GM ZD Starcrossed Voyages (Inactive)

Game Master Z...D...

Seeing the others taking a more covert approach Natesh falls back and follows the Khunbish's lead.

Changing my action to 'Follow the Expert' following Khunbish. Natesh's normal trained Stealth bonus is +7

Fast forward you a bit...dungeon crawls are so clunky in PBP

As Seelah peers around the corner, this is what she sees.

This expansive chamber, though ancient and crumbling, was obviously once a beautiful sight. The high stone walls are carved with ornate designs depicting iruxi gazing up at the night sky, and the decayed ceilings show the remains of what were once detailed depictions of the night sky.

A large platform situated in the north-central area of the hall once held a massive copper telescope aloft on a ridged base that allowed for various adjustments, but now the telescope lies in ruins, much of it apparently scavenged over the years. A platform with a rotating base sits near the opening in the wall that the telescope would have protruded through, it’s mechanisms long fused into a mass of rust. A soaring sheet of green-tinged bronze covers the majestic entryway on the eastern wall.

Each step into the observatory elicits crackling and groaning sounds from the floors and walls. The building seems solid enough, for the moment, but a jarring impact or damage to the ceiling’s
supports might be all the impetus required to bring the building
crashing down.

Perched on the corner is a matte black figure. Image loaded in the slides

As PC's enter the room, you all feel you the metal in you gear slightly tugging towards the figure and then pull in a different direction.

Dr. Lazarus' mood changes from one of awe to abject disappointment when he sees the state of disarray the observatory is in. He mutters quietly, "Tis a shame this magnificent place wasn't kept up." He immediately starts planning on crafting some repairs to return this beacon of higher learning to its former glory.

When Seelah mentions the winged figure, Lazarus squeezes in behind the Champion to get a peek around the corner to see the creature himself. From what we can see, does it appear to be a statue, or are there signs of movement? He then returns to where he was.

Can Lazarus make a Recall Knowledge check on the creature? Religion +7, Arcana/Occult/Society +9, or Crafting +12. If not, can he make a more general Recall Knowledge check to explain the magnetic pull in this room?

Meant to include this in my last post: Given the magnetic pull as we enter, and knowing Paravaax's lodestone properties, does the winged creature match the description of the gargoyle?

Khunbish grunts softly in disgust at the amounts of metal lying around, and worse, left corrode and poison the air and the land. That is until he feels the strange tugging of metal that intrigues him. He crouches in the corner, pressing Irves into the corner as well. He peeks out to see if he can get a better look to understand.

+12 (E) for Nature

Both weapons out, Azu moves to where he can see and designates the creature as his prey.

Noting the tug on his gear Natesh takes a moment to safeguard his axe to his side for the moment as he quietly signs for signs to ready for battle or discussion.

Seelah grips her shield and sword tightly in hand as she sees into the room quietly she whispers to the doctor "This pull on my armor... My shield... My sword... I am worried this may go poorly for me. Is there any way to stop this pull on metal in the room? If not we best end this quickly before all of my gear is pulled right out of my hands."

Seelah raises her shield as she grips it closely to her body in case the creature in the center of the room suddenly attacks

@The Dr. Yes it matches the description of the gargoyle.

However, you fail to recall anything about Gargoyles.
Azu, I already rolled you knowledge as well and it too was a fail..

Still a few outstanding questions, GM...

Is the gargoyle figure moving or is it frozen as a statue? Does it seem to notice us? So far we only know it's a 'matte black figure'. This will affect how we proceed.

"Hmm, I'll step forward if no one else will, we have to pass through this room anyway, I think."

Natesh keeps to the rear of the party as he tries to avoid notice from whatever threats lurking in the darkness. As the party shifts he speaks in a hushed whisper, "after my last few run ins into ancient ruins and wrecks, I'm going to leave leading the charge to the people far more skilled at it than myself. If I took the barrage in place of Seelah in the last fight, I wouldn't have been standing halfway through it."

The gargoyle is seems to be frozen in place. It does not seem to notice you at this moment.

"I'll go forward first. Who knows, maybe it will want to talk instead."

When everyone else says they are ready, Griss will move forward and try to get the gargoyles attention.

