GM PDK The Rasping Rebirth (Tier 12-15) (Inactive)

Game Master Purple Dragon Knight

Moved.

In case it didn't go in PMs.

1d20 + 20 ⇒ (12) + 20 = 32

Where are the swarms? I dont see them on the map. Also curious about what it used to cast them as most spells that summon swarms are 1 round casts. Lilly is currently immune to poison in case that matters. I will take my turn when I know where things are but here are my saves.

Distraction: 2d20 ⇒ (16, 17) = 33, take lowest +20 for 36
Second save if needed: 2d20 ⇒ (9, 15) = 24, take lowest +20 for 29

Rand started towards the worm caster, but after scanning the room says "There's another one over here." and flies towards it.

@Rand:You're out of movement northwest of the first Worm that Walks- it will have to wait next turn.
@Lilly: thanks for the rolls! PS: the swarms are the four white 10x10 blocks located in the beetle's mouth where Favian and Lilly are located.

Lilly tries to work out what spell might have conjured up so many swarms.

Arcana to identify a spell in place, DC20+spell level: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32

She backs out of the swarm and her action will depend if she knows what the spell is.

What is the pink blob on the map at the back next to the rear worm that walks?

@Lilly: Will save please.

Here you go. In case it matters I am trying to work out what the spell was that created the swarms, concerned really about whether w are dealing with insect plague (which is stationary) or creeping doom (which is very much not!

Will save: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27

Lilly shouts, It's an insect plague, get out of it, it shouldnt follow you!

With that she brings down a column of buring divine fire on the monstrosity, setting the stomach fluids to boiling which can only add to the ambience.

Casting flame strike at the rear worm as Rand seems to have the front one covered. DC27 reflex save for half. My concentration is +26 so I cannot fail the continuous damage checks.

SR if needed, spell pen: 2d20 ⇒ (6, 10) = 16 take the lowest +15 for 21
Damage, half fire, half divine: 13d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 4, 1, 3, 5, 3, 5, 6, 2, 5, 1, 3) = 44

tentacle grapple: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35 dmg: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 Lilly has the grapple condition and cannot move away from this spot

What tentacles? I dont see the black tentacles still on the map so I had thought they were gone. I would not have run into black tentacles. It is very diffiuclt to read the map, is there a spot I can stand which isnt in black tentacles, a swarm of an acid pool? If so that is where I will go. If there isnt I will enter the tentacles and the grab attempt will trigger my lesser talisman of freedom and I will ignore it.

Had to declutter at Teriq's request but they are still there (we're only in round 6). It's still the optimal choice I believe. ;) Edit: added a note in Slide 6 margin under 'Mouth'

OK, I think I see the note, I was confused by the circular shape as that isnt a regular spell template. Posted my revised actions above.

Teriq flies around the front of the beetle, hoping to get a better view, then tries to end the illusion of the worm creature, hoping it will reveal their true foe.

taking AC/reflex save bonus from Fervor
Single move, then casting Dispel Magic on the illusion of the worm, attempting to dispel the effect.

CL check vs 11 + CL: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

Switching to additional movement from the blessing.

FORTITUDE: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26
FORTITUDE: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

WILL: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Favian casts a light spell on a crossbow bolt, letting the old spell subside. He drops the bolt at his feet and then he then moves out of the beetle's mouth.

tentacle grapple Teriq: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23

Tothek you're up

Tothek went! I think you missed the post.
(He flew up to the mouth, and attempted to dispel the swarm (though failed))

Probably why he thought he was over at the mouth in discussion. =)

Oh, and freedom of movement on Teriq, so no need to check the tentacles for him

Can I get a resolution of my turn and the flamestrike?

GAH!!! long post coming tonight folks! being slammed at work! patience! patience! :) Just to make sure: everyone is where they want to be on the map, tentacles, swarms, acid pool and all? if not use Discussion to sort things out before my big night post! thanks! :)

Rand flies into the dead beetle's stomach and lands into the pool of acid near the Worm That Walks. He spots a second one behind a pillar of tumors further out into the acid pool.
acid dmg: 10d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 1, 5, 6, 1, 6, 1, 5, 2) = 32

Tothek flies inside the mouth and the tentacles reach for him.
grapple: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30 dmg: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
He tries casting a spell but the magic appears too weak to dissipate the swarms.

