”Zzvkgrogk, if you made some antiplagues and antivenom, I'd totally buy them from you. You know, in your spare time."
”That’s not very challenging work you know. Besides the oil required is tedious to extract from the seeds and smells worse than it tastes. Takes forever to get out of the fur. Extracts are pure and more tasty.” Despite what he says, you swear you see his eyes turn to gold symbols as he gains a slightly greedy aspect upon Yambul’s proposition.
Hyrsek says but looks down at the pale skin where the blood made contact with him
Oh… ”I’ve been meaning to get one of those wands of cleaning* things. Might not do much healing, but it could boost morale.”
"You're very convinced Therrace will be here, aren't you."
”Yea, I mean – I know you said he was supposed to be here, but can you smell him or something?” Zzvkgrogk asks as he heads after Yambul and Rhoreen.
~~~
Upon seeing the kasathas, Zvzkgrogk demands to know what they are doing here in the manner that he imagines a Boss would. He waves his pistol at them so they can see what they are up against. He adds to Rūha’s greeting –
”Ho there! Are you doing here?! Have you come to worship inorganic egotistical loudmouths?!”
6 first, 5 Second, 4 Third, 2 Fourth
(1st)
(1st) True Strike
(1st)
(1st) Shield
(1st) Longshot
(1st) Detect Secret Doors
(2nd)
(2nd) Bullet Shield
(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: 25n/17/19
AC: 19 / 15 / 15 (Normal/Touch/Flatfooted)
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 27/50
Radiation Detector (3/10 charges)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 10/10
Arc Pistol (Charges}: 7/10
Batteries Charged): 10/20
Empty Battieries: 10 /20
Zzvkgrogk Special (Alchemical Ordinance): 7/13
Hero: 3/3
The kasathas reply to Rūha in their mutual language which rings a bit archaic to Rūha's ears, but is still understandable "Help! We are saved friend! Come let's have a hug"
You notice the kasathas advances towards you with a hostile demeanor.
In fact, you notice they do not act naturally but like if they are being fully controlled by another will, not themselves.
---
They keep advancing towards you, and you notice each of them wield three short swords and a buckler in their fourth.
Zzvkgrogk levels his pistol on the advancing quartet.
"Rūha, you're friends are not in their right minds! They mean us harm, and are being controlled outside of their will! What would you have us do?!"
He draws his dragon pistol and shoots to blind yellow and green first, hopefully to buy the group some time to figure it out.
POP!!
for
and to targets within 15'.
DC Fort save DC 19 (or 22 if Cartridge Savant applies for the splash weapon here) or be blind for 1 minute on a direct hit. Creatures in the splash range that fail the saving throw are dazzled for 1 minute.
6 first, 5 Second, 4 Third, 2 Fourth
(1st)
(1st) True Strike
(1st)
(1st) Shield
(1st) Longshot
(1st) Detect Secret Doors
(2nd)
(2nd) Bullet Shield
(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: 25n/17/19
AC: 19 / 15 / 15 (Normal/Touch/Flatfooted)
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 27/50
Radiation Detector (3/10 charges)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 10/10
Arc Pistol (Charges}: 7/10
Batteries Charged): 10/20
Empty Battieries: 10 /20
Zzvkgrogk Special (Alchemical Ordinance): 7/13
Hero: 3/3
Rūha shakes her head. "I'm afraid no hugs yet." She comments to the party "They're being controlled by something, but we may be able to save them. That said, I don't think diplomacy will work. Please try to only knock them out if you can."
"That said, I don't think diplomacy will work. Please try to only knock them out if you can."
Round 1
Rhoreen frowns, but nods at Ruha, understanding the assignment. She’s not going to disagree with her big, scary 4-armed friend and tries her best to help.
She will nail the entire group with a nice strong Break Enchantment and hope for the best.
Spell check vs. DC 11 + CL
Spell check vs. DC 11 + CL
Spell check vs. DC 11 + CL
Spell check vs. DC 11 + CL
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.
Rūha moves up, in hopes of drawing any hostile "hugs" in her direction, and behinds offering a range of advice in nonlethal takedowns.
AC = 18
HP = 69/70
Weapon Equipped = Einior
Condition(s) = Roo
Chaance reads the situation as best she can, but ultimately prefers the wisdom of her own kasatha to change her strategy, and produce blunt arrows to strike out at the mind-ridden foes. She tries to angle an arrow at the Yellow kasatha.
