[AP] Iron Gods by GM Rutseg

Game Master Balacertar

Chaance looks past her companions, suddenly aware of what lies before her in the next chamber. Then she moves past her companions, straining to understand what stands before her. She doesn't stare at the kyton, directing her full attention at the male elf.

"Revion? Revion! Don't let your eyes deceive you! It's me!"

"Khalia." Chaance's voice fades off only within the space of uttering a name that should be anything but strange to her.

"My name is Khalia." Khalia turns to the others behind her, a dawning look of realization setting the features of her android face, then turns back to her brother.

"Revion, you must trust me here. I do not appear as my old self, I am housed in this body after Maukui, the strange evil brain-like creature? After he killed me. Somehow I survived, and now exist within this body. Do you remember? Traveling with Therace, hunting with him? I barely remember myself..." She struggles to remember more, and fails. "Please, Brothermine! Let us leave this place, and we can help each other remember!"

Paajgat's cold smile deepens as Rhoreen dismisses her offer with a laugh "Ah, the clever one, then" the kyton murmurs, her voice tinged with amusement "I wonder if that sharp wit will serve you well when the blades are at your flesh. But no matter. You've made your choice"

The kyton's smirk widens as she observes the emotional plea from Chaance, her amusement growing more twisted with each passing second. The elf's eyes flicker on recognition "Sister!" but then his lips curl into a slow, malicious smile, and a strange, guttural sound escapes his throat "You... still believe, don't you?" his voice no longer soft or weak, but deep and resonant.

Paajgat chuckles darkly "Oh, poor thing... You didn't really think they were still alive, did you?" she says, her voice dripping with mock pity "Your dear 'Revion' and the others? They've been gone for quite some time"

As Rhoreen prepares to cast haste, the air crackles with tension. Paajgat’s black chains coil tighter around her, as if eager for the violence to begin.

Chaance: 1 damage
Rhoreen: flying 10', mage armor 22 h, heroism 205 min, overland flight 11 h, filter mask, -2 Con drain, -1 Int drain
Rūha: mage armor 22 h, heroism 205 min, barkskin 205 min
Yambul: 5 damage, heroism 205 min, barkskin 205 min
Hyrsek: 3 Wis drain, 5 Con drain, 1 Int drain
Zzvkgrogk: 2 Int damage
Round 1: Zzvkgrogk, Hyrsek, Paajgat, Chaance, Rhoreen, Elves, Yambul, Rūha

A creature of multifaceted cruelties, that one...

Expecting a little more preamble, Rūha is caught off guard as combat breaks out.


Round 1

Rhoreen targets the kyton with some fiery burning fire before it get mixed up in combat. She will move up and fly up 10’.

Maximized Scorching Rays:
1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 11 touch to hit;
24 fire damage.

1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 17 touch to hit;
24 fire damage.

1d20 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 11 + 4 = 27 SR

Edit, one more ray at 11:
1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 14 touch to hit;
24 fire damage.

Haste 2/11: You realize that you might be the unknowing recipient of some unkind thoughts from someone very much like Rhoreen if you don’t get your ass in gear and kill the people who are annoying Rhor. You get +1 to your attacks, a bit more speed, and an extra angry attack if you do such things. You know the deal: don’t disappoint Rhor.

Apparently I wrote a post last night, but didn't post it... or perhaps paizo ate it.

”I think we heard enough from you!!” Zzvkgrogk hisses, genuinely angry. ” We’ll just have to say that you did not want to be spared!” He moves forward and shoots.

rtchrtchrtchrtchrtchrtch!
Laser++, BLinding: 1d20 + 18 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 18 - 2 - 4 = 31 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -Cover?
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 5d6 ⇒ (5) + 7 + (2, 3, 5, 4, 4) = 30 Deadly Aim
and Fortsave DC19 or be blinded for 1 minute.

Paajgat stands still observing how the combat breaks out when Rhoreen puts a fiery beam of magic on her. The chains protest as the extreme heat takes over.

Things get worse when Zzvkgrogk moves forward and puts his special on the kyton with a blinding flash.
Fort DC 19: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28

Hyrsek tumbles forward while getting into position and studying the enemies.

Chaance does something heroic!

"This is just so disappointing... well then... you should learn the pleasure of pain in a lesser... quicker way..." the chains around Paajgat shake as she calls for the divine favor.

