GM Foxy's 2nd Legacy of Fire

Game Master Foxy Quickpaw

"Nothing new down there. So we either break down the barricade once more or try to approach through the centipede lair."

"I doubt we can surprise them either way, but the main entry should give us an easier Approach for now."

"That and we won't have to use up as much supplies and magic to get past it," Heshan added. "Plus we can get some exercise in with the walking."

Roryx follows after the others, while keeping watch - "They know we are here, and may soon come out to greet us"

"Let's be ready to answer the greeting then" Ohrmizd smiles and casts both heightened awareness and once they reach the entrance, shield of faith "The centipede lair had an entry through the outside, isn't it? Let's do that. That way we do not have to break the barricade and Khedron can follow us"
G1 to access G3 I mean. From there we can go upstairs

The main entry is abandoned and also inside no gnoll is seem.

Mobing further inside down the stairs you come to the large underground dome (H1). You see the walled up passage from the other side, but still no gnolls.

Seeing no traces of gnolls in the dome, Ohrmizd smiles "It seems you have done a great job of scaring those coward gnolls" he looks around to see if the remains of the gnolls defeated previouly and the elemental have been removed or left in the room to rot.

Slowly advancing the Keleshite looks around the frame of the northern room and glimpse at what is left there. examining H4

If nothing is found, he makes a sign that things are clear, and scimitar at hand, moves to the southern door and checks the many doors in this area.
examining H5 (are the stairs here going up or down?)

There is no sign of the elemental who disappeared when it died, but also no signs of the dead gnoll, but the smear of blood on the ground.

The stairs in the gnoll's quarters lead down.

"Okay lets go down. Shall I sneak first?"

"It seems they cleaned their fallen. At the least there gnoll care keeper is around" comments Ohrmizd seeing no trace of the bodies.

The man smiles at Manuun while leaning the scimitar blade over his shoulder and extending his other arm towards the stairs in the gnoll's quarters leading down "The way is all yours my friend"

Ohrmizd will not let Manuun get too far away alone though, and he will follow him close enough.
Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Perception+heightened awareness: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 2 = 22

Casting heroism to prepare for the worst

Manuun sneaks down the stairs, watching out for ambushing gnolls.

Percetion: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 13 + 2 = 21
Stealth: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 14 + 2 = 26

(I10) An arch opens into a geometric maze of hand-carved passages. Ancient writing covers the extent of the tunnels from floor to ceiling for as far as the eye can see.

Soon Ohrmizd reaches the place Manuun is. Not seeing anything, he casts light on the scimitar and gives light to the ancient texts "Interesting. What do they tell?"
Ohrmizd understands: Common, Kelish, Gnoll, Ignan, Celestial, Aklo, Osiriani and Auran

The Keleshite looks forward through the passage "We haven't been here before..." he will let again Manuun take the initiative and follow from far away, concealing the light as necessary.

Ancient Qadiran someone? Also map.

"yes you are correct the last time we decided not to walk into such an obvious chokehold and found the place of the centipede swarm instead."

Adding Abyssal to the List if it helps.

If nothing helpful is written on the wall:

"Lets keep to the left and marl where we went, that way we are bound to always find a way out."

"It helps that there doesn't seem to be as many gnolls trying to kill us." Heshan continued to follow the others.

Some cackling noise suggests a direction. (I7) Six granite columns, badly chipped and damaged, encircle a large room swept clean of debris and dust. Metal rungs riveted into the columns suspend a humanoid-shaped, cage-like structure from fitted iron chains with a gnoll in it. Before the cage, a complex device set in a weighted metal base extends a swiveling, jointed appendage of unfinished iron inscribed with jagged runes. Mounted to the end of the appendage is a burnished steel facemask
with clamps and bands strapped over the gnoll's head. Centered in the forehead of the mask, a half-inch-wide drill bit faces inward toward the wearer’s face. The bladed bit connects to gears and spindles that lead to a crank halfway down the metal arm. To the east, a large stone door sealed with chains and iron bars stands in the wall. A smaller door with no obvious lock stands to the southwest.

A human, who does the mad cackling, operates the machinery to drill a whole into the highly sedated gnoll's skull.

Ohrmizd observes astonished the macabre display as much as to find a human on the lead of it. He makes some gestures inviting Manuun and Roryx to explore the doors and ensure no one is coming in.