"How can we know if they're spell-confused, or housing intellect devourers instead?"
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Round 1
Rhoreen frowns, but nods at Ruha, understanding the assignment. She’s not going to disagree with her big, scary 4-armed friend and tries her best to help. She focuses on the first foe to come close.
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.
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"How can we know if they're spell-confused, or housing intellect devourers instead?"
"If they're just left unconscious, we'll be at our leisure to work that out. I hope."
Zzvkgrogk looks for aim and bursts a flare cartridge that leaves one Kasatha blind and the other one dazzled.
Rūha chimes in to provide good advice on how to fight those with four arms.
Chaance hits the first kasatha with a blunt arrow that leaves a remarkable bruise but no lethal damage.
Hyrsek moves forward and sets himself next to Zzvkgrogk and ready to attack.
The kasathas start to move forward, but as they do, one of them suffers a sudden cold, with ice entombing it on the middle of the room.
As green reaches Zzvkgrogk, it is skewered by Hyrsek while it tries to cut the ratfolk with his sword.
The blade barely makes it in, but it is enough to cause considerable pain on the ratfolk's ear.
Another one tries to flank Rūha as it reaches her for a hug.
The sword is easily blocked by the quick defensive movement of the kasatha professor.
The last one just steps forward and points at Rhoreen, who suffers a suddenly confusing thought through her brain.
Round 2
Rhoreen preens internally, and smugs externally, as her magics seem to do what Ruha has asked. She tries again at the most unwounded foe.
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.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Weapon Equipped = Chainsaw (55m)
Conditions = Barkskin (+4, 95m), Heroism (+2, 215m), -1 con, -2 int (drain)
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, green) (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 rushes up to stand by Zzvkgrogk’s side, ”What are you doing on the front row!?” he worries as he slashes green, after first studying him. He attacks non-lethally.
(hero, studied, advice, -nonlethal)
(studied, advice)
(hero, studied, advice, -nonlethal)
(studied, advice)
(chainsaw, hero)
- - -
Will vs. DC 17
Will vs. DC 17 - hero point
”What are you doing on the front row!?”
Zzvkgrogk Van Gogh (III) shrieks as Yambul runs past him. He slides back and shoots blue.
”Aaaaaahhhhhh!!”
POP-POP-POP!!!
for
for
for
”I… I don’t know Yambul! Rūha was in front of me, then suddenly she wasn’t!"
6 first, 5 Second, 4 Third, 2 Fourth
(1st)
(1st) True Strike
(1st)
(1st) Shield
(1st) Longshot
(1st) Detect Secret Doors
(2nd)
(2nd) Bullet Shield
(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: 25n/17/19
AC: 19 / 15 / 15 (Normal/Touch/Flatfooted)
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 27/50
Radiation Detector (3/10 charges)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 10/10
Arc Pistol (Charges}: 4/10
Batteries Charged): 10/20
Empty Battieries: 10 /20
Zzvkgrogk Special (Alchemical Ordinance): 6/13
Hero: 3/3
Another kasatha is entombed in a block of ice as Rhoreen looks at it badly.
Yambul moves to the front. Moving through the curved border is difficult because the slopes, but he connects with a brutal strike that leaves the kasatha staggered on place.
Zzvkgrogk takes some distance and starts shooting, hitting the blue entombed kasatha with ease.
Hyrsek moves his rapier with swift skill and strikes one the leading Kasatha.
As he brings him down, a large, glistening brain with legs gets out of the body through its mouth!
AC = 18
HP = 69/70
Weapon Equipped = Einior
Condition(s) = Roo
”Oh….there is our answer…”
Chaance considers further attacks against Yellow, but feels utterly compelled to strike at the devourer, newly exposed. ”If any of them speak familiarly about me, leave them for me.”
"Intellect devourers! Horrid." Ruha delivers two jabs at the green devourer that just emerged, the first one attempting to knock it senseless. She follows by stepping side to give Yambul approach to flank as well.
Chaance's arrows strike true, rendering the intellect devourer to a bad state.
Rūha strikes a good punch to the brain, dropping it unconscious before it can react!
The last kasatha, looks around and disappears!
invisibility
"If they're all suffering from an intellect devourer, that means they're all dead right? No need to hold my hand and do non lethal damage?"
Yambul doesn't like any answer for different reasons, but he asks the smart folk how it works before he rushes in.
"Perhaps... No, you're right Yambul. All we've seen of Intellect Devourers means these kasatha have long been gone. Now they're only puppets."