The elves silently open fire over Chaance with their bows.
+1 composite longbow: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 12 - 2 + 1 = 171d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10
+1 composite longbow: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 12 - 2 + 1 = 141d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10
+1 composite longbow: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 2 + 1 = 181d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7

+1 composite longbow: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 12 - 2 + 1 = 271d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11
+1 composite longbow: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 12 - 2 + 1 = 191d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 = 13
+1 composite longbow: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 2 + 1 = 171d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 = 14
Three arrows stab into her with the precision of elven hunters.

Paajgat: 54 damage, slightly damaged, divine favor
Chaance: 32 damage
Rhoreen: flying 10', mage armor 22 h, heroism 205 min, overland flight 11 h, filter mask, -2 Con drain, -1 Int drain
Rūha: mage armor 22 h, heroism 205 min, barkskin 205 min
Yambul: 5 damage, heroism 205 min, barkskin 205 min
Hyrsek: 3 Wis drain, 5 Con drain, 1 Int drain
Zzvkgrogk: 2 Int damage
Round 1: Yambul, Rūha Round 2: Zzvkgrogk, Hyrsek, Chaance, Rhoreen (x2), Paajgat, Elves

Yambul, hasted, rushes forward to engage an elf with his chainsaw. He studies them on the way in.

Chainsaw: 1d20 + 18 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 18 + 6 = 40 (hero, studied, haste)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 3 ⇒ (6, 4, 2) + 19 + 3 = 34 (studied)

critthreat Chainsaw: 1d20 + 18 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 18 + 6 = 29 (hero, studied, haste)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 3 ⇒ (2, 6, 3) + 19 + 3 = 33 (studied)

The red streams on the map - can I step over those or are they more of a barrier?

Round 1

Chaance feels Rhoreen's magical surge as her mind Delays her from any reasonable action. There is nothing reasonable about staring down the body doubles of your brother and your former self...

Hoping Haste was up to bump Chaance's AC to 19, with the jump on the elves to avoid being Flat-Footed...

Round 2

Only when the arrows arrive does the android-once-elf awaken to the grim reality before her. "Forgive me, Revion..." She speaks to someone she now knows is beyond the Veil, not the sneering meat puppet plucking at his bow.

She utters a low hoarse sigh as each arrow targets Revion. She fires while she tries to forget, the muted feelings running through her processors enough to provoke her nanites into action. They swirl about her unblinking eyes, producing enough condensation to initially clear the android's targeting. They overproduce, and manage to overflow the lids in their excitation.

Einior...: 1d20 + 18 + 1 + 1 - 3 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 18 + 1 + 1 - 3 - 2 = 30 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 + 6 = 12 piercing, magical damage
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 + 6 = 18 piercing, magical damage
Manyshot

Einior...: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 - 3 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 1 + 1 - 3 - 2 = 11 for 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 6 = 14 piercing, magical damage

Einior...: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 - 3 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 1 + 1 - 3 - 2 = 8 for 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 + 6 = 16 piercing, magical damage

Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 18 + 1 + 1 - 3 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 18 + 1 + 1 - 3 - 2 = 21 for 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 + 6 = 13 piercing, magical damage

Haste Attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 + 1 - 3 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 18 + 1 + 1 - 3 - 2 = 21 for 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 + 6 = 13 piercing, magical damage

Rūha strides forward to fall into a flank for Yambul and begins offering Advice (+3/+3) "Keep close. Don't let them use those bows."

Just once for Rhoreen, right? She acted above.



Round 2

Rhoreen focuses her magics on Yambul, driving him to do better, even as her hasty magics drive him to be quicker.

Skymetal's Onus: The subject of this onus is infused with the unquantifiable nature of skymetal. The target can choose one attack or one saving throw during the next 2 rounds, it may roll twice and take the better result (choose before rolling). 42/50 left.

Haste 3/11: You realize that you might be the unknowing recipient of some unkind thoughts from someone very much like Rhoreen if you don’t get your ass in gear and kill the people who are annoying Rhor. You get +1 to your attacks, a bit more speed, and an extra angry attack if you do such things. You know the deal: don’t disappoint Rhor.

Just once for Rhoreen, right? She acted above.

I meant Chaance, sorry!

Yambul's swing is swift and direct, cutting through the elf's right arm!

Chaance finishes the work with two arrows in the same shot plucking into the body. As the elf collapses, a dazed intellect devourer comes out of the body!

The other arrows find target on the devourer itself, two of them striking true while it is flatfooted, but causing limited damage. DR (Clustered Shots applied)

Rūha starts giving good advice and surrounds the intellect devourer while it is dazed.

Rhoreen gives Yambul the luck of her skymetal.

Zzvkgrogk does something heroic!

