The Harrowing - DM Puppet Master (Inactive)

Game Master Anon A Mouse

Based on the woman who ducked underwater, Lokhir can tell that they're definitely responding to the group's presence; it looked like the woman was trying to hide from the group by ducking below the water's bubbling surface.

The screaming continues for a moment longer but as the group doesn't move to attack it eventually quiets down. One woman tentatively responds to Kaldwell. "W-we can't. We've been chained in this pool by the Patchwork Lord.

Kaldwell does not pick up on any signs of deception.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Lokhir shook his head and sighed. "His depravity knows no bounds, does it? We would help you break these chains so that you might be free. To begin with, I am a mage of some power, myself. I will need to stand next to you to attempt them, so I am about to approach. I assure you that we mean no harm."

Unraveling (As a standard action, you can expend 1 point of mental focus to unravel a magical effect. This functions as a targeted dispel magic spell, but you must be adjacent to the effect to unravel it. If the effect is created by psychic magic, you receive a +5 bonus on your caster level check to unravel it. If the effect targets an object in your possession, you automatically succeed at the check. You must be at least 5th level to select this focus power)

Dispel Magic on the first woman that he was talking to: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Dispel Magic if that worked on the second one: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Dispel Magic on the third one if both of the above worked: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

And that would bring him down to 0/6 abjuration for the da

As Lokhir approaches, one of the two women tentatively starts to move closer, a hopeful look on her face. "You'll free us? How wonderful!"

The other woman starts to splash the water to try to get the attention of her still-submerged companion, who finally pops up with a large gasp of air. "They say they'll free us!"

The third turns to look at the group with her own hopeful expression. "Oh what gallant heroes!"

As Lokhir steps into the pool, he finds the sides to only be around 3 feet deep, though the ground slopes downwards towards the center a bit. He also finds the water to be shockingly unpleasant, though it doesn't seem to bother the women. Electricity damage, Lokhir: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9

Bluff: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (13) + 27 = 40
Eirnar: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (2) + 22 = 24
Unfortunately for the party, with a +27 Bluff modifier, there's no way they would have failed to either Kaldwell or Lokhir's Sense Motive attempt. And even though I had them roll Bluff to see if they'd get a surprise round, the only person with a high enough Sense Motive to have a chance of succeeding failed, though he does have an ability that lets him go last in a surprise round regardless.

Eirnar Will DC 23: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36
Despite the pain, the woman beckons Lokhir and the others closer. Eirnar starts to take a step forward before crying out too late, "It's a trap!"

@Kaldwell and Lokhir: I need you to both make a DC23 Will save or you're compelled to join the women in the pool to be "rewarded" per the Dominate Person spell. That was the women's surprise round action.

Eirnar does have a surprise round action, but it would occur after people have to make saves. I'll wait to decide what to have him do during the surprise round until after I see save results (though I'm also not sure he actually has anything that would help with that...). For Yattle and anybody who succeeds, feel free to take your Round 1 action.

Surprise Round
- Saves and Eirnar's actions
Round 1
- Party
- Women

DC 17 Kn(Planes) is the appropriate knowledge skill for the women.

"Uuuuugggghhhhhhh fighting things in water is the woooooorrrrsssssst!"

Yattle gestures and the bottom of the pool rises to smash into their enemies!

Empowered Entangling Earth Eruption, spending the point out of their Internal Buffer
Magic Piercing: 5d6 + 17 ⇒ (6, 2, 5, 2, 1) + 17 = 33 Empowered to 49, halved to 24. Ref DC 20 to halve again. On damage DC 20 Ref or entangled

Will: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

K Planes: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22

Actions held until more information is received

Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Eyes glazing over, Kaldwell began to move towards the water. It seemed like a good idea - such a good idea - to join the women in the water where it would be warm, and fun. Brief flashes of his family flittered through his mind, but he shrugged them off. Did he? They were there and then they weren't, so he must have.