Without a visible target, Ruha merely steps aside to give the magically adept members of the party a chance to identify and flush out the final foe. She'll also try to listen to see if she can pinpoint its location.
Zzvkgrogk quaffs an extract.
"He's er, she's right there!" he points, mostly with his laser pistol, and shoots.
rtchrtchrtchrtchrtchrtch!
for
"Are you sure you don't have any advice?"
6 first, 5 Second, 4 Third, 2 Fourth
(1st)
(1st) True Strike
(1st)
(1st) Shield
(1st) Longshot
(1st) Detect Secret Doors
(2nd)
(2nd) Bullet Shield
(2nd)
(2nd)
(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: 25n/17/19
AC: 19 / 15 / 15 (Normal/Touch/Flatfooted)
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 27/50
Radiation Detector (3/10 charges)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 3/10
Arc Pistol (Charges}: 7/10
Batteries Charged): 10/20
Empty Battieries: 10 /20
Zzvkgrogk Special (Alchemical Ordinance): 6/13
Hero: 3/3
Round 4
Rhoreen will auto make the Arcana check.
Rhoreen will cast Glitterdust where Zzvkgrogk points, trying to avoid her companions.
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.
Weapon Equipped = Chainsaw (55m)
Conditions = Barkskin (+4, 95m), Heroism (+2, 215m)
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, yellow) (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, after delaying, rushes up to the remaining target (yellow) either pointed out, or all glittery, and swings after first studying it.
(hero, studied)
(studied)
(just in case - and low is always bad for me)
With his enhanced eyes Zzvkgrogk notes the kasatha is no longer in the room, but as he moves in, he finds him running away through the corridor. Luckily, the blind thing has not reached far away, but still the ratfolk has no time for a shot here.
That said, he is able to point the location for Rhoreen.
And while it was recovering from the blinding flash, the dust enters on his eyes rendering him blind again!
Yambul sees no clear charge line, but the dust makes the enemy clearly visible.
Hyrsek double moves, surrounding the enemy and catching him on the back "You are not going anywhere insect!"
Yambul gives up the shot to double move into flank with Hyrsek. He still studies him though (swift).
AC = 18
HP = 69/70
Weapon Equipped = Einior
Condition(s) = Roo
Chaance moves forward, finally, digging a heel into the dead intellect devourer, before setting her stance, and firing at the single kasatha-skinned devourer trying to get away. "It's unfair. The creature within is shielded from my awareness of its vulnerabilities. I'm not versed in kasatha anatomy." The elfdroid gives her own personal kasatha a quick glance.
Yambul reaches the enemy with a long stride!
Chaance's arrow is precise and leaves the kasatha very badly harmed.
Cornered in between enemies and blind, the controlled creature tries to run away, which triggers attacks from Hyrsek and Yambul.
The two warriors can likely end the kasatha quickly, which forces the intellect devourer out.
You have another round to go while it is dazed getting out of the body, which can only end with one result.
On the aftermath you can examine more calmly the room. In the center stands a large, intricate apparatus, an unsettling blend of chitinous plates and sinewy cables that stretch to the ceiling. From its many tentacles, small mechanical spiders crawl about, their eyes glowing with a cold intelligence. The room feels alive, and not in a comforting way, more like a predator watching its prey.
The tiny points of light are more of the small jellyfish-like creatures—they seem to siphon bits of thought from the trapped brains and transfer the psychic energy to the walls.
Whatever power drives this place seems to originate from the pillars, their presence dominating the chamber. The faint whisper of thoughts echoes in your mind, accompanied by a deep, lingering sense of anguish. Something about the energy in the room tugs at your consciousness, as though trying to grasp at your thoughts.
No immediate threats are visible, but the room feels as if it could react at any moment.
You determine this eerie chamber is where the Dominion’s power source comes from. What they do need is harvested from the digestion of organic material somewhere in this level, but is augmented by the extraction of tormented dreams siphoned from the brains contained in these two pillars.
Destroying the pillars would let the brains to die, but it might be dangerous, and it will raise attention.
Ruha just closes her eyes for a moment. There had been a flash of hope there, for a few seconds. Not any more.
She has no insight on the pillars except to find them desperately unnerving. "Any chance you know how this works Zzvkgrogk? So we can safely dismantle it?"
Know (Engineering)
”Well, I wasn’t expecting that. This chamber? Uh…well…it uh…” Rhoreen explains the spoiler above.
