Kiboko ascends a narrow set of thin stairs that leads up to the surface of a large raised platform just off the main causeway. The white marble structure bears significantly less damage than most of the other buildings in the courtyard, and dozens of humanoid statues crowd the open space around the foot of the stairs. Zaarah and Flyndyngylyn prepare for the medusa's return while Kramac and Fendel tend to the still-invisible naga - though Fendel finds himself unable to contribute much without being able to see the target of his ministrations.
Kiboko:
You pick out multiple trails through this area - it seems the medusa frequents this spot more than the part of the causeway you examined earlier.
Prisoners of the Maze
Round 8! Bold may act!
Cyan (-83)
Orange (-156, Invisible) Kramac (-16, See Invisibility)
Beak (-87/103)
Zaarah (-24, 5 images, Holding charge)
Flyndyngylyn Red (-130)
Blue (-127)
Yellow (-97)
Green (-120)
Purple (-118) Fendel (-16)
Kiboko
Mvumbu (Staggered 4/??)
Black (-343)
Environmental Effects:
- White blocks mark holes in walls
- Walls are 10 ft high
- Cyan circle marks Cyan's last known location
barkskin, GMF, longstrider, air walk, heightened awareness
more effects:
tiger focus, bull focus
Male Half Orc (Mwangi heritage) Barbarian (scarred rager) 4 / Hunter 9 | current AC 31 T 17 FF 27 | HP 130/130 [130/130] | F +22 R +17 W +13 (+2 Fort and Will in rage) | CMD 30 | CMB +14| Init +5 | Perc +19 dv 60' | Rage (16/21) | Animal focus (6/9) | Spells (-, 5/6, 0/5, 2/4)
Kiboko calls over his shoulder towards Kramac:
"Kramac, harufu ya medusa ina nguvu hapa. Labda kuna kitu anathamini."
Polyglot:
"Kramac, the scent of the medusa is stronger here. Perhaps there is something she values."
The 'magic warrior' casts a simple spell and examines the area again. Cast detect magic.
"Medusa! If you will not defend your lair, we will take or destroy all that you value!"
The blaze of magic on everything here is almost blinding in its intensity.
Detect Magic - Round 1 results: Yes, there are magical auras present. Do you wish to continue concentrating on the area?
Kramac shouts as he sees the medusa fly over a wall near where Mvumbu and Beak have taken shelter. She ignores the animals as she floats to the central pavilion and points at Flyndyngylyn. The other Pathfinders see twin rays of fire erupt from the air above their heads as the medusa again becomes visible, her laughter filling the air with its sibilant sound.
Flyndyngylyn fires back his own missile even as his clothes catch on fire and the heat sears his hair.
Kramac, Beak, (Zaarah), Flyndyngylyn, Kiboko, Mvumbu - you are starting your turn within the range of the medusa's gaze. You must immediately decide if you are:
- Not averting your gaze (must make saving throw)
- Averting your gaze (50% chance to avoid making saving throw against gaze, creature gains concealment against you)
- Closing your eyes (no saving throw, but all creatures have total concealment against you)
Immediately following that, roll a Fortitude save against petrification (depending on your decision just above this), and then post your result in the Discord channel so I can resolve that part of the turn quickly.
Prisoners of the Maze
Round 9! Bold may act!
Cyan (-103)
Orange (-156, Invisible) Kramac (-16, See Invisibility)
Beak (-87/103)
Zaarah (-24, 5 images, Holding charge)
Flyndyngylyn (-27)
Red (-130)
Blue (-127)
Yellow (-97)
Green (-120)
Purple (-118) Fendel (-16)
Kiboko
Mvumbu (Staggered 5/??)
Black (-343)
Environmental Effects:
- White blocks mark holes in walls
- Walls are 10 ft high
barkskin, GMF, longstrider, air walk, heightened awareness
more effects:
tiger focus, bull focus
Male Half Orc (Mwangi heritage) Barbarian (scarred rager) 4 / Hunter 9 | current AC 31 T 17 FF 27 | HP 130/130 [130/130] | F +22 R +17 W +13 (+2 Fort and Will in rage) | CMD 30 | CMB +14| Init +5 | Perc +19 dv 60' | Rage (16/21) | Animal focus (6/9) | Spells (-, 5/6, 0/5, 2/4)
Kiboko keeps his eyes open - Mvumbu closes hers, remaining on 'Down' command.