Khunbish, together with Irves, doesn’t respond as that would only give away his position. Instead, he continues to keep to the shadows. Should anyone moves forward, he will, too, creeping along the sides to get around to the other side of the gargoyle.

(Anyone wants to detect magic?)

"I suspect it may be a guardian Triggered by some event. Perhaps we should search the area first. Perhaps, we may find something to help us defeat it."

When Griss moves into the room, Dr. Lazarus follows with his elven curve blade at the ready.

As the Doctor enters, he gets a sudden urge to check for magic and whispers, "Observe observatory".
He casts Detect Magic through the entrance into the large chamber and sustains it as he continues in. (Good idea, Khunbish!)

Griss takes the more direct approach and moves towards the gargoyle, while the others start their investigations.

After a moment or two inside the main chamber, a creaking sound can be heard coming from the gargoyle. Griss is the first to notice the glowing from its slowly blinking eyes.

“Ah, so I see I have visitors. Let me guess, you’re here to rid these poor iruxi of the big, bad monster?” the gargoyle says, smirking and waving a clawed hand dismissively at Lumki. “You’re not the first fools to try.” The beast stands upright, stretching his wings and limbs. “You see, I’m not just any monster. I am Paravaax, god among gargoyles. I’ve ruled this jungle for centuries. Do you expect to have the strength to drive me away?”

“How about this? I’ll strike you a deal. I’ll leave of my own volition and stay gone for five years’ time… if you leave me that iruxi as a snack.” He says pointing a razor sharp claw at Lumki. She gives off a frightened hiss.

At this point, place yourselves where you would want to be during the conversation.

As you enter the gargoyles aura, those of you that wear metal armor find yourselves extremely clumsy. clumsy 2 that is. Those attacking with metal weapons and those with metal striking surfaces such as arrows or bolts take a -2 status penalty to attack. These effects continue as long as you remain in the aura and 1 round afterwards

Does studded leather count as metal?

Good question. It doesn't have a group in the equipment section, so looking there did not help. Since the description of the armor says it is reinforced with metal, I will say that it counts enough to give you the clumsy 1 condition, but not the full 2.

Dr. Lazarus moves into the room, staying just south of the aura. He tries to adjust his armor when he feels a gentle tug on the metal studs reinforcing the leather.

After Paravaax offers his deal, Lazarus shakes his head, "Tsk tsk. You have a lot to learn about leadership if your plan is to eat those whom you rule."

While others are talking, he studies the pillars beside him.
Crafting: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
I was gonna ask if Crafting could substitute for Engineering Lore. But ... well, I guess not. :)

Natesh is clearly taken aback by the gargoyles claims of godhood whether they are well founded or not. He still moves into the room carefully and slows to a stop as his axe and arrows shift within their holster and quiver.

Taking a breath the half-elf speaks up against the looming presence, "One life for several years seems to be a small price for a god. Maybe you believe more in our strength than you let on. In any case, we are not going to allow for the sacrifice of another just to sate your desires."

Natesh is not wearing metal armor.

Khunbish was attempting to circle around to the other side stealthily (both +13). Not sure if he was spotted though?

Not sure if the gargoyle had spotted him and his cat, circling around the dias, but he let it not bother him. Nor the strange tugging of his mace and wayfinder when he gets nearer. Should things go south, his battle form would be of little concern.

Seelah steps up as the Gargoyle begins to speak. Feeling the tug on her armor and sword she gives pause, then grins "God among gargoyles you say? Well that may be so, but I've never met any gargoyles that amount to more than a fly... Being god among flies scares me not!" She bangs her sword hilt against her shield as she steps forward again "The only god present in this room is Iomadae's hand, I'll see that you leave this place or I will send you from it myself!"

I see we are at an impasse. Well, I shall taste blood either way As if on cue, a small metallic creature pops into existence. CP adjustment

Dr and Griss may act

Recall knowledge will be Arcana or nature on the small creature.

Seeing the small metal creature pop into existence, Dr. Lazarus immediately studies it to determine what he can recall. He quickly shares with the group.
Please roll Recall Knowledge, Arcana +9, on the small metal creature.

Realizing a fight is inevitable, Lazarus considers the best way to attack Paravaax.

