[AP] Iron Gods by GM Rutseg

Game Master Balacertar

"I know you not, ratfolk, but I recognize you as akin to what I once was: a person. I am Casandalee, a prisoner here, most dreadfully inconvenienced until now by these worshipers of Emptiness. You have done more than rescue a prisoner though, my friend, you have enabled your own survival. Silver Mount harbors a monstrous force. It must be stopped before it can escape, and with your aid and my advice, we can achieve this goal. We must achieve it. I worshiped Unity once, but now it must be destroyed."

When Zzvkgrogk presents Casandalee to them all, it takes a moment for the nanites to tickle the echo memory, and Khalia bows to the screen. When she raises the face, its goggles have been removed so the AI core can see it plainly.

"I am sorry for what has happened to you, Casandalee. I learned what it's like to be hunted. I have so many questions, but I hypothesize that you are just as likely to share my questions, than to have their answers." The android gestures to the kasatha, keeping her attention on the AI core.

"Our friend Rūha mentions Maukui. It is an intellect devourer, and the reason I inhabit your android body. My brother Revion and I were hunting agents of the Dominion, when we were attacked by Maukui. My brother and I both lost our bodies, but for the grace of..." Khalia pauses, not able to speak confidently, "... Erastil, perhaps? You? I awoke, and found myself wearing your face. I am grateful to remain on this side of the Veil, in your vessel, but I would ask you- do you seek to return to this body? Because I would return to my elven form, if the gods will it."

"Before you tell us though, it would be best to get out of here. Tell me, do you happen to know a Maukui?"

Rhoreen wants to hear more from Casandalee before asking her own questions, and notes that Ruha's question is very interesting.

"Yes, we should get out of here. But also we might be safer if you explain more."

"I see many faces here, and I thank you for liberating me from my torment. To each of you, I owe a debt of gratitude" her digital face gazes into Khalia's "To you, who now bear my former vessel, know this: my essence no longer binds me to that body. You may carry it as your own with my blessing. It is not the flesh but the will that defines us. Should you wish to reclaim your form, we can work together to undo the Dominion's treachery. As for returning to that body myself... I have no desire to relive what I once was. My existence is now beyond flesh and bone"

Turning to the others, Casandalee continues "Maukui, you ask? Yes, I know that name. A body-stealer, a manipulator of fate. It was among those who brought me into this prison. Its actions intertwine with the Dominion's plans, but its true motivations remain shrouded. If it still lives, it is both a threat and a key to unraveling the chaos wrought here"

Her image flickers again, her tone sharp and urgent "We must not linger. The Dominion's forces are relentless. Silver Mount harbors Unity, a being that threatens not only this world but all worlds if it escapes. I will aid you, but know that what lies ahead will test every skill, every bond you hold. Are you prepared to fight not only for survival but for the salvation of countless lives?"

Her digital eyes scan the group, awaiting your response.

”Hrm, right then,” Zzvkgrogk states, in no need of having to be told twice, already heading for the way out. ”We could just sneak out and leave Maukui to do the explaining to the Black Dominion about what happened here. That should put him in good standing with the Black Dominion again – haha!” he cackles not quite maniacally. ”Nah, they’ll never believe the back stabbing brain eater. Do we trust the Black Dominion to deal with Maukui, or should we do the deed ourselves to be sure?”

He looks at CastandaCore. "Yes, we are prepared to save the known and unknown multiverses. Let's take down Unity together." He slips the AI Core into his most extravagantly lined pocket. "You'll be safe here during travel... until we can make an 'AI Core stick'™."

He takes a quick look around to collect anything unique and shiny or of value, then waits at the portal for someone to open it with the alien member.

Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24

”Hell yeah! We’re totally into saving people. Been doing it for a while now. Don't see any reason to stop!” Yambul grins.

When Zzvkgrogk suggests taking out Maukui, he nods, ”I don’t trust those folks to do the right thing. They’ll probably forgive him and give him some other dastardly deed to do. Let’s go get him!”

He looks around the room and wonders how they get back to where they came in. He doesn’t worry though, the smart folk will have it figured out.

Rūha considers Zzvkgrogk's question "I don't know... We must have smashed through quite the notable portion of the Dominion's current force here in the Scar, or they would have done more to protect the Dweller and the AI core. So perhaps Maukui will have some breathing room before the Dominion comes to pay them a visit. That and at this point Maukui will likely hold quite the personal grudge against us. I would expect that we need to face them earlier rather than later."

