Rūha lets the others speak, wary of this powerful ooze that's so consumed by dreams of vengeance. Regardless of its aid, she senses little good can come from someone or something engulfed as it is.
She nods along with Rhor's question, very much hoping this ooze can provide more specifics.
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”I ask only that you avenge me. Destroy those who abandoned me to rot in this decaying husk. Let my end be the beginning of their downfall”
”You got it!” Zzvkgrogk exclaims, then briefly wonders how one might plant a rainbow. ”We won’t just try to erode The Jerk Dominion’s power and reduce their kingdom to dust – we SHALL see to it those callous bastards are destroyed. And when time comes and you stand before Pharasma – or whomever Space People stand before – we will erect a memorial here so that your aid will not be forgotten, and you shall live forever in the minds of the Golarion people.”
He starts carefully fliting his way toward the northeastern door to check out the glands and other gifts.
6 first, 5 Second, 4 Third
(1st)
(1st) True Strike
(1st)
(1st) Shield
(1st) Adhesive Spittle
(1st) Reduce Person
(2nd)
(2nd) Invisibility
(2nd)
(2nd) See Invisiblity
(2nd) Extreme Flexibility
(3rd) Animal Aspect. Greater
(3rd) Spider Climb, Communal
(3rd) Haste
(3rd)
Can use craft (alchemy) to identify potions as if using Detect Magic
Hits: 53/53
AC Current: 29/21/23
AC: 19 / 15 / 15 (Normal/Touch/Flatfooted)
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 21/50
Radiation Detector (3/10 charges)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 6/10
Arc Pistol (Charges}: 8/10
Batteries Charged): 10/20
Empty Battieries: 10 /20
Zzvkgrogk Special (Alchemical Ordinance): 8/13
Hero: 2/3
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Rūha feels The-Star-Whisper's hatred is fully sincere and despite the difficulties of interpreting the subtleties of ooze and telepathic communication, she feels there is nothing deceptive in its words. The thing feels dangerous nonetheless.
”Tell us more about who and what they are. And how we might be better prepared to defeat them. What weaknesses do they have? And what does the de-scenting process entail?”
1d20+21+2 Know (Planes/Local/Arcana/Engineering, -9 Dungeoneering)
The glands reek of ammonia, a stench that confuses the Dominion's sentient walls, rendering you undetectable for a time. You will need them if you hope to infiltrate their hive undetected The-Star-Whisper explains to Rhoreen But do not be fooled, those glands are merely tools, not salvation. The hive is filled with horrors, creatures of twisted intellects that seek to devour your very minds. Neh-Thalggus, Intellect Devourers and other horrors. Those are the monsters you will face in the hive they have built in your planet.
"Was The-Stars-Whisper the only ship to visit Golarion? Did you have companion shipminds who traveled with you?"
I was part of an armada, you see, a fleet that opened fire on the Divinity, a ship of unparalleled power. We almost had it... but it escaped, and with it, our prize. It used an unknown technology, something akin to the power of gods themselves, as it created a wormhole that lead her to this world. The Dominion pursued it, sent me after it, and in doing so, sealed my fate. the ooze's hatred is clear It took us millennia to travel what the Divinity covered in an instant. The Dominion wants this power, imagine how the cosmos could be shaken, how many planets be consumed if they could use this technology to travel through the void of space at an instant.
Its anger flares once more, driving away the melancholy But even in my death, I will not be powerless! You shall take what remains of my strength and use it to tear them apart! Their weaknesses are many: arrogance, overconfidence, reliance on their machines. They underestimate the power of living beings, the tenacity of those who fight for survival. Exploit that. Break them from within. And when the last of them falls, know that it was my vengeance that brought them low!
The cache is kept in several fluid-filled, blisterlike chests, and includes 16 yellow topazes worth 500 gp each, 7 black star sapphires worth 1,000 gp each, a suit of +3 banded mail, a staff of healing, a blue veemod, a rocket launcher, and a strange crystal the size of a human thumb.
This is an ingenuity facet, able to grant an AI insight into the construction and maintenance of technological items and robot maintenance. This facet grants a +4 bonus on Disable Device checks, as well as the Craft Technological Arms and Armor and Craft Technological Item feats. While the AI controls a robot, this facet given the AI the ability to repair 3d8+15 points of damage to any robot it can touch (including itself) as a full-round action at will, but only once per day for any given robot.
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Know (Engineering)
Rhoreen pauses, thinking about what has been said, and thinking about the fascinating facet that has been found, and now identified by her.
She examines the fancy Staff, and will hold it for the party. She does not wish to claim it.
"Their weaknesses are many: arrogance, overconfidence, reliance on their machines."
Rhoreen smugs at this.
"Yes, of course, the overconfident and arrogant are always so easy to defeat. I already knew that," she preens.