Lilly also gets caught by the tentacles (results in yesterday's post) and flings divine fire at the rear Worm That Walks. It writhes in pain!
Reflex DC 27: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Teriq joins the others inside the beetle's mouth.
grapple: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22
The tentacles fail to grab him and he dispels the illusion of the Worm That Walks, to the great dismay of Rand!

Favian illuminates the area and gets out of the nasty swarms!

acid dmg Teriq, Tothek, Lilly: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9

More worms join the Worm That Walks, and begin to replace those that have been burned by Lilly's spell. The creature then wiggles its fingers in Rand's direction, and glowing runes and scintillating particles surround the monk.
Rand Will Save: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26
The monk feels the magic pull at his very essence, to take him away from his current reality, but he focuses his inner strength into a single point of focus against the spell's force, and the magic fails.

Initiative - Round 6 (Bold may go)
Favian -46 [outside]
Thrag -81 [???]
Tothek -19 [inside, (9) continuous dmg, grappled]
Rand -56 [inside, acid pool, (32) continuous dmg]
Teriq -52 [inside, (9) continuous dmg]
Lilly -44 [inside, (9) continuous dmg, grappled]
Worm That Walks -30

NOTE: acid pool depth: 5-feet (worm that walks head just sticking out of acid pool); mound of tumors: sticks out 5-feet above acid pool surface; stomach ceiling: 10-foot above acid pool surface; normal light within 20' of Favian; dim light in lower portion of stomach as indicated on map. Within swarm: distraction in effect - Spellcasting or concentrating on spells within the area of a swarm requires a caster level check (DC 20 + spell level). Using skills that involve patience and concentration requires a DC 20 Will save. Anyone suffering continuous dmg must also make a concentration check to cast a spell.

Lilly backs up out of the mouth, tentacles and acid to try and get clear of all of the nonsense. She then drops a second column of divine flame on the creature.

SR: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 2 = 29
SR: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 13 + 2 = 31
Take the lowset
Damage: 13d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 1, 6, 4, 5, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 6, 6) = 43
DC27 reflex save, I cannot fail the continuous damage concentration check.

Have we identified it yet? If not here is a check

Knowledge, heroism: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34
Knowledge, heroism: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35
Take the lowest. If it is planes add an extra 12

Just to note, I did not get grappled, the tentacles trigger my lesser talisman of freedom. I believe I should have 34 damage on me.

Did the worm that walks that I Was next to die, or was it just an illusion as previously eluded to? Regardless, Rand will do the following:

Rand launched himself at the Worm near the tumor, his Ki empowering his kick. Once in place he hammered blow after blow into the creature.

Taking AC, REf, and Attack from BoF. Using style strike on my first attack to flying kick over to the WTW.

Flurry Attack #1: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (12) + 22 = 342d8 + 9 ⇒ (2, 2) + 9 = 13
Flurry Attack #2: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (17) + 22 = 392d8 + 9 ⇒ (1, 4) + 9 = 14
Flurry Attack #3: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (2) + 22 = 242d8 + 9 ⇒ (1, 3) + 9 = 13
Flurry Attack Iterative #1: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 362d8 + 9 ⇒ (3, 7) + 9 = 19
Flurry Attack Iterative #2: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 252d8 + 9 ⇒ (6, 3) + 9 = 18

Crit Confirmation Iterative #1: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 322d8 + 9 ⇒ (5, 4) + 9 = 18

man, this thing is dripping digestive juices from the ceiling? Gross.

Teriq grimaces at the sight of Rand standing in the pool of acid, he glances back, to make sure Tothek, through grappled is in no immediate danger. Making sure to stay up off the floor, and not too close to the acidic fluids dripping from above, he then lifts his bow, and fires a brace of arrows towards their wormy foe.

5' step/fly forward, full attack with bow

Tothek delays, he’s ok for now, but will have trouble leaving.

I missed that Tothek got grappled. Lilly will help out

Seeing Torthek grabbed by the tentacles Lilly quickly casts a spell and tendrils of water wind around his body, helping him wriggle free.

