You hit the streets and travel quickly the short distance to the Postmaster’s home. It’s a pretty two story affair, nicely appointed and, of course, carefully manicured with neat plantings.
There’s a chimney near the middle of the roof, and it’s currently belching smoke into the sky as if someone is burning a lot of somethings. It doesn’t smell foul, as if there’s a body being burned at least. More like paper…
Kort moves up to carefully look at he front door, and if it seems untrapped, he will see if it is unlocked, and if it is locked he will try to unlock it.
Perception
Disable Device
Kamari waits upon the Major--or for someone less patient to just knock down the door.
I bet there's a spell for this.
Kamari makes a mental note to pick up a couple scrolls to throw in her haversatchel.
And a spell to douse the fire.
And a spell to make old elves faster.
Elen moves to back up the Major.
The Major easily unlocks the door, perceiving no traps and making very little noise, but does not yet open it.
Kort offers a head nod to whomever wants to enter, and will open the door from the side so others can slip in.
He will delay his entry, readying his crossbow.
Muri bolts in, knowing that where there's smoke, there's fire. And where there's fire, there's paper turning to ash and smoke, very likely, given a Postmaster's home.
He heads in the direction of the chimney.
The Night Swan rushes in as well, keeping her halberd in-hand in case she needs to hack down a door quickly.
You enter the building and see a nice entry area with a small dining table and chairs to one side and a few chairs and a couch on the other. In the middle is a large impressive pass-through fireplace, full of flame. You can see through it to the next room (kitchen and bath) where you see a vortex dragon breathe on a pile of mail recently placed in the marble fireplace. You can see little else however through the flames.
The dragon eyes you opening the door. It moves more quickly than you’d expect, but then again - it is a dragon!
The dragon seems to cast confusion (link) but it only affects Muri. Muri, will DC 17 or be confused.
There is a door to the NE assuming you don't want to go through the fire. It is closed, and doesn't appear to have a lock.
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Elen moves in and opens or knocks the fireplace screen away with her naginata. She then starts to dig out the fire in an attempt to put it out and maybe save some of the letters.
"Where's Reschotpal? she asks the vortex dragon, trying to be casual.
As Elen approaches the fireplace, she can see more of the room beyond. There is indeed the body of a half-elf, wearing a uniform of some kind, lying dead in the other room, half out of a mail bag.
The dragon too, tries to look casual.
"Oh... since when did mailbags become body bags?" Elen asks casually, prepping to dodge any incoming breath weapons.
Kort listens in, wondering what is going on.
Sense Motive
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Round 1
Kamari double moves to the door as Elen keeps the dragon busy.
Round 1, Init 18
AC = 25
HP = 97/97
Weapon Equipped = +3 Holy Adaptive
Condition(s) = Not Confused, at least
AC = 29
HP = 118/118
Weapon Equipped = Teef
Condition(s) = Blissfully unaware of the recent attempt to Confuse her rider
With the swiftness of Underfoot's four legs, Muri gains the door, almost able to open it upon arrival. Alas, merely feet away from swinging open a door, and giving the vortex dragon another target...
Normally it’s easy to spot domination because the body movements are a bit jerky, there’s sometimes a hesitation while the body waits for orders, that sort of thing. But this dragon moves smoothly. You expect who ever is in charge of this body has done this before. Probably a lot.
- - -
Major Kort and Edelmira to go!
Round 1
”Huh? Domination? Probably, is that what you think, Elen?” Kort does not move, but does try some fancy magics to try to break the spell.
”Might save us some pain…if this works.”
Kort will cast Dispel Magic and target the domination effect.
Dispel Magic
The Night Swan rushes in at full speed, preparing to engage the dragon in melee should the Major’s spell not prove effective.
HP: 127/127
AC: 34/14/33
Saves: F14/R14/W15 (+2 vs ingested/inhaled diseases)
Hero Points: 3
Spells/Conditions Active: Fastidiousness
0: (Grasp, Light, Oath of Anonymity, Spark)
1: 1/3 used (Fastidiousnessx1, Serren’s Swift Girdingx0)
[ dice]1d20+21[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+9[/dice] damage.