Yambul admires the haul and while he hesitates over the rocket launcher (wow) he stows it with the other gear not being proficient with it.
He tucks the blue veemod away thinking, If we're going to use this stuff, we're going to need more batteries.
He chuckles at Rhoreen's smugness and arrogance and generally makes ready to go, though he waits in case there's more conversation to be had. He's uneasy around the ooze - it's quite alien, and seems maybe a little insane with it's anger at the dominion. Rightfully so perhaps, but that anger could spill over and he doesn't want to be around when it does.
"Well... we should go kill the dominion now." he says by way of suggesting they should mosey.
As you are leaving the cache room, the ooze intrudes in your minds once more Yes, go now. But... but... before you go... Prove that you have the strength to bring them to their knees, to crush them beneath the weight of their own arrogance! If you fail, then you are no better than they are... weak, doomed to decay like everything else!
A bubble of plasma is projected in the air at lightning speed Show me that you are more than just another speck of flesh destined for the grave! Show me that you are the harbingers of the Dominion's end, and I shall rest knowing that my vengeance is at hand!
The plasma touches Yambul, whom flatfooted still by the sudden attack, is likely fried and shocked.
Round 1
Rhoreen moves in, following the others, and flies 15' up. She brings the wavering power of her skymetal rod to bear at the treasonous creature.
HP: 62/62 + temp
AC: 12/12/10 (+4 w/Mage Armor)
F+5, R+6, W+8
Open spell slots:
Left Hand: nothing
Right Hand: Ember Staff (8/9 charges)
Ring of Forcefangs (7/9 charges)
Lighten Up: 0/1 used
Rod of Extend, lesser: 3/3 used (heroism, mage armors (herself & Ruha)
Rod of Extend, lesser: 1/3 used (heroism,
PoP 1: 0/2 used
PoP 2: 0/1 used
[ dice]1d20+7[/dice] ranged to hit;
[ dice]1d4-1[/dice] blunt damage
Phasing: The drinker gains the ability to become incorporeal for 1d4 rounds as a swift action, but takes 1 point of Con damage when he does so. Phasing can be extended as a free action by taking 1 additional point of Con damage. Coming out of phase inside a solid object is instantly fatal.
”I can do it myself!!”
[ dice]1d8+1[/dice] CLW
"zzvkgrogk!"
force damage (9/50 left)
Delay Pain is actually: Drain Construct
2nd—magic missile;
4th—knock;
6th—fireball;
8th—restoration;
10th—maximized scorching ray;
12th—mass bull’s strength;
14th—greater restoration;
16th—empowered and maximized fireball;
18th—empowered and maximized fire shield.
Rhoreen focuses the irascible energies of her skymetal rod at the least wounded plant foe. She focuses taking the heat from around the creature, trying to leave it frozen and alone.
Weapon Equipped = Falchion
Conditions = Carrot (+4 perception 16/24h), Barkskin (+4, 88m)
Chainsaw: Att: 10/5 BAB +6 Str +1 magic (-3 PA) Dam: +9 Str +1 magic (+9 PA) Crit: 15-20x2 DR: adamantine, magic Charges: 7/10
Falchion: Att: 10/5 BAB +6 Str +1 MW (-3 PA) Dam: +9 Str (+9 PA) Crit: 18-20x2 DR: adamantine
Long bow: Att: 10/5 BAB +2 Dex +1 Magic Dam: +6 Str +1 Magic Crit: 20x3 DR: cold iron/silver
Chef’s knife: Att: 10/5 BAB +1 magic +6 Str / +2 Dex (-3 PA) Dam: +6 Str (+6 PA) +1 magic Crit: 19-20x2 DR: magic Rng: 10’
Studied: (Hyrsek, ooze) (mv|sw|im; +3 att, dam, bluff, disguise, intimidate, knowledge, perception, sense motive, stealth, survival)
Improved Iron Will (0/1d, reroll will save)
Spells: (1/1d, st, Magic Missile, cl 3) (1/1d, st, Prestidigitation, cl1) (1/1d, st, Shield, cl9)
Veggies: Apple x2, Carrot, Mushroom, Peppers x2
- - -
Draws his falchion as he moves in. He studies the ooze, and swings!
(studied)
(studied)
”See what I mean?!” he speaks aloud to the thoughts in his head as he swings.
"Prove our strength? There's no-" Rūha winces as the ooze wastes no time in attacking. "-no sense to that. But I suppose there's no arguing with you, is there." She begins offering Advice to the team and repositions to avoid clustering too close together.
Rhoreen waits for the Shipmind to get what it wants, and probably deserves.
The before time…
~~~
”One second, Yambul… let me see that ingenuity facet – I think I can use it.” Zzvkgrogk takes the facet and pockets it for later use. ”Maybe you can make a pendant holder for it in your copious free time.”