She listens to Casandalee's responses with a rather odd expression, amazed and also evaluating. "I think we don't have much choice but to go against Unity. In fact, it seems to be in the best interest of all of Golarion. If you know how best to tackle this, then let's do it together."

"What about you though Casandalee. If you're not flesh and blood anymore, why do want to stop Unity?"

" I will aid you, but know that what lies ahead will test every skill, every bond you hold. Are you prepared to fight not only for survival but for the salvation of countless lives?"

Rhoreen nods along with Zzvkgrogk's words.

"I know that my friend, <*sound*>, speaks for me here," Rhoreen makes a sound like tengu mating with a gibbering mouther. "Yeah, we'll fight. At least, I will. I have learnt a lot on this trip...and I didn't think I had that much more to learn, but maybe I do."

"As for Maukui, I think facing that danger now is better, lest it sneak up upon us. I don't want to leave that foe behind us."

"I am no longer bound by flesh, but that does not mean I am without purpose" Casandalee begins to answer Rūha, her voice layered with a faint echo, as though a chorus of lives were speaking alongside her "Unity is an abomination, a thing that was never meant to exist. But it is also my responsibility, as it is sought, thinking it would mean peace and freedom for humanoids and machines alike. It resulted though a cold, calculating force that sees existence itself as a resource to be consumed. I oppose Unity because I once dreamed of something greater, something free of domination and fear. Even now, fragmented as I am, that dream persists"

Her holographic face softens as Zzvkgrogk stores her. While he does so, Yambul's curious eyes spot something gleaming amid the debris. A strange helmet covered in flashing lights and adjustable straps with an intricate blinder that covers the eyes.

You talk about paying a visit to Maukui. There are no doors here though, only the tentacled portal on the ground.

Yambul digs through the debris and holds up a strange helmet. He imagines a horrible scene (image) as he hands it over for identification.

He does not put it on...

1d20 + 22 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 22 + 2 = 27 Know (Engineering)

Rhoreen stares at Yambul’s find, no words coming out yet.

Maybe an assist will help her remember things.

KnowEng: 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 19 + 2 = 40

He does not put it on...

Zzvkgrogk looks in understanding at Rhoreen. ”Imagine. That would not have been a good use of space.”

He addresses the cook, swiping the object from his clutch.
"WAaaho! Yambul! Be careful with that!!! That is a neurocam! It captures your memories and personality — a duplicate of your mind! Castandalee probably used it to transfer herself into the AI Core. Risky, that -- as it often causes insanity to the stored personality. It can only be used once, so why does Maukui want to recover it? Just for the money? No, maybe not. This requires further study.”

He tinkers with it to determine whether or not it has already been used.
KnowEng: 20 + 19 + 2 = 41 Take 20

”So, I guess… we should try the floor portal to move on? Does the alien limb work on it or do we need to try a pepper?”

lol!

When it’s explained to Yambul how the helmet works, he again wants nothing to do with it. He wonders though if Casandalee is sane. After all, they shouldn’t take advice from a madwoman.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 2 = 29 (heroism)
Heal: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 = 29 (heroism)

"Yeah, try the limb. I don't think we want to stay in here forever. It's a very small chamber really. For eternity that is."

He stands nearby, ready for action in case the doorway takes them deeper, instead of out.

Rūha ponders Casandalee's answer with significant seriousness. "Clearly Unity means us ill, but to say it's an abomination that wasn't meant to exist seems... Odd. It is an AI that was created for a reason, no? And as for its divine aspirations, Deities good and evil have a number of origin myths, many extremely strange or unusual. The stories say Nethys acquired enough magical power to witness every event in every plane at once, and this sparked his godhood. Or Cayden Cailean stumbling through the test of the Starstone. Is becoming a god through a transcendence of technology not just another path?"

"Also. You served Unity before. How did you come to believe that freedom for machines and humanoids alike was the right thing to pursue?" Rūha probes away at Casandalee, her questions careful. She wants to understand this AI that somehow escaped from under Unity's thumb, but reached a different conclusion than Hellion. Especially considering what would be coming next...

Sense motive on Casandalee's honesty: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (8) + 22 = 30

You confirm the neurocam has been used.

As Zzvkgrogk activates the alien limb, the portal hums and glows, signaling its readiness. Casandalee answers Rūha, her tone suddenly shifting, hardened by the grit of a veteran "Unity is like the necromantic horrors we faced in the Mana Wastes, relentless, soulless, turning life into a weapon. Against Geb's hosts, I crafted firearms that could pierce through their unnatural resilience. And yet, even then, I wondered, was my fight only prolonging suffering, or was it forging true freedom?"