Hyrsek attacks Khalia with his rapier "You don't get to pretend you're still something she cares about!"
Frost rapier: 1d20 + 19 + 3 - 4 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 19 + 3 - 4 + 3 = 28
Piercing damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1d6 + 3 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (2) + 3 + 8 + 3 = 22

Frost rapier: 1d20 + 14 + 3 - 4 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 14 + 3 - 4 + 3 = 29
Piercing damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1d6 + 3 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 4 + (4) + 3 + 8 + 3 = 25

Frost rapier: 1d20 + 9 + 3 - 4 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 3 - 4 + 3 = 17
Piercing damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1d6 + 3 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 4 + (3) + 3 + 8 + 3 = 22
Two of them blood the elf archer!

The kyton's wounds start to regenerate as she points towards Chaance "We can start by taking those pretty eyes"
Fort DC 19 vs blindness

The elven archer takes a step back and fights the warrior over her.
+1 composite longbow: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 12 - 2 + 1 = 271d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12
+1 composite longbow: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 12 - 2 + 1 = 121d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9
+1 composite longbow: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 2 + 1 = 151d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 = 13
Hyrsek dodges as he can but still one of the arrows lodges on his shoulder.

Paajgat: 49 damage, slightly damaged, divine favor
Yellow Revion: 87 damage, dead
Yellow devourer: 16 damage
Green Khalia: 47 damage
Party buffs: Advice (+3)
Chaance: 25 damage
Rhoreen: flying 10', mage armor 22 h, heroism 205 min, overland flight 11 h, filter mask, -2 Con drain, -1 Int drain
Rūha: mage armor 22 h, heroism 205 min, barkskin 205 min
Yambul: 5 damage, heroism 205 min, barkskin 205 min
Hyrsek: 12 damage, 3 Wis drain, 5 Con drain, 1 Int drain
Zzvkgrogk: 2 Int damage
Round 2: Yambul, Rūha Round 3: Zzvkgrogk (x2), Hyrsek, Chaance, Rhoreen, Paajgat, Elves

Round 3

Fortitude Save v DC 19: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

Chaance's eyes never leave Revion, as she awaits the evil aberration to show itself once she peels her brother's body from it. When her arrows find it, she prepares to pierce it over and over and over again, until it ceases to move. When the kyton tries to black out her sight, her nanites stimulate the receptors constantly, preventing the curse from taking hold.

The android continues to attack the intellect devourer with all her might.

Einior...: 1d20 + 18 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 3 - 3 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 18 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 3 - 3 - 2 = 27 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 6 = 25 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy and Roo
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 6 = 21 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy and Roo
Manyshot

Einior...: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 3 - 3 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 3 - 3 - 2 = 30 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 6 = 26 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy and Roo

Einior...: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 3 - 3 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 3 - 3 - 2 = 22 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 6 = 25 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy and Roo

Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 18 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 3 - 3 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 18 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 3 - 3 - 2 = 37 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 6 = 22 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy and Roo

Haste Attack: 1d20 + 18 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 3 - 3 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 18 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 3 - 3 - 2 = 29 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 6 = 20 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy and Roo

Yambul's before Ruha so he'll have the flank prior to the action she's going to take below. if the intellect devourer is done and dusted before she's up, she'll move first to the west side of the second elf. Maintain Advice either way.

Rūha jabs twice at the devourer, her first strike aiming to stun the foul creature. Stunning fist. DC23 Fort on hit or stunned 1 rd

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 14 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 14 + 5 = 25 Damage (B, cold iron, silver, lawful): 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 5 = 23 Damage (B, cold iron, silver, lawful): 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

First

Zzvkgrogk aims for Paajgat.

rtchrtchrtchrtchrtchrtch!
Laser+: 1d20 + 18 - 2 - 4 - 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 18 - 2 - 4 - 2 + 3 + 1 = 16 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -Cover?, -Semiauto, +Rūha, Haste
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 3 = 14 Deadly Aim, +Rūha

Laser+: 1d20 + 13 - 2 - 4 - 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 13 - 2 - 4 - 2 + 3 + 1 = 28 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -Cover?, -Semiauto, +Rūha, Haste
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 3 = 13 Deadly Aim, +Rūha

Laser+: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 4 - 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 2 - 4 - 2 + 3 + 1 = 8 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -Cover?, -Semiauto, +Rūha, Haste
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 3 = 14 Deadly Aim, +Rūha

Haste
Laser+: 1d20 + 18 - 2 - 4 - 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 18 - 2 - 4 - 2 + 3 + 1 = 15 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -Cover?, -Semiauto, +Rūha, Haste
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 3 = 15 Deadly Aim, +Rūha

----------------

Second

Zzvkgrogk aims for Paajgat some more.

