GM Erich's 5-18 The Stranger Within (Tier 5-9) (Inactive)

Game Master Thereus, Silver Crusader

"No. Pain is cheap," Nemesis replies simply. "Even Kuthites don't really value it unless it lasts, somehow. Trolls don't even scar...not from a bit of cold steel, anyway."

Claudia shakes her little head. "Pain is never cheap or meaningless. It can sometimes do good, as when it leads us to change our paths towards goodness, or it can do evil, when it brings us to despair or to not care about the pain of others. It always has meaning. It is always worthy of notice. That is why the Kuthites have everything so backwards."

”I really doubt the Karela is a slaver!! This is the pathfinder society! We are a community! We should refrain from such vile actions!“ he says with deep sadness.

"Do not forget too that the Society was founded and makes its home in a slave harbor. I to have my doubts that a free spirit like Karela would be more than unintentionally tied up with such trade, but I think it is important we have proof of such. Otherwise, our words will just be the words of strangers." Abaal says sagely.

Nemesis looks down at Claudia with a little smirk. "So you think pain is inherently valuable? Sounds fairly Kuthite to me. Do you receive a portent with every battle-wound you've ever suffered? If so, I should march up the steps of Starstone Cathedral immediately if I were you!"

"Besides, you asked whether it were 'enough'. It simply isn't - hence the meaning of the word 'cheap'. A pinch will buy you a candle, but I've never seen a sunrod go for less than a gold sail."

"Valuable, no, not unless it leads you into the paths of goodness. Meaningful, yes."

"Pain is fleeting. Meaning is subjective. Value is inherent."

Janus offers their perspective succinctly.

As Claudia and Nemesis continue their philosophic discussion, the group meanders through the streets of Kaer Maga to the house in the Bis District. The fabled ledge-manors known as the Balconies of Bis climb the walls of this immense chamber like cliff dwellings. The Kiln, an imposing fortress and golem factory, is visible in the district’s center. Giant lamps hang on cables from the roof 80 feet above in artful geometric arrangements. Massive balconies jut from the walls of the Ring, supporting lavish homes for the district’s elite. Their flickering, magical lights could almost be mistaken for sparkling waterfalls constantly pouring down the terraced stone interior of the Ring.

The directions you received from Miss Feathers lead you specifically to a smoothed, stone terrace on the northeast wall of Bis that rises twenty feet above the street level. An enclosed staircase spirals upward toward the home. A statue of a human man stands beside the house’s front door, holding out an everburning torch to light the balcony and entry. The front door is a sturdy wood door and appears to be locked.

New map

"Can any of you manage a lock?" Janus asks.

"We have a skeleton key that might work."

"Can any of you manage a lock?" Janus asks.

"We have a skeleton key that might work."

"I have an unfailing key if needs be." Abaal says with a backward nod to the hilt of his adamantine blade. "But perhaps we should look to more civilized means of entry first."

Ha!We think alike, Abaal...but I agree...less noisy methods would be more prudent here... Patros says as he fumbles through a pouch for his own skeleton key

Go ahead and use the skeleton key if you want.

Stand back...in case this thing is rigged... Patros says as he tries his key.

DD: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

The key slides in, but does not turn.

Anyone else?

"Let us try our key."

Janus first checks the door for unwanted surprises.

perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Janus then prepares with a little magic. Cast Fallback Strategy.

skeleton key DD: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
skeleton key DD, fallback strategy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

"This lock is too good. Let us look for another way in before we contemplate hacking the door down."

perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

How easy is the wall to climb?

That's a fair point... Patros agrees with Janus and looks around for a back way in.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Looking around the corner you find a large picture window providing a commanding view of the district. It doesn’t open, but could be easily broken.

Peering through it, you see the interior of the entry room. This room’s walls are papered in white with elaborate patterns in gold leaf. A comfortable leather armchair occupies one corner, while a glass orb hanging over a round oaken table glows with magical light. A door along the north wall stands slightly ajar. Patros can also determine there is a swinging "wrecking ball" style trap set to face the first person through the front door. red box

Instead of breaking the picture window, there is another window facing outward (in the small southern room), but that would take a short climb along the balcony wall. DC 20 Climb check plus risk to look like a cat burglar to those below.

"We suggest taking the window that does not directly face the streets below."

Absent a better idea from anyone else Janus uses a traveling cloak to muffle the picture window, and breaks it open using a light mace.

stealth, if apt: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

Huh...good thing that key didn't work...that huge morningstar like trap looks like it woukd hurt. The gods smiled on me just now. Abaal...there is a window that we can use...csn you get up there?

Claudia sits quietly, hoping her friends remember how well little froggies can climb, if that would be helpful.

oh i know gripplis are good climbers...but if there's trouble, i think Abaal is better solo than Claudia...no offense...without knowing what is inside..

