GM Kate's Extinction Curse [closed]

Game Master Kate Baker

You continue on. The steep stair exits into another wide corridor with a 20-foot vaulted ceiling. The ancient masonry is worn and countless holes riddle the mortar.

Rova immediately spots that the corridor is trapped! There are three launching mechanisms built into the walls that will shoot darts at you!

Disabling a mechanism takes a Thievery check to jam the tubes or a more difficult Crafting check to alter the mechanism itself. You'll need to break all three to make it through the corridor safely.

"Oh, this is good. Will definitely keep any Pharasmins out!" Rova exclaims as she spots the darts trap.

She waits and watches to see if Prism can jam it. I don't have Thievery, so can't help.

Unset offers a helpful appendage.
Will roll a Thievery check to Aid unless no one has a modifier higher than +14, then please consider his roll the primary

Looks like Prism is best at +19. Kennari can have a go with Crafting (+20) if you'd rather, though it sounds like the Thievery is easier.

Kennari also tries to assist Prism.

Prism grabs some small rocks from just outside and gently places them in the tubes to try and block them up real good. "That should do it."

Thievery: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26
Hero Point: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34

Prism jams the first mechanism! Two more to go!

No hero point needed, actually. The first roll was a fail, but not a crit fail.

Thievery: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (18) + 19 = 37

Thievery: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20
Thievery: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24
Thievery: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21
Thievery: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32

The second mechanism is much easier but the third seems to give Prism quite a bit of trouble as the rocks keep falling through the bottom.

I'll assume that Prism would have hero point re-rolled the first crit fail for the last mechanism, which then would have re-rolled into a regular failure. Would she also have hero point re-rolled the next crit failure?

I believe I only have the 1 Hero Point remaining. And yes I would use it on the first Crit Fail.

Prism easily jams the second mechanism, but the third ends up going off right in her face!

pew!: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (17) + 28 = 45
ouch!: 2d4 + 5 ⇒ (4, 3) + 5 = 12 piercing and acid: 4d4 + 8 ⇒ (2, 2, 1, 3) + 8 = 16

Unfortunately, Prism is close she can't avoid the dart! The acid stings even worse than the dart itself, but it can't quite take Prism down. The time it takes for the mechanism to reset gives her just enough time to finish jamming it, and the corridor is safe.

Prism screams grabbing at her burning face as the mechanism goes off. "AH! It burns. Pour some water on it!"

"Oh no, are you OK?" Rova gasps.

Still, Uncle Hektir would be awfully proud of that trap, she can't help but think.

Kennari rushes over, his hands glowing as he helps to wipe the burning acid from Prism's face.

Cast lay on hands for 30. Happy to keep refocusing and casting that until Prism is fully healed if we don't mind spending a few minutes.

Healing up and moving on?

Yeah, I think so.

Prism shakes her head as she sobs while Kennari heals her burning face. "Thanks, that feels a bit better." She looks up, a smaile never once leaving her face, though tears stream down her face.

"There, there. No more need fer tears, Prism," Unset says trying to be comforting as he lays an appendage on the gnome's shoulder. "Thanks to the Arodenite, the pain should be subsidin' soon. And no amount of acid could make ye look any less resplendent!"

Ready to move on!

You continue along once Prism's face is healed up.

This central chamber is bare of furnishings, though the floor bears many cracks and bits of broken mud. The corbelled arch of the ceiling rises to a height of 20 feet, and a 5-foot wide opening pierces the apex just south of its center. In addition to the rubble, the floor is scattered with other bits of debris ranging from shards of wood and glass to strange bits of metal and pools of foul-smelling substances.

Two large mechanical creatures reeking of acrid chemicals slowly start to move as you enter.

Initiative!
Prism
Unset
Kennari
Rova
Blue
Red
Niksi

Everyone up but Niksi! I asume Niksi was concentrating on Inspiring Defense coming into the batle per usual, so you will have the benefits of that when the creatures are up. No difficult terrain or anything in this room.

"What the heck are these?" Rova exclaims as she sizes up the first of the strange things. She then unleashes a couple of shots at it with her bow but the shafts simply break on its metal frame.

Actions: Hunt Prey with Monster Hunter, Strike x2

Crafting (untrained) to RK (would be safe for Arcana): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

+1 striking shortbow (deadly d10, magical, 60 foot range, reload 0): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (6, 5) + 2 + (7) = 20

Shortbow (iterative): 1d20 + 18 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 18 - 5 = 21
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (2, 6) + 2 + (1) = 11

"What the heck are these?" Rova exclaims as she sizes up the first of the strange things.

"Trouble," Unset concludes as he rushes and tumbles forward.