So, I wasn't able to see anything obviously useful for helping Kaldwell from Eirnar's character sheet; he doesn't currently have Protection from Evil prepared (though he has open slots he could prepare them in after combat). The closest thing seems to be unbreakable heart which only seems to help if Kaldwell is told to harm or oppose an ally. He could also try to physically stop/grapple Kaldwell but with a strength of 6, his chances of success seem rather slim. Since I don't think there's an obviously correct answer here, I'd like to have Kaldwell's player control Eirnar while his own character is dominated.

Lokhir recognizes the women and succubi. In addition to not have any weaknesses, they are resistant to most damage. AKA since you got 5 above the target, I'm telling you the "Resistances" category as well since DR is kind of like weaknesses: DR 10/cold iron or good, Resist acid 10, Resist cold 10, Spell resistance 18

Reflex saves DC 20, half damage: 3d20 ⇒ (20, 8, 12) = 40 2 successes
Reflex saves DC 20, entangle: 3d20 ⇒ (16, 7, 20) = 43 Another 2 successes; I'll outline the entangled one in red

The women seem to nimble brush of the worst of Yattle's assault though one isn't quite quick enough to do so as well as the others.

Suprise Round:
- Eirnar (played by Kaldwell/standard or move action)
Round 1
- Lokhir, Eirnar (played by Kaldwell)
- Kaldwell (dominated; will be taking a double move closer)[
- Enemies
Round 2
- Yattle

"Succubi!" Lokhir said. "Do not hesitate." He finished before he raised a hand and began chanting the words of power needed to bless his sword.

Legacy Weapon: Holy Enchantment added. Attacks are good aligned and do +2d6 damage vs evil enemies. Is haste still active?

IIRC, the last time you used Haste was during the fight with Agrasug and Essessol. Since Haste lasts 9 rounds, it's definitely no longer active.

Eirnar glanced as Kaldwell moved towards another unpleasant demise, but there was little the smaller man could do to stop that. Instead he heeded Lokhir's call and turned with a gesture and a word towards the bath, a brilliant light flashing above the warm water, golden to the point of harshness.

Burst of Radiance seems like as good an idea as any. Aimed at the two closest to Lokhir without hitting him, they get to take a DC 19 Reflex or be blinded for 1d4 ⇒ 2 rounds, or if they succeed they are dazzled instead. If they happen to also be evil then they take 5d4 ⇒ (4, 2, 1, 1, 2) = 10 good-aligned damage, save or not.

Spell Resistance: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Reflex DC 19, entangled: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 9 - 2 = 15
Reflex DC 19: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

The two southern women cry out in pain as in a daze, Kaldwell moves closer. One reaches out towards the half-orc. "Though I cannot see you, your heroism shines on. Come, let me reward you with a kiss." The dominated half-orc complies as the two share a brief moment of intimacy before she pulls away. Kaldwell needs to make a DC 22 Fort save or gain a negative level as well as a DC 22 Will save or accept another act of passion.

The other blinded succubus moves slowly away, ducking underwater in a vain attempt to clear her vision.

The unentangled, unblinded one calls to Lokhir. "Brave warrior, will you allow me to see your sword for a moment?" Lokhir, make a DC 21 Will save or hand your sword over to the northern-most woman.

Meanwhile, electricity continues to hum through the water, once more shocking Lokhir as well as Kaldwell. Electricity damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

Round 2
- Yattle, Lokhir, Eirnar (played by Kaldwell)
- Kaldwell will remain in place
- Enemies

Eirnar (0 dmg, -2 Burst of radiance, -3 channel)

Will divination focus: 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 4 = 27

Hit: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24
Good Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9

Hit: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32
Good Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7

Confimr: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
Crit: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Holy on crit? Don't think so, but still rolling if it applies: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9

"My sword? You would like to see it?" Lokhir asked, his mind warded against intrusion. "It would be impolite to refuse." He said, as he stepped forward and launched himself into an attack.

Fort: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Kaldwell was tired, electrocuted and being kissed, but something about the situation made him take a step back. He had no idea why, but something in his instincts made him do so.

Eirnar decided that the sighted one was the most dangerous to the group as a whole, and decided that she could do with being weakened. The caster glared at the creature, using Evil Eye.

DC 21 Will save or the effect last 10 rounds. -4 to attack, AC, saves and skill checks.