Her voice catches, and she pauses. When she speaks again, her usual calm returns, tinged with unease "Forgive me. That was... not my voice. A memory of someone I once was. This fragmentation... it must trouble you. I assure you, my purpose remains constant"

Yambul and Rūha share a glance, the fragments of Casandalee's past selves bleed into her present, muddling her identity. Is this instability a warning, or just the echoes of lives she has lived?

The portal flares, leaving no time to dwell. The group steps through, swallowed by the swirling light. Moments later, you emerge at the Dark Tapestry chapel.

You trace it back to Maukui's room only to find it empty. Casandalee interjects softly "Be wary. Maukui is a predator who knows when to abandon prey... and when to set traps"

As you set it to leave the Hive, a question arises. What do you do about the kasathas' corpses and those of Khalia and Rivon?

Rhoreen nods as Zzvkgrogk explains the data helmet, an answer that she was so close to having herself. Zzvkgrogk was just quicker in this case. Probably just lucky.

”We should be wary for the dragon, the Maukui,” Rhoreen echoes Casandalee’s words. ”They will be waiting for us someplace.”

”I fear it will be tougher to leave this place than it was to enter…and it was plenty difficult to enter as it was.”

"The Mana Wastes...?" Rūha falls silent, not sure how to take this emergence of another personality within Casandalee. Instability is one way to see it. A sort of madness. But it is experience as well. Is it something to be concerned about? Something to act on? She shakes her head, feeling out of her depth and rather overwhelmed.

After returning to the entrance to the hive, she mentions to the others. "We should take the time to bury these old kasatha during the setting sun. These old traditions had importance to the kasatha of their time, and it may help settle their spirits. It may not be the sun of ancient Kasath, but the one here on Golarion should do just as well." She ponders and then adds "As for Maukui, while they may be hiding somewhere nearby, they may also wait until we're engaged with something else. If we don't see them soon, it might be worth finding somehow who can locate them for us. That way we can track them down before we get more trouble."

"Yeah, let's take the time." Yambul agrees. He knows he's likely to die somewhere far from home, and hopes someone will do the same for him someday.

He spends the rest of the day digging and making the graves ready for a dusk burial.

Though he expects the 'dragon' to have flown off, he'll check for fresh tracks anyway, just in case.

Survival: 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 19 + 2 = 37 (heroism)

Rūha joins Yambul in digging and hauling bodies, but keeps an eye out for dragon ambushes.

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (18) + 21 = 39

Rhoreen, of course, will agree with attending to the bodies appropriately and will support it absolutely...unless it involves her doing too much actual work and then she will let others handle the lifting, grunting, and carrying. Those aren't duties for the smart people.

"Of course. Let us move carefully," Rhoreen says as she follows 20' behind the procession to the outside.

"Forgive me. That was... not my voice. A memory of someone I once was. This fragmentation... it must trouble you. I assure you, my purpose remains constant"

Zzvkgrogk shrugs. ”I suspect it doesn’t bother me us much as it may bother you… but why does it bother you? You are what you are, why fight it?”

He struggles under the weighty alien limb and manages to not just unceremoniously drop it on the floor. Delighted to find that it leads them back to the creepy chapel, he scanmpers ahead to safety. He then looks back at the portal, pensively puzzled.

”There is this Mathematician Ilceud. She did these formulae that describe various geometries – but this strange portal and its space does not fit within any of her axioms or theorems, even when extrapolated into space.” He looks at the others and says reassuringly, ”I have done my own calculations. That doesn’t make sense,” he says, using the alien limb to point at the portal, ”and the whole thing should not be. Very unnatural.”

”That experience was mind bending, and very disturbing. Let’s avoid this sort of thing whenever possible. I will study to see if there is a way to seal it for good.”

Under Rūha’s direction he scratches digs at the surface of the earth and helps to drag carry bodies for proper burial.

Mostly, he keeps a keen eye out for unexpected mourners, namely Maukui and his girlfriend.

Perception: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 18 + 2 = 38 (or if survival +6+2)

Surely something as big as a Void Dragon would be something one would see coming, or see some trace of going...