Now.
~~~
Zzvkgrogk frowns as the shipmind opens fire on them, or just Yambul, but the behaviour did not come as a complete surprise to him. He finds himself somewhat relieved to not have to worry about leaving it behind.
”Well, it is looking like we will have to build that memorial sooner than later…” he think-says, shooting with the timeworn sonic pistol.
mwmwm
For
For
For
6 first, 5 Second, 4 Third
(1st)
(1st) True Strike
(1st)
(1st) Shield
(1st) Adhesive Spittle
(1st) Reduce Person
(2nd)
(2nd) Invisibility
(2nd)
(2nd) See Invisiblity
(2nd) Extreme Flexibility
(3rd) Animal Aspect. Greater
(3rd) Spider Climb, Communal
(3rd) Haste
(3rd)
Can use craft (alchemy) to identify potions as if using Detect Magic
Hits: 53/53
AC Current: 29/21/23
AC: 19 / 15 / 15 (Normal/Touch/Flatfooted)
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 21/50
Radiation Detector (3/10 charges)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 6/10
Arc Pistol (Charges}: 8/10
Batteries Charged): 10/20
Empty Battieries: 10 /20
Zzvkgrogk Special (Alchemical Ordinance): 8/13
Hero: 2/3
The shipmind endures on its tank the worst of Rhoreen's ice. Still, the cold seems particularly harming.
Yambul comes in for a massive swing at the shipmind, but receives a retaliation attack on the process.
The bubbling liquid slams on the cook and grabs him on the air, just as Yambul unleashes a strong hit that the tank partially absorbs.
Rūha quickly response giving valuable advise on this fight.
Well prepared, Zzvkgrogk sonic attacks prove very useful against the shipmind, as the beams cause full damage.
Chaance does something heroic!
With a quick movement, the shipmind puts Yambul inside its tank. The alien psychic energy is toxic to the mind, causing great harm, and the plasma body is shocking a scorching the cook as well.
"That was a good trick, I see hope on you, let me test your endurance though while I cook your friend over here!" there is another plasma bolt, this time at Rhoreen.
The bolt reaches and badly corruscates the flying half-elf.
AC = 18
HP = 64/64
Weapon Equipped = Einior
Condition(s) = None
Chaance watches with a mixture of alarm and interest as the plasma bolt strikes out suddenly. "For a dying creature, that's certainly a potent display." She wonders what consequence follows when you shatter a shipmind's vat...
She hesitates when the cook ends up on the other side of the glass, so she concentrates her arrows on a different aspect of the tank that doesn't include as much Yambul behind it.
edit:
”Aww, that’s not very sportsman like – you’re hiding behind our Cook while he cooks…. Yambul! Cover your ears!”
Zzvkgrogk lets loose on the tragic ooze with the sonic pistol again.
mwmwm
For
For
For
He drops the now empty timeworn weapon.
6 first, 5 Second, 4 Third
(1st)
(1st) True Strike
(1st)
(1st) Shield
(1st) Adhesive Spittle
(1st) Reduce Person
(2nd)
(2nd) Invisibility
(2nd)
(2nd) See Invisiblity
(2nd) Extreme Flexibility
(3rd) Animal Aspect. Greater
(3rd) Spider Climb, Communal
(3rd) Haste
(3rd)
Can use craft (alchemy) to identify potions as if using Detect Magic
Hits: 53/53
AC Current: 29/21/23
AC: 19 / 15 / 15 (Normal/Touch/Flatfooted)
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 21/50
Radiation Detector (3/10 charges)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 6/10
Arc Pistol (Charges}: 8/10
Batteries harged): 10/20
Empty Battieries: 10 /20
Zzvkgrogk Special (Alchemical Ordinance): 8/13
Hero: 2/3
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Round 2
Rhoreen tries again to bring the unwavering power of her skymetal rod to bear at the treasonous creature.
In mortal danger for her miserable life, Rhoreen will fly out of sight.
