GM Rinaldo's Midnight Mirror (Inactive)

Game Master The Great Rinaldo!

I have some holy water, acid and alchemist's fire...would they work? Patros says holding out a couple vials from his bandolier

"I do not think they will be effective. Best to save them for the heart, if our weapons prove ineffective."

mwk greatsword power attack, Furious Focus +8 (2d6+6+3/19–20)

It takes nearly two full minutes, but eventually Nino hacks open a person-sized hole in the wall.

Before I describe what is beyond, place yourselves around Nino however you want to be when he punches through. You've had two minutes to prepare yourselves, and could tell when he was close, so you can cast spells and have only a few rounds counted off.

The token on the map with the blue outline is Nicasor.

As Nino smashes through the last bits of wall, Laiashi draws a single dagger and squeezes the handle, heating up the blade in preparation.

No other prep for me.

Ushi waits behind his warrior allies, ready to provide divine aid as necessary.

Placement is fine, no spells yet until we see what we are dealing with.

ready

good to go

Dark flagstones pave a twisted reflection of the courtyard in Boroi Manor. Walls of thick, writhing flesh fill the archways that would normally lead to adjoining rooms; a layer of seeping black ichor covers each wall. Above, only a black void exists where one would expect to see the sky. What appears to be an enormous, quivering black plant is growing in the central pool. Black tendrils are everywhere, pushing into the manor and running through it like veins into the rest of the house.

The map looks a little weird now because I had to make a copy and add grid lines to the room the Heart is in. Also, they put a huge creature in the center of a room with an even number of squares, which doesn't work for combat, so I've had to offset it slightly. The sacrifices art must make for practicality! ;-)

In a lovely bit of irony, Nino is the only one who did not win initative. Everyone else is up!

Finally. Laiashi leaps into the room and finds a corner. It kind of looks like a... plant. Let's see if it acts like one. She stretches out her empty hand, and flames leap out of it.

Movement will provoke an attack of opportunity, if it has Combat Reflexes (and reach). Using my 1/day spell-like ability.

Burning hands: 4d4 ⇒ (2, 2, 4, 2) = 10

Ushi studies the heart for a moment before taking action, trying to glean any useful comparisons to more normal plants.

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20 Or whatever knowledge it might be. Definitely not Nobility, so bonus is the same.

Patros moves in and slashes at the entity with his blade. He assumes a stance to parry and return an attack.

attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 201d8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 3 = 11

intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

It is the end for you, fiend!

intimidate as a swift if either my attack or riposte hits

Laishi moves in before it has a chance to react, dousing it with flames.
Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 You didn't state your save DC, but that obviously fails.

Patros follows, trying to stab it, but he has difficulty identifying what part to actually stab...

Ushi looks at the heart, and suspects it is somehow related to an outsider known as a "tendriculos", which is plant-like in many ways. You can guess that plant traits apply, but this is a unique creature, so the DC is really high to know much more than that.

"As expected, its attributes are unknown to common sages." Ushi complains, gathering silver dust from his component pouch. "Let us learn if it can be blinded!" Speaking the prayer, he attempts to summon a burst of light to the lightless realm.

Concentration DC22: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Sadly, the magic fails him, drawing forth a muttered curse as he repositions closer to the breach of the wall.

As Ushi attempts to cast a spell of light, he curses the deep shadow that prevent the spell from taking effect. However, while watching the Heart closely, he notes that the burns from Laiashi's spell completely heal up before his eyes.

Nicasor notes this as well, and says "Whatever you brought to kill it, you should use it, otherwise it will just heal up your damage!"

The Heart then lashes out with two of its tentacles toward Laiashi while at the same time attempting to bite Patros.

Bite vs Patros: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Patros quickly swipes his sword to block the teeth, but doesn't manage to pierce the heart's bark. Parry successful, Riposte didn't hit.

Tentacle vs Laiashi: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Tentacle vs Laiashi: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
The nimble rogue easily dodges the stalks that try to hit her.

Nino can take his round 1 action, and everyone else is up for round 2.