"Abomination!

rtchrtchrtchrtchrtchrtch!
Laser+: 1d20 + 18 - 2 - 4 - 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 18 - 2 - 4 - 2 + 3 + 1 = 30 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -Cover?, -Semiauto, +Rūha, Haste
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 3 = 12 Deadly Aim, +Rūha

Laser+: 1d20 + 13 - 2 - 4 - 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 13 - 2 - 4 - 2 + 3 + 1 = 20 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -Cover?, -Semiauto, +Rūha, Haste
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 3 = 15 Deadly Aim, +Rūha

Laser+: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 4 - 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 8 - 2 - 4 - 2 + 3 + 1 = 14 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -Cover?, -Semiauto, +Rūha, Haste
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 3 = 16 Deadly Aim, +Rūha

Haste
Laser+: 1d20 + 18 - 2 - 4 - 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 18 - 2 - 4 - 2 + 3 + 1 = 24 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -Cover?, -Semiauto, +Rūha, Haste
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 3 = 13 Deadly Aim, +Rūha[/ooc

Schhhhtick!. He reloads.

Round 3

Rhoreen focuses her magics on Hyrsek, driving him to do better, and then renews the energies binding them both. Keep the onus going an additional round.

Skymetal's Onus: The subject of this onus is infused with the unquantifiable nature of skymetal. The target can choose one attack or one saving throw during the next 2 rounds, it may roll twice and take the better result (choose before rolling). 41/50 left.

Haste 4/11: You realize that you might be the unknowing recipient of some unkind thoughts from someone very much like Rhoreen if you don’t get your ass in gear and kill the people who are annoying Rhor. You get +1 to your attacks, a bit more speed, and an extra angry attack if you do such things. You know the deal: don’t disappoint Rhor.

Yambul does what he can to carve up the intellect devourer before making a 5’ step toward the next target. He first studies the devourer of course.

Chainsaw: 1d20 + 18 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 18 + 13 = 32 (hero, studied, advice, haste, flank)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 6 ⇒ (3, 4, 2) + 19 + 6 = 34 (studied, advice)

Chainsaw: 1d20 + 10 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 13 = 43 (hero, studied, advice, haste, flank)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 6 ⇒ (6, 4, 5) + 19 + 6 = 40 (studied, advice)
critthreat Chainsaw: 1d20 + 10 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 13 = 36 (hero, studied, advice, haste, flank)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 6 ⇒ (4, 2, 4) + 19 + 6 = 35 (studied, advice)

Chainsaw: 1d20 + 5 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 13 = 31 (hero, studied, advice, haste, flank)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3, 4) + 19 + 6 = 34 (studied, advice)

hasted Chainsaw: 1d20 + 18 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 18 + 13 = 41 (hero, studied, advice, haste, flank)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 6 ⇒ (2, 5, 1) + 19 + 6 = 33 (studied, advice)

With an incredible accuracy, Chaance puts one arrow after the other on the same spot of the intellect devourer, piercing through its hard exterior until the creature collapses dead. She still has it to redirect two more arrows to the other enemy. Khalia collapses defeated by the arrows, and another intellect devourer gets out of her body!

Rūha moves behind, and connects a solid punch, but does not manage to damage the wicked brain! DR

Zzvkgrogk discharges a whole battery of energy over the kyton that suffers a terrible scorching. It seems impossible but the creature survives the onslaught even if only one shot fails its target.

Rhoreen pushes Hyrsek with her skymetal luck.

Yambul finds another devourer by his side, and after a high swing, strikes strong, his magic adamantine saw causing full damage, and carving in two parts the brain that quickly falls dead on the ground.

With that, Hyrsek goes after the kyton, striking with skymetal luck and finesse.
Good jinx: 2d20 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8
Frost rapier: 5 + 19 + 3 - 4 + 3 = 26
Vital strike Piercing damage: 2d6 + 4 + 1d6 + 3 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 + (2) + 3 + 8 + 3 = 26
The blade hits into one of the chains though, which deflects the attack.

"I am not staying here to see the rest of the show" Paajgat then starts to scream unleashing a cacophony of darkness and soul-shaking howls from the pits of the Shadow Plane. All around her is taken by deeper darkness, shutting out the sight of even those with darkvision.

