcove buds off to the south from the larger cavern. An elaborate set of concentric circles inscribed in dull metal of different colors occupies much of the floor space. A haggard-looking gnome stands inside the circles and calls out, "Who's there? Help! Help me, please!"
Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!
Ironshanks gives one last glance back to make sure Kalkamedes looks secure then moves ahead with axe and shield in hand. Seeing the looks of the cavern he moves slowly and cautiously, studying the jagged green metal sticking out the walls and looking with some concern at the Gnome and the circles that he stands within. Taking 10 on perception: 20, +2 vs the metal/stone stuff.
"Gnome! What's the heck is goin' on in here?" He hails.
"Oh, thank the gods! I'm rescued! Please, break this magic circle and let me out! The Thrallkeepers imprisoned me here to use my fey essence to power their magic!"
Bemmer:
With your detect magic, you realize that the magic circle the gnome is standing in is powerful, but appears to be leaking. Also, when the gnome mentions "thrallkeepers", you remember something about them. They vanished thousands of years ago along with the runelords and the rest of ancient Thassilon. Gnomes are long-lived, but not that long-lived.
"I've lost track ... hundreds of years for sure ... maybe thousands? The thrallkeepers infused this prison with magic to keep me alive. Please, come destroy this ring!"
Wraith:
(This is from one of the rolls you made before the scenario) When the gnome suggests he has been there for thousands of years, you wonder why he isn't suffering from the Bleaching, which afflicts gnomes who stop having new experiences and leaves them colorless and listless.
Keeping her weapons up, "That is a long time. I thought your kind go through some 'change' after a while. I would think that would have left you quite colorless. What do they call it again, the washing? Ah, no, the Bleaching! That's what it is called, isn't it? It seems as if you have not gone through it. That would mean that you have not been deprived of new experiences these thousands of years. So, something in your story is not right."
Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!
Ironshanks stops and cocks his head a bit to the side "Well bafore we set ya free let's be sure this place don't hold any of them hostiles that could stuff ya back in there soon as we leave ok?" Ironshanks moves to explore the rest of the nearby cavern first.
Continue on taking 10 for perceptions: 20/22 vs stone/metal.
"Damnation. It would have to be clever ones that showed up. Ilvaster! Kill!"
As Ironshanks moves to see more of the cave, he realizes that there are two other chambers. The first contains another magic circle, with a beaufiful though dirty and clearly injured female elven warrior lying unconscious within it.
The other holds a large pool of stagnant water, and at the gnome's command, a dragon rises up from it! Twice the size of a man and black as midnight, it comes up out of the water and roars!
Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!
Ironshanks' eyebrows shoot up as the man hollers commands and a dragon appears "Holy hells boys I think that's a dragon! Get yer arses ready fer action!" He sets down his axe, draws out a potion vial and drinks it down as he sets his stubborn gaze on the lizard ahead.
Consequences of being ready for battle.. no free hand for potion drinking! Free action to drop axe, move to get potion, standard to consume: Protection from Evil: 1min. AC now 27 vs evilies.
Bemmer offers a short prayer to Torag and everyone feels bolstered Cast Bless. Bless fills your allies with courage. Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.
Hannar, you can either delay or you can make your knowledge checks and relay to the party. I'm fine with you waiting to decide your actions until after you hear the result of the checks, but you can't delay if you want to be able to share your knowledge. Do you still want to delay, or shall I give you your information?
Not sure what exactly you mean by "babbling idiot until the end of round effect". You can't speak until you have an action, which requires you to start your turn. Do you want to get your knowledge checks now and relay them (and potentially take other actions) or do you want to let the dragon act first, essentially losing your first round?
Hannar thinks about what he knows of Black Dragons and tells everyone that:
* They can breathe a line of acid
* They can fly as well as swim and breathe underwater
* Based on its size, this appears to be a young adult and will have a few spells and spell-like abilities available
He then fires off a missile from his wand, striking the dragon in the neck.
Bite:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
The dragon hauls itself out of the water and crosses the cavern quickly, taking a bite at Ironshanks, but glancing off his armor.
Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!
Before the old fella can even grab back up his axe the damned black beast was on him "Holy hells yer quick! That ain't gonna keep me from putting this axe through yer throat though!" He reaches down to grab his axe, leaving an opening for attack. Then he steps in closer and swings for its chest. Pick up weapon provoking then 5' step in and hack.