Fort:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 20 = 40
"Enough."
Kiboko casts a spell of his own, targeting the flying medusa. He conjures two discs of stone which fly towards the monster.
The detective moves from the smaller chamber to engage the horror. As he moves, he seeks out any potential weaknesses in her. He takes a moment to steady his breathing before he lets fly an arrow.
Swift action to Quick Study. {DA/PB/Studied Combat/BANE} +16/+11 +2d6 vs evil)
Kiboko's first disc gets lost in the leafy wall of the Maze, but the second cuts the medusa deeply in the side. Strangely, her laughter only grows in response.
Since the medusa is flying, I'm modifying Kramac/Beak's actions slightly.
Beak flies over to Kramac, letting the half-orc swing up into the saddle before wheeling to attack the naga. (Means a double move for Beak, so no attack unfortunately.) Kramac swings, but his blade doesn't cut as deeply as he hoped due to what appears to be a magical ward. Zaarah rushes into the fray, slashing wildly with her electrically-charged blade and barely managing to connect with the medusa's body.
But it connects.
As the shock makes her limbs and hair twitch, the medusa continues to laugh. Her body falls slowly to the ground below, but as it descends it dissolves into the air like dust in a gentle breeze. By the time she reaches the ground, nothing is left. Nothing, but the ever-present hum of the Maze.
Don't worry, my prettiesssssss. I'll return ssssssssssoon...
Out of combat! Damage report:
Kramac (-16)
Beak (-87/103)
Zaarah (-24)
Flyndyngylyn (-27)
Fendel (-16)
Go ahead and post any restorative actions you might want to take at this time. After doing so, also make sure your stat bar is up to date.
Gets Flyn to 1 away of his full complement (currently at 100 hp)
The Elf nods to his friends. "Well done...from the Medusa's last words, I assume she somehow escaped death...that doesn't bode well as that means we'll likely have to deal with her again...
"Kramac, as you're the only one that can see the Naga, how does she look? Does she yet live?"
While awaiting for the Naga's prognosis, Flyn will search the area, to include the bodies of their dead foes...
barkskin, GMF, longstrider, air walk, heightened awareness
more effects:
tiger focus, bull focus
Male Half Orc (Mwangi heritage) Barbarian (scarred rager) 4 / Hunter 9 | current AC 31 T 17 FF 27 | HP 130/130 [130/130] | F +22 R +17 W +13 (+2 Fort and Will in rage) | CMD 30 | CMB +14| Init +5 | Perc +19 dv 60' | Rage (16/21) | Animal focus (6/9) | Spells (-, 5/6, 0/5, 2/4)
Kiboko calls Mvumbu over to him.
"Rise, dearest friend. The battle is over for now." He turns towards the others. "Kiboko senses much strong magic from that area of the garden." He points towards the steps to the north.
"Perhaps that is where the medusa's secret lies? Her control over her petrified victims was extraordinary; it is possible she will return from death, or is already an undead of some kind."
"Fendel, perhaps you should investigate whilst Kramac speaks to the naga."
"Zaarah, please recharge Kiboko's ioun stone when you have a moment." Kiboko hands the magus a wand (shield) and indicates the stone orbiting his head.
Kiboko casts Heightened Awareness again from his wand, in case the medusa should return sooner, then studies the magical auras once more. Will burn Heightened Awareness for +4 Initiative if combat brekas out again. Also note Tiger Focus granting +4 DEX and affecting Init modifier.
Recast Detect Magic. Leave Animal Focus set at Tiger and Mouse for up to another minute; set Mvumbu's foci to Bear and Tiger.
If Kiboko finds anything of great interest whilst examining the northern 'alcove' I will consider using a "saviour of knowledge" boon roll whilst waiting on Fendel.
The detective silently nods in agreement and stalks toward the indicated area. He activates his wayfinder and scans for magic, taking time to discern each aura present.
Loot:
- 5x amulet of natural armor +1
- 5x masterwork spiked chain
- A folded piece of paper
The naga's still form appears after a few seconds, but neither Fendel's ministrations nor Kramac's magic can bring her back to consciousness. She is dead.