Grumbling to themselves as their companions keep crawling into the spread of their geysers, Yattle instead draws together a mighty chunk of stone and hurls it at the surfaced succubus!

Empowered Entangling Earth Blast: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 16 + 1 = 31
Magic Bludgeoning: 5d6 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (6, 6, 1, 3, 4) + 17 + 1 = 38Empowered to 57. DC 20 Ref or Entangled

Lokhir manages to land two solid hits on the woman in front of him, who drawls, "Darling, I'm blind and even I can tell the one who was talking to you was over there." She points in the general direction of the woman to the north of her. "Honestly, how dumb do you have to be to have eyes and ears yet somehow think I was the one talking to you?"

As Kaldwell felt more of his energy being drained from him, he was able to resist enough to continue kissing her as he stood around.

Will DC 21: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Since Yattle went for an Entangling blast, I'm assuming they're aiming for the non-entangled woman.
Reflex DC 22: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Eirnar manages to curse one woman's ability to dodge while Yattle lands a strong hit but fails to entangle her quarry. She in turn switches her attention to the fey. "My dear, all this excitement has caused me to work up a terrible appetite. Would you be a dear and get me something tasty from the kitchen?" Yattle, make a DC 21 Will save or start looking for the kitchen to fetch some food.

The woman who had ducked underwater remains underwater.

The woman who Lokhir was currently engaged with turned in his general direction. "My dear, I shall always remember our afair, brief as it was, but I'm afraid I must leave now. While I'm gone, be a darling and do your best to interfere with the actions of your friends, will you? Non-violently if at all possible. After all, we do abhore violence." She blew a kiss in Lokhir's general direction before vanishing from sight. Mechanically, she's useing a Move Action to change his command to position himself in the party's way and take Aid Another actions to interfere with people's attacks.

She's incapable of failing a concentration check vs entangle for this
Concentration vs AoO DC25: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 20 = 40

Meanwhile the electric water continues to harm Lokhir and Kaldwell. Electricity: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4 By my count, Lokhir is down 23 HP from electricity so far

Round 3
- Yattle, Lokhir, Eirnar (played by Kaldwell)
- Kaldwell will automatically succeed his Aid Another attempt to give a +2 to the northern woman's AC for the first relevant attack and then probably move out of the water since he's getting low on HP and I don't think Dominate Person has people do suicidal things.
- Enemies

Eirnar (0 dmg, -2 Burst of radiance, -3 channel)

Is a will save needed? He passed his test last turn

Hit: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20
Good Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9

Hit: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32
Good Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

Confimr: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Crit: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Holy on crit? Don't think so, but still rolling if it applies: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

Lokhir gritted his teeth, which tingled from the electricity that coursed through him. Still, he managed to say "Look, it's called witty banter. And I think that you got the point." He said, as he stabbed his target once more.

Does who get a Will save? Kaldwell? If so, I believe the answer is no. There were two effects at play last round: Dominate Person and the Succubi's Energy Drain. The Succibi's Energy Drain gives a negative level as well acts as a Suggestion spell to accept another act of passion from the succubus. Technically speaking, as a Dominated person, I'm not sure Kaldwell would even get the save vs the Suggestion, but it felt unfair to have him just automatically gain a negative level every round if the succubus wanted him to, so I allowed him a Will save to see if he would potentially gain another negative level the next round. That's the save he succeeded against. He's still dominated for 1 day/level. If I was having him outright attack you or do something likely suicidal, those would both give another Will save vs Dominate, but I don't think getting in your way without harming you would qualify.

Eirnar moves closer to the water's edge. "Lokhir! Fall back for a moment, I have a spell to aid you." In the meantime he sent out a pulse of healing energy to keep Lokhir, Yattle and Kaldwell alive if he could, but prioritising the wounded Lokhir.

Oddly, Eirnar doesn't seem to have Selective Channeling, so while ideally he'd heal everyone he'll prioritise healing Lokhir and not healing any of the succubi that have already been hurt.

Yattle gyres upwards, tearing at the ground to hinder both succubi.