He then let's his appendages fly toward the construct.
Melee, striking thundering fist (magical, agile, finesse) v. blue: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 3) + 6 + (3) = 17
Melee, striking thundering fist (magical, agile, finesse) v. blue: 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 18 - 4 = 21
Damage B +1d6 So w/finisher (precision): 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 + 4d6 ⇒ (1, 5) + 6 + (3) + (3, 6, 2, 6) = 32

Rova and Unset both struggle to get a direct hit, though Unset's impressive finisher still deals some damage!

Rova isn't sure what she's facing.

Prism and Kennari still up!

Kennari searches his memory for anything he might know of the creature.

Crafting to Recall Knowledge: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35

Reserving remaining two actions until that is resolved.

Kennari immediately recognizes a pair of alchemical golems!

He knows that it is resistant to spells, but sonic will particularly harm it, cold will slow it, and acid will heal it.

"Sonic and cold, avoid acid!" Kennari shouts, as he moves forward and conjurs a defensive ward.

◆Recall Knowledge, ◆Cast shield, ◆Stride.

Prism swings with one of the only tools in her arsenal. "Maybe I can just hit hard enough?"

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 1) + 3 = 5
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 18 - 4 = 32
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 3) + 3 = 7
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 18 - 8 ⇒ (6) + 18 - 8 = 16
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 = 9
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

Prism's first attack gets the alchemical golem directly in a glass vial!

1d6 ⇒ 2

A vial bursts in an explosion of cold!

cold: 10d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 1, 5, 2, 2, 5, 6, 2, 2) = 37

Reflex: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23

The burst affects both Prism and Unset too! DC 28 Reflex save, and remember you get a bonus to your save from Niksi's song!

Prism's second attack is a regular hit. It looks like slashing isn't as effective at damaging glass vials as another damage type would be.

The golem responds by trying to inject Unset with a syringe!

stab!: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (1) + 22 = 23

And fails so badly that Unset gets a chance for his own attack! Opportunistic Riposte!

It then tries for Prism.

stab!: 1d20 + 22 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 22 - 5 = 32
ouch!: 2d10 + 6 ⇒ (6, 1) + 6 = 13
1d6 ⇒ 2

The needle itself hurts, but it tries to inject Prism from the glass chamber she already broke, which doesn't do anything extra!

It tries one more time on Unset.

stab!: 1d20 + 22 - 10 ⇒ (6) + 22 - 10 = 18

But misses.

The other golem exits its alcove and moves into the room. It fills a vial from a glass chamber and tosses it at Kennari.

Bomb!: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (17) + 20 = 37

Kennari's shield saves him from a crit!

1d6 ⇒ 1

Kennari takes 1 acid damage, 3 acid splash and 3d6 persistent acid damage. Rova takes 3 acid splash.

Everybody up!

Initiative!
Prism, -11 hp, DC 28 basic Reflex (with song bonus) vs 37 cold
Unset, Riposte on Blue, DC 28 basic Reflex (with song bonus) vs 37 cold
Kennari, -4 hp, 3d6 persistent acid
Rova, -3 hp
Blue, -49, broken chamber: 2
Red
Niksi

Niksi moves in closer so she has line of sight and summons her big automaton illusory friend to block the second golem from trapping her comrades.

Step and two actions to cast Illusory Creature

Calling on Groetus, Rova slams an arrow home into the red-tinged creature!

Great Groetus! (+1 striking shortbow eldritch shot, deadly d10, magical, 60-foot range): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35
Piercing damage: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (1, 4) + 2 = 7
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (4, 4) + 2 + (6) = 16
TK projective: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 2, 2) = 13
Deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 6

Kennari renews his protective ward as he fires a ray of icy-white energy at the construct engaging with Niksi's illusion.

Spell attack vs. red: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
Cold damage: 5d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2, 4, 1, 2) + 4 = 17

◆Cast shield, ◆◆Cast ray of frost.

Reflex DC 28: 1d20 + 20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 20 + 1 = 30 Evasion for Crit Success.

Prism is really good at avoid things as the chemical spray bursts well over her short stature. She continues to try and drive her sickle deeper into the machine.

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1) + 3 = 8
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 18 - 4 = 18
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 = 9
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 18 - 8 ⇒ (15) + 18 - 8 = 25
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1) + 3 = 6
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11

Niksi brings in an illusory friend!

Rova's arrow hits true, though the piercing doesn't seem to do quite as much damage as she hoped.

Kennari misses with his ray of cold, hoping to slow the creature. Kennari also has persistent acid to deal with.

