Runeplague

Game Master DEREK LANE 127

Ter is shocked...

(does this identify the spell?)

Not a spell, so no, it doesn't.

Frantino is surprised when Ayita attacks him. The second swing comes uncomfortably close, but both attacks miss.

"The creature used some kind of mental attack on us, making Ayita confused. Don't attack her, that'll force her to attack you back."

Frantino takes a 5' step to try to block her path to the qlippoth. He drops Fury (still on its weapon cord) and readies a grapple if she should start to move toward the summoning circle. He wants to make sure she isn't further controlled and might try to break the circle, freeing the creature.

Rolls are in Roll20.

Rolls are in Roll20.

OK. Do me a favor and roll them here. EAsier to keep track that way.

Frantino is surprised when Ayita attacks him. The second swing comes uncomfortably close, but both attacks miss.

"The creature used some kind of mental attack on us, making Ayita confused. Don't attack her, that'll force her to attack you back."

Frantino takes a 5' step to try to block her path to the qlippoth. He drops Fury (still on its weapon cord) and readies a grapple if she should start to move toward the summoning circle. He wants to make sure she isn't further controlled and might try to break the circle, freeing the creature.

Mental attack? Can I help it if mortals' minds are so weak that they cannot stomach gazing upon perfection?

How are we doing rounds? I'll just roll the last 3, pls let me know when to use which one.

Ayita round 2/4: 1d100 ⇒ 19
Ayita round 3/4: 1d100 ⇒ 81
Ayita round 4/4: 1d100 ⇒ 50

Frantino is watching Ayita closely. If he sees that she comes to her senses, however briefly, he urges her to run back up the tunnel past the party until she recovers, as a way of protecting us from her unintended attacks. That way, if she does suddenly feel the urge to attack one of us she'll have to waste her actions moving back within melee range. Hopefully it's Nasir at the rear, he is hard to hit.

Where is Nasir?

Back before this tunnel, and down. He posted last about a week ago.

For a few seconds, Ayita does come to her senses. She double-moves out of the area, dropping Social Control near Frantino on the way.

Then she attacks the nearest creature.

... but who is that?...

Is Nasir really where his avatar is, or would he be with the group? If he is close, she attacks Nasir. (Not sure if she can even hit his AC.)

If she sees no one, does she remember where the characters were? Does she see some kind of bug on the wall? She could attack it. She grabs her dagger from her belt, that seems simple.

She might spend a round hacking at the bug, or maybe Nasir.

Ayita attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Ayita damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Ayita attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Ayita damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

She might damage the dagger against the rock.

Then she babbles for a few seconds.

She continues to roll below 10 on most attacks; I should check what the distribution of that is...

Once Ayita backs away, her confusion seems to subside.

But Frantino...

Frantino looks around wildly. Danger! Something or someone dangerous is nearby. He sees an elf and knows this person is a wizard. A dangerous, dangerous wizard.

He regrabs Fury (move action), takes a 5' step, and attacks the threat.
+2 halberd w/ PA: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29, damage: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

He still has an enraged look in his eyes, but his next actions will depend on what Ezranadir and Doc do in reaction.

Nasir is very confused by what his companions are doing. He raises his shield to protect himself from Ayita's blows and once she moves away, he will attempt to Interpose himself between Frantino and the others.

"Gregory C. Hatfield, do you still have zat spell to brotect minds? I zink we are in need of it. I know zat I seem very suscebtible to such magic."

Assuming that Ezranadir and Doc move away and Nasir takes up a position to protect them, Frantino will approach Nasir and attack his unrecognized enemy! Unless moving takes him out of the zone and he is no longer confused...

+2 halberd w/ PA: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32, damage: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

Wow, where are these rolls in combat against a real enemy? Sorry, my friends! At least the damage is below average.

After this attack, sense returns to Frantino's eyes and he looks in horror at what he's done.

Ayita moves cautiously back towards her friends after the effects dissipate.

Frantino, everyone, move further away from it!

Geez, gone for a few days and all hell breaks loose. I did not see anything about rounds being posted. Multiple characters pulling off multiple rounds, attacks & moving around. Are we doing it like this now???? Sometimes it takes a week just to get through a door!

Geez, gone for a few days and all hell breaks loose. I did not see anything about rounds being posted. Multiple characters pulling off multiple rounds, attacks & moving around. Are we doing it like this now???? Sometimes it takes a week just to get through a door!

LOL. It seems better to do it this way, since I can't imagine we'll stay in rounds after the confusion wears off, which it now has.

Unless moving takes him out of the zone and he is no longer confused...

Frantino shakes the confusion from his brain. His back is to the qlippoth, his eyes focused on Nasir.

He realizes... Ezranadir, Doc, Nasir and Ayita are not confused.

Ezranadir yells, "Attack the Qlippoth not me! Just do not cross or disrupt the circle or look at it!"

GM Derek, so what, 4 rounds have passed where the rest of us cannot act?

Ezranadir yells, "Attack the Qlippoth not me! Just do not cross or disrupt the circle or look at it!"