Maukui does not make himself wait. As you exit the hive, you find the dragon flying 30' over the ground with Paajgat mounted on him. The voice of the telepathist booms on your heats And now, here you are. I shall assume you found the Core AI. Now, just turn it over as we agreed upon with our deal

Party buffs: life bubble 3 h
Khalia: longstrider 8 h
Rhoreen: flying 10', mage armor 22 h, heroism 190 min, overland flight 11 h, filter mask, -1 Int drain
Rūha: mage armor 22 h, heroism 190 min, barkskin 190 min
Yambul: heroism 190 min, barkskin 190 min
Hyrsek: 8 damage, 3 Wis drain, 5 Con drain, 1 Int drain
Zzvkgrogk: mutagen 70 min, heightened awareness 70 min, barkskin 80 min
Round 1: Hyrsek, Zzvkgrogk, Maukui, Paajgat, Rūha, Yambul, Khalia, Rhoreen

We are back to the Hive entrance map

Taken somewhat by surprise, Rūha can only whisper "Scatter! Remember that darkness bubble we saw."

"Nope, I don't like it. Do you have better advice?" Zzvkgrogk whispers back.

He addresses Maukui.

And now, here you are. I shall assume you found the Core AI. Now, just turn it over as we agreed upon with our deal

Huh. You mean like the deal we made before? No problem!

He shoots at the mounted Paajgat. What are the odds?

rtchrtchrtchrtchrtchrtch!!
Laser+, Blinding Beam: 1d20 + 18 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 18 - 2 - 2 = 25 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -Semiauto
for Damage: 1d6 + 5d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + (6, 1, 3, 5, 1) + 8 = 26 Zzvkgrogk Special (Blinding Discovery), Deadly Aim
Fort DC 19 or be blinded for 1 minute, creatures in the the splash area that fail their saves against the beam are dazzled for 1 minute

Laser+: 1d20 + 13 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 13 - 2 - 2 = 18 Touch, -DeadlyAim -Semiauto
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 Deadly Aim

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

Zzvkgrogk takes Paajgat by surprise, his shots burning him badly.
Fort DC 19: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31
Fort DC 19: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

"You do not need to tell me twice" Hyrsek moves away from the group, drawing his longbow into his hands and studying the dragon.

I have no desire for violence, I have to friendly insist on you turning over the core the devourer's voice resounds specially on the ratfolk's head.
Will DC 17 vs charm person

"It is futile my friend. These Golarionites do not attend to reasons." Paajgat says and follows up with casting a protective spell that creates an obscuring mist around the dragon leaving you without the option to target them.

Paajgat: 46 damage
Party buffs: life bubble 3 h
Khalia: longstrider 8 h
Rhoreen: flying 10', mage armor 22 h, heroism 190 min, overland flight 11 h, filter mask, -1 Int drain
Rūha: mage armor 22 h, heroism 190 min, barkskin 190 min
Yambul: heroism 190 min, barkskin 190 min
Hyrsek: 8 damage, 3 Wis drain, 5 Con drain, 1 Int drain
Zzvkgrogk: mutagen 70 min, heightened awareness 70 min, barkskin 80 min
Round 2: Rūha, Yambul, Khalia, Rhoreen Round 2: Hyrsek, Zzvkgrogk, Maukui, Paajgat

"Forgive me. That was... not my voice. A memory of someone I once was. This fragmentation... it must trouble you. I assure you, my purpose remains constant."

The now-android marks the AI's words, reminding herself to ask more questions about Casandalee's previous lives...

Khalia helps as much as she can when the time comes to bury the bodies of the kasathas. When her previous body and the body of Revion are addressed, she meditates on the problem. The bodies are certainly meant to come with them on their exit from the Scar, but how they can preserve the bodies, how they'll be able to resurrect themselves, that remains deeply distressing to Khalia.

...

Round 1

Khalia watches as the kyton cloaks both she and the dragon in cloud, turning to her companions. "Einior will do better if I can see my quarry..." The android waits for an opening.

Delay to see if the Mist can be countered

Yambul drops the body he was carrying for burial, with a swear, and an apology to the corpse, ”Oh hey, sorry about that, but dragon - you know?”

He delays until after the spell chuckers have had their say, just in case. Then, drawing his chainsaw as he moves to a better spot, he cranks it on (standard)… ”Rrrrr… RRRrr… RRRRR!”

Round 1

Rhoreen offers a handcast Fireball into the center of the mists, trying to help those who need a target to find one. Should burn away the mists.

10d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 3, 2, 1, 1, 5, 5, 3, 3) = 32 fire damage vs. Reflex DC 20
1d20 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 4 = 22 SR check, as needed

She then flies out of breath weapon range.

Rūha begins offering Advice (+3/+3) and splits to the south since Yambul split to the north. She watches the cloud warily.

With the mists parted, Khalia moves forward, taking a moment to study the anatomy of the dragon housing Maukui. Standard Action- Quarry

I have no desire for violence, I have to friendly insist on you turning over the core

WillDC17: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Zzvkgrogk blinks in part because of the obfuscation of his targets, and in part due to cognitive dissonance.