"Claudia, if that smaller window over the ledge will open, we can render you invisible so that you can reach it unseen. Of course, the same magic can be used to cover any of us."

If either Abaal or Claudia want to go and try the smaller window instead of Janus breaking the larger one, Janus will cast Invisibility on them.

"We suggest taking the window that does not directly face the streets below."

Absent a better idea from anyone else Janus uses a traveling cloak to muffle the picture window, and breaks it open using a light mace.

That might muffle the hit, but not the large sheets of glass hitting the stone floor. Also if we make too much noise someone might slip out the back assuming there is a back.

Instead of breaking the picture window, there is another window facing outward (in the small southern room), but that would take a short climb along the balcony wall. DC 20 Climb check plus risk to look like a cat burglar to those below.

If he can do it by taking 10 for 20 Abaal does it that way instead, otherwise--

GM, he double moves for 15, or 20 feet of move depending upon how you count climb speeds in relation to his magic boots.
climb: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
climb: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

If Janus wants to use invisibility on him, Abaal does not object, but says that if he is caught he can always say that he "left his key inside." Also he continues on to the east balcony to see if there is another entrance there. If he can take 10 just assume he gets there on his next turn if he still needs more move to make it. Before leaving though he ties a bit of his silk robe to his waist, and leaves the other end with Patros to secure, just in case, and as a guideline to help other's across if necessary.

Abaal deftly scales the wall all the way to the eastern balcony. The window facing south off the balcony can be opened easily (looks like an empty kitchen inside).

Alighting onto the eastern portion of the balcony, he discovers another window to the rear, leading into an otherwise empty privy.

Abaal takes a deep breath, stands to one side, and then tries the door.

Abaal opens the window and climbs in. This small privy includes a brass tub and a washbasin with a silver mirror.

Claudia waits quietly, ready to climb to Abaal's rescue if any odd noises are heard.

Perception (listens at inner door): 1d20 ⇒ 13

All is quiet in the room next door.

I'm going to assume you open it to speed things up a bit, if not - skip the spoiler.

Find a way in for us yet?

Before proceeding too far Abaal will try to find some place to at least hang his side of the rope. It there is something he can tie it too that others might use it at need even better.

Find a way in for us yet?

"So much for stealth." Abaal grumbles softly to himself from a few rooms over.

He strides through the chamber, opens the southern door, steps through into the main room (not that anyone can see him). Then he disarms the morningstar trap if able. He has no particular skill in this endeavor, he does however have a big sword that can cut through nearly anything. So perhaps he can snip the tripwire, jam the mechanism, or just cut the morningstar in two.

Abaal moves into the bedchamber and opens the door confidently.

There is a moment where his silhouette is framed nicely in the doorway for no one at all to see - but without warning - a huge wrecking ball descends from the ceiling and launches him all the way from the bed chamber to the picture window. Janus watches in awe (horror?) as the window shatters from the impact. Oh, but the trap isn't finished yet. It drops thickly to the floor and in an instant transforms into a a large disgusting mass of jiggling brown-orange sludge. The battle begins in earnest...

perception Abaal: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Trap vs. Abaal: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 344d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 2, 1) + (4) = 15

Round 1 - Bold can act - Picture window is broken open!
Patros
Jangafzaar
Orange Ooze
Claudia
Abaal -15 damage <invisible>
Nemesis
Janus Too
Magas
Janus

Jang moves to the door and tries to open it.

Knowledge (dungeoneering): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

When he can see it.

Patros grabs a flask of acid from his bandolier and readies it to toss on the mass of gunk. He lowers his sword to fend off any attack.

p/r: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 261d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 241d8 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 6 = 16the second +6 is precision fyi

Patros readies to toss acid and guards against the monstrous ooze. Jangafzaar snaps the front door open, activating the first wrecking ball that blasts him violently into the balcony wall. The ooze snaps out at the still reeling Abaal next to it, who is enveloped by its gelatinous arm and drawn closer.

Trap vs. Jang: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 304d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 1, 3) + (2) = 9

ooze slam vs Abaal: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 212d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 5) + 6 = 14 acid: 1d6 ⇒ 6
ooze grab (constrict) vs Abaal: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 332d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 2) + 6 = 9 acid: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Round 1/2 - Bold can act - Picture window and door are open!
Orange Ooze <grappling>
Claudia
Abaal -50 damage <invisible, grabbed>
Nemesis
Janus Too
Magas
Janus
--------------------
Patros
Jangafzaar -9 damage

Ouch. Constrict is harsh :(

"This... ooze - must be ended, lest Abaal makes his Journey."

Janus steps through the shattered window pane, spinning his double flail.

5' step looks possible, so do that, swift action to activate Bane (ooze), move action to Study Target, standard to make a single attack.

dire flail (2-handed) vs ooze, studied target, bane: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 2 + 2 = 18magic damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 2 + 2 + (6, 6) = 28

"....."