GM Derek, so what, 4 rounds have passed where the rest of us cannot act?

What would Ezranadir like to do?

It's not what he wants to do. It's about 3 other PCs not even given the opportunity to act during those 4 rounds. His Detect Magic was still up so he should have been able to detect the spell or ability being done or counteract them. No perception checks given. He would have immediately gotten away from the affected confused PCs. Gotten off ranged spell attacks on the Qlippoth, etc. Let's just continue on. Are you going to implement the 1 post per day before moving on or just whatever/whenever like it currently is?

"Doc, can I please get some healing?" Ezranadir is down to almost half his HP from that 1 hit.

It's not what he wants to do. It's about 3 other PCs not even given the opportunity to act during those 4 rounds. His Detect Magic was still up so he should have been able to detect the spell or ability being done or counteract them. No perception checks given. He would have immediately gotten away from the affected confused PCs. Gotten off ranged spell attacks on the Qlippoth, etc. Let's just continue on. Are you going to implement the 1 post per day before moving on or just whatever/whenever like it currently is?

"Doc, can I please get some healing?" Ezranadir is down to almost half his HP from that 1 hit.

No. I think we should rewind everything. You've suffered HP damage and offer some good points. Let's do this again.

THE MISTS OF TIME SPLIT OPEN... we are seeing Ayita and Frantino look at the horrible thing. Ayita succumbs to its terrible, gross, horrific visage.

ROUND ONE
Ayita is confused. Attacks Frantino. No hits.
Frantino saves and is not confused. Frantino takes a 5' step to try to block her path to the qlippoth. He drops Fury (still on its weapon cord) and readies a grapple
Ezranadir sees no magic, other than the magic circle against evil on the floor. He notes that the qlippoth is really disgusting to look at and doesn't really think he wants to look at it any closer. Perception DC10 Ayita is under the effect of something. She's confused. Her eyes spin with mental anguish and disgust. Maybe her Shoanti stomach can't handle how horrid the qlippoth is. What does Ezranadir want to do?
Nasir - what do you want to do?
Doc - what do you want to do?

The qlippoth is supernaturally disgusting when looked at closely because it is a demon-like creature from the planes of the abyss. It is not casting a spell or a spell-like ability or any type of magic to look gross. Detect Magic does not see any aura of grossness.

One post per day. I'll wait for everybody to post before proceeding.

Ezranadir calls out, "It is affecting Ayita! Everyone, do not look at it! Just take it out and do not cross or disrupt the circle!" He then moves back away from everyone.

He proceeds to cast a Force Missile at it.
Force Dmg: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Overcome SR?: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Not sure where Ayita was before she moved from next to Frantino. I guess he would have moved back down the tunnel.

ROUND 1

Free Action: "I can't reach Ayita! Ter, Yahzi, get behind me!" (I understand that the companions might not move for me. But I need to be adjacent for any Protection spell.)

Standard Action: Hatfield's eye lose focus as he searches for an alternate reality in which Ayita's thoughts are her own."Holy threads of light, ward against the psychic chill, her mind is cleared." (Casting Unbreakable Heart) on Ayita.

end turn

Ayita shakes her head as it clears. She moves back from the Thing.

That was awful, thanks Doc. Would using a bow on it break the circle, I wonder? She looks at Ter and the magic users.

Ter arcana: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Nasir quickly raises his shield to put it between him and the creature to block his direct view of the thing.

"Ezranadir, how can I attack it wizout disturbing the circle? If I strike za creature wiz my blade, but do not touch za circle, will zis work?"

Ezranadir replies, "Ranged weapons will work. Nasir, that should work as well."

GM Derek, if it does not then correct me.

Ayita shakes her head as it clears. She moves back from the Thing.

That was awful, thanks Doc. Would using a bow on it break the circle, I wonder? She looks at Ter and the magic users.

[dice=Ter arcana]1d20+12

Not entirely sure that unbreakable heart will be effective here. Awaiting confirmation from Derek.

Not entirely sure that unbreakable heart will be effective here. Awaiting confirmation from Derek.

Yes, it works to ameliorate the Confusion.

Ezranadir replies, "Ranged weapons will work. Nasir, that should work as well."

GM Derek, if it does not then correct me.

ROUND ONE
Ayita is confused. Attacks Frantino. No hits.
Frantino saves and is not confused. Frantino takes a 5' step to try to block her path to the qlippoth. He drops Fury (still on its weapon cord) and readies a grapple
Ezranadir sees no magic, other than the magic circle against evil on the floor. Casts force missile. No effect on the qlippoth.
Nasir - raises shield to block line of site
Doc - casts Unbreakable Heart on Ayita

ROUND TWO

Ayita
Frantino
Ezranadir
Nasir
Doc

What do you want to do?

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Ezranadir moves close enough to see but staying out of reach of the others, says, "The magic circle is chiseled into the floor and will require more than stepping on it to disrupt it but it would be able to attack you if you enter the circle."

He sends forth another Force Missile.

Force Dmg: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Overcome SR?: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Is anyone injured?