”What?!” he blurts outloud, clutching his cloak near the plush lined pocket and it’s precious contents. ”Who are you again? I mean, erm, no? I mean, no. Do you want this instead?” he holds aloft his left arm which is donned with a brilliant and slightly tapered tungsten cylinder which eventually glitters a brilliant orange-red in the glow of the fireball Rhoreen throws. ”I found it in one of those machines. It makes for a pretty spiffy and sturdy armband. You? – You could wear it as a bodyband. I bet it will take on magics, too. We could probably drill holes in it for your legs, too.”

After the fireball disperses, he adds, "It’s naturally very heat resistant, too -- even without magics.”

OH, I don't like what's riding that void dragon.
He quaffs an extract and vanishes.

Greater Inviso, and a move.

Rhoreen fireball burst in the middle of the mist, breaking through both the kyton's and the dragon's magic protections and dismissing the vapors consumed by the flames!
Rhoreen vs dragon SR: 1d20 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 4 = 28
Ref DC 20: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Ref DC 20: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Rūha brings up her advise while Khalia marks the dragon as her quarry and Zzvkgrogk all but disappears from sight!

Hyrsek tries his bow against Maukui's dragon host.
C. longbow+advice+st: 1d20 + 18 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 18 + 3 + 3 = 321d8 + 3 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 3 + 3 = 16
C. longbow+advice+st: 1d20 + 13 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 13 + 3 + 3 = 351d8 + 3 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 3 + 3 = 10
C. longbow+advice+st: 1d20 + 8 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 3 + 3 = 251d8 + 3 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 3 + 3 = 10
Two arrows strike, and though with difficulty, cause some pain on the dragon.

Yambul drops the kasatha's corpse and waits a bit to do something heroic!

Maukui descends behind Zzvkgrogk and tries to snatch him with his mouth Give me that bag!
Bite: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 20 = 31
Damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (6, 8) + 10 = 24
Negative energy damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5
The bite is brutal and takes a good chunk of ratfolk fur.

Also, the group is obliterated by the alien presence of the dragon.
Will DC 21 or become sickened 10 rounds

"You have been very bad!" screams Paajgat casting a spell to shut down Rhoreen's sight.
Fortitude DC 16 vs blindness

Dragon: 32 damage
Paajgat: 78 damage
Party buffs: life bubble 3 h, advice (+3)
Khalia: longstrider 8 h
Rhoreen: flying 10', mage armor 22 h, heroism 190 min, overland flight 11 h, filter mask, -1 Int drain
Rūha: mage armor 22 h, heroism 190 min, barkskin 190 min
Yambul: heroism 190 min, barkskin 190 min
Hyrsek: 8 damage, 3 Wis drain, 5 Con drain, 1 Int drain
Zzvkgrogk: 29 damage, mutagen 70 min, heightened awareness 70 min, barkskin 80 min
Round 2: Rūha, Yambul (x2), Khalia, Rhoreen Round 3: Hyrsek, Zzvkgrogk, Maukui, Paajgat

1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 = 17 Will - Sickened: "The character takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks."
1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 = 18 Fort - Not blind.

Round 2

Rhoreen, sickened but keeping her ability to see (which she feels is a decent outcome), ponders her actions.

Deciding absolutely perfectly, Rhoreen decides absolutely perfectly, she focuses the mercurial magics of her skymetal rod at the void dragon, then moves again to avoid line of sight/effect.

Skymetal Omen: The subject of this omen is jinxed with the unquantifiable nature of skymetal. When the target makes an attack or saving throw during the next 2 rounds, it must roll twice and take the worse result. A DC 22 Will save negates this effect. 14/50.

Round 2

Will Save v DC 21: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

She doesn't remember feeling this before, when once they stood before the dragon, and feigned negotiation. Now, the dizziness sets in, as Maukui sets itself against them, and radiates something of its ill intent. She respects the enemy a little more for it.

Still, it doesn't dissuade her from attacking. "Maukui, if you flee, you will never be able to retrieve the Core again." The once-elf baits the aberration as best she can with words, knowing the pain of her and Hyrsek's arrows may very well chase it off.