I was afraid of that. Laiashi reaches into the folds of her clothing and pulls out the shard, as black as pitch. It seems drawn to the pulsating heart, as though it wants to skewer the thing.

Move to draw the hidden shard, 5' step, slash

+1 creepy-heartbane mirror shard vs creepy heart: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 2 = 14
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 1 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + (5, 6) + 2 = 21

Nino comes closer and hits as hard as he can.

mwk greatsword power attack, Furious Focus: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

damage: 2d6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 6) + 6 + 3 = 19

"Nicasor, will you help us or not!?"

Nino and Laiashi attack the heart, but find its bark to be very tough. The RNG is not your friend this round. :-(

To Nino's question, Nicasor responds, "Now that I've delivered you to the Heart, I need to see to the family and make sure they are prepared. The exit into your plane will likely be abrupt, and I want to be sure no one is hurt." With that explanation, Nicasor heads out the door.

Patros and Ushi are up!

Patros shifts over a step or two to allow Laiashi to find a weak spot in the heart's defenses. He swings his blade at it and then readies a defensive strike.

attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 131d8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 3 = 8

sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
crit: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 112d8 + 8 ⇒ (1, 1) + 8 = 10

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

With no one yet harmed, Ushi takes a moment to offer a prayer of blessing, taking the risk of stepping to the breach in order to reach everyone.

Bless on the party, while also seeing if it has enough reach to strike Ushi. Not casting defensively.

Patros, read the spoiler and react as you see fit.

Ushi casts a minor spell to see if the creature reacts. It does, lashing out a tentacle.
AoO: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
However, having to reach past Nino, it does not hit the oracle.

It then attacks everyone around it.
Who gets the bite? 1=Patros,2=Nino,3=Laiashi: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Bite vs Patros: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31 damage: 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 5, 2) + 8 = 21 Acid: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5 Grab: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21
Patros tries again to block the attack, but this time is not successful, and he feels teeth dig into his flesh. He also feels a horrible burning sensation as the heart's digestive fluids get into the wound. Finally, he notices it trying to latch on, but he manages to pull himself back. Nat 1 on the grapple check, so the full attack continues.

Tentacle vs Nino: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
The heart smacks Nino's armor ineffectively...

Tentacle vs Laiashi: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 Grab: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (2) + 20 = 22
...but manages to connect with Laishi, wrapping the tentacle around her. Laiashi is now grappled.

Sense motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Nino attacks the Heart.

mwk greatsword power attack, Furious Focus: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

damage: 2d6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 6 + 3 = 14

confirm crit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

damage: 2d6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 4) + 6 + 3 = 14

Nino swings his sword, and cuts the creature, though not as severely as he had hoped. Crit does not confirm.

Patros points to Nicasor.

Hey...the family is the other way...oh, ny the gods....I think he set us up! he says before getting gnawed on by the creature. He almost falls down, but manages to keep on his feet....barely.

I....have to...step back...withdraw on my next action...on my phine atm...can soneone move me back please? ty!

Patros, it is currently grappling Laiashi, so even though it has reach, you can get out of the room. I've moved you a single move action, you can still take a standard or move again to follow Nicasor.

I'll follow him

Stepping aside, Ushi reaches a hand out to Patros as he retreats, positive energy flowing into his wounds.

CMW: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (2, 7) + 5 = 14

I figure a readied action on Ushi or Patros' part will let him heal on the way by without making it too difficult.

I'll allow Ushi to ready to tag Patros as he goes by.

As Patros limps away from the Heart to see where Nicasor went, Ushi utters a very fast prayer to heal some of his wounds. Getting to the door into the hall, Patros does not see Nicasor.

I'll drink to your health when we are done, my friend...many drinks, in fact. the Taldan says as he tries to find Nicasor. Not seeing him, he
listens for footsteps.

perc: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 keep moving, grabbing a potion of CLW from my bandolier as I go

You can't pull a potion while moving - only weapons and "weapon-like" objects (which as far as I can tell only includes wands) can be drawn as part of movement. You don't hear anything, so if you want to keep moving, you have 10' left and can pick a direction.