Then, he steps up and tries to talk with the human "Heeellooow?"

The Keleshite waits a bit for the man's reaction before asking "What are you doing to this gnoll?"

"What are you doing here?!? You're disturbing my experiments. Get lost!"

When the man talks about experiments, Ohrmizd quickly connects it to the oversized gnolls and ignores the man's request trying to play dumb and show interest on his dealings "Oh! So you are the great creator of those giant gnolls out there? You are genius man! Are you preparing this one now? How much does it take?"

The man stops what he is doing, turns to face Ohrmizd. "That's none of your business! Get lost."

Omari looks at the unnatural scene in astonishment and disgust. Realizing, like Ohrmizd that this is likely the source of the giant gnolls, he (and Khedron) move along the wall to block the southwest (no obvious lock) door, leaving the talking to Ohrmizd for now. He watches the man's conversation with Orhmizd carefully - is the man actually mad, or just evil?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 3 + 2 = 19
6 rank +3 Trained+2 Wis

Ohrmizd gives the madman THAT LOOK detecting any evil aura on him "Oh, but perhaps it is indeed our business. How do you know if you do not explain us first your genius dealings with this ugly gnoll here?"

He tries to get the focus of the man and give time for the others to take positions inadvertently.
Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

"Ok then, have it your way." the guy replies and throws a vial at Ohrmizd, that explodes on contact.

Bomb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 284d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 5, 5, 6) + 5 = 25
Crit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 101d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Party <--
Madfang

Fortunately, Ohrmizd ring of resistance against fire protects him a good deal. The man looks at the madman deceived "C'mon man... seriously?"

"Sigh" with a deep breath Ohrmizd casts cure light wounds and moves over to a place where he can offer a flank to Roryx "Ok man, I did not want to do this after my visit to the other side, but Sarenrae does not give three chances. Stop now and explain us who are you, or we will have to take severe actions here"
CLW: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

HP 43/47[57] AC 22 TAC 12

Fight map? Or are we just doing theatre of the mind for this fight?

It's one enemy that will be surrounded by you four in no time. I gues swe can do without.

Swiper close on his heels, Roryx moves to his left as they enter the room, and stands by the door using the pillar as cover between himself and the crazed man.

"I would listen to him, if I was you" - he suggests - "We have no quarrel"

Omari steps to the side, for a clear shooting lane, and fires a pair of arrows at the man. Then Khedron bugles and charges the him.

"Why are you talking to this madman, with the evidence of his unnatural experiments in front of you?!?"

5' step Omari
Full Round Action Omari - Rapid shot on Madfang
Full Round Action Khedron - Charge Madfang

To Hit, Omari A: 1d20 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 16
4 bab+3 dex +1 enhancement+1 pbs -2 rapid shot
Damage, Omari A: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 6
+2 str +1 enhancement+1 pbs

To Hit, Omari B: 1d20 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 10
Damage, Omari B: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 5

To Hit, Khedron: 1d20 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 2 = 15
4 bab+2 str +1 enhancement +2 charge
Damage Khedron: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9
+3 1.5Xstr +1 enhancement

"Yeah... I believe we have seen enough out of you." Heshan stepped back and raised out his palm, shooting out bolts of force at the man.

Magic Missile: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 4, 3) + 3 = 14

He might be mad, but he is hard to hit. Heshan takes no chances here, but Omari and Khedron are our of luck.

Heshan, Omari, Ohrmizd
Roryx, Manuun <--
Madfang(14)

Seeing Omari escalate the situation, Manuun decides the time to talk is over.

Short Bow: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18 (+4 BAB, +4 DEX, +1 MW, +1 PBS, +2 Heroism)
Dam: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"Madness is very different from evil" - Roryx grunts at the others - "If someone followed in our wake, and saw the carnage we leave behind, what would they think about us?"

Roryx does not attack. He will forfeit his action.

Manuun shoots past the madman. But that doesn't really calm him down. He steps away from Ohrmizd and thows another bomb, this time at Heshan.

Bomb(Touch): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 184d6 + 5 ⇒ (2, 1, 1, 3) + 5 = 12

Heshan, Omari, Ohrmizd, Roryx, Manuun <--
Madfang(14)

"Grrr" Ohrmizd grunts as the madman throws another bomb "Ok, help me at least to knock him down!"