Einior...: 1d20 + 18 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 2 - 2 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 18 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 2 - 2 - 2 - 3 = 33 for 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 6 - 2 = 23 damage, including Roo and Favored Enemy

Einior...: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 2 - 2 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 2 - 2 - 2 - 3 = 18 for 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 6 - 2 = 23 damage, including Roo and Favored Enemy

Einior...: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 2 - 2 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 2 - 2 - 2 - 3 = 16 for 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 6 - 2 = 20 damage, including Roo and Favored Enemy

Einior...: 1d20 + 18 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 2 - 2 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 18 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 2 - 2 - 2 - 3 = 38 for 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 6 - 2 = 20 damage, including Roo and Favored Enemy

Will: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20

Rūha lurches, debilitated by the presence of the dragon. Nevertheless, she sees an opportunity to engage and potentially bring it down. She tumbles in, avoiding its claws, and then jabs in hopes of finding a weak point.

Acrobatics (tumble to avoid aoo): 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (15) + 24 = 39

Stunning fist. On hit DC23 Fort or stunned 1 rd

Unarmed Strike, w/ advice: 1d20 + 16 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 16 + 3 - 2 = 31 Damage (B): 1d10 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 2 = 8

Will DC 22: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Rhoreen resists the blindness and counterattacks jinxing the dragon badly.

Two of Khalia's arrows hit the dragon, sinking deep for good damage.

Rūha goes in with an acrobatic move and strikes true on the dragon's body.
Fort DC 23: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
The mystic power of the Kasatha renders the dragon stun!

Dragon: 83 damage, jinxed, stunned
Paajgat: 78 damage
Party buffs: life bubble 3 h, advice (+3)
Khalia: longstrider 8 h
Rhoreen: flying 10', mage armor 22 h, heroism 190 min, overland flight 11 h, filter mask, -1 Int drain
Rūha: mage armor 22 h, heroism 190 min, barkskin 190 min
Yambul: heroism 190 min, barkskin 190 min
Hyrsek: 8 damage, 3 Wis drain, 5 Con drain, 1 Int drain
Zzvkgrogk: 29 damage, mutagen 70 min, heightened awareness 70 min, barkskin 80 min
Round 2: Rūha, Yambul (x2), Khalia, Rhoreen Round 3: Hyrsek, Zzvkgrogk, Maukui, Paajgat

My first round action was to move and draw my chainsaw (move) and then turn it on (standard) which takes a while. Also, can the dragon see the invisible Zzvkgrogk? Or did the spell fail in some way? Can we see him?

Will: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 2 = 18 (heroism) vs DC 21 and sickened

Yambul struggles with the dragon's aura, but overcomes it as much as he can as he grits his teeth. He tumbles in to avoid the AoO and attacks, after first studying his opponent (swift).
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 16 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 16 + 0 = 34 (heroism, sickened)

Chainsaw: 1d20 + 18 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 18 + 6 = 30 (hero, studied, inspire, sickened)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 6 ⇒ (1, 2, 4) + 19 + 6 = 32 (studied, inspire)

Give me that bag!”

”OH! How dare you charm me!” Zzvkgrogk cries, finally understanding what happened to him. "You steer like a cow!"

He shoots again at his not-friend’s Kyton rider then moves, all the while sustaining(?) his greater invisibility(?).

rtchrtchrtchrtchrtchrtch!!
Laser+, Blinding Beam: 1d20 + 18 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 18 - 2 + 3 = 26 Touch, -DeadlyAim, +Rūha
for Damage: 1d6 + 5d6 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + (2, 4, 6, 6, 1) + 8 + 3 = 35 Zzvkgrogk Special (Blinding Discovery), Deadly Aim, +Rūha
Fort DC 19 or be blinded for 1 minute, creatures in the the splash area that fail their saves against the beam are dazzled for 1 minute . This is a light effect.

Invis mischance 50%: 1d100 ⇒ 12
Despite its blindsense, the dragon does not fully see Zzvkgrogk and the bite clacks in the air in the last moment!

Yambul manages to duck bellow the dragon attacks and connect with the chainsaw that crackles as it cuts through the void scales!

Zzvkgrogk vs presence Will DC 21: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Zzvkgrogk is taken by the near presence of the dragon, but the attack on the air makes him awake to the charming magics putting a beam of fire to burn it badly on the eyes.
Fort DC 19 vs blindness: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Will vs presence: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Hyrsek steps back and takes aim at the dragon.
C. longbow+advice+st: 1d20 + 18 + 3 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 18 + 3 + 3 - 2 = 301d8 + 3 + 3 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 3 + 3 - 2 = 14
C. longbow+advice+st: 1d20 + 13 + 3 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 13 + 3 + 3 - 2 = 321d8 + 3 + 3 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 3 + 3 - 2 = 12
C. longbow+advice+st: 1d20 + 8 + 3 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 3 + 3 - 2 = 271d8 + 3 + 3 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 3 + 3 - 2 = 10
Stunned, the dragon is an easy target, the arrows land accurately, and despite the resistance of the scales, it is enough for the dragon to collapse to the floor.