Ideally trying to finish off the wounded one. Since displaced water makes it a lot harder to hide while swimming, I'm assuming Yattle can pick out her approximate position to get them both, but I don't know where that is on the map.

Empowered Earth Eruption (Magic Piercing): 5d6 + 17 ⇒ (6, 5, 1, 1, 4) + 17 = 34 Empowered and halved to 25. Ref DC 20 to halve again

Oh, and not that it matters with that save roll, but if Yattle double entangles a target, they're also trapped in that square, so there is some virtue to doubling up. In any case it was targeted at whichever one was still at the surface of the water.

@Yattle: There were two on the surface of the water when you failed to specify a target. You also forgot your Will save vs suggestion, so I'll roll that for you now.

Yattle Will Save DC 21: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Yattle briefly thinks about blasting the succubi more, but then simply flies off to look for the kitchen.

Kaldwell manages to block Lokhir's first hit against the succubi, though the second one manages to land a strong blow that brings the woman down. As another bolt of eletricity surges through Lokhir, Kaldwell leaves the pool. Electricity Lokhir: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7

The no-longer blind woman who had submerged herself pops up again and moves next to Lokhir, chanting and attempting to lay a hand on the elf. She is unsuccessful though.

Attack vs Touch AC 18: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Round 4
- Yattle (looking for the kitchen), Lokhir, Eirnar (played by Kaldwell)
- Kaldwell will be attempting to grapple Eirnar
- Enemies

Energy Shield (As a swift action, you can expend 1 point of mental focus to surround yourself with a shield that protects you from energy damage. Whenever you take acid, cold, electricity, or fire damage, the shield absorbs the damage (as protection from energy). The energy shield can absorb up to 5 points of energy damage per occultist level you possess. This shield lasts for 1 minute or until its power is exhausted. Its effect doesn’t stack with itself, with protection from energy, or with resist energy. You can activate the energy shield as an immediate action by expending 2 points of mental focus instead of 1. You must be at least 3rd level to select this focus power.)

45 points of electricity absorption now

Abjuration is now 1/6

Hit: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29
Good Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

Hit: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Good Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9

With one enemy down, Lokhir began to chant the arcane words necessary to protect him from the water he was standing in. With his shield up, he turned and slashed at the woman who tried to grab him striking her hand as she reached for him.

If Grappling is aggressive enough to grant Kaldwell a will save then Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8, but I presume not, and that save won't do much anyway.

Eirnar moved up to Lokhir without getting in the water, casting Diviner's Fortune on him to give him a boost during the next round.

+4 to attack, skill checks, ability checks and saving rolls for the next round.

Lokhir hits the woman several more times as Kaldwell successfully grapples Eirnar's frail form (which I believe technically provokes an AoO) Yattle meanwhile keeps flying upstairs in search of a kitchen.

Kaldwell Grapple vs CMD 14: 1d20 + 18 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 18 - 2 = 27

1 stairs, 2 doors: 1d2 ⇒ 1

The woman strikes out twice, but doesn't manage to land a hit.
Claw 1 vs Lokhir: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Claw 2 vs Lokhir: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Party up. Eirnar is grappled and Kaldwell will continue along that line.

Perception: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (13) + 23 = 36

Anything up here that could count as a snack? :-D

Hit: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30
Good Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6

Hit: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
Good Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11

Lokhir danced out of reach of the demon and slashed her outstretched hand with his blade. ”Thats the problem with fighting with your hands. It gives the person with a sword a reach advantage.” Lokhir said, calmly. ”If you live to see tomorrow, then you should remember that.”

Is Eirnar going to do anything? While he's unlikely to break a grapple, it's not like he's helpless/can't do anything.

Now looking grievously injured, the last succubus takes a step away from Lokhir, blows him a kiss, and vanishes.

The succubi have either left or are dead, however, you still have Kaldwell attempting to pin Eirnar and Yattle looking for a snack, so keep your actions limited to one-round things so those can progress.

Lokhir reached out, grabbed the 'kiss' out of the air and mockingly held it to his chest. Stepping out of the water he pointed to Kaldwell and Eirnar. "Knock it off." He said, pointing to the two of them.