Weapon Equipped = Falchion
Conditions = Barkskin (+4, 88m)
Chainsaw: Att: 10/5 BAB +6 Str +1 magic (-3 PA) Dam: +9 Str +1 magic (+9 PA) Crit: 15-20x2 DR: adamantine, magic Charges: 7/10
Falchion: Att: 10/5 BAB +6 Str +1 MW (-3 PA) Dam: +9 Str (+9 PA) Crit: 18-20x2 DR: adamantine
Long bow: Att: 10/5 BAB +2 Dex +1 Magic Dam: +6 Str +1 Magic Crit: 20x3 DR: cold iron/silver
Chef’s knife: Att: 10/5 BAB +1 magic +6 Str / +2 Dex (-3 PA) Dam: +6 Str (+6 PA) +1 magic Crit: 19-20x2 DR: magic Rng: 10’
Studied: (Hyrsek, ooze) (mv|sw|im; +3 att, dam, bluff, disguise, intimidate, knowledge, perception, sense motive, stealth, survival)
Improved Iron Will (0/1d, reroll will save)
Spells: (1/1d, st, Magic Missile, cl 3) (1/1d, st, Prestidigitation, cl1) (1/1d, st, Shield, cl9)
Veggies: Apple (+4 radiation 24h) x2, Carrot (+4 perception 24h), Mushroom (+4 stealth 1h), Peppers (+2 init/reflex open alien doors 1h) x2
- - -
He'll use a hero point to keep his mind intact! (+4)
vs DC 20 for 10hp and no int damage
Suspecting he’ll just be sucked right back in if he gets away, Yambul thrashes about, slashing as much as he can to injure the for before his mind goes and he drowns in the ooze.
(studied, advice)
(studied, advice)
(studied, advice)
(studied, advice)
Chaance's clustered shots pierce through the resistance of the tank to big effect and leaving the ooze badly hurt.
Zzvkgrogk's shots hit twice, bursting further the ooze with its sonic effect.
The ooze is immune to the paralysis but Rhoreen's cold is extremely hurtful to the creature.
The thing is left in a pretty bad state, enough for Yambul to finish it off with a strong slash inside the tank You are nuts! Now I know my revenge will be com...
You feel the last words of the ooze in your brain mixed with the feelings of success as the creature is rendered inert.
With the shipmind defeated your way back to the swamps outside is free and you feel the experience of your accomplishments to bring you a step further towards heroics.
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Rūha helps haul Yambul out of the tank "That. That was quite unpleasant. Seems the shipmind had degraded along with the ship, and mentally as well as physically. Well, we proved ourselves to it, and we have its prizes, so its past time to carve our way out."
Weapon Equipped = Falchion
Conditions = Barkskin (+4, 88m)
Chainsaw: Att: 10/5 BAB +6 Str +1 magic (-3 PA) Dam: +9 Str +1 magic (+9 PA) Crit: 15-20x2 DR: adamantine, magic Charges: 7/10
Falchion: Att: 10/5 BAB +6 Str +1 MW (-3 PA) Dam: +9 Str (+9 PA) Crit: 18-20x2 DR: adamantine
Long bow: Att: 10/5 BAB +2 Dex +1 Magic Dam: +6 Str +1 Magic Crit: 20x3 DR: cold iron/silver
Chef’s knife: Att: 10/5 BAB +1 magic +6 Str / +2 Dex (-3 PA) Dam: +6 Str (+6 PA) +1 magic Crit: 19-20x2 DR: magic Rng: 10’
Studied: (Hyrsek) (mv|sw|im; +3 att, dam, bluff, disguise, intimidate, knowledge, perception, sense motive, stealth, survival)
Improved Iron Will (0/1d, reroll will save)
Spells: (1/1d, st, Magic Missile, cl 3) (0/1d, st, Prestidigitation, cl1) (1/1d, st, Shield, cl9)
Veggies: Apple (+4 radiation 24h) x2, Carrot (+4 perception 24h), Mushroom (+4 stealth 1h), Peppers (+2 init/reflex open alien doors 1h) x2
- - -
Sorry, I missed this save earlier…
vs DC 20 for no int damage
Yambul, climbs out of the vat of goo that once was an ooze. He’ll immediately cast Prestidigitation to clean up rather than saving the spell for supper clean up as he usually does. There’s ooze everywhere.
”Well done folks! I didn’t think it would attack once we sort of got the upper hand talking wise. But it did anyway.” He shrugs. ”Hopefully we can make its sacrifice worth something huh?”
He’ll tap a little healing too.
”Oh yeah! The weird room. Let’s check that out before departing.” Yambul, feeling clean and relatively healthy, leads the way. Tired of constantly charging and draining his chainsaw, he keeps his falchion out for now…
"That. That was quite unpleasant. Seems the shipmind had degraded along with the ship, and mentally as well as physically. Well, we proved ourselves to it, and we have its prizes, so its past time to carve our way out."
"I couldn't agree more. I could use the rest, outside, far from here." Chaance gives one more look on the vat, placing it in one of her memory banks to chew on later.
"I feel as though we've seen the heart of this ship, and that is enough for me. If you want to explore the 'weird room', I won't begrudge your curiosity. I'll wait towards the entrance, and wait for sounds of distress to draw me back."
Rhoreen also takes some time to heal up, grousing about the ShipMind. She spits and curses as she does, annoyed at backstabbing alien entities.
CLW*11
”Weird room? Yes, let’s go get at it. We’re going to leave nothing left here to make that ShipMind’s tomb to allow anyone to remember it or discover it. This place should be forgotten as should that creature.” She follows Chaance to the weird room, still sputtering in anger.