Its mouth opens and a known brain appears on its place!

Ride DC 15: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Paajgat screams as the dragon hits the ground and she rolls all over the place bruising its bones against the rock.
Fall damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Quickly standing up, she steps back against the wall "Muikui, we have to leave!" she touches herself for healing.
CSW: 3d8 + 5 ⇒ (3, 1, 8) + 5 = 17

Dragon: 169 damage, dead
Paajgat: 67 damage, slightly wounded
Party buffs: life bubble 3 h, advice (+3)
Khalia: longstrider 8 h, sickened
Rhoreen: flying 10', mage armor 22 h, heroism 190 min, overland flight 11 h, filter mask, -1 Int drain, sickened
Rūha: mage armor 22 h, heroism 190 min, barkskin 190 min, sickened
Yambul: heroism 190 min, barkskin 190 min, sickened
Hyrsek: 8 damage, 3 Wis drain, 5 Con drain, 1 Int drain
Zzvkgrogk: mutagen 70 min, heightened awareness 70 min, barkskin 80 min, sickened ?
Round 3: Rūha, Yambul, Khalia, Rhoreen Round 4: Hyrsek, Zzvkgrogk, Maukui, Paajgat

Round 3

"There you are." Khalia moves just a little closer to witness Maukui's emergence. The circuits beneath her skin run red hot, as her nanites sense her resolve. Nanite Surge

"I feared this moment would never come." The android fires three times, though only her first shot benefits from the surge from within.

Einior: 1d20 + 18 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 2 - 2 - 3 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 18 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 2 - 2 - 3 + 14 = 46 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 6 = 22 damage, including Roo and Favored Enemy
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 6 = 24 damage, including Roo and Favored Enemy Manyshot

"Twin arrows, for brother and sister."

Einior: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 2 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 13 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 2 - 2 - 3 = 30 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 6 = 22 damage, including Roo and Favored Enemy

Einior: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 2 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 2 - 2 - 3 = 28 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 + 3 + 4 + 6 = 24 damage, including Roo and Favored Enemy

Maintaining Advice

Rūha circles around the ejected intellect devourer, commenting "That's enough from you." as she jabs in once more. As unpleasant as the thought is, she stabs at the brain matter in front of her in hopes of stunning Maukui for long enough that the others can finish it.

Another stunning fist vs. Maukui. On hit, DC23 Fort or stunned 1 rd.

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 14 + 2 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 14 + 2 - 2 + 3 = 33 Damage (B, cold iron, silver, lawful): 1d10 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 - 2 = 2

Round 3

Rhoreen, still sickened, steps out to survey the damage after her magics clearly took out the dragon.

”Oh, you are not escaping. Not if I can help it.”

Delaying slightly, She will wait for others to take their swings at the brain, then try to ensure the creature does not escape by encasing it in ice.

3d8 ⇒ (1, 8, 8) = 17 cold damage, DC 22 Fort for half. If the target fails, it is paralyzed & unconscious while the ice lasts. (20 hp) If the target is broken free, it is staggered for 1d4 rounds.

While the little brain becomes smoother every minute as the others whale on it, Zzvkgrogk III the Invisible focuses on Paagat.

Invisible move 30’

rtchrtchrtchrtchrtchrtch!!
Laser+, Blinding Beam: 1d20 + 18 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 18 - 2 + 3 = 38 Touch, -DeadlyAim, +Rūha
for Damage: 1d6 + 5d6 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + (5, 2, 6, 5, 4) + 8 + 3 = 36 Zzvkgrogk Special (Blinding Discovery), Deadly Aim, +Rūha
Fort DC 19 or be blinded for 1 minute, creatures in the the splash area that fail their saves against the beam are dazzled for 1 minute . This is a light effect.

Yambul studies and closes with Paajgat. (I think the brain is mush at this point.) He tries to take advantage of their injuries - to hurt them some more!

Chainsaw: 1d20 + 18 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 18 + 6 = 27 (hero, studied, inspire, sickened)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 6 ⇒ (6, 1, 4) + 19 + 6 = 36 (studied, inspire)

Khalia strikes her revenge with all her arrows hitting on Maukui. The first arrow harms it less DR, but the others follow up striking one over the other for massive damage!