Kiboko leads Fendel to the northern platform, and the two of them investigate the magical auras. The strength of the enchantment is nearly blinding with its intensity, but as the two continue to investigate they find that the magic permeates all of the Maze that they can see. Fendel guesses that the spells crafted here are to maintain the Maze, though there are threads of both conjuration and abjuration woven through the enchantment. If the Maze was created - and it certainly seems unlikely (if not impossible) that this level of spellcraft would arise spontaneously - then it was created by a master spellcaster.
The detective studies the document, then mulls over the names. "It seems unlikely this was dropped by the medusa or any of her victims. Unfortunately, I think we need to press on if we wish to complete our assigned task."
barkskin, GMF, longstrider, air walk, heightened awareness
more effects:
tiger focus, bull focus
Male Half Orc (Mwangi heritage) Barbarian (scarred rager) 4 / Hunter 9 | current AC 31 T 17 FF 27 | HP 130/130 [130/130] | F +22 R +17 W +13 (+2 Fort and Will in rage) | CMD 30 | CMB +14| Init +5 | Perc +19 dv 60' | Rage (16/21) | Animal focus (6/9) | Spells (-, 5/6, 0/5, 2/4)
"This is magic beyond Kiboko. It is very possible that the maze will resurrect the medusa, and Kiboko sees nothing that can be done to prevent it. We must leave this place at once."
Examining the list of names Kiboko adds "The same list that we found in Hestram's quarters, but with greater detail. Did Hestram come here recently, or is this a false trail left by the Red Raven?"
After gathering the amulets and chains Kiboko is ready to move off. Kiboko doesn't wish to wear one.
Seeing the dead form of the Naga, Flyn swears loudly. "Erastil's Antlers! Our luck goes bad at every turn!"
After looking over the note, Flyn nods somberly to Kiboko. "Aye, the names match the initials on Hestram's map...your inclination earlier may very well be right, this could be a kill list. At least we can put a name with the locations now...
"Kyalla was also the name spoken by the Naga when she became unpetrified; no doubt, she could've told us something about this conundrum. Of all the creatures we fought here, we should've done our best to keep the Guardian Naga alive...not only could she have aided us,'tis a bad omen to kill such a good and lawful creature..."
Shaking his head, the ranger will also take one of the amulets...
Current AC: 28
Looking to the east, Flyn murmurs, "Come, my friends, we dare not delay more...we need answers and looks like we'll only get 'em from the Red Raven..."
The Elf draws his bow and quietly moves east, scouting ahead through the unexplored part of the maze, looking for signs of their prey and/or an exit from this place...
Without anything to compare the note against (such as a particular person's handwriting or an author's style), it is impossible to tell what this would be a forgery of, let alone its authenticity. You also don't recognize any of the names written here - either these people are entirely unremarkable, have a name common to too many other people, or have taken steps to preserve their anonymity.
The Pathfinders wait a few more minutes, but the medusa does not reappear. Eventually, they move on down the path - Flyndyngylyn and Kiboko easily finding footprints to suggest that someone recently walked this same route. After what feels like hours, the Seekers arrive at a dead end of the Maze. At the end of the corridor stands a solid oaken door.
It's actually only been an hour since the encounter with the medusa for purposes of tracking buffs - there's just no easy means of tracking the passage of time in the Maze.
Male Half-Orc M Half-Orc Normal AC: 36 Current AC: 36 T 14 FF 33 | HP 121/121| F +22 R +16 W +16 / +2 Heroism | CMD 28 | Init +5 | Perc +18(+4 On Beak)| Spells: Level 1 4/6 Level 2 5/5 Level 3 3/4 Level 4 0/1 | Bane 10/10 | Animal Focus 8/10 | Hunter Trick 4/7
Kramac wonders what this maze actually is. The creatures in here are from the Mwangi, many many miles away from Galt. How did they end up here? Kramac suspects this is a mystery for another day! Let us pursue the Red Raven quickly.
barkskin, GMF, longstrider, air walk, heightened awareness
more effects:
tiger focus, bull focus
Male Half Orc (Mwangi heritage) Barbarian (scarred rager) 4 / Hunter 9 | current AC 31 T 17 FF 27 | HP 130/130 [130/130] | F +22 R +17 W +13 (+2 Fort and Will in rage) | CMD 30 | CMB +14| Init +5 | Perc +19 dv 60' | Rage (16/21) | Animal focus (6/9) | Spells (-, 5/6, 0/5, 2/4)
"Kiboko suspects it is like Hao Jin's tapestry, a dimension unto itself."