Prism's first attack is a crit!

which chamber?: 1d6 ⇒ 4

This time, she hits a glass chamber filled with a volatile liquid that bursts into flame!

boom!: 10d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 4, 3, 4, 3, 5, 3, 2, 4) = 35, DC 28 Reflex

Reflex: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25

The explosion does a lot of damage to the interior of the golem and spills out onto Unset and Prism!

Initiative!
Prism, -11 hp, DC 28 basic Reflex vs 35 fire
Unset, Riposte on Blue, DC 28 basic Reflex (with song bonus) vs 37 cold, DC 28 basic Reflex vs 35 fire
Kennari, -4 hp, 3d6 persistent acid
Rova, -3 hp
Blue, -114, broken chambers: 2, 4 (<50% health)
Red, -19 hp
Niksi

Unset is up (with one riposte and two Reflex saves to resolve), and Kennari needs to resolve the persistent acid.

Persistent Acid: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 1) = 12
Flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Reflex DC 28: 1d20 + 20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 20 + 1 = 31 Evasion for Crit Success. Prism avoids the flames as she runs to the other side of the golem. "This is a fun creature. A gnome definitely made this."

Unset seizes an opening and strikes!
Melee, striking thundering fist (magical, agile, finesse) v. blue, Riposte: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 2) + 6 + (2) = 15

He faces the cold.
Reflex: 1d20 + 18 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 18 + 1 = 38

He faces the heat.
Reflex: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27

He faces a foe.
blue

He brings down the beat.
Melee, striking thundering fist (magical, agile, finesse) v. blue, Riposte: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 6) + 6 + (6) = 22
Melee, striking thundering fist (magical, agile, finesse) v. blue: 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 18 - 4 = 32
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 6) + 6 + (2) = 16
Melee, striking thundering fist (magical, agile, finesse) v. blue: 1d20 + 18 - 8 ⇒ (10) + 18 - 8 = 20
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 4) + 6 + (4) = 17

Unset gets an excellent punch in on the golem, his fist smashing glass everywhere. Bludgeoning seems more effective than slashing or piercing.

Blue tries to inject the enemies in front of it!

stab! vs Prism: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (3) + 22 = 25

stab! vs Unset: 1d20 + 22 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 22 - 5 = 23

stab! vs Prism: 1d20 + 22 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 22 - 5 = 21

But it fails miserably!

Red tries to attack the new enemy in front of it.

stab! vs automaton: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (11) + 22 = 33

It strikes the enemy, who goes poof!

It then fills another vial to toss at Kennari.

bomb!: 1d20 + 20 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 20 - 5 = 27

Given the cover from the wall, that is a miss.

which chamber: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Kennari and Rova feel their hairs start to stand on end as they each take 3 electricity splash damage.

Initiative!
Prism, -11 hp
Unset, -35 hp
Kennari, -19 hp, 3d6 persistent acid
Rova, -6 hp
Blue, -130, broken chambers: 2, 4 (<50% health)
Red, -19 hp
Niksi

Everybody up!

Seeing his fists do damage, Unset continues to swing at the golem before him.
Melee, striking thundering fist (magical, agile, finesse) v. blue: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 4) + 6 + (6) = 17
Melee, striking thundering fist (magical, agile, finesse) v. blue: 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 18 - 4 = 23
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 6) + 6 + (2) = 16
Melee, striking thundering fist (magical, agile, finesse) v. blue: 1d20 + 18 - 8 ⇒ (9) + 18 - 8 = 19
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 4) + 6 + (5) = 16

Prism is enjoying herself, having no problem moving faster than the breaking vials.

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 1) + 3 = 5
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 18 - 4 = 21
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1) + 3 = 8
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 18 - 8 ⇒ (6) + 18 - 8 = 16
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3) + 3 = 10
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9

Rova gives a little start as the spark of electricity leaps from the wall to her, throwing off her aim.

Three-action eldritch shot vs. Red
Great Groetus! (+1 striking shortbow eldritch shot, deadly d10, magical, 60-foot range): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23
Piercing damage: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 6) + 2 = 14
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (5, 4) + 2 + (4) = 15
TK projective: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 4, 5) = 21

Unset and Rova both struggle to connect, while Prism gets a decent slash on one of them.

Niksi and Kennari both up!

Initiative!
Prism, -11 hp
Unset, -35 hp
Kennari, -19 hp, 3d6 persistent acid
Rova, -6 hp
Blue, -135, broken chambers: 2, 4 (<90% health)
Red, -19 hp
Niksi

Gritting his teeth against the acid that continues to sizzle on his skin, Kennari renews his shield and fires off another ray of cold, hoping to slow the construct down.

Spell attack vs. red: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32
Cold damage: 5d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3, 1, 2, 3) + 4 = 15

◆Cast shield, ◆◆Cast ray of frost.