Casting liberating command as an immediiate action. Torthek gets an escape artist check to escape with a +20 bonus. Thsi takes your immediate action so you wont get a swift on your turn.

Well, Tothek comes off delay and tries to escape.

Escape artist roll 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (13) + 25 = 38

Assuming that beats the grapple, Tothek flies out of the tentacles reach, and then casts light on an arrow.

Spell failure (High is good)1d100 ⇒ 13

Switching back to the +2 attack, AC, Reflex

Is anyone still grappled? I don't think so, but if so Favian will wade back in and try to tap the person with his wand of Freedom of Movement. If not he will total defense.

Use Magic Device: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20

(And Tothek also chooses +2 attack, AC, reflex)

Lilly unleashes more holy fire on the Worm That Walks... with the second blast the multitude of worms composing its body do not seem to keep up, and the creature begins to teeter.

Teriq's arrows slam into the squirming mass, knocking out clumps of worms in spots but not being as effective as they are normally against more wholesome creatures...

Rand sloshes through the acid over to the creature, his will greater than the insane pain of his body melting.
acid dmg: 10d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 1, 5, 6, 3, 6, 6, 3, 1) = 41

His first attacks are ineffective as his punches simply pass through the creature, displacing a few worms. He then decides to open his palm with his fourth attack and puts in practice his 'slap the water' training of yore. Worms fly out by the hundreds with an audible 'SMACK' that resounds throughout the demon beetle's innards.

...and the Worm That Walks discorporates into a useless swarm, which sinks at the bottom of the acid pool, wriggling (but not sizzling, strangely) in some kind of coordinated manner. Rand sees hundreds of tiny worms seep out of the tumorous growth nearby, from the ceiling, from the walls of the giant beetle... all eager to join The Worms That No Longer Walk.

Tothek hesitates, encumbered by the black tentacles. Lilly weaves a spell to free him. Favian puts his guard up.

After a few moments gaining new recruits, the newly formed swarm of worms turns on (or shall I say, all over) Rand!
swarm dmg: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 3) = 15 plus Fort save req'd

A quarterstaff made of the compacted husks of thousands of locusts bobs to the surface of the acid pool next to Rand...

acid dmg Teriq, Tothek, Lilly: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

Initiative - Round 6 (Bold may go)
Favian -46 [outside]
Thrag -81 [???]
Tothek -27 [inside, (8) continuous dmg]
Rand -112 [inside, acid pool, (41) continuous dmg, Fort save req'd]
Teriq -60 [inside, (8) continuous dmg]
Lilly -52 [inside, (8) continuous dmg]
Worm That Walks -111 [discorporated into a swarm]

NOTE: acid pool depth: 5-feet (worm that walks swarm now crawling over Rand); mound of tumors: sticks out 5-feet above acid pool surface; stomach ceiling: 10-foot above acid pool surface; normal light within 20' of Favian; dim light in lower portion of stomach as indicated on map. Within swarm: distraction in effect - Spellcasting or concentrating on spells within the area of a swarm requires a caster level check (DC 20 + spell level). Using skills that involve patience and concentration requires a DC 20 Will save. Anyone suffering continuous dmg must also make a concentration check to cast a spell.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16

Rand has been an adventurer long enough to know two things: a) when to fall back towards his allies, and b) when a swarm can't be harmed by his fists.

Rand opts to fly back towards his allies, acid streaming off of him. I took 1 move action straight back towards the group, which ended in the black tentacles.

As he lands, Rand says "It turned into a mass of tiny worms, so it's ripe for explosive magic. Also, if one of you could be so kind as to heal me, I don't feel so good."

Rand is also nauseated due to failed fort save; i.e. move action only.

Lilly has 10 too much damage on her as it still includes damage from the tentacle grab that never was.

Lilly focuses her mind and draws on the power of a rod in the shape of a narwhal horn wrapped in a squid tentacle. A point of light appears deeper in the throat of the dead beetle and it promptly explodes in an intense, brightness.

Casting intensified burst of radiance at the swarm. If i is evil it automatically takes damage, it gets a DC24 reflex save to avoid being blinded but I doubt that matters given it is a swarm.