The door does not appear dangerous of its own, but as to what could be on the other side of a door in the wall of a garden maze full of powerful magic... Now that could be considered dangerous.
The wooden door opens without a fuss, revealing a dark rocky cavern on the other side.
As it is dark ahead, let's review the light/vision situation currently. What does everyone have for seeing in the dark?
As an infiltrator, Flyn has an hour’s worth of Darkvision he can enable in 10-minute increments; he’ll enact the first increment now and will enact others as the previous is about to expire...
Flyn switches to his darkvision and warily enters the rocky cavern, using the shadows and what cover is available to conceal himself as he moves, keeping an eye out for traps, tracks, and foes...
Before following the archer, Fendel pulls out a different flask. "This will let someone see in the dark for a few hours. Conceivably the effects should also work on either of the animals, assuming you could get one to actually consume it. I have just the one though."
Male Half-Orc M Half-Orc Normal AC: 36 Current AC: 36 T 14 FF 33 | HP 121/121| F +22 R +16 W +16 / +2 Heroism | CMD 28 | Init +5 | Perc +18(+4 On Beak)| Spells: Level 1 4/6 Level 2 5/5 Level 3 3/4 Level 4 0/1 | Bane 10/10 | Animal Focus 8/10 | Hunter Trick 4/7
If everyone else has darkvision, Kramac will command beak to switch to Animal Focus: Bat, providing 90 Feet of Darkvision. As this is father than Kramac, Kramac will use his improved empathic link to see through Beak's eyes. He will wait back about 60 feet, waiting for the stealthy members of the party to motion him forward, listening for trouble all the while.
barkskin, GMF, longstrider, air walk, heightened awareness
more effects:
tiger focus, bull focus
Male Half Orc (Mwangi heritage) Barbarian (scarred rager) 4 / Hunter 9 | current AC 31 T 17 FF 27 | HP 130/130 [130/130] | F +22 R +17 W +13 (+2 Fort and Will in rage) | CMD 30 | CMB +14| Init +5 | Perc +19 dv 60' | Rage (16/21) | Animal focus (6/9) | Spells (-, 5/6, 0/5, 2/4)
Kiboko has innate darkvision, and Mvumbu can also use Bat Focus for 90' darkvision. Kiboko will switch her foci to Bat and Tiger (Bat and Owl if we're stealthing) - assuming everyone is going 'dark', otherwise Kiboko has a wayfinder for light. (Also a supply of oil, and an AnyTool that could be configured as a lantern).
"Are we going quietly in the dark?" Kiboko looks for confirmation.
Zaarah holds tight to Fendel's arm as the ground passes through the doorway and into the tunnel beyond. The inaudible hum of the Maze vanishes on the other side, and the cold damp air feels nothing like the strangeness of the Maze. Slowly, the group makes their way forward.
After a short walk made longer by Flyndyngylyn's stealth and Zaarah's dependence on Fendel's guidance, the elf stops the rest of the group before slowly slinking ahead. Fendel puts Zaarah's hand on Kramac's shoulder instead before following.
Fendel, Flyndyngylyn:
As you carefully make your way forward, you see the tunnel open up ahead into a high platform that overlooks an enormous cavern lit by distant torches and small clumps of phosphorescent fungi. A relatively flat floor about 20 ft below falls away into a balck abyss at the center of the huge chamber, bridged by a thin natural span at the center of the room. Immediately east of the platform (about 20 ft below) is a pool of dark liquid - perhaps fed by some natural spring. Lurking shadows on the near side of the bridge suggest skulking humanoids somewhat larger than an average man. Several torches light the bridge, illuminating a tall human warrior in red plate armor pacing nervously with a sword in hand. On the far side of the cavern are indistinct forms, but the bowmen's eyes know an archer's pose when they see it. And atop a huge natural rock formation extending from the center of the cavern's eastern wall stand a pair of figures - one a human woman, and the other the elf from the Lodge's armory.