Muri double moves to the door. Major Kort pops a spell, and the dragon shakes its head in annoyance, but it remains dominated*. Elen strides to the fire and saves a pile of letters from the flames - tamping them out with her naginata. Kamari double moves to the door. Edelmira also double moves to the door - who will open it first?!
- - -
The dragon seems to cast confusion (link) again, but it only affects Major Kort this time. Major Kort, will DC 17 or be confused.
Will vs. Enchantment
Kort blinks, wondering what happened. He's sure something happened, but it's all very naturally confusing.
Round 2
Kamari opens the door and tries talking to the dragon.
"So, aren't you supposed to be delivering the mail and not burning it? Doesn't there seem to be something truly wrong here when you think about it?"
””Huh? Domination? Probably, is that what you think, Elen?”
Elen thinks. ”Hrrm… let me see...”
Round 2
Kort double moves into the room, keeping his crossbow ready.
"So, aren't you supposed to be delivering the mail and not burning it? Doesn't there seem to be something truly wrong here when you think about it?"
The dragon looks confused a moment at Kamari, but continues to shovel mail into the fireplace. He may be more friendly with the woman, but not enough to stop what he’s programmed to do.
Not sure this is helpful, but it is interesting. You’ve never seen anything like it.
- - -
Muri and Edelmira still to go!
"Yep, definitely not typical Vortex Dragon behavior. This one has a visitor inside their head."
As the dragon shovels into the fireplace, Elen shovels back out onto her side.
She smiles amiably at the Dragon through the fireplace. "This is fun! What did you say your name was?"
The Night Swan moves up to the dragon, risking a swing. Should he strike out at her, she will finish moving up to him and strike back.
HP: 127/127
AC: 34/14/33
Saves: F14/R14/W15 (+2 vs ingested/inhaled diseases)
Hero Points: 3
Spells/Conditions Active: Fastidiousness
0: (Grasp, Light, Oath of Anonymity, Spark)
1: 1/3 used (Fastidiousnessx1, Serren’s Swift Girdingx0)
[ dice]1d20+21[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+9[/dice] damage.
Round 2, Init 18
AC = 25
HP = 97/97
Weapon Equipped = +3 Holy Adaptive
Condition(s) = None
AC = 29
HP = 118/118
Weapon Equipped = Teef
Condition(s) = None
"No burning!" Muri knows it's likely not going to get the dragon to stop, but he feels like he needs to announce why he's displeased, and why he's about to start firing arrows at it, compelling it to stop, at least for the time being. Because, injury. "He's not going to stop."
The halfling doesn't quite understand why everyone is still talking to the dragon, when it's obvious that it's killed the Postmaster. When Elen suggests that something's inside the dragon's head, that's where he'll start targeting.
But not before he tries something.
Muri tweaks his finger with his other hand, engaging the ring upon said finger to the Onyx fixture, which brings into existence a Wall of Stone, which hopefully completely seals off the mailbag from any further flaming assault.
"No burning."
Muri summons a wall of stone to protect the remaining mail, and the body of the postmaster - but his smite does not take. Major Kort double moves to get into position. Elen casts true seeing and peers at the dragon, trying to figure out what’s going on as she scrapes more mail out of the fire. Kamari tries reasoning with it, and though it hesitates, it continues its task. Edelmira strides into the room, draws an attack, and responds in kind with a hit!
While its stubby little claws have little reach, his bite does not! The dragon bites at Edelmira as she closes.
Eantrapidas then full on attacks Edelmira.
The dragon thrashes about, struggling to connect - perhaps due to the domination/demoralize combo? It’s hard to say.
Round 1
Sad that they couldn’t reach the controlled dragon. Kort moves and offers one shot through the fire.
to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
hp: 116/116
AC: 21/16/17
Saves: F9/R15/W14 +4 vs. enchantment, +2 vs. illusions +6 vs. poison
Lowlight. PBS.