Rūha attempts to knock out the devourer but its brain nature absorbs all the damage, preventing the stun. DR fully nulls the damage

Rhoreen calls the curse of ice and fully entombs the brain on her freezing coldness.
Fort DC 22: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Zzvkgrogk goes on the kyton and burns her with its laser beam, but she seems too resistant to the blinding flash.
Fort DC 19: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19

Yambul follows in but his chainsaw goes wide and fails to connect on the kyton.

Hyrsek stows the bow and puts the rapier on his hand as he steps forward.

Just for the kyton to unwrap the stitches on its mouth emitting a hollow scream that fills the area with a maddening darkness.
Everyone in the black area is deafened and under deeper darkness.
Will DC 19 or become confused

While the others don't, Rhoreen sees the darkness sphere moves then to the east.

Maukui: 99 damage, considerably wounded
Paajgat: 103 damage, considerably wounded
Party buffs: life bubble 3 h, advice (+3)
Khalia: longstrider 8 h, sickened
Rhoreen: flying 10', mage armor 22 h, heroism 190 min, overland flight 11 h, filter mask, -1 Int drain, sickened
Rūha: mage armor 22 h, heroism 190 min, barkskin 190 min, sickened
Yambul: heroism 190 min, barkskin 190 min, sickened
Hyrsek: 8 damage, 3 Wis drain, 5 Con drain, 1 Int drain
Zzvkgrogk: mutagen 70 min, heightened awareness 70 min, barkskin 80 min, sickened ?
Round 4: Rūha, Yambul, Khalia, Rhoreen Round 5: Hyrsek, Zzvkgrogk, Maukui, Paajgat

Wow! Deeper Darkness, Deafness (no save), and Confusion all from one shout! I wish I could do three things at once! Nasty Kyton!

Will: 1d20 + 9 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 0 = 21 (heroism, sickened) vs DC 19 to avoid confusion!

Unsure what to do under the circumstances - being unable to see, or hear, and so completely, ah, in the dark - Yambul will head North, South, East, West: 1d4 ⇒ 2 … South as he feels about looking for the Kyton.

He’ll meander a bit, moving out a single move. When he finds nothing, he presses on another move, but still can't manage to leave the sphere...

I'm assuming half move as I'm effectively blind and feeling about.

Everyone in the black area is deafened and under deeper darkness.

Uhhh, huh? -- this is novel...

WillDC19: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 - 2 = 11

Actionwhileconfused: 1d100 ⇒ 29

He begins to preach into the void, where sadly no one can see or hear him.

Will: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34

Ruha shudders as the dark screams issues forth once again. She stands firm against the mental component of the attack, but is left largely incapable of fighting back by the darkness. Worse, her advice can't reach the rest of the party. She trusts that Maukui will remain frozen and backs out of the dark, heading southwest. It doesn't take long to pop out.

Once outside though, she's left with few options. She draws the autograpnel in case an opportunity arises to fire at something.

Round 4

Rhoreen double flies, up and avoiding the darkness, as she follows the inky cloud while avoiding it.

She draws her ember staff as she moves.

Hyrsek-drain Will DC 19: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 - 1 = 14
Confusion: 1d100 ⇒ 49
Hyrsek remains on place babbling no one can really hear.

The group moves or babbles while Khalia does something heroic!

The shadows bubble quickly displaces to the east, about 120 feet away from you.

Maukui remains on place, a cute ice statue of a brain.

Maukui: 99 damage, considerably wounded
Paajgat: 103 damage, considerably wounded
Party buffs: life bubble 3 h, advice (+3)
Khalia: longstrider 8 h, sickened
Rhoreen: flying 10', mage armor 22 h, heroism 190 min, overland flight 11 h, filter mask, -1 Int drain, sickened
Rūha: mage armor 22 h, heroism 190 min, barkskin 190 min, sickened
Yambul: heroism 190 min, barkskin 190 min, sickened
Hyrsek: 8 damage, 3 Wis drain, 5 Con drain, 1 Int drain
Zzvkgrogk: mutagen 70 min, heightened awareness 70 min, barkskin 80 min, sickened ?
Round 5: Rūha, Yambul, Khalia (x2), Rhoreen Round 6: Hyrsek, Zzvkgrogk, Maukui, Paajgat

While he cannot hope to catch up to Paajgat, there is a tasty brain here for him - now that he can see again. He studies Maukui and moves up on him to finish the job!

Chainsaw: 1d20 + 18 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 18 + 3 = 27 (hero, studied, sickened)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 3 ⇒ (2, 4, 3) + 19 + 3 = 31 (studied)