The Seekers freeze for a moment, but none of the figures seem to notice them. Fendel suspects they are nervous about something, though he can't identify anything in sight that could be the source of such a feeling.
For purposes of tracking durations, it's been 30 minutes since entering the underground. Fendel and Flyndyngylyn's tokens have been placed on the map, but everyone else is "off the map" about 20 ft in the tunnel still.
barkskin, GMF, longstrider, air walk, heightened awareness
more effects:
tiger focus, bull focus
Male Half Orc (Mwangi heritage) Barbarian (scarred rager) 4 / Hunter 9 | current AC 31 T 17 FF 27 | HP 130/130 [130/130] | F +22 R +17 W +13 (+2 Fort and Will in rage) | CMD 30 | CMB +14| Init +5 | Perc +19 dv 60' | Rage (16/21) | Animal focus (6/9) | Spells (-, 5/6, 0/5, 2/4)
Kiboko waits for Flyn and Fendel to report back.
Some buffs have now expired, and Kiboko will want to consider what, if anything, to put up again with his few remaining spells before going forwards.
Male Half-Orc M Half-Orc Normal AC: 36 Current AC: 36 T 14 FF 33 | HP 121/121| F +22 R +16 W +16 / +2 Heroism | CMD 28 | Init +5 | Perc +18(+4 On Beak)| Spells: Level 1 4/6 Level 2 5/5 Level 3 3/4 Level 4 0/1 | Bane 10/10 | Animal Focus 8/10 | Hunter Trick 4/7
Assuming Flynn and Fendel Report back,
Kramac, whispering to his companions,
Kramac thinks Flynn and Fendel should attempt to kill the elf from range. His magic could be very troublesome and he might still be injured. Kramac will fly on Beak and try to remove the archers.
Kramac will cast an extended Shield of Faith on Beak and a charge from his wand of Heightened Awareness on himself, which he will use for +4 to initiative. Kramac will hand three scrolls of see invisibility over to Fendel.
Hold these Fendel. They will let you see if any foes become invisible. Kurgess has given Kramac the ability to cast this without a scroll.
I picked up see invis as a known spell since I bought the scrolls. Take em, and use them to target faerie fires if we need
Finally, the round before Flynn starts shooting, Kramac will activate Planar Focus: Fire.
Flyn will nod to Fendel and motion for them to report back to the others...he’ll quietly head back...
Stealth:1d10 + 27 ⇒ (10) + 27 = 37
...once back, he’ll whisper the layout and the foes he saw awaiting them, to include the Elvish caster from before...
Flyn nods to Kramac and Fendel, whispering, ”Aye, we’ll target the Elvish bugger first...‘it’s a long shot, but we can reach him...just hope it’s enough to drop him quickly. I suggest you give Fendel and I a bit of space so we can get off the first shot...I’ll motion when we’re about to fire...come quickly after we do...”
Flyn will wait till everyone is ready before heading back...
barkskin, GMF, longstrider, air walk, heightened awareness
more effects:
tiger focus, bull focus
Male Half Orc (Mwangi heritage) Barbarian (scarred rager) 4 / Hunter 9 | current AC 31 T 17 FF 27 | HP 130/130 [130/130] | F +22 R +17 W +13 (+2 Fort and Will in rage) | CMD 30 | CMB +14| Init +5 | Perc +19 dv 60' | Rage (16/21) | Animal focus (6/9) | Spells (-, 5/6, 0/5, 2/4)
Kiboko activates his own wand of Heightened Awareness will also expend for +4 initiative.
Kiboko's preparations:
Kiboko plans to enter the cavern in hippo shape. In addition to the Heightened Awareness, Kiboko casts Barkskin on himself and Spider Climb on himself and Mvumbu. He has Zaarah employ his wand of Mage Armour (CL3) on him. He takes off his talismans and asks that Zaarah or anyone still humanoid replaces them after he changes. He hands his wands to Fendel (except the two given to Zaarah), along with his scrolls of Death Ward and Air Walk. "Use them as you will, Fendel."