Aroden's Verve: 0/10 used
Adhere to the Law: 0/4 used
Extend Rods: 3/6 used
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
0: (create water, detect magic/poison, light, stabilize,read magic)
1: 0/11 used (CLW*0,Shield*0,PfE*0,DF*0)
2: 2/11 used (Inv*0,RE*1,*CE*0,SInv*1,LesRest*0)
3: 4/9 used (H*2,DM*0,DayBreakArrow*1, MCaE10'*1)
4: 0/8 used (GrInv*0,CCW*0,FoM*0)
5: 0/4 used (CLWM*0,FlStr*0,TruSee*0)
[ dice]1d20+8[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6-1[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+15+2+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
[ dice]1d20+15+2+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
[ dice]1d20+10+2+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
[ dice]1d20+5+2+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
touch to hit; (heroism,PBP)
fire damage
"This one has a visitor inside their head."
"You mean like that eyeball hiding in the worm person? Or like someone close by telling the dragon what to do? Are we just thumping him to sleep?"
Muri is torn, watching Edelmira take the non-lethal approach, while Kort takes the other.
Round 3, Init 18
AC = 25
HP = 97/97
Weapon Equipped = +3 Holy Adaptive
Condition(s) = None
AC = 29
HP = 118/118
Weapon Equipped = Teef
Condition(s) = None
"Chaldira thinks the dragon isn't evil, at least." This seems to make up the halfling's mind, as he produces a blunt-tipped arrow.
Round ?
Her silvery tongue having failed, Kamari tumbles into the room and stabs the dragon with her other sharp weapon.
#/# daily uses remaining
Panache 5/6 - 1 used, 1 gained this round
Arcane Pool 3/3
Pearl of Power 1/2
Koriana's blade gemstones
White - Magic missiles 1/1
Pink - Mind-affecting spells 1/1
Black - Negative energy 1/1
Green - Poison 1/1
Prepared Spells
Level 0 (4 per day)
Dancing Lights
Daze
Mage Hand
Prestidigitation
Level 1 (3 per day)
Shocking Grasp
Shock Shield - used
Shield
”It is of two minds – “
Elen tries to explain as she dances into the melee.
for
Hits: 84/84
Current AC: 32
Current Saves: Fort: +12; Ref +11; Will: +8, +10 if Enchant (Elf) (+2 cloak)
(Normal) AC: 22 (Bare naked save for Mask and Dodge)
flat: 18 (ring +2, nat armor +1, mage armor +4)
touch: 24 (ring +2, Dex +5, Cha +6, Dodge +1)
CMD = 30
WandofMageArmorCharges = 14/50
Wand of CLW: 22/50
Resolve = 8/8
Challenge = 4/5
Hero Pts: 3/3
The Night Swan notes that she had an easier time hitting than expected, so she adjusts to add more power to her blows, still aiming to strike nonlethally.
HP: 127/127
AC: 34/14/33
Saves: F14/R14/W15 (+2 vs ingested/inhaled diseases)
Hero Points: 3
Spells/Conditions Active: Fastidiousness
0: (Grasp, Light, Oath of Anonymity, Spark)
1: 1/3 used (Fastidiousnessx1, Serren’s Swift Girdingx0)
[ dice]1d20+21[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+9[/dice] damage.
Muri rides in and also thumps the dragon. Major Kort hits through the flames tamped down by Elen really isn’t sure what’s going on. She doesn’t think the dragon is dead, but it's not breathing either. Is that normal? The dispel magic should have done something if it was magical, but it didn’t. She also feints and hits the dragon. Kamari tumbles in and critically strikes the dragon! Edelmira hits twice, thanks in part to its flat footed nature (it does have some dex).
Eantrapidas tries to breathe, but there’s just no consciousness by the time Edelmira is finished. The great, er, young dragon falls to the floor.
As it flops, it seems to burp a brain! Devoid of a head, or any features at all save for four short, clawed legs, this creature’s body looks like a large, glistening brain. It quickly casts, and it winks out - turning invisible!
You do not hear it scurry off, and should have considering your persceptions. On your initiative (now) you may make a Perception check to locate the brain. This is a move action if you try. Succeed and you’ll know what square it’s in. You suspect the DC is very high.