”To answer your question, Ruha,” she jumps in to answer over Zzvkgrogk (smugly), ”It might make us known to the powers below if we dismantled it, but it might be dangerous, and also, it might weaken those below without this source of energy. I am tempted to destroy it, but I will not act rashly here when we should discuss it first.”
"Rrrrrrroar." Yambul revs his adamantine chainsaw, "I'm ready to cut some pillars down to size."
He chuckles though he makes no move as yet. He knows technology sometimes bites back, so he waits for smarter heads to prevail. "It's a good idea to deprive them of power though yeah? I mean, if there's another way to do it, I'm fine with that too. Doesn't all have to be destructive."
”Any chance you know how this works Zzvkgrogk? So we can safely dismantle it?"
”Huh?” Zzvkgrogk starts out of his study of the room, his face slowly growing an increasingly sorrowful aspect. ”What? Oh..”
CLearly distracted, he shakes his head before retrying his study of the room.
Again, he shakes his head, and looks up at Rūha solemnly. ”I’m sorry about your kin." ...but those brains up there, could they have once belonged to your kin?”
He stands quietly briefly. ”Don’t they feel it? It feels like something is watching us, and something is in agony.. He stays silent to spare his four arm friend further grief.
Zzvkgrogk Van Gogh (III) passes out the healing should anyone want to take the time to heal.
6 first, 5 Second, 4 Third, 2 Fourth
(1st)
(1st) True Strike
(1st)
(1st) Shield
(1st) Longshot
(1st) Detect Secret Doors
(2nd)
(2nd) Bullet Shield
(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: 25n/17/19
AC: 19 / 15 / 15 (Normal/Touch/Flatfooted)
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 25/50
Radiation Detector (3/10 charges)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 4/10
Arc Pistol (Charges}: 7/10
Batteries Charged): 10/20
Empty Battieries: 10 /20
Zzvkgrogk Special (Alchemical Ordinance): 7/13
Hero: 3/3
Rūha nods after the others provide their analysis "We're already attracting attention, and ending the suffering of these minds here is another good incentive, beyond just depriving the Dominion of their twisted power source." She doesn't address Zzvk's glance up at the brains after mentioning her distant kin. Whoever's brains are trapped in there, ending their enslavement would be a mercy either way. "The question is whether your chainsaw can do the trick safely and properly Yambul. Or is there some kind of shutdown procedure?"
Rhoreen feels she can answer 'yes' to Rūha's question. The half-elf can point Zzvkgrogk where to work , though if things fail, and that could not be her fault, Yambul can try to break it through raw force.
"Those don't look like Therace brain, do they?" Hyrsek observes the pillar but quickly loses interest and moves forward to the other side of the corridor "Here there is another of those valves going south"
"Yes," Rhoreen answers Ruha's question, "If our good friend <*sound*>," she makes a noise like an Intellect Devourer escaping through a nose hole, "Wants to make it so."
Rhoreen is happy to assist the attempt(s).
Disable Device to aid
Disable Device to aid
"Hrm, let me try to disable it first, seeing as our presence has probably already been detected. I mean, it's not like we're not going to fight anything that isn't already down here."
"Thanks, Calliope."
6 first, 5 Second, 4 Third, 2 Fourth
(1st)
(1st) True Strike
(1st)
(1st) Shield
(1st) Longshot
(1st) Detect Secret Doors
(2nd)
(2nd) Bullet Shield
(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: 25n/17/19
AC: 19 / 15 / 15 (Normal/Touch/Flatfooted)
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 27/50
Radiation Detector (3/10 charges)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 4/10
Arc Pistol (Charges}: 7/10
Batteries Charged): 10/20
Empty Battieries: 10 /20
Zzvkgrogk Special (Alchemical Ordinance): 6/13
Hero: 3/3
Yambul looks on as Zzvkgrogk works the pillars. He yearns to just hack them in half but recognizes, on some level anyway, that this is better. The smart folk won't let us down, he thinks confidently.
He keeps watch in case the pillars try to attack somehow. His chainsaw murmurs in agreement.
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As Zzvkgrogk begins tinkering with the pillar, he moves with the usual precision of a skilled troubleshooter. But as he works a faint crackling sound echoes through the chamber. You barely realize on time that the frozen Kasatha corpses are starting to thaw, their forms twitching as the ice melts away.
Fortunately, before the alien creatures can fully emerge from their frozen prison, the party springs into action. With chainsaw roaring and deadly precision other hits, you ensure the creatures are well and truly destroyed before they can break free.