The kyton disappears in the darkness, and those in the area are deafened by the screams that assault your very own being.
Will DC 19 or get affected by confusion (everyone 25' around). This is a mind-affecting effect.

Paajgat: 141 damage, badly wounded, divine favor
Yellow devourer: 103 damage, dead
Green Khalia: 89 damage, dead
Green devourer: 142 damage, dazed r4, dead
Party buffs: Advice (+3)
Chaance: 25 damage
Rhoreen: flying 10', mage armor 22 h, heroism 205 min, overland flight 11 h, filter mask, -2 Con drain, -1 Int drain
Rūha: mage armor 22 h, heroism 205 min, barkskin 205 min
Yambul: 5 damage, heroism 205 min, barkskin 205 min
Hyrsek: 12 damage, 3 Wis drain, 5 Con drain, 1 Int drain
Zzvkgrogk: 2 Int damage
Round 3: Yambul, Rūha Round 4: Zzvkgrogk, Hyrsek, Chaance, Rhoreen, Paajgat, Elves

Yambul delays until after Rhoreen to see if anyone can do something about this infernal darkness! His ioun stone is not heightened and so goes dark against the strength of deeper darkness.

Will: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 2 = 27 (heroism) vs DC 19

Zzvkgrogk quaffs an extract of silver liquor. See Invisibility, Silver

He readies his pistol and moves into the Darkness toward Chaance. Haste

”Calliope! Do something with … this!” he waves his arm about in the darkness gesturing angrily at the darkness.

Round 4

Will Save v DC 19: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 4 = 20 Whew

Undeterred, the android uses her accelerated speed to move through the darkness to the other side, looking for any signs of the kyton.

Survival, Tracking: 1d20 + 16 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 16 + 5 = 29

Will vs. confusion: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28

Ruha's bewildered by the screaming but still somehow manages to keep her wits about her. She staggers out of the darkness, ceasing her advice, since there's no way any can hear her over the cacophony. She tries her flashlight on the deeper darkness, but it seems utterly impregnable.

Well no confusion, but I don't have a good way of beating it either.

Round 4

Seems like Rhor is outside range of effect, right?

Rhoreen does not have a good solution to the deepest of darknesses at the moment. She focuses his energies to maintain the mercurial magics of her skymetal effects on Hyrsek and Yambul, and then moves up 20’.

Yambul moves into the darkness. He knows the chained creature can’t have gone far, so he goes to the center and tries to stumble into her. (60’ move with haste to try and find her.)

If he succeeds, he swings in the darkness! (I don’t think I can study her without seeing her.)

Chainsaw: 1d20 + 18 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 18 + 3 = 32 (hero, haste) Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 72
damage S: 3d6 + 19 ⇒ (5, 4, 3) + 19 = 31

Ok, let's not prolong things more than needed, this combat is well won...

Chaance crosses to the other side but sees no trace of the kyton. The door valve at the north is closed and it has not been operated because it would be closing still.

The ones coming into the darkness see even less, as they have just enough time of not stumbling with themselves. moving at half speed while blind

You do hear the sounds of incantation coming from the west. When you come there to see, there is nothing there already.

Assuming you have no ways to deal with the deeper darkness, moments later Rhoreen sees a mist shape escaping the area to the east then north at incredible speed!

Combat is over!

Chaance: 25 damage
Rhoreen: flying 10', mage armor 22 h, heroism 205 min, overland flight 11 h, filter mask, -2 Con drain, -1 Int drain
Rūha: mage armor 22 h, heroism 205 min, barkskin 205 min
Yambul: 5 damage, heroism 205 min, barkskin 205 min
Hyrsek: 12 damage, 3 Wis drain, 5 Con drain, 1 Int drain
Zzvkgrogk: 2 Int damage

All that remains of Paajgat's latest victim is a red skeleton on a table, but she did manage to extract several interesting pieces of cybernetic equipment from the body: a pair of cybernetic eyes, a skillslot (with a mark IV Acrobatics skillchip), and a cybernetic arm.

Chaance welcomes the darkness for now. She marks the exact location of both elven bodies, promising that she will return to find a final resting ground for both. Her mind flashes across the elven woman's face, her face, and she struggles to calm the anxiety it induces.

The android waits by the northern passage, expecting the others to advance and pepper the portal.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 19 + 10 = 35

Ruha scans the scene, picks up the scraps of the scroll, and shows them to the party. "What must have been the spell she used to slip away. If we're lucky she doesn't have another..."