I've left it on the map where it was last seen.
Round 3
Kort briefly sees the thing, then casts See Invisibility in hopes of seeing it again. He moves into the area in hopes of catching another glimpse.
Know (Arcana/Dungeoneering)
If he spies it, he will both point it out and tell about it.
The creature is about three feet long and Major Kort can point it out for the party (on the map now). It is sneaking up the stairs.
DR 10 adamantine and magic.
Body Thief (Su) As a full-round action that provokes an attack of opportunity, an intellect devourer can reduce its size, crawl into the mouth of a helpless or dead creature, and burrow into the victim’s skull to devour its brain. This is a coup de grace attempt that inflicts 8d4+3d6+8 points of damage. If the victim is slain (or already dead), the intellect devourer usurps control of the body and may use it as its own, as if it controlled the target via a dominate monster spell. The intellect devourer has full access to all of the host’s defensive and offensive abilities save for spellcasting and spell-like abilities (although the intellect devourer can still use its own spell-like abilities). A host body may not have been dead for longer than 1 day for this ability to function, and even successfully inhabited bodies decay to uselessness in 7 days (unless this time is extended via gentle repose). As long as the intellect devourer occupies the body, it knows (and can speak) the languages known by the victim and basic information about the victim’s identity and personality, yet has none of the victim’s specific memories or knowledge. Damage done to a host body does not harm the intellect devourer, and if the host body is slain, the intellect devourer emerges and is dazed for 1 round. Raise dead cannot restore a victim of body theft, but resurrection or more powerful magic can.
Vulnerable to Protection from Evil (Ex) An intellect devourer is treated as a summoned creature for the purpose of determining how it is affected by a protection from evil spell.
Thought by some to be invaders from another dimension or planet, the sinister intellect devourers are certainly one of the world’s cruelest races. Incapable of experiencing emotions or wallowing in the sins of physical pleasure on their own, intellect devourers are forced to steal bodies in order to indulge their gluttony, lust, and cruelty. Stories tell of entire cities of these creatures deep underground, where host bodies are worn like clothes to hideous orgies and vile feasts. Lone intellect devourers often dwell in ruins or caves on the edge of a civilized region so they can make periodic forays into town to “shop” for an attractive new body.
- - -
Round 4
Kamari slips over to the stairs and stabs the area Kort is pointing out with her blade that easily goes through adamantine.
The Night Swan rushes after Kamari, slashing at the area she targeted.
HP: 127/127
AC: 34/14/33
Saves: F14/R14/W15 (+2 vs ingested/inhaled diseases)
Hero Points: 3
Spells/Conditions Active: Fastidiousness
0: (Grasp, Light, Oath of Anonymity, Spark)
1: 1/3 used (Fastidiousnessx1, Serren’s Swift Girdingx0)
[ dice]1d20+21[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+9[/dice] damage.
Round 3, Init 18--->Delay to Init 9
AC = 25
HP = 97/97
Weapon Equipped = +3 Holy Adaptive
Condition(s) = None
AC = 29
HP = 118/118
Weapon Equipped = Teef
Condition(s) = None
Muri sidesteps his stony creation, and watches Kamari and Edelmira look from Kort and his extended finger to where the finger indicates the brain dog has relocated. The halfling decides that a couple of arrows wouldn't hurt, so he lobs several at the place being attacked at present.
Elen follows the pointings of Major Kort and her own blindsense.
for
Muri manages a hit - and the holy sticks! It’s evil. Major Kort casts see invisibility and identifies it further for everyone. Elen figures out where the devourer is, but can’t quite connect. Kamari hits it once. Edelmira also finds the beast but her swing is wide.
It scampers up the stairs according to Elen and Major Kort who can see him each in their own way. It’s still invisible so no AoO’s. Once it gets upstairs, you hear it cast a spell, but can’t make out what it is though when you next see the creature it looks healthier.
”And up the group goes perhaps in pairs to follow the diseased brain up stairs,” Elen tries to give informative poetic inspiration.
She goes as far up the stairs as she can and attacks.