Laiashi is still up!

gotcha...move my token

Laiashi twists in the creature's grip, trying to land a blow with the shard despite being severely restricted in her movements.

+1 grabby-plantbane mirror shard vs grabby plant, grappled (-4 Dex, -2 attack): 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 2 - 2 - 2 = 20
Damage + bane -4 Dex: 1d4 + 4 + 2d6 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (4, 3) + 2 - 2 = 13

"That bastard, we have to find him! Laiashi try to break free and escape!"

Laiashi tries to stab the Heart, but can't quite get the shard into position.

For it's part, the Heart loosens its grip so that it can try to bite her. Does not maintain grapple, starts full attack beginning with a bite. The first attack that successfully grapples ends the full attack.

Bite vs Laiashi: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25 damage: 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 1, 3) + 8 = 13 acid damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3 grab: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36

Laiashi takes 16 damage and is now grappled in the creature's mouth. She notices how very large the creature's mouth is ... big enough for her entire body to fit into.

Everyone is up!

”Nino, can you bring it down?” Ushi calls as he moves into the room to help the grappled Pathfinder. ”My healing power can only last so long!”

CMW on Laiashi: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (7, 8) + 5 = 20

What do I have to roll to pull Laiashi out?

Nino: There is much debate on the topic. The rules don't really cover it, but I've made some inferences over the years. The way I see it, your options are:
1) Knock the grappler out (not likely right now with the low amount of damage it currently has)
2) Use Aid Another to assist her AC/CMD on the Heart's next grapple check to maintain
3) Use Aid Another to assist her CMB or Escape Artist check to escape on her next action
4) Attempt an Escape Artist check of your own to pull her free, using the same DC as she would have to make (this one isn't directly supported by either the grapple rules or the escape artist rules, but is implied by text in some other places I've seen that give bonuses to doing this).
5) Use magic or special class abilities that override the normal rules that apply.

3) Use Aid Another to assist her CMB or Escape Artist check to escape on her next action

Nino tries to help Laiashi to escape from the heart.

CMB aid: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Action economy is not our friend here. Trying to break the grapple takes up my whole turn, whether or not it even works, and it doesn't seem like anyone else can do much against it. What do you guys think? Should I try to break free or keep stabbing?

Edit: it looks like Nino is voting with his turn.

Laiashi struggles against the heart with Nino's help.

Escape Artist + aid: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 2 = 15
Assuming that doesn't work, I'll use my shirt reroll here.
Escape Artist + aid + 1 GM*: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 27

Then 5' step.

Assuming no one gets grappled on its attacks, it’s time to retreat.

With help from Nino, Laiashi extracts herself from the creature's grasp, while Ushi uses a spell to partially heal her wounds.

Patros is up!

Patros calls out to the others. I'm fine, but I lost that rat. [/b]

since he doesn't know they are retreating, he continues following Nicasor.

Patros begins circling the lower level, but sees no sign of Nicasor.

The Heart lashes out at everyone around him.
Who gets the bite?1=Nino,2=Ushi,3=Laiashi: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Bite vs Ushi: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25 damage: 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 1, 3) + 8 = 18 Acid: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10 Grab: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (12) + 20 = 32
Nino takes 28 damage and is grappled in the Heart's mouth. Because the heart is now grappling, its full attack ends.

Everyone is up!

See discussion thread. Combat is over for the moment, and Nino, Ushi, and Laiashi are currently safe in the dining room.

"Patros, return back! We will search for him all together. We all escaped from the Heart."

Nino takes out his wand and starts healing his teammates.

CLW Nino: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

CLW Nino: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

CLW Nino: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

CLW Nino: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

CLW Nino: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"Who needs the healing!?"

What's your next move?

Nino exits the room and opens the door on opposite side of the hallway.

Patros moves to a door and flings it open.

So where did that little-- "Nicasor?" Laiashi calls out. "We've killed the heart, but I think only you can open the portal out of here. We all need you!"

Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24