Wands list:
wand of cure light wounds (29/50)
wand of heightened awareness (8/50)
wand of faerie fire (45/50)
wand of shield (28/50)
wand of stone shape (2/50)
wand of lesser restoration (9/50)
wand of mage armour CL3 (10/50) - Zaarah
wand of remove sickness (49/50)
wand of infernal healing (41/50) - Zaarah
Kiboko asks Zaarah to activate the infernal wand on him.
When all these preparations are complete, Kiboko then casts Share Shape and becomes a mighty hippopotamus! As he does so, he activates the magic in his spell totem to cast Strong Jaw upon himself.
He activates Animal Focus (Tiger and Mouse; +4 dex and evasion) and activates his ioun stone to cast Shield right before the party advances.
Kiboko can still speak in hippo form thanks to the Ring of Eloquence.
The detective nods in agreement. He accepts all of Kiboko's wands, placing them in his haversack for ease of use. He takes a moment to activate the dark blessing of Lissala branded on his shoulder. Fendel then pulls out a pair of scrolls as part of his preparations and invokes the powerful magic scribed upon the parchment.
Activating Sihedron Brand {from Chronicle 4-08} 24 Temp HP]
UMD vs DC 30 {25+ Spell level 5}:1d20 + 25 ⇒ (17) + 25 = 42
[ooc]Casting Life Bubble on everyone and animal companions with duration split evenly. 2.5 hours each.
UMD vs DC 30 {25+ Spell level 5}:1d20 + 25 ⇒ (19) + 25 = 44 Casting Death Ward (7 minute) {Removes penalties from negative levels}
Fendel Preparations (not secret):
Scroll of Life Bubble for all (2.5 hour duration)
Antiplague (1 hour)
Antitoxin (1 hour)
Comprehend Languages (50 minute duration)
Vermin Repellent (4 hour)
Potions of resist energy 10 {Acid, Cold, Electricity, Fire} (30 minute)
Potion of Fly (5 minute)
Potion of Aid (3 minute) Temp HP:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Potion of Blur (3 minute)
Death Ward (7 minute)
Expeditious Retreat (2 minute)
Monkey Fish (2 minute)
Wolf Mask {Scent} (Up to 4 minutes in 1 minute increments)
Gravity Bow (1 minute)
Shield (1 minute)
BANE {Elf} (1 minute)
Flyn will move quietly back into the cavern, concealing himself as best he can...
Stealth:1d20 + 27 ⇒ (11) + 27 = 38
Providing things are still as they were when he left, Flyn will motion to those behind him that he's about to fire. Using a ki point to increase his incremental range to 160', he'll nod to Fendel to make sure his friend is ready to fire as well. Then he takes careful aim at the Elf caster and releases a cold iron arrow towards the target...
To Hit: Dex+Base, Magic, Weapon Focus, Greater Bracers of Archery, Precise Shot, Improved Precise Shot, Point Blank Master, Deadly Aim Damage: Strength, Magic, Greater Bracers of Archery, Deadly Aim
Current AC: 28 Perfect Strike Uses: 1/6 Ki Pool: 3/4 Inspiration Pool: 3/3 Darkvision Increments: 2/6
GM: Since you mentioned it had been 30 minutes since we entered underground, mage armor will still be active; that also means I'll just be starting my fourth increment of darkvision...
Male Half-Orc M Half-Orc Normal AC: 36 Current AC: 36 T 14 FF 33 | HP 121/121| F +22 R +16 W +16 / +2 Heroism | CMD 28 | Init +5 | Perc +18(+4 On Beak)| Spells: Level 1 4/6 Level 2 5/5 Level 3 3/4 Level 4 0/1 | Bane 10/10 | Animal Focus 8/10 | Hunter Trick 4/7
This post assumes we are all getting a surprise round. Kramac will wait for Fendel and Flynn to kick things off. Kramac will fly in on Beak (moved 60 feet from the entrance), and use his Swaying Word ability (from conversion inquisition) on the man on the bridge. He needs a DC 17 Will Save or be dominated. If Kramac needs to be farther back to keep from giving up the sneak attack, Beak will use Chameleon Step to move 80 feet to Kramac's current position and do the same. If I need to be more than 80 feet away from his current position, Kramac will wait for the GM to post tomorrow then redo his action.
Wicked bandit! Kurgess implores you to change your ways and aid in our struggle against your evil companions!