Despite the commotion, Zzvkgrogk remains focused, his attention never wavering from the pillar. There's a final hiss of escaping energy, and finally the pillar's light fades, its strange alien power deactivated.
Now, as the ratfolk moves to the second pillar and sets his tools to work, something goes off, a sudden pulse of energy surges outward, catching him by surprise.
A shimmering bolt of psychic energy lashes out, striking him in the head. The impact feels like a sharp sting deep inside his mind, momentarily clouding his thoughts.
Zzvkgrogk staggers, feeling his intelligence slip ever so slightly.
Grimacing, the ratfolk shakes his head and repositions his tools. Still reeling slightly from the first psychic backlash, his small, nimble fingers resume their careful work. Guided by experience and the resolute aid of Rhoreen, he finally manages to disable the last pillar. The faint hum of its insidious energy slowly dies away, leaving the chamber in a quiet peace.
"Nice work, rat. I'll leave the poking to you, seems like you're good at keeping your head... mostly" Hyrsek offers with a smile, then points to the only door in this chamber "Now south?"
Weapon Equipped = Chainsaw (50m)
Conditions = Barkskin (+4, 90m), Heroism (+2, 210m), Shield (+4, 10m)
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, Magic Missile, cl 3) (1/1d, Prestidigitation, cl1) (0/1d, Shield, cl10)
Veggies: Apple (+4 radiation 24h) x2, Carrot (+4 perception 24h), Mushroom (+4 stealth 1h), Peppers (+2 init/reflex open alien doors 1h) x2
- - -
Yambul nods repeatedly as the power dies off, ”Well done there Zzvkgrogk! That little backlash there wasn’t too bad now was it?” He looks on with concern, though the little man seems none the worse for wear from Yambul’s perspective. Zzvkgrogk might not be as smart as he once was, but he's still way smarter than Yambul.
He will indeed head to the southern passage and ready himself for whatever might lie within. For this passage, he’ll go ahead and pop his Shield as the others open the doorway.
Yambul drinks the extract before the pepper is applied. A long corridor going south opens up. The cylindrical tunnel is so long you barely see the end thanks to the dim light the strange jellyfish in the walls exude. There is another valve there.
It is eerie to walk through this area below the watch of the always present jellyfish. By the end of the corridor, and upon more pepper, the way opens to a perpendicular corridor just as much as this one.
Two ways to go. East or west.
Rūha sighs at the two pillars deactivating. If nothing else, it denies the Dominion something they wanted to sustain, though the thought of the trapped minds finally meeting their demise this way makes her uncomfortable. She distracts herself by heading south with Yambul. She finds the long, unadorned corridor rather suspicious and spends some time inspecting it for any potential hazards.
If it seems safe, she heads down and looks both ways. "East would be back toward the entrance, and may be best to make sure we're not leaving anything important behind to ambush us later."
”That was a different danger than the one that I was expecting,” Rhoreen notes that she was, this one time, incorrect about something.
”Yes, agreed, Ruha, to the east,” she agrees and will follow the scary four armed woman to the east.
Yambul trundles off to the east!
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Zzvkgrogk holds his ears, uncertain if anything actually fell out of his head.
”Nice work, rat. I'll leave the poking to you, seems like you're good at keeping your head... mostly”
Zzvkgrogk nods once, very carefully. ”Thanks. And no, I hope that is not what Therace’s brain looks like now… That’s not a brain, just a puppeteer. It’s all in the name – ‘intellect devourer’. If Therace’s head is occupied by one of those, it would mean your bounty is dead. We should procede with caution.”
””Well done there Zzvkgrogk! That little backlash there wasn’t too bad now was it?”
”It - oh what is the word – stung I guess… Now it kinda tickles or itches.”
When discussing the next direction to go, Zzvkgrogk agrees with Hyrsek.
”Hm, west first to go south, then east. Shall we?” He heads off before the others, but it is not long before Yambul overtakes him.
6 first, 5 Second, 4 Third, 2 Fourth
(1st)
(1st) True Strike
(1st)
(1st) Shield
(1st) Longshot
(1st) Detect Secret Doors
(2nd)
(2nd) Bullet Shield
(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: 25n/17/19
AC: 19 / 15 / 15 (Normal/Touch/Flatfooted)
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 27/50
Radiation Detector (3/10 charges)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 4/10
Arc Pistol (Charges}: 7/10
Batteries Charged): 10/20
Empty Battieries: 10 /20
Zzvkgrogk Special (Alchemical Ordinance): 6/13
Hero: 3/3
Following the corridor, you find another valve that opens to your pepper.