For
Hits: 84/84
Current AC: 32
Current Saves: Fort: +12; Ref +11; Will: +8, +10 if Enchant (Elf) (+2 cloak)
(Normal) AC: 22 (Bare naked save for Mask and Dodge)
flat: 18 (ring +2, nat armor +1, mage armor +4)
touch: 24 (ring +2, Dex +5, Cha +6, Dodge +1)
CMD = 30
WandofMageArmorCharges = 14/50
Wand of CLW: 22/50
Resolve = 8/8
Challenge = 4/5
Hero Pts: 3/3
Round 4
Kamari overcomes her disappointment at not taking down the invisible brain with her first blow and uses her nimble moves to ignore 5' of the steps difficult terrain, which allows her to reach the top of the stops before using her newly acquired Swordmaster's Flair blue scarf to reach out and touch the fleeing brain from a distance. Unfortunately, it's all for naught even with blind-fighting.
Round 4
Kort double moves up the stairs, and will point out where the creature is.
Round 4, Init 9
AC = 25
HP = 97/97
Weapon Equipped = +3 Holy Adaptive
Condition(s) = None
AC = 29
HP = 118/118
Weapon Equipped = Teef
Condition(s) = None
Muri follows behind all others, but only as far as the base of the stairs. If he hears the patter of four clawed feet that aren't Underfoot's he'll take a single shot at it. As long as someone points out where it is...
The Night Swan rushes up the stairs, but she’s unable to get close enough to strike at this moment. She instead pauses to focus on using the techniques most effective against fighting the unseen.
Muri moves to the foot of the stairs and waits. Major Kort climbs a little way up the stairs, but cannot see the devourer either from there. Elen and Kamari both struggle with the invisibility as they swing and miss. Edelmira moves in front before running out of speed, and prepares for the invisibility.
It shrugs all four shoulders, which is a bit of a sight. Or maybe it jumped a little? Hard to tell when the rest of it is just a glistening gelatinous brain. It lashes out at Valena just up the stairs, becoming visible with the effort.
(sneak from invisibility)
A pair of hits squeak through to Valena as the creature becomes visible again!
Elen moves into the room and strikes at the if-it-weren’t-evil-it-might-almost-be-cute-brain-with-its-stubby-hands-and- tiny-feet.
For
Hits: 84/84
Current AC: 32
Current Saves: Fort: +12; Ref +11; Will: +8, +10 if Enchant (Elf) (+2 cloak)
(Normal) AC: 22 (Bare naked save for Mask and Dodge)
flat: 18 (ring +2, nat armor +1, mage armor +4)
touch: 24 (ring +2, Dex +5, Cha +6, Dodge +1)
CMD = 30
WandofMageArmorCharges = 14/50
Wand of CLW: 22/50
Resolve = 8/8
Challenge = 4/5
Hero Pts: 3/3
Kort delays for Elen, among others before moving to where he can shoot.
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Round 5
With the foe fastidiously feinted (forgoing fierce feedback forays), Kort fully flees forward, feigning frets. He will move and shoot once with an adamantine arrow.
to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
hp: 116/116
AC: 21/16/17
Saves: F9/R15/W14 +4 vs. enchantment, +2 vs. illusions +6 vs. poison
Lowlight. PBS.
Aroden's Verve: 0/10 used
Adhere to the Law: 0/4 used
Extend Rods: 3/6 used
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
0: (create water, detect magic/poison, light, stabilize,read magic)
1: 0/11 used (CLW*0,Shield*0,PfE*0,DF*0)
2: 2/11 used (Inv*0,RE*1,*CE*0,SInv*1,LesRest*0)
3: 4/9 used (H*2,DM*0,DayBreakArrow*1, MCaE10'*1)
4: 0/8 used (GrInv*0,CCW*0,FoM*0)
5: 0/4 used (CLWM*0,FlStr*0,TruSee*0)
[ dice]1d20+8[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6-1[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+15+2+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
[ dice]1d20+15+2+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
[ dice]1d20+10+2+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
[ dice]1d20+5+2+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS,+heroism)
magic cold iron damage; (clustered)
touch to hit; (heroism,PBP)
fire damage