Persistent acid: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 4) = 12
Flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 6

The attack from a spell does less damage than expected, but the cold seems to seize up the creature's joints!

Initiative!
Prism, -11 hp
Unset, -35 hp
Kennari, -31 hp, 3d6 persistent acid
Rova, -6 hp
Blue, -135, broken chambers: 2, 4 (<90% health)
Red, -24 hp, slowed 1
Niksi

Niksi is up!

Niksi summons another illusory automaton to block for her allies while she moves forward.

Two actions to cast illusory creature, one to stride

Niksi brings Brother back in!

Blue, very badly damaged, keeps trying to attack the nearest enemies.

stab! vs Prism: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (19) + 22 = 41
ouch!: 2d10 + 6 ⇒ (9, 4) + 6 = 19
chamber: 1d6 ⇒ 6

The injection, perfectly placed, makes Prism very sick! DC 26 Fort save or sickened 1, sickened 2 on a crit failure

stab! vs Unset: 1d20 + 22 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 22 - 5 = 18

It then completely misses Unset, leaving an opening!

stab! vs Unset: 1d20 + 22 - 10 ⇒ (13) + 22 - 10 = 25
ouch!: 2d10 + 6 ⇒ (4, 5) + 6 = 15
chamber: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Red swings at the figment created by Niksi.
stab! vs Brother: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (18) + 22 = 40

Which goes poof! It then tries to inject Niksi!

stab! vs Niksi: 1d20 + 22 - 5 ⇒ (9) + 22 - 5 = 26

ouch!: 2d10 + 6 ⇒ (7, 3) + 6 = 16
chamber: 1d6 ⇒ 5
poison: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8

Initiative!
Prism, -49 hp
Unset, -35 hp, opportunistic riposte! 15 damage unless riposte takes it out
Kennari, -31 hp, 3d6 persistent acid
Rova, -6 hp
Blue, -135, broken chambers: 2, 4 (<90% health)
Red, -24 hp, slowed 1
Niksi, -24 hp

Everyone is up! One good hit might take out Blue!

Unset again seizes an opening and strikes!
Melee, striking thundering fist (magical, agile, finesse) v. blue, Riposte: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 1) + 6 + (3) = 12

After being jabbed, he strikes back repeatedly.
Melee, striking thundering fist (magical, agile, finesse) v. blue, Riposte: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 4) + 6 + (3) = 16
Melee, striking thundering fist (magical, agile, finesse) v. blue: 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 18 - 4 = 27
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6, 1) + 6 + (1) = 14
Melee, striking thundering fist (magical, agile, finesse) v. blue: 1d20 + 18 - 8 ⇒ (10) + 18 - 8 = 20
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 1) + 6 + (3) = 11

While Unset's riposte doesn't quite connect, his second attack does, and the alchemical golem crumbles!

You can do something different with your third action if you would like.

Initiative!
Prism, -49 hp
Unset, -50 hp, new third action if desired
Kennari, -31 hp, 3d6 persistent acid
Rova, -6 hp
Red, -24 hp, slowed 1
Niksi, -24 hp

You can do something different with your third action if you would like.

Thanks.

"Don't worry, Prism. Ye won't be hit again, if Ole Unset has anythin' t'be sayin' r'bout it!" Unset tries to reassure his injured ally as he places himself between the golem and the gnome.
Third action=Stride

Rova keeps her focus on the remaining mechanical horror, trying to shoot around her companions as she hopes to send the thing to her patron.

Great Groetus! (+1 striking shortbow eldritch shot, deadly d10, magical, 60-foot range): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (5, 5) + 2 + (1) = 13
TK projective: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 4, 3) = 14
Deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 1

Fort DC 26: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20 Sickened 1

"Thanks Unset..." Prism's face turns a strange shade of green as she begins to get sick from the fumes. "That is awful." She slices through the mist trying to get it to stop.

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 18 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 18 - 1 = 24
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 4) + 3 = 9
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 18 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 18 - 4 - 1 = 26
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3) + 3 = 9
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 18 - 8 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 18 - 8 - 1 = 20
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3) + 3 = 9
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

Rova continues to have terrible luck while Prism gets in one good hit, thanks to Unset helping her gang up!

Initiative!
Prism, -49 hp
Unset, -50 hp, new third action if desired
Kennari, -31 hp, 3d6 persistent acid
Rova, -6 hp
Red, -30 hp, slowed 1
Niksi, -24 hp

Niksi and Kennari up!

Niksi begins to harmonize with herself, not wanting to expend any more spells yet.

Harmonize, inspire courage, inspire defense