Ayita gets out her bow and casts Gravity Bow, making her +1 bow's arrows deal 2d6. She takes her time to cast guidance, then aims each time, and fires 4 shots in 4 rounds at The Thing.

Ayita firing bow 1: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 24
Ayita bow damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 2) + 4 = 11

Ayita firing bow 1: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 16
Ayita bow damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 4) + 4 = 11

Ayita firing bow 1: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 31
Ayita bow damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 2) + 4 = 7

Ayita firing bow 1: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 20
Ayita bow damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 = 9

Crit confirm for shot 3:
Ayita firing bow 1: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 25

Frantino draws and drinks an extract of long arms as a standard action, then regrabs Fury as he steps closer to the qlippoth. At least this way, if he gets confused the closest creature is no longer a friend. He intends to remain 10' from the circle so that he doesn't accidentally damage it or step over the line.

Nasir continues to hold his shield to block his view of the creature.

"But if I don't block my view wiz my shield, zen I will be suscebtible to what happened to Ayita. I don't zink we want zat."

With no recourse, with no way to attack outside the circle, it simply turns into a statue of a gongorinan qlippoth and awaits its death.

GM Derek, would you like us to play out the rest of this scene?

No need to play it out, but please confirm what you all plan on doing.

Having been told of the qlippoth's damage resistance, Frantino will spend a point of transmutation focus to give Fury another +1 and qlippoth bane, making it +5 vs this creature, bypassing most DR and doing extra damage on each hit. He'll then stay 10' away and chop at the creature. As much as this feels like murder, his city is in danger. The cult won't be able to harvest any eggs from it anymore to make their plague!

For example, first round:
+2 halberd w/ PA: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 13 + 1 + 2 = 24, damage: 1d10 + 15 + 1 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (8) + 15 + 1 + 2 + (2, 6) = 34

+2 halberd w/ PA: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 26, damage: 1d10 + 15 + 1 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (10) + 15 + 1 + 2 + (5, 1) = 34

Ayita backs out of the room for a minute to discuss with her friends.

Is there any way to remove this creature from our plane without killing it? Leaving it here may lead to the death of thousands; my sense is that it is not going to keep any pledge to us -- lacking any lawful bent, and generally hating all creatures like us. Another option could be to injure it severely, then release it - so it could need to flee to its realm... but even that seems of dubious wisdom - we don't know all its abilities, or how well it could fake weakness.

In any event, we should likely kill that poor man who has an egg in him, over in the other room.

Doc, what does your moral compass tell you?

Doc, what does your moral compass tell you?

Hatfield hems and haws. (But the player thinks: kill it)

"I have already stated my thoughts and reasoning."

Ayita quietly says a prayer to her Goddess, Milani, in the hope that the monster might somehow begin a journey toward goodness... Very quietly, as she knows the creature will not appreciate the gesture one bit.

We're set then.

Ayita keeps firing, from as far away as she can get. Doc's spell may not last long enough.

bow shot 5: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 14
bow damage 5: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 6) + 4 = 12

bow shot 6: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 7
bow damage 6: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 = 10

bow shot 7: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 13
bow damage 7: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 1) + 4 = 10

bow shot 8: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 22
bow damage 8: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 = 10

Well, Ayita had 60 arrows, hopefully she wouldn't roll under 5 for 50 of them.
These actions likely overlap with the other characters'.

Do you want me to roll the attacks out? Sounded like you just wanted us to explain what we'd do given that the creature isn't responding (yet).

Frantino will continue to hack away at it. In its current state it probably has hardness in addition to DR but at least it's flat-footed, since there's no way it can dodge attacks. He wonders how much an adamantine weapon would cost as he gets into a rhythm, kind of like chopping up a tree but with really long arms.

Frantino will keep an eye on the impact that Ayita's shots are having. If it doesn't look like much damage is getting through, he'll say: "Ayita, conserve your arrows, it's a great thought but I don't think many of your shots can get through its damage resistance without magic."

My bow is +1; might that be enough? I have an adamantine weapon blanche that can go on 10 arrows.

(If the arrows started bouncing off, she'd pause and adjust strategy.)

Ezranadir conserves his spells and lets the others do the heavy hitting to destroy the thing.

It takes an enormous amount of work, but with nowhere to go it eventually dies. It remains silent as it is hacked to death.

Upon the death of the thing, Ezranadir is able to examine it and the magic circle more closely. It is obviously ancient. The summoning circle is of a type not seen in thousands of years. Elven research into Thassilonian magical practices suggests to Ezranadir that this is an actual Thassilonian summoning circle. The engraving style is ancient, familiar to Frantino from his own historical research. The runes use a particular calligraphic stylishness not in use by those currently practicing Thassilonian-style sin magic.

From that alone, Ezranadir imagines this thing was here for thousands of years, alone, trapped, waiting through Earthfall and the ages since, unable to be released by its long-dead captors.

Further exploration of the Gecko reveals little. No vampire. No cultists. Just silence. And the drip drip of condensate into the water filled pit.

All that is left is the mutant creature blocked in the other room.

GM Derek, Since the circle was engraved into the floor, can it be reused for another summoning spell?