Janus Too stretches out its unfeasibly long neck, snapping its jaws.

aid another AC vs attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Janus Too employs Aid Another to bolster the AC of whoever the ooze attacks (if it attacks).

Patros readies to toss acid and guards against the monstrous ooze. Jangafzaar snaps the front door open, activating the first wrecking ball that blasts him violently into the balcony wall. The ooze snaps out at [NOTHING]....

First.... Weaknesses?

No weaknesses other than a laughable AC.

I think Abaal needs some space. He's going to try and break free and either dive out the window or better if the front door seems clear of unsprung traps and oozes dive toward the cleric while trying to avoid an AoO. The end goal is to end up close to Jang.

grapple v ooze (break grapple): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

acrobatics (avoid AoO during move): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Claudia moves around and tries to deliver a shocking grasp through the window with her tongue. agile tongue allows delivery of a touch spell from 10 ft away

attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
damage: 6d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 1, 4, 1, 5) = 13

@Abaal Since you got away I will reward with you the proper damage from the acid from last round... extra acid damage from slam and constrict: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (5) = 8

Rounding the corner, Claudia is able to distract the ooze with her electric tongue just enough and Abaal thankfully breaks free, dodging the deadly ooze as he just reaches the dwarf. Janus follows up with a massive blow that shakes the ooze to its core.

Round 1/2 - Bold can act - Picture window and door are open!
Orange Ooze -41 damage
Claudia
Abaal -58 damage <invisible>
Janus Too
Janus
Nemesis
Magas
--------------------
Patros
Jangafzaar -9 damage

"Jangafzaar, our clergyman! Quick man! Bend the ear of your divine patron to heal us. I must return to the fight!" Then Abaal stops and looks closer at the dwarf (not that any can see), and says "By the way, what happened to you?"

Patros moves in and tosses the flask of acid at the ooze.

touch: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 251d6 ⇒ 3 and readies to fend off the ooze shouid it decide to go after him.

p/r: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 191d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 251d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

"Arghhh! That was acid! I do not even know where you are Abaal! And I think I will summon something!" he shouts.

Start summoning 1 round casting time.

Start summoning 1 round casting time.

knowledge (arcana; ID spell as cast; because he's a fighter damn it!): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

As a free action an Exasperated Abaal says "Fine. I shall seek out our more scholarly channeller; one with a blood-connection to the divine."
He turns to the aasimar. "Nemesis, call upon your kin to heal us! I must return to the fight, and I think Kargar here is in the middle of summoning a larger mosquito, or something."

“Oh yes! My mosquito!! Forgot about that one! So new you know!!“ he says.

He directs Magas to attack and the insect moves to attack the ooze!

acrobatics to prevent AoO in case it has reach : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 291d8 ⇒ 6 plus bleed and grab

Crit? bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 111d8 ⇒ 3

Special Attacks bleed (2d4) : 2d4 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

free CMB +14 Grapple (Grab) (+4 BAB, +1 Size (Hefty Brute Feat), +5 Str, +4 grab) : 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

Special Attacks blood drain (1d2 Constitution) : 1d2 ⇒ 2

Abaal wonders aloud "Why does everyone seem so eager to taste the ooze?"

Magas flits in but is intercepted by the hideous ooze. It manages to skewer the ooze to cause some mayhem of its own. Patros launches the acid flask which covers the ooze easily, but it simply rolls off its gooey exterior as if it were water.

Jangafzaar begins a spell to conjure an ally.

AOO ooze slam vs Magas: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 292d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 1) + 6 = 8 acid: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7
AOO ooze grab vs Magas: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 242d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 2) + 6 = 11 acid: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5

Round 1/2 - Bold can act - Picture window and door are open!
Orange Ooze -47 damage <bleed 5, grappled>
Claudia
Abaal -58 damage <invisible>
Janus Too
Janus
Magas -31 damage <grabbed>
--------------------
Patros
Jangafzaar -9 damage
Nemesis

With an outstretched hand Nemesis forces the ooze violently back. The ooze responds by crushing poor Magas in its caustic grip, before dropping the giant mosquito limply to the ground.

Nemesis force channel: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 4, 4) = 13
ooze will save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
ooze maintain grapple vs Magas: 1d20 + 19 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 19 + 5 = 262d6 + 6 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 4) + 6 + (3, 1) + 6 = 22 acid: 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (3, 2) + (6, 1) = 12

Round 2/3 - Bold can act - Picture window and door are open!
Orange Ooze -65 damage <bleed 2d4>
Claudia
Abaal -58 damage <invisible>
Janus Too
Janus
Magas -65 damage <unconscious>
--------------------
Patros
Jangafzaar -9 damage
Nemesis