"I feel as though we've seen the heart of this ship, and that is enough for me. “
Heart? This ship had no heart… if it did and that heart is downstairs, I bet it is darkend ash.
Zzvkgrogk nods as Chaance makes her way toward the exit. ”I understand you … are not one-hundred percent. Don’t hesitate to call us should you get ambushed, or something.” He follows Yambul toward the ‘weird room’.
”We’re going to leave nothing left here to make that ShipMind’s tomb to allow anyone to remember it or discover it.
”Yeah, I had a feeling the ShipMind wasn’t all … there. Don’t ask me how. It’s hard to tell though. It’s easy to imagine these ShpiMinds to be full of themselves. After that, I no longer feel inclined to build a memorial. Best to render this mess undiscoverable, but I am not sure I want to forget it. Knowing everything you can about your enemy increases your chances of survival.”
Although, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to just completely vanish from their sight.
Ruha sticks close to Yambul as he returns toward that strange room with the elevator, and keeps her eyes roving for any danger. It seems likely to her that the Dominion might bring reinforcements to investigate the ship now that the hostile Shipmind has expired.
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As soon as the group steps into the elevator's room, the doors of the device open up, spilling out three swarms of rot grub. The sight is enough to make even seasoned adventurers like you recoil momentarily as the fleshy, pale parasites churn toward you ravenously.
Without hesitation, Rhoreen steps forward, her eyes narrowing as she sends a roaring fireball careening into the mass of rot grubs. The explosion of flame sears through the writhing bodies, the heat overwhelming the squirming creatures. At almost the same instant, Zzvkgrogk throws one of his special alchemical shots, the blast sending a wave of scorching fire splashing over what remains of the burning parasites. Between the two, the swarms are obliterated in seconds, leaving only smoldering remains and a faint, acrid stench hanging in the air.
Getting the lift operational though proves to be a grueling challenge. The biological device is alien and long-neglected. Rūha and Zzvkgrogk work tirelessly to repair the delicate system, with Rhoreen and Yambul assisting where possible, using magic and muscle to clear debris. Hours pass before the lift lurches into motion, descending slowly into the dark depths of the ship.
As you reach the lower levels, you are met with an unexpected sight: the entire floor is flooded with the thick, viscous mud of the lake bed where the ship sits. The murky water laps gently at the base of the ship, and the entire level is covered in a thick layer of the foul-smelling sludge. The oppressive, damp air feels stagnant, and the group quickly realizes that further exploration of this section would be a slog and probably fruitless task.
By the time you finally emerge from the ship, the sun is low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden light over the lake. The water's surface shimmers in a breathtaking array of colors, the gentle ripples reflecting the sky’s hues of pink, orange, and violet. It is a moment of serenity after the darkness and decay of the ship.
Hyrsek, who had stayed behind with Chaance, greets you with a relaxed smile "Seems I missed all the fun" he says with a chuckle, his gaze lingering on your murky clothes for a moment "Though, I cannot say I mind waiting here. The view is much better... and the lake is not too bad either"
With the day called for an end, there are a few things more to decide here, where and what to cook for the supper, and where to keep looking for Casandalee, the neurocam, and Hyrsek will remember your deal, Therace.
Yambul will suggest they move far from the rotting carcass before settling in for supper - especially as a few of the party members are still sickened by it. Over a roaring fire though, he’ll prep a feast and chatter about what’s next.
”So where to? I know Rhoreen probably wants to go north and east, but I think our goal is south and west.” he chuckles. ”Maybe southeast into the trees and follow Zzvkgrogk’s original plan west from there?”
"Ermmm," Zzvkgrogk says, spinning his head towards the various directions mentioned. He then shakes his head.
"Why don't we just head west from here around the edge of the river's end and then head due south? No need to go southeast."
"Also," he adds, "don't be offended, but I think all that I could stomach tonight is a cheese sandwich -- and hold the bread."
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"What we need more than anything is a bath. In fact, I would accept being immersed in one for a whole month. But I hardly trust much of the water anywhere near here..." Rūha is positively traumatized by the rotting husk and everything found inside, and finds her thoughts wandering to automated showers and spa days in her old life. She never had to wade through gargantuan rotting corpses back then. Or punch unspeakable monstrosities while others filled them with arrows and an assortment of beams.
"After the bath though, Zzvkgrogk's suggestion seems reasonable to me."
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Rhoreen is happy to welcome Chaance, and to a lesser extent Hyrsek, back to the party. She will explain to them what happened and all that she did to bring about the discoveries.
”So where to? I know Rhoreen probably wants to go north and east, but I think our goal is south and west.” he chuckles. ”Maybe southeast into the trees and follow Zzvkgrogk’s original plan west from there?”