"If we're unlucky she just went to hide with her 'friend' Maukui and it'll know what we did. Do we keep pushing ahead knowing that might be the case? Or go back and deal with problem number two?"

1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 21 + 2 = 32 Know (Arcana)

"Much like how she greeted us, she flees under a cloud of air and vapor, lacking any substance," Rhoreen notes as she puts the kyton's disappearance together.

"We might see her again, and maybe not. She should see what she was doing here. Chaaance? These were your friends? Do we need to arrange burial arrangements?" she points at the dead elves.

"That is my brother." Chaance returns to conversation at hand. "And that..." the android points at the female elven form, "is my goddess-given body. Before Maukui ripped me from it." She gives in, and studies it for its injuries. She only sees the damage wrought by the Zzvkith and Hyrsek.

Chaance addresses Rhoreen. "You're becoming more powerful with magics. What can you accomplish here? Can you bring back my brother? Can you..." she pauses, unsure about why she might additionally ask. "Can you return me to my elven form?"

Yambul quietly waits for Rhoreen's response, though he hasn't found her to be much of a healer. Maybe Zzvkgrogk could make the bodies into something... alchemical. But he doesn't think that will bring them back either.

He waits for them to respond in the negative before he offers to help dig the graves, after the group is done searching the place for more villains of course.

"You're becoming more powerful with magics. What can you accomplish here? Can you bring back my brother? Can you..." she pauses, unsure about why she might additionally ask. "Can you return me to my elven form?"

Rhoreen blinks, trying to process the request and the courage (and faith) that Chaance has to even ask the question.

"Yes, maybe. Maybe? Returning you to an elf is possible, but might be difficult, but there is at least one way that I can think of," Rhoreen says, hesitatingly. "As for your brother, if we can preserve the body, we can probably do such once we get back to civilization. I'll need more time to think and research, but maybe. I'm cautious about promising anything."

"And in any case it'll be moot if we don't manage the rest of our trial here. After that it would be good to get you back in the body you're most comfortable with." Rūha speaks rather matter of factly after Rhor's answer "Maybe we should hide the bodies somewhere and then go on while we can then." She steps up to the northern door with a pepper at the ready.

”If we're unlucky she just went to hide with her 'friend' Maukui and it'll know what we did.”