AoO Bite:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
Trusting in his armor and reflexes, Ironshanks takes his eyes off of the dragon long enough to pick up his axe. His trust is warranted as the dragon can't seem to penetrate his tough hide. He swings his axe and lands a strong blow. It doesn't draw blood, but there was a definite *thunk* as it connected.
Wraith slides forward and prepares to strike as Bemmer advances.
Will:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Hannar sends a mote of glitter through the cave which explodes just behind the dragon. The glitter covers the creature, but doesn't seem to get into its eyes.
Bite vs Wraith:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24damage:2d6 + 7 ⇒ (1, 4) + 7 = 12 Slam vs Ironshanks:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19 Slam vs Ironshanks:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 Tail slap vs Ironshanks:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
The dragon claws at Ironshanks, whipping its tail around as well, and reaches its long neck over to bite at Wraith.
12 damage to Wraith, 9 to Ironshanks.
As I understand the flanking rules on p197 of the CRB, if target is in between any line I can draw from every corner from my space to every corner to my allies space, then the creature is in flank. Am I reading that right? If not, I will wait for Ironshanks to 5'step into a flank position before attacking.
Wraith slides a little closer to the beast, then strikes.
That's not quite it ... if you can draw a line from yourself to your ally, and that line crosses non-adjacent sides of the enemy, then you are flanking. Ironshanks would need to 5' step southwest to get flanking. Since that benefits him as well, I assume he will, but I will wait for him to confirm.
Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!
Ironshanks knows the ways of war and nods, shiftiing his position for the sneaky, if not often overly foolish woman. "Ahh, looks like we got a real foe here fellas! Bring the axe down HARD n FAST!" He hollers, swinging away.
Ironshanks and Wraith coordinate like a well-trained team, with the dwarf landing a powerful blow to one of the dragon's flanks while the rogue slices major tendons.
AoO vs Bemmer:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28damage:2d6 + 7 ⇒ (4, 6) + 7 = 17
Bemmer moves up and tries to assist, but just gets a nasty bite of his own for his trouble. Ouch, 17 damage to Bemmer.
Will:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Hannar uses his last prepared spell to try to blind the dragon, but again it manages to be looking away at the right time. However, in the greenish light of the cavern, he is looking *fabulous* with all of the glitter!
Bite vs Ironshanks:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20 Claw #1 vs Wraith:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17 Claw #2 vs Wraith:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 Tail vs Bemmer:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27damage:1d8 ⇒ 2 5 damage to Wraith, 2 more damage to Bemmer.
Kalkamedes STR:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
You hear footsteps coming from up the hall, and the sound of a grappling hook being dragged across the ground.
Corruption Uncovered (Andoran): Honoring the request of Major Colson Maldris, you sought out and uncovered corruption in Andoran. Discovering such immorality in the ledgling democracy has taught you to be increasingly suspicious, and once per scenario before you make a Sense Motive check, you may add a +2 bonus to the check.
A dragon would know to take down a single opponent first. How she recalls this information is beyond her at the moment. "The way it fights us is tactically unsound."
Will share the Sense Motive spoiler with everyone.
With little more time to focus on such thoughts, the ninja continues her assault on the beast.
Male Dwarf Core Fighter 5 HP 54/54 | AC25 , T 12, FF23 | CMB:+8 CMD:20 Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +7 | Init +2 | Perc +11 Stonecunning, 60' Darkvision Step Up Effects: Extended Heroism!
Wraith {Gōsutoha ~Ghost Lotus} wrote:
A dragon would know to take down a single opponent first. How she recalls this information is beyond her at the moment. "The way it fights us is tactically unsound."
"Don'tcha think I don't know somethin' like that kiddo? Why us Dwarves have been fightin' dragons like this fer EONS! They be drawn in to our homes and riches like flies on orcs!" He scoffs, a bit offended at the declaration.
Perception DC15:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
"This one must be a deadie or somethin', it ain't bleedin'!" He hoots, throwing his own bit of 'know-it-all' back at the girl.
Hannar, I'm not sure why you did that ... weakening him won't slow him down because he's not carrying much weight in gear at the moment. If that was your intent, I'm ok letting you redo that action. If you had something else in mind, let me know.