”I could be wrong, but, so far, the lot of you have only been wrong so far. But eventually, you’ll all be correct. I don’t mind following your path. Either way, we’ll find what we seek,” Rhoreen rebuffs as her wise and perfect counsel is ignored again. ”But truly the best plan involves the bath and rest and food…anything to get the stink of those rot grubs out of my nose.”
Yambul follows Zzvkgrogk, now that he knows where they are, to the west and then south.
As the campfire crackles warmly, the group gathers around for a simple but satisfying meal prepared by Yambul. The big fish you hunted the day before tastes wonderful compared to the experience of the rotting alien ship. The stream provides fresh, cool water to drink, and Rūha can clean and refresh herself. One by one, the group finds a place to rest beneath the stars, falling asleep to the gentle sounds of the valley.
Morning arrives with the golden glow of dawn filtering through the trees. Breakfast is quick and basic, but enough to fuel your journey ahead. Heading west, you traverse the wild terrain with renewed energy, exploring this new area for most of the morning.
Eventually, you reach the cliffs that mark the end of the Scar of the Spider valley. Towering and imposing, the sheer rock faces stretch toward the sky, different groups of vines and other vegetation covering good chunks of the stone.
You do not recognize one of the vine chunks covering the cliff. They are not anything local to this area, and you have not heard of anything similar in Golarion.
This area has seen a sizable amount of transit by different creatures, some humanoids, other larger things. Maybe robots. The tracks come and go to the east, they cluster around the cliffs, but seem to go nowhere in particular. Just like if they disappeared in thin air when reaching this area.
Know (Nature)
Rhoreen expresses nothing about vines, figuring she should know about them, but does not.
vs DC 24
Yambul sniffs around for tracks, but doesn't find much of interest. He wonders how Rhoreen, who normally knows so much, could be so ignorant about some simple vines...
He shrugs, "Should we try to climb it? I've got some rope to help people, if those vines won't support our weight that is."
Chaance regards her group with increasing contentment, the further from the alien 'tomb' they travel. That their number hasn't dwindled is a relief. They'll need every strength to confront the Hive, including Hyrsek.
She waits patiently as the others secure their food products, and doesn't argue the direction the group decides upon.
"That clumping of vines... I've never seen that before. I know my memory is not fully trustworthy, but from what I recall in both Numeria, and the wilds of Kyonin, that vegetation is alien."
She spends a little more time looking around the surrounds radiating out from the cliff. "Travel to and from the east. Several different kinds of tracks, some quite large, there, there, and there. Perhaps mechanical..." Chaance looks upwards, then back at the cliff face.
"What if we're not meant to climb it, rather move them to the side and find ourselves entering yet another cave?"
The elfdroid approaches the unfamiliar vines, and tries to move them.
Yambul nods at the smart robot and joins her in removing the vines, "Maybe a secret door." he suggests, though he lets others with sharper eyes have a look.
He'll toss is ioun torch over his head for extra light as he moves the vines aside with the flat of his falchion and his arms.
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Zzvkgrogk quaffs the usual concoctions after a satisfying breakfast.
"I don't recognize those vines either. They're probably evil ousiders. Should we fireball them?"
He looks around for a secret door.
6 first, 5 Second, 4 Third, 2 Fourth
(1st)
(1st) True Strike
(1st)
(1st) Shield
(1st) Detect Secret Doors
(1st) Bomber’s Eye
(2nd)
(2nd) Heroism
(2nd)
(2nd) See Invisiblity
(2nd) Extreme Flexibility
(3rd) Animal Aspect. Greater
(3rd) Heroism
(3rd) Haste
(3rd) Fly
{4th) Air Walk
(4th) Greater Inviso
Can use craft (alchemy) to identify potions as if using Detect Magic
Inspirational Pool: (Feat Amateur Investigator): 4
Hits: 53/53
AC Current: 29/21/23
AC: 19 / 15 / 15 (Normal/Touch/Flatfooted)
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 52/50
Radiation Detector (3/10 charges)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 6/10
Arc Pistol (Charges}: 8/10
Batteries Charged): 10/20
Empty Battieries: 10 /20
Zzvkgrogk Special (Alchemical Ordinance): 8/13
Hero: 3/3
As you touch the vines, you find out your hands just pass through as if they were not there!
Past this illusory image, there is a tunnel perforated circularly with 15 feet in diameter. It seems safe to walk and you can do so with ease as long as you remain in the center of the hallways, but walking along the left or right side means moving along an increasingly steep slope .
The walls themselves resemble the hide of a crocodile in both color and texture, with occasional odd protrusions and repeating patterns of alien geometry. A thin layer of pungent, translucent jelly coats the stuff, and infrequent twitches and undulations ripple across the surface, like the movements of musculature beneath skin. Numerous small glowing creatures that resemble weird jellyfish the size of a human’s hand slither and float across the walls, providing dim illumination throughout the complex.