”Who knows. She can’t open the sphinctors, and maybe she couldn’t get past all the bugs either. Maybe all Maukui really wanted was to be reunited with her. Ew! Maybe they planned on eloping and are on their way to…” he shudders and stops talking.

~~~~

”You're becoming more powerful with magics. What can you accomplish here? Can you bring back my brother? Can you..." she pauses, unsure about why she might additionally ask."Can you return me to my elven form?"

Zzvkgrogk stands. He opens his mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. He looks down at Chaance’s Khalia’s Chaance’s inert form outside the darkness laying on the cold hard floor. How long has she been dead? He finally manages to quietly mumble ”An-an-any elven form? ‘C-cos this one doesn’t have a brain anymore…” We’d have to call you RhoreenChaance… He clears his throat, finding his voice. ”I mean, I don’t know what Callopie is thinking, but I read somewhere that with a big electric shock you can re-animate dead tissue…” But the body still needs a brain… ... ”But let’s say we can fully restore you to … you.” he gestures at the body on the floor. "What would we then call you? Would you no longer be Chaance? Would we call you – Khalia? That’s … that’s ... vexing. Also, wouldn’t your nanites become angry and try to murder us all??!”

He looks for traps and things ahead.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 17 + 2 = 31

-2 Int, See inviso

The northern door opens to a short corridor that leads to another alien valve. The small forward decision letting the interesting conversation to keep developing.

Hyrsek clears his throat, attempting to cut through the tension with his typical humor, though there's a flicker of hesitation in his eyes as he processes the implications "So... let me get this straight" he says, leaning casually against the wall "You... You're saying that Chaance here might not be... well, Chaance as we know her. Which, hey, that's not exactly a deal-breaker, right?" He gives a crooked grin, casting a glance in Chaance's direction, though he's clearly still wrapping his mind around it all.

Then, his tone softens, and he addresses Chaance directly, trying to keep his expression relaxed but earnest "Look, if you end up as Chaance or... or Khalia or whatever else, you're still, you know... you" he shrugs, attempting to make light of it "And hey, I think it's fine either way. I suppose if it works, that's two elves for the price of one?" He chuckles, though it's clear the tiefling is trying to cover up the confusion and maybe even a bit of unease.

Yambul frowns at Hyrsek's humor, so he suggests they finish the search, and return to bring the bodies with in their departure so Rhoreen can do, er, whatever she's going to do to them.

When Zzvkgrogk mentions the name issue, Yambul nods, "Yeah, uh, Chaance... what do you want to be called? It's your choice as I see it. How do you see yourself?"

He'll move through to the next passage and prepare to enter as soon as it's opened.

"Yes, maybe. Maybe? Returning you to an elf is possible, but might be difficult, but there is at least one way that I can think of. As for your brother, if we can preserve the body, we can probably do such once we get back to civilization. I'll need more time to think and research, but maybe. I'm cautious about promising anything."

"No, of course. I can only ask. That you are knowledgeable of the possibilities gives me hope." The android nods to herself, a gentle self-soothing while her eyes remain on her brother.

"An-an-any elven form? ‘C-cos this one doesn’t have a brain anymore… I mean, I don’t know what Callopie is thinking, but I read somewhere that with a big electric shock you can re-animate dead tissue… But let’s say we can fully restore you to … you. What would we then call you? Would you no longer be Chaance? Would we call you – Khalia? That’s … that’s ... vexing. Also, wouldn’t your nanites become angry and try to murder us all??!”

"Yeah, uh, Chaance... what do you want to be called? It's your choice as I see it. How do you see yourself?"

"When I saw my brother's face, I regained my name. Please, it will help me if you call me 'Khalia'. That I retained Revion's name, despite being ripped away from myself, means that I can still grasp for memories which only Khalia knows. Chaance was a harbor name in a tempest."

The android assists in moving the bodies to someplace less conspicuous in the room, fearful that the kyton might return to rob her of the chaance of restoring her brother to life. She does take the two elven bows, and tucks them into her magical quiver.

"Ah! I can speak his full name. Revion Lassi Súrinen. His House... our House... Lassi Súrinen." She smiles, and brushes the hair on Revion's forehead from his eyes, before she closes them with her fingertips.

"Look, if you end up as Chaance or... or Khalia or whatever else, you're still, you know... you. And hey, I think it's fine either way. I suppose if it works, that's two elves for the price of one?"

Khalia smiles at the tiefling. "Thank you, Hyrsek. If I might speak plain to you, I couldn't remember very much surrounding my 'demise'. That I traveled with the very man you are seeking. I don't get the sense that Revion and I conspired with Therace, only that our research aligned with his motives for an expedition. Safety in numbers, you understand all too well."

The android follows along, only glancing over her shoulder once to mark their tracks back. "I will try to be more forthcoming when my memory clears."

Rūha nods to Yambul's comment, and then when Khalia confirms her choice she comments "Khalia it is. Pleasure to meet you again Khalia, and I hope your memories - both old and new - serve you well. Not all have been pleasant, but I hope some have, and that there will be more to come." The corners of her eyes crinkle with a smile.

She scans the corridor for any hazards before advancing to the next valve.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 19 + 10 = 38

”Revion Lassi Súrinen? I’m sorry for your loss and that you have to remember this now. But also, this is a new beginning, and greetings ‘Khalia’, Hail and well met,” Rhoreen greets her new old companion.

”As for your brother, we’ll need powerful magics to restore him,” Rhoreen tries to explain the need for a resurrection spell. ”You should tend to his body as we’ll want it with us if you want him restored.”

She will follow Ruha.

"Khalia huh?" he works the name around in his mouth a few times, "Khalia, Khalia, Khalia..."

"I'll do my best to remember, but should I fail, don't hesitate to remind me!" he grins.

He readies to pass through the next door.

"Khalia... got a bit of a ring to it, doesn't it?" Hyrsek smiles while finishing cleaning his rapier.

Rūha applies the pepper and the northern valve opens into another chamber.

M10. Nutrient Dispensary
Thick pulsing sacks of flesh hang from the green, wrinkled walls of this disturbingly sweet-smelling chamber.

The sacks on the wall contain thick, foul-tasting stuff the consistency of curdled milk.

There is a single apparent exit. To the east.

Belatedly, as the party filters into the room, Yambul checks out the mark IV skill chip - better than the mark III chip he’s currently carrying around. He goes over and talks to Rüha before they open the next door.

”What skill chip are you using? Do you want one of these? I’d love the ‘four, but I’m happy with the ‘three if you’d rather have the more powerful one. We both do some tumbling, but you tend to do a bit more than I. And besides, I haven’t found anyone to implant mine as yet…”

(For everyone else, we have two unclaimed skillslot implants (link) if anyone wants one. We currently only have acrobatics skillchips (link) though - but you might be able to buy your own too.)

The android assists in moving the bodies to someplace less conspicuous in the room, fearful that the kyton might return to rob her of the chaance of restoring her brother to life.

”Don’t forget this, Zzvkgrogk says while retrieving Revion’s arm. ”It fell off somehow,” he shrugs side eyeing Yambul.

”Please, it will help me if you call me 'Khalia'. “

Zzvgrogk suppresses a frown.

”O.K., but I’m putting a limit on how many times you can change your name now, Khalia. No one wants to see you start suffering from null termination string errors before you are restored.”

The sacks on the wall contain thick, foul-tasting stuff the consistency of curdled milk.

Know Dungeon DC30: 1d20 + 2 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 10 - 1 = 15

”Aah, ugh. Yuck! What is this – alien yogurt?!” The stench prevents him from wanting a sample taste.

He turns to Yambul as the young cook talks about skill slots. ”Oh? I was thinking of taking one if no one else wants it just to reverse-engineer it. I want to design my own.” He gestures to the door. ”Are you going to open that?”

1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 2 = 16 Dungeoneering

"Wow. I don't know what that is. I have no clue," Rhoreen says, echoing Zzvkgrogk's words but not the actions. "There is no way I'm sticking my face in there."

She casts Detect Magic and looks around, not wanting to miss anything.

1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 18 + 2 = 38 Perception

Rhoreen's scan does not find any meaningful magical auras besides what the group brings in. The area is lit by the eerie light of the walls' jellyfishes.

While waiting for a door to be opened, Zzvkgrogk wanders to a wall to inspect a jelly.

Perception: 1d20 + 18 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 18 + 2 - 1 = 34
KnowNature: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 2 - 1 = 18
KnowEng: 1d20 + 19 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 19 + 2 - 1 = 30

"I wonder if I can scrape one out of there and use it as a personal light source... not that I need it... unless it can penetrate deeper darkness... which I doubt..."

He gingerly pokes at one behind the wall.

Khalia fails to understand Zzvkgrogk's caution, but she trusts the ysoki's expertise in all things technological enough to nod, and chew on it some more.

The android pursues the others, feeling more certain that what lies ahead will prove enlightening. She anticipates more alien enemies will attempt to defend some kind of vault where the AI Core may be found. But no matter. With their combined might, the Hive will wither, and force from it the survival-minded like Maukui and the kyton.

"When the intellect devourer emerges, can we also try to revive the dragon, like we will Revion?" The android's voice is hopeful, though it is tinged by credulity.

I've already got a mk4 acrobatics skillchip! Thanks though.

"You're welcome to the mark 4 Yambul. A similar one's been serving me well enough. If we make it back to Hajoth Hakados, I can point you to the same doc that did mine." Rūha comments as she looks around the nutrient dispensary. "Well this is foul. You're probably not too far off with the alien yogurt idea Zzvkgrogk."

After inspecting the room for any hidden threats, she advances to the next door with pepper at the ready.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 + 2 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 19 + 2 + 10 = 43

Zzvkgrogk tries to catch a jellyfish. He sees the creatures, the size of a hand, ignore him, well likely thanks to the glands the Shipmind gave you. Just before he catches one, the cautious ratfolk notices touching it might bring notice of the party presence to the Hive lords. Of course, that might be what the party wants, and if so, he can catch one.

Opening the next valve brings you into another corridor. One door exits to the north, while another to the east.

Yambul hesitates to see what Zzvkgrogk does with the jellyfish. If he leaves it be, or grabs one and nothing immediately happens, he'll move along to the east door - ready for action!

Rhoreen decidedly does not help anyone catch any jellyfishes, which seems both difficult and a particularly bad idea.

She follows Yambul to the east door.

”When the intellect devourer emerges, can we also try to revive the dragon, like we will Revion?”

”Ah-hahahaaa! So you want to network with that void dragon lot? Clever. Could make a powerful ally – yet if your true nature is opposed to those types of dragons, I would watch my back if I were you.”

~~~ Jellies —-
"Hrm... we're in here far. I could catch this jelly, but if I do the hive will know we're here... so I won't. But now that I think of it, I wonder if maybe we should just plant some hefty explosives. and blow big portions of the hive up before we end those who survive the explosion… something like a fake -- or freshly dead -- void dragon stuffed through the scales with grenades making a peace offering, and when they all approach it -- BOOM! Then we clean up any survivors...”

He turns to observe a group of pensive Zzvkith.

”...Or, maybe we should scope out the size of the hive and count its denizens first before going that route.”