Devise a Stratagem w/ Known Weakness: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Yuck...let's Hero Point that.
Devise a Stratagem w/ Known Weakness: 1d20 ⇒ 13 Roll is used for subsequent attack roll.
Please roll Recall Knowledge, Arcana +9, on Paravaax. If crit on Recall, Investigator and all allies gain +1 circumstance bonus to their next attack roll.

If he can gather any information about Paravaax, Lazarus shares with the group. Thinking he can get past the gargoyle's defenses, Lazarus moves in and attacks with his elven curve blade.

Elven Curve Blade (w/ Stratagem and Metal Penalty): (13) + 10 - 2 = 21
Damage + Strategic Strike: 1d8 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + (3) + 2 = 6

He calls to the barbarian, "Griss, my boy, if you attack just there, he'll be off-balanced."
On a successful strike, Shared Stratagem allows the Doctor to designate Griss to get a flat-foot attack on Griss' next attempt. Good luck, Griss!

Actions: 1) Recall Knowledge, Devise Stratagem (free since subject of Pursue a Lead), 2) Stride, 3) Strike.

The Dr fails to ID the small creature. He then moves in, trying to find a weakness, but fails to do so. His blade just misses the stone like creature. The magnetic pull causing the blade to swerve at the last minute.

Griss is up

Drawing his weapon, grins. "Well, metal may be harder to use, but I care not!"

Interact(Draw Weapon), Sudden Charge to move and strike.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 11 - 2 = 18
Damage: 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (6, 3) + 4 = 13

Griss moves in and swings his war flail. The heavy weapon collides with the ground.

The mephit hovers above the ground and releases a breath of metal shards, covering the doctor and Griss. 2d4 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6 slashing damage. DC 18 basic reflex save. On a failure, you will also take d6 bleed damage.

Azu, Natesh, Khunbish may act

Dr. Lazarus attempts to dodge the metal shards.

Reflex DC 18: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 8 - 1 = 19
Success => 3 damage

He manages to avoid the worst of it, as he glares at the metal mephit.

PF2 really loves it some bleed damage. Can we proceed up the side of the pyramid, or do we have to take the stairs?

Natesh moves forward to the base of the pyramid and casts a spell producing arcing electricity between the mephit and the gargoyle.

Electricity Damage, Basic DC 18 Reflex Save: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2) + 3 = 7

1 action stride, 2 actions cast electric arc
I'll move up further if I can't catch both from my current position.

Reflex DC 18: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Bleed 1d6: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Argh, I hate Bleed damage.
HP: 58/68 (Bleeding)

Griss doesn't make any sound as the metal shards hit him. His face contorts into a scowl and he adjusts his grip on his weapon.

@azu, yes, you can go up the sides.

reflex saves: 2d20 ⇒ (11, 16) = 27

Natesh sends a jolt of electricity towards both enemies. They dodge out of the way, but still get a minor zap.

Azu and Khunbish go

Party status
Dr Thurston: 27/30
Griss 62/68 damage: d6 bleed

Griss, you do not take the damage until the end of your next turn. So only down 6 for now.

Azu casts gravity weapon, advances on his prey, and attacks, flanking with the barbarian.

Longsword - Twin Takedown wPenalty: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 2 = 21 Damage wGW: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 = 11

Light Pick - Twin Takedown wPenalty: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 2 = 23 Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Azu approaches and lands a solid two hit combo.

Khunbish go

Party status
Dr Thurston: 27/30
Griss 62/68 damage: d6 bleed

Khunbish gestures to Irves to circle round to flank the metallic gargoyle with Lazarus while he himself transforms into the form of a massive bear.

Command Irves, Animal Form (2)

Irves circles around, then leaps at the strange creature with his vicious jaws.

vs yellow, flat-footed: jaws: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31 piercing dmg: 2d6 + 3 + 1d4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 3 + (1) = 9

Khunbish's companion springs into action, delivering a nasty bite to the gargoyle. Managing to do some damage to the hard stone creature.

A bear now stands where Khunbish was.

"I will devour you all" Paravaax screams as he is surrounded. He lashes out at Griss with his jaws.

jaws vs Griss: 1d20 ⇒ 182d8 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7

Tearing a decent chunk out of his shoulder.26 damage Blood spills from his mouth as he grins. And follows up with a claw swipe at Griss' abdomen

claw vs griss: 1d20 ⇒ 132d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7

It's sharp claws penetrate and tear through. 13 damage

He then takes to the sky and flies out of the group and harms way.