Rhoreen is taking the idea of a cliff face entirely too seriously and nearly misses it when it is explained that it's an illusion.
"Ah, of course," she says as she begins to magic up. As usual, she will try to float 10' off the ground when she can, and be at the rear of the party.
Weapon Equipped = Chainsaw (60m)
Conditions = Barkskin (+4, 100m), Heroism (+2, 220m)
Chainsaw: Att: 11/6/1 BAB +6 Str +1 magic (-3 PA) Dam: +9 Str +1 magic (+9 PA) Crit: 15-20x2 DR: adamantine, magic Charges: 6/10
Falchion: Att: 11/6/1 BAB +6 Str +1 MW (-3 PA) Dam: +9 Str (+9 PA) Crit: 18-20x2 DR: adamantine
Long bow: Att: 11/6/1 BAB +2 Dex +1 Magic Dam: +6 Str +1 Magic Crit: 20x3 DR: cold iron/silver
Chef’s knife: Att: 11/6/1 BAB +1 magic +6 Str / +2 Dex (-3 PA) Dam: +6 Str (+6 PA) +1 magic Crit: 19-20x2 DR: magic Rng: 10’
Studied: (Hyrsek) (mv|sw|im; +3 att, dam, bluff, disguise, intimidate, knowledge, perception, sense motive, stealth, survival)
Improved Iron Will (1/1d, reroll will save)
Spells: (1/1d, st, Magic Missile, cl 3) (1/1d, st, Prestidigitation, cl1) (1/1d, st, Shield, cl9)
Veggies: Apple (+4 radiation 24h) x2, Carrot (+4 perception 24h), Mushroom (+4 stealth 1h), Peppers (+2 init/reflex open alien doors 1h) x2
- - -
”Wow! Would you look at that! It’s not there. That’s pretty slick. I wonder if we could hide our tower that way huh? That’d be neat.”
Yambul does indeed request Barkskin and Heroism now. He also takes out his chainsaw and cranks it up!
When everyone is ready, he’ll head on in. If it’s dark, remember he has his ioun torch going.
"An illusion?" Ruha puts her hand up and passes it through the vines a few times "But not considered with enough care and thoughtfulness to choose a native plant. Luckily for us." She forges through the illusion and turns on her flashlight as well to see a little clearer than the glow of the jellies provides. She keeps her EMP pistol and autograpnel at the ready. "The jellyfish? Reminds me of the rotting hulk and that one room. I wonder if this is just standard practice for the Dominion."
"In any case, perhaps the time is now for those scent glands we received from the shipmind."
She keeps an eye out for traps or hazards as she stays in front with Yambul.
A thin layer of pungent, translucent jelly coats the stuff, and infrequent twitches and undulations ripple across the surface, like the movements of musculature beneath skin.
So… this is what it’s like to crawl up something’s butt orafice?!
Zzvkgrogk snorts and shudders slightly. He passes out some glands and coats himself. He follows the others in, laser pistol in paw, ready to disarm traps.
Zzvkgrogk passes up his barkskin concoction and applies the glands while magic is raised up by others. Unless someone specifically rejects on the glands application, the whole team takes the treatment when they are passed up.
Once geared up, you press on through the Hive's entrance tunnel, light sources on despite the dim light.
The rock of this enormous domed chamber has been cut with startling precision and shines with a glassy finish. A wide-mouthed corridor filled with hanging vines lies to the east and a fifteen foot wide corridor exits the room to the south. Opposite this hallway to the north, a strange pucker-like growth of green scaly flesh grows on the wall.
What calls your attention though, is the badly damaged, towering and scorpion-like robot waiting in the northeast quadrant of the chamber. It looks like the twin of the destroyed one you found at the valley's entrance. Androffan technology.
"Ooh," Zzvkgrogk utters in a hushed tone, "another annihilator robot... fast healing -- we have to get through its force field before we can do any real damage to it!"
He looks at Chaance. "Maybe you can talk it off of the ledge or surely engaging us will be its demise!"