The Keleshite steps forward to engage again flanking with Khedron.
+1 Scimitar-negative level+flank: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 10 - 2 + 2 = 13
Magical/Slashing nonlethal damage+PS: 1d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + (3) = 11
Intimidate (demoralize): 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 - 2 = 29

HP 43/47[57] AC 22 TAC 12

"Ugh." Heshan quickly wipes out the debris chucked at him as his face grew into a grimace.

"Have it your way." He moved closer to the side of where Ohrmizd and Omari were flanking them and lets a flash of colors wash over the man.

Color spray. DC 15 or be stunned.

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
"Muhahahaha!" The madman grimaces at Heshan.

Heshan, Ohrmizd,
Omari, Roryx, Manuun <--
Madfang(14)

"Grrr" Ohrmizd grunts as the madman throws another bomb "Ok, help me at least to knock him down!"

With a nod, Roryx wades in on the man, flanking him with Ohrmizd.

Mace, non-lethal: 1d20 + 7 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 7 - 4 + 2 = 19
Damage if it hits: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Omari and Khedron continue to attack.

5' step as useful
Full Round Action Omari - Rapid shot on Madfang
Full Round Action Khedron - attack Madfang, should have a flank with Ohrmzid

To Hit, Omari A: 1d20 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 16
4 bab+3 dex +1 enhancement+1 pbs -2 rapid shot (no penalties for shooting into melee or 1 person worth of cover)
Damage, Omari A: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 5
+2 str +1 enhancement+1 pbs

To Hit, Omari B: 1d20 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 25
Damage, Omari B: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 11

To Hit, Khedron: 1d20 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 2 = 25
4 bab+2 str +1 enhancement +2 flanking
Damage Khedron: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12
+3 1.5Xstr +1 enhancement

Manuun tries to shoot the Scientist in the legs.

Short Bow: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 12 - 4 = 23 (+4 BAB, +4 DEX, +1 MW, +1 PBS, +2 Heroism, -4 Nonlethal)
Dam: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Roryx whacks the madman thoroughly, and finally Omari and Khedron hit too. With Manuun topping it off, the man is brought down.

"Goodness, that one was crazy for real!" Ohrmizd taps his clothes trying to clean the scorch marks left on them "What's all this machine Manuun? Can you make it work?"

The Keleshite moves over to the gnoll and pushes the drill away trying to free his head and look at his face "Who are you? What the hell was that madman doing to you?"

HP 43/47[57] AC 22 TAC 12

The gnoll looks surprised as the mask is removed. His tongue is hanging out and his pupils are dilated. squinting he tries to recognize who speaks to him.

With a heavy slur he inquires in gnoll "Madfang, you put your hair back on your head?"

Picture in maps for comparison.

Know Arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 Engineering would only be +5

With the madmen subdued, Manuun walks over to the fascinating machine.

"Maybe it is injecting something into the head of the gnolls? Let me check closer?" Manuun walks all around the machine completly ignoring the Gnoll."

The machine is built to hold a gnoll sized creature and to drill ahole in the forehead of it. What the hole is them used for is not clear form the apparatus.

Ohrmizd steps back and casts disguise self to more closely resemble Madfang. He addresses the gnoll in Gnoll "It is a magical trick stupid, would you think I am that ugly? It just helps to maintain the kids scared and the meddlers out of my lab"
Disguise-negative level: 1d20 + 3 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 10 - 2 = 24

The Keleshite makes signs for the others to conceal the body and hand them his clothes and bombs. He quickly dresses up while the gnoll is still confused.
Loot?

"Rovenka requested to abort your transformation. He wants you to bring these people to him, they are some of his spies or some f~#&ing thing like that, who knows!" Madfang pulls the gnoll out of the machine in a very bad manner and kicks his ass.
Bluff-negative level: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 2 = 24

The gnoll looks puzzled, but shrugs and then leads the way. He moves to the north, takes a door to the right, which leads to the nice half of the room with the carrion throne. He scuffles on, to the stairs going upstairs.

"Now disappear! We will see about your transformation later on. Such honor shall not be that easily dismissed" Ohrmizd looks attentively as the gnoll departs before turning to the others with a worried look.

"Ok. how do we prepare? There inside is going to be another hell I do fear..." he points to the stairs and door the gnoll has guided the group to.

While the party plans out tactics, he casts detects magic and tries to determine if any of Madfang's possessions are magical.

He frowns at the terrible reek of the clothes.