Dispel magic to remove the charm: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

"Our element of surprise is over. We need to heal our wounds and then keep moving."

Lokhir pushes against the succubi's magic. It feels like it's giving but in the end, it's not quite enough as Kaldwell attempts to pin Eirnar.

Pin vs CMD 14: 1d20 + 18 - 2 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 18 - 2 + 5 = 26

Yattle meanwhile continues their search for food, moving next to the closest unexplored door.

If Yattle finds out that the suggestion can't be carried out, it might break them free ::waggles eyebrows::

I think Lokhir's the only one who can really do anything at this point. Is he planning on doing something or is Yattle continuing to explore and Eirnar continuing to get tied up?

With a sigh Lokhir muttered [b"We don't have time for this."[/b] Deciding to expend more of his dwindling resources, he attempted to remove the magic once more.

Dispel Magic: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

This time Lokhir is able to dispell the compulsion on Kaldwell, who comes to with a pinned Eirnar beneath him. Meanwhile Yattle continues onwards, almost reaching the top of another set of stairs.

"Oh," the recent half-orc said. "Sorry about that." He hastily unpinned Eirnar and groaned inwardly at his memories. Also, the horrifying number of electrical burns covering his body.

Looking at Kaldwell's wounds, Lokhir said "We should tend to our wounds before we move on. Eirnar, if you would please..."

Channel: 5d6 + 5d6 + 5d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 1, 5, 2) + (1, 2, 4, 2, 5) + (4, 3, 2, 2, 3) = 39

Kaldwell current wounds: 13 + 39 = 52
He can also cast restoration to fix Kaldwell's negative levels

As Eirnar does his first channel burst, Yattle continues exploring.

"The bathing beauties downstairs wanted a snack. Do you not have food in the kitchen?"

Can Kaldwell get rid of one of the negative levels? I'm not sure if it's been a week in game since the last negative level removal.

Kaldwell sighed as some of the pain faded away. "My thanks for that," he said as he rolled his now looser shoulders. "Where has Yattle gone? We should probably reunite before venturing further."

You must gather your party before venturing forth.

You can go after Yattle if you want, but you're still essentially in combat rounds, meaning thus far Eirnar's only done one of the three channels Lokhir rolled. So it's up to you to decide if you want to hang around for more healing or go looking for your compelled fey.

Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Whimsical Outlook: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Le sigh

Each round is 6 seconds. I think that we can sit tight for 12 seconds to heal our wounds

Yup, wait until I'm less dead.

A talisman shatters
Will one more time: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

The pentacle shaped talisman that dangled from Yattle's neck shattered, and their will remained their own. With a quick gesture they filled the area with fire before flitting back down the stairs

Fiery Eruption: 5d6 + 12 ⇒ (3, 2, 3, 4, 3) + 12 = 27 Emptying my Internal buffer to Empower to a 40. Ref DC 22 for 1/2. My assailant isn't on the map, so place the blast so that they're on the edge of it and the 10' cylinder covers as much of the rest of the room as possible without burning me.

"Heads up!" they shouted after the boom, "I am not coming back with snacks!"

As Eirnar channels for a second time, the group hears a distinctly Yattle-esque explosion from one of the towers. Are you still just chilling for the third round/channel?

While it would be a good idea, it's not in Kaldwell's character.

Cursing, Kaldwell begins moving towards the yelling. Somehow he was not shocked that a snack run involving Yattle would end in explosions, especially not here. He wouldn't be shocked if it did so in a Yurt, for that matter.

"It's just a few more seconds!" Lokhir said with exasperation. "Yattle can fly!" He complained, as he followed Kaldwell.

Lokhir dashes forward, unburdened by the heavy armor slowing down his two companions. He rushes in the direction of the explosion, opening a door only to be greeted by inky blackness that not even his darkvision could penetrate. Eirnar and Kaldwell were a bit further behind, but not yet at a good angle where they could see the phenomenom.

Will: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

...

"Too dark to see." Lokhir announces before taking a step back. He then spins on one heel and swing twice at Eirnar.

Hit AC 25: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32
Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Hit AC 25: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16