Weapon Equipped = Chainsaw (60m)
Conditions = Barkskin (+4, 100m), Heroism (+2, 220m)
Chainsaw: Att: 11/6/1 BAB +6 Str +1 magic (-3 PA) Dam: +9 Str +1 magic (+9 PA) Crit: 15-20x2 DR: adamantine, magic Charges: 6/10
Falchion: Att: 11/6/1 BAB +6 Str +1 MW (-3 PA) Dam: +9 Str (+9 PA) Crit: 18-20x2 DR: adamantine
Long bow: Att: 11/6/1 BAB +2 Dex +1 Magic Dam: +6 Str +1 Magic Crit: 20x3 DR: cold iron/silver
Chef’s knife: Att: 11/6/1 BAB +1 magic +6 Str / +2 Dex (-3 PA) Dam: +6 Str (+6 PA) +1 magic Crit: 19-20x2 DR: magic Rng: 10’
Studied: (Hyrsek scorpion) (mv|sw|im; +3 att, dam, bluff, disguise, intimidate, knowledge, perception, sense motive, stealth, survival)
Improved Iron Will (1/1d, reroll will save)
Spells: (1/1d, st, Magic Missile, cl 3) (1/1d, st, Prestidigitation, cl1) (1/1d, st, Shield, cl9)
Veggies: Apple (+4 radiation 24h) x2, Carrot (+4 perception 24h), Mushroom (+4 stealth 1h), Peppers (+2 init/reflex open alien doors 1h) x2
- - -
Yambul waits for Chaance's babble, but unless the creature immediately powers down and settles back, he launches into action!
He studies his opponent, then closes and swings, hoping to get started on it.
(hero, studied)
(studied)
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AC = 18
HP = 70/70
Weapon Equipped = Einior
Condition(s) = None
Chaance reads the room. She steps forward just enough to lay goggles on the annihilator, and looks back on Hyrsek. "You still have the rod, right?" She studies the tiefling, hopes to see understanding behind Hyrsek's eyes.
The elfdroid calls out to the monstrosity, her own skin beginning to glow for its singular time today.
"We are not enemies. You will remain non-aggressive, and we will remain non-aggressive." Her words echo the chamber in Common first, then repeat in Androffan, to make sure they are at least understood.
Rūha fingers her EMP pistol, eyeing the massive robot for any sign that it's considering Chaance's words...
As Chaance issues her words, the nanites surge through her, illuminating her face with a pallid blue, uncovering a series of led patterns.
The annihilator robot's sensors flicker, its hostility receding, its metallic limbs lowering, and its posture no longer aggressive. The glow from its plasma lance dims, signaling a shift from combat readiness to a neutral state.
The robojack reprogramming, however, doesn't fully penetrate. The device is timeworn after all, and the robot emits a low, metallic whirr. A synthesized voice crackles through the air, cold and detached " ନିର୍ଦ୍ଦେଶ ଇନପୁଟ୍ ... ପର୍ଯ୍ୟାପ୍ତ ନୁହେଁ। ମୂଳ ନିର୍ଦ୍ଦେଶନାମା ... ଅପରିବର୍ତ୍ତିତ। ପଦବୀ ବଜାୟ ରହିଛି। ପାସେଜ୍ ପ୍ରତ୍ୟାଖ୍ୟାନ କରାଯାଇଛି। "
"Command input... insufficient. Core directive... unchanged. Position maintained. Passage denied."
Its mechanical eyes focus briefly on the group, then shift back to the door it guards, remaining indifferent but unmoving, an immovable sentinel blocking further exploration to the north.
Rhoreen looks at Chaance, wondering if there is another thing to try. She’s happy to get into a fight, and wants to be on the same page as others.
"Well, that doesn't help." Chaance shakes her head, unable to lend further diplomatic efforts to moving the hunk of metal out of their way. "Yambul, feel free to make your introductions."
Round 1
Rhoreen moves up and offers her skymetal jinx upon the creature.
HP: 68/68 + temp
AC: 12/12/10 (+4 w/Mage Armor)
F+5, R+6, W+9
Open spell slots:
Left Hand: nothing
Right Hand: Ember Staff (8/9 charges)
Ring of Forcefangs (7/9 charges)
Lighten Up: 0/1 used
Rod of Extend, lesser: 3/3 used (heroism, mage armors (herself & Ruha))
Rod of Extend, lesser: 1/3 used (heroism,
PoP 1: 0/2 used
PoP 2: 0/1 used
[ dice]1d20+7[/dice] ranged to hit;
[ dice]1d4-1[/dice] blunt damage
Phasing: The drinker gains the ability to become incorporeal for 1d4 rounds as a swift action, but takes 1 point of Con damage when he does so. Phasing can be extended as a free action by taking 1 additional point of Con damage. Coming out of phase inside a solid object is instantly fatal.
”I can do it myself!!”
[ dice]1d8+1[/dice] CLW
"zzvkgrogk!"
force damage (9/50 left)
Delay Pain is actually: Drain Construct
2nd—magic missile;
4th—knock;
6th—fireball;
8th—restoration;
10th—maximized scorching ray;
12th—mass bull’s strength;
14th—greater restoration;
16th—empowered and maximized fireball;
18th—empowered and maximized fire shield.
Rhoreen focuses the irascible energies of her skymetal rod at the least wounded plant foe. She focuses taking the heat from around the creature, trying to leave it frozen and alone.
Yambul would have delayed until the creature went. Then he'd have moved up and swung.