Round 1: Seelah Go
Round 2: Griss and Dr Thurston go

Griss, you will take the 4 bleed you rolled previously at the end of this round. Then you will need to roll a DC 15 flat check to get rid of persistent damage.

Party status
Dr Thurston: 27/30
Griss 23/68 damage: d6 bleed

"Here we go!"

Rage, choosing positive energy. Then a quick attempt to demoralize followed by a Strike. If it maters, Intimidating Glare allows me to demoralize despite language, while Raging Intimidation lets me demoralize while raging.

Demoralize: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 2 = 27
Damage: 2d10 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (6, 2) + 4 + 3 = 15

Ending Bleed: 1d20 ⇒ 16

I was in the middle of this turn when Griss posted. Can we say that Griss delayed for Lazarus? If not, we'll just have the Battle Med happen after moving. Although I don't see Griss' updated position on the map, so I'm a little confused ...

Witnessing Griss getting mauled by Paravaax while standing right next to him, Lazarus remains calm. Splattered with Griss' blood, the Doctor performs some in-battle healing on the barbarian before he charges.

Battle Medicine on Griss: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (6, 5) + 3 = 14
Assurance => 17, Forensics Investigator +3

Lazarus then considers the best strategy to attack Paravaax, and moves in to attack.

Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 ⇒ 17 Roll is used for subsequent attack roll.
Elven Curve Blade (w/ Stratagem and penalty): (17) + 10 - 2 = 25
Damage + Stratgeic Strike: 1d8 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + (2) + 2 = 11

Feeling better about his attack this time, he calls out to our paladin, "Seelah, if you strike Paravaax, he'll be vulnerable if you attack him just there, on his western flank."
With Shared Stratagem, Lazarus designates Seelah to have a flat-foot attack against Paravaax in her upcoming strike.

Actions: Battle Med, Devise (free), Stride, Strike

Seelah rushes post her allies, closing the gap between herself and the gargoyle as she sees the opening in it's defenses the doctor pointed out

to hit: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 14 - 2 = 32
damage: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (7, 5) + 4 = 16

2 actions stride; 1 action strike critical!!!

@Griss, he gargoyle has moved since. You would have to move to get adjacent to him.

@ Dr Thurston, had to move you 5 more feet to get you adjacent.

Seelah moves in to confront the gargoyle. As she moves adjacent, it lashes out with a claw.

claw vs seelah: 1d20 ⇒ 202d6 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7

It tears through her armor and leaves a nasty wound on her chest and torso. 26 damage

Seelah matches the blow with a critical strike of her own. Her blade leaves a noticeable crack in its form.

The good Dr heals the barbarian before moving in and striking the gargoyle. His curved blade creates sparks as it collides with the stone, leaving a small mark.

Griss may act. Need you to change you actions. You can keep your rolls though

Party status
Dr Thurston: 27/30
Griss: 33/68
Seelah: 52/78

Double move then, then a strike. Damage is reduced because I am not raging.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 2 = 27
Damage: 2d10 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (6, 2) + 4 = 12

Griss moves in and strikes. His flail doing some damage.

The mephit flies over to Azu and begins to harass the ranger. It throws a pair of punches.

Mephit vs Azu: 1d20 ⇒ 81d6 ⇒ 5
mephit vs azu, MAP: 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (1) - 5 = -41d6 ⇒ 6

The ranger is able to easily dodge both strikes.

Azu, Natesh, and Khunbish GO!

Party status
Dr Thurston: 27/30
Griss: 33/68
Seelah: 52/78

Azu, ignoring the mephit, continues to track his prey. Following the creature, he commands Ako to move and attack.

Ako bite (Flank bonus is not included): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Then Azu follows up with his own.
Longsword (TT1) w Penalty: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 - 2 = 19 Damange wGravity Weapon: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Light Pick (TT2) w Penalty: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 2 = 7 Damange: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Azu's companion chomps down on the hard stone gargoyle. The jaws prove ineffective though.

The ranger's strikes do not land.

Natesh, and Khunbish GO!

So an effective 21 doesn't hit?