SR if needed: 1d20 + 13 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 13 - 2 + 2 = 26
Untyped magical damage, no save: 10d4 ⇒ (2, 3, 3, 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 2, 1) = 21
Increased by 50% as it is an AoE for 31 damage
Blindness duration, dazzled on a save: 1d4 ⇒ 4

The swarm gets blown apart! And the adventurers see nothing else stir within the dead beast...

COMBAT OVER

Assuming Lilly gets out and assuming someone pulls Rand outside the mouth on their turn, no one suffers further acid damage; feel free to heal and come up with a plan and we'll get the game moving again tomorrow.

PS: Yes- Lilly has 10pts. less dmg.

Lilly ducks out of the mouth and then sets to healing herself with a pair of wands.

4 charges of infernal healing and one of cure light should do

How is everyone? No lasting injuries anywhere? Any idea where Thrag might have been sent to?

Teriq flies out of the mouth of the beast, glad the thing has finally been defeated.

He starts to speak, but again it comes out in the strange elemental language... He stops, and shakes his head slightly, before continuing, this time in accented common.

"This was not expected, to be sure. I did not get a good view of what happened to the half-orc... but it was likely not good, if he was indeed shifted to another plane against his will. He could be anywhere. There might be a clue in the worm-thing's possessions... but all I saw was the staff he dropped."

He shrugs, unable to help with that, as he goes over to tend to Rand.

Will cast a Heal spell on Rand.

He glances back at what remains of the Eternal Hive. "There was a weapon embedded at the back of that beast... though am unsure if it is this Riftcarver the Crusader by portal mentioned. Thought it would be bigger."

Rand's wounds disappear and he gives Teriq a nod of thanks.

"Wherever Thrag is, I hope he's enjoying himself. I'm sure with enough time the society can find him and retrieve him."

"Hopefully. The divinations required are far beyond my ken." The elf responds, with a shake of his head. "Until then though, it would appear we must continue, a man short."

He glances back inside the Eternal Hive, trying to determine if the acid has settled down, or drained away.

Anyone have acid resistance up already? To go in and fetch the staff, and the scythe (well, assuming the later is not trapped or something), and any other possessions the worm that walks might have had?
Else I can.

Worst comes to worst I can go.

@Teriq: make me a perception check.

Feel free to make these for me, if they come up unannounced. =)

Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 34

You think the acid is draining somewhat, and also changing color to dirty brown. A rotten smell begins to emanate from the dead beast as it does. You think it's gonna be a good hour or two before things air out and drain out completely.

While Teriq inspects the inside of the dead beetle, peering through its teeth, what are the others doing?

Tothek will cast resist energy-acid on himself, and then fly in to get the staff. He’ll examine it OUTSIDE the beetle.

Tothek flies in and grabs the staff; as he picks it up he sees other gear at the bottom of the acid pool, including a cloak and some other stuff that's impossible to make out now. He flies back out; unfortunately some of the acid is still active, but lesser somewhat now.

acid dmg: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

His spell completely protects him from that measly acidic post-drip.

As I mentioned it will be anywhere between an hour or two before the acid fully runs its course so that you can inspect the insides in all safety; what's the party's general direction at this point? we don't need a play by play for stuff like magic item identification (just cast / roll the skills as appropriate). You can use the Discussion thread to discuss the way forward if you want to keep Gameplay tidy.

we were following tracks... time to see if we can get lucky on that Survival check twice in a row? =)

And what of the scythe? was that grabable?

While the others deal with magic items, Rand will take a look and see if he spots any tracks.

Survival: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Rand finds a trail leading away from the site. He also notices that thousands of parasitic grubs have burrowed out of the corpse, only to gather into a quivering and harmless swarm, and that they are attempting to crawl away to safety.
What do you do?

Tothek will retrieve as much as he can, getting wet if he must.

“Surely one of you can create water, yes?

He’ll then assist with the identification of whatever is found (Can’t fail to get a 10]

Ok so I'll assume that you all wait for acid to neutralize itself against the dead beetle's innards, as Tothek is fishing for items into the bottom of the acid pool, which would go over his resistance of 20... I'll wait to see what Rand does with his discovery and we'll move things along the above-mentioned assumption I just made

Lilly will also happily try to identify any of the equipment which we recover.

Her spellcraft is +19 with heroism active