The walls of this sizable hall are composed of green crocodilian substance, but the small glowing jellyfish-like creatures evident elsewhere in the complex are lethargic and barely glowing at all.
The size of the room is imposing, and within, you see the unsettling form of a massive dragon. This dragon's ebony scales and horns are flecked with a substance that glows an eerie green. The folds of its wings reflect a starry sky.
You recognize this creature as a void dragon. An adult exemplar you would say by its age, though it looks strangely devoid of life despite it is clearly alive.
Before anyone can speak, you feel a ripple in your mind. A calm yet grating familiar voice enters your thoughts telepathically Ah, we meet again, you brutes. Our last encounter at the Choking Tower was a bit... displeasing... This time, I assure you, I have no intention of repeating that confrontation. I am... wiser now, and I know better than to underestimate your capabilities its mental tone shifts to one of annoyance, as if frustrated by circumstances beyond its control I never expected you would made it this far, but now you stand at a crossroads. I do not wish to fight you, not if we can come to an arrangement
The leader of this hive, the Dweller-in-Dark-Places, has something of mine. A crystal, containing an intelligence that I... require. Recover it for me, and I shall provide you with information that may be of great use. Maps, descriptions, weaknesses of the Dweller itself A low rumble reverberates from the dragon's chest, more a subconscious gesture than an actual threat. Maukui's red eyes, burning with intellect, scan over each of you, gauging your reactions Of course, you may refuse my offer it continues but know this: without my aid, navigating this hive and surviving the Dweller will be... considerably more difficult
”Hrm,” Zzvkgrogk ponders aloud. ”A Void Dragon. No two are alike, but I’ve never heard of one to have telepathy.”
"That crystal wouldn't happen to be an AI facet, would it? Because if we find one, we're keeping it."
6 first, 5 Second, 4 Third, 2 Fourth
(1st)
(1st) True Strike
(1st)
(1st) Shield
(1st) Longshot
(1st) Detect Secret Doors
(2nd)
(2nd) Bullet Shield
(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: 25n/17/19
AC: 19 / 15 / 15 (Normal/Touch/Flatfooted)
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 27/50
Radiation Detector (3/10 charges)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 4/10
Arc Pistol (Charges}: 7/10
Batteries Charged): 10/20
Empty Battieries: 10 /20
Zzvkgrogk Special (Alchemical Ordinance): 6/13
Hero: 3/3
"Oh, wonderful. It's you again. I can't say you exactly proved yourself a paragon of trustworthiness last time we met..." Rūha offers wryly. "You could do a lot of good for yourself by giving us the information you think might help first. Though we've managed this far without it."
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"Yeah, who are you again?" asks the clueless Yambul.
"Seems to me we might be willing to accept your help, though we have the mighty Hyrsek here already helping us. But I'm not sure we trust you, so at least a little teaser is in order before we agree to anything."
"And some clue as to your allegiances." he adds thinking himself pretty smart.
(heroism) Looking for lies and half-truths
Ah yes, the facets. You're a smart one, little rat. But not, the crystal I seek is a compact AI core, an outstanding piece of tech. It was... stolen from me by the Dweller-In-Dark-Places. A unique creation, too valuable to leave in the hands of such a being. But let’s not pretend you'll find it without my assistance Maukui's red eyes fixate on Rūha, her skepticism met with a dark chuckle in your minds Trustworthiness, you say? If I recall, you were the ones who failed to hold to our prior agreement at the Choking Tower. Did I not gave you the information you sought, yet you did not return the favor?
The creature shifts its stance slightly, addressing Yambul next As for my allegiances, they lie only with myself. The Dominion of the Black may be my current... circumstance, but I care nothing for their goals. My interests are far more personal.
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Know (Arcana)
Ah. A void dragon. I'd rather *avoid* this dragon, if you know what I mean.
I always know what you mean.
Of course you do. I'm very smart.
Rhoreen has nothing to add at the moment, letting her comrades negotiate. She assumes it will betray the party, but is willing to try to be nice.
"This is an interesting proposal. I see no harm in it."
”Fine then.” Yambul thinks… hard, ”Tell us something about the Dominion we don’t already know then, something useful. Telling us when all this is over and you have your AI thingy is fine. If your masters mean so little to you, help us destroy them and you can have your tech.”
(heroism)