[AP] Iron Gods by GM Rutseg

Game Master Balacertar

H8. Shrine to Shub-Niggurath
The swampy stink intensifies in this huge, domed cavern. Drippy clots of phosphorescent lichen growing on the ceiling twenty-five feet above provide dim, eerie illumination to the cave. Dry ledges sit to the east and west, while to the north looms a huge deformed plant-like monstrosity, its branches dangling with pallid strands of mucus-like fungi. The walls of the cave are decorated in patterns of glowing fungi, many of which repeat the same disquieting symbol of three deformed goat-like heads facing outward so that their six curved horns almost form a circle.

The tree suddenly "speaks" in a booming, sloppy voice in Aklo, its trunk heaving and rasping to form the words "You intrude, fleshlings, but the Black Goat welcomes you—join her, serve her, become her!"

As the proclamation is issued, the temple's guardians arise from its lower, bulbous roots. These creatures look fungal and plantlike, but are mere horrid masses of barbed tentacles, glaring eyes, and gnashing teeth, twisting upon itself and reshaping into new forms.

Hyrsek is quick to react and enters the room with stealth, readying his rapier for the fight.

The creatures do not get directly into him though, they instead spring out of the roots and spread around the room. Shining with divine energy two of them they assault the tiefling magically.
Fort: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

The tiefling apparently endures and the other two alien guardians focus on the party on the tunnel where it suddenly bursts two different sound bursts.
Sonic damage: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4
Two saves: Fort DC 13 to avoid stunned 1 round (Rūha, Yambul and Rhoreen are in the area)

Party buffs: life bubble 2.5 h
Khalia: longstrider 11 h
Rhoreen: 4 damage, flying 20' up, mask
Rūha: 4 damage, heroism, mage armor, barkskin
Yambul: 16 damage, shield 10 min
Zzvkgrogk: grappled, h. awareness 100 min, barkskin 100 min, comprehend languages 100
Round 1: Hyrsek, Guardians, Khalia, Rhoreen, Zzvkgrogk, Rūha, Isuma, Yambul

Round 1

Knowledge(Religion) v DC 20: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Knowledge(Planes) v DC 17: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

She hears and she sees, but her ears and eyes decide that what lies ahead is best left to the fringes of her mind. The archer finally looses several arrows with intent, targeting Blue over Roo's right shoulder.

Einior...: 1d20 + 19 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 19 - 3 = 33 for
1d8 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 6 = 11 piercing, magical damage
1d8 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 6 = 11 piercing, magical damage Manyshot

Einior...: 1d20 + 14 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 14 - 3 = 17 for
1d8 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 6 = 14 piercing, magical damage

Einior...: 1d20 + 9 - 3 ⇒ (9) + 9 - 3 = 15 for
1d8 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 6 = 13 piercing, magical damage

"What are they? Why is that tree able to speak?" Khalia's voice is just quiet enough, she might be understood to be speaking to herself.

Round 1

1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 2 = 14 Fort
1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 2 = 26 Fort

1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 18 + 2 = 24 Know (Religion)
1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 17 + 2 = 25 Know (Planes)

Rhor's head rocks from the sonic bursts, but keeps her focus.

"Ha! I know that symbol, obviously. That looming fungal “tree” is sacred to the outer god Shub-Niggurath, the Black Goat of the Woods with a Thousand Young. It seems the mi-go of this colony venerate this vile goddess of fertility and fecundity, and grew their tree altar from specialized spores. That's very clear," Rhoreen smugs.

"And those are chaos beasts. I, for one, would not run into a room to be surrounded by them. That's not something a smart person who values the integrity of their body would do. Nope," she continues.

She focuses her magics to protect the foolish Hyrsek.

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.

KN Religion: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Fort #1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Fort #2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

"Interesting. If you weren't immediately trying to slay us, I can imagine a properly educational interview would have helped us all learn more about the Black Goat and Shub-Niggurath." Ruha offers dryly, rather annoyed that violence once more seems the only practical choice. She handily resists the sonic bursts and begins offering Advice to the team (+3/+3) before she advances toward the nearest tentacle cluster to draw some attention away from Hyrsek.

Will: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 = 17 (heroism) vs DC 13
Will: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 = 17 (heroism) vs DC 13

Yambul takes the hit, but avoids the effect as he burns to take them on! He studies red before closing and swinging!

Chainsaw: 1d20 + 18 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 18 + 8 = 43 (hero, studied, advice)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 6 ⇒ (3, 4, 3) + 19 + 6 = 35 (studied, advice)
critthreat Chainsaw: 1d20 + 18 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 18 + 8 = 41 (hero, studied, advice)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 6 ⇒ (1, 6, 4) + 19 + 6 = 36 (studied, advice)

If the terrain is difficult, Yambul simply closes but cannot swing (double move).

Khalia puts two arrows on the same beast.

Rhoreen gives Hyrsek her good omen.

Rūha gives good advice to the team.

Yambul closes in and crashes his saw through another beast, but discovers no vital point to crit. amorphous

Isuma moves into the room to have a good shot with her rifle.
Zero rifle: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 182d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 2) + 4 = 12
The blue beast is a bit frozen.

Hyrsek joins Yambul on fighting the red one, saving his luck for now.
Rapier: 1d20 + 19 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 19 + 3 = 282d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 6) + 4 + 3 = 15

Zzvkgrogk does something heroic!

The beasts come to surround Hyrsek and Yambul.
Claw vs Hyrsek: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 13 + 2 = 301d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Hyrsek Fort DC 17: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Hyrsek Fort DC 17 (Rhoreen's hex): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Enforced by Rhoreen's omen, Hyrsek manages to avoid becoming a spongy mess!

Claw vs Yambul: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 13 + 2 = 351d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Crit?: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 13 + 2 = 181d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Fort DC 17 vs corporeal instability (1 Wis drain + lots of penalties to move and attack)

Claw vs Yambul: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 141d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Claw vs Yambul: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 271d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Claw vs Yambul: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 171d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Claw vs Yambul: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 141d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Red: 50 damage
Blue: 34 damage
Party buffs: life bubble 2.5 h
Khalia: longstrider 11 h
Rhoreen: 4 damage, flying 20' up, mask
Rūha: 4 damage, heroism, mage armor, barkskin
Yambul: 16 damage, shield 10 min
Zzvkgrogk: grappled, h. awareness 100 min, barkskin 100 min, comprehend languages 100
Hyrsek: 8 damage
Round 2: Hyrsek, Guardians, Khalia, Rhoreen, Zzvkgrogk, Rūha, Isuma, Yambul

Round 2

Khalia moves forward, coming to a stop just behind Isuma. She thinks she still sees one of her arrows stuck in Blue, so continues her attack on the same enemy mass.

Einior...: 1d20 + 19 + 1 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (15) + 19 + 1 + 3 - 3 = 35 for 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 + 6 + 3 = 20 piercing, magical damage, including Roo

"If we set the tree on fire, will the beasts go up in flames as well?"

Zzvkgrogk quaffs a extract of Orange Whip Owl’s Wisdom, Wis +4 and moves forward 10 feet, still air-walking 10 feet in the air.

~~~~~~~
”I was wondering the same thing. Let’s find out.”
Zzvkgrogk fires at the tree with his laser pistol in the hopes that in addition to hurting it, it will catch fire.

rtchrtchrtchrtchrtchrtch!
Laser++: 1d20 + 18 - 6 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 18 - 6 + 3 = 34 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -SemiAuto, Rūha
for Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 + 3 = 13 Deadly Aim, Rūha

LaserPistol+: 1d20 + 18 - 6 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 18 - 6 + 3 = 30 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -SemiAuto, Rūha
for Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 + 3 = 12 Deadly Aim, Fire, Rūha

LaserPistol+: 1d20 + 12 - 6 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 12 - 6 + 3 = 27 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -SemiAuto, Rūha
for Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 + 3 = 16 Deadly Aim, Fire, Rūha

Fort: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 = 28 (heroism) vs DC 17

Yambul is clawed, but he resists the worst of the blow. He 5’ steps out of flank, studies yellow, and strikes back against red! If red should fall, he’ll swing on yellow.

Chainsaw: 1d20 + 18 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 18 + 8 = 35 (hero, studied, advice)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 6 ⇒ (4, 3, 1) + 19 + 6 = 33 (studied, advice)

Chainsaw: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 8 = 32 (hero, studied, advice)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 6 ⇒ (6, 2, 3) + 19 + 6 = 36 (studied, advice)

Chainsaw: 1d20 + 5 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 8 = 23 (hero, studied, advice)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 6 ⇒ (4, 6, 6) + 19 + 6 = 41 (studied, advice)

Round 2

Rhoreen continues to avoid going into the room of chaos, because that would be silly. Instead, she focuses her energy on protecting Yambul, and then extending the effect another round for Yambul and Hyrsek.

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.

Khalia sticks another arrow on the blue beast.

Zzvkgrogk starts to shot the tree with his laser pistol, it scorches it in multiple places, but the damped environment prevents from it to catch fire. The tree does not seem to react, if it is alive, it does not seem prone to keep talking. Or maybe the talk was product of some magic rather than the tree own voice...

Yambul swiftly cuts the beast in front with two blows and still has some sawing for the other one.

Determined to save the day, Rhoreen extends her onus to Yambul.

Rūha does something heroic!

Isuma shots at the beast in front.
Zero rifle: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 332d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 5) + 4 = 11
Zero rifle: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 192d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 = 7

Hyrsek also studies and tries to finish the same creature.
Rapier: 1d20 + 19 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 19 + 3 = 252d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 + 3 = 12
Rapier: 1d20 + 14 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 3 = 192d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (6, 1) + 4 + 3 = 14
And when it collapses, he strikes deep on the yellow one.
Rapier: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 3 = 322d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 + 3 = 12

The remaining beasts go for Yambul and Hyrsek.
Claw vs Yambul: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 231d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Claw vs Yambul: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 331d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Claw vs Yambul: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 221d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Claw vs Yambul: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 191d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Crit?: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 321d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Fort DC 17 vs corporeal instability (1 Wis drain + lots of penalties to move and attack)
One gets a lucky strike taking all the upper arm of the cook with its claws!

Claw vs Hyrsek : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 241d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Claw vs Hyrsek : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 201d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Claw vs Hyrsek : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 171d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Claw vs Hyrsek : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 281d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
And another one cuts through Hyrsek on the leg.

Red: 119 damage
Blue: 98 damage
Yellow: 53 damage
Party buffs: life bubble 2.5 h
Khalia: longstrider 11 h
Rhoreen: 4 damage, flying 20' up, mask
Rūha: 4 damage, heroism, mage armor, barkskin
Yambul: 26 damage, shield 10 min
Zzvkgrogk: grappled, h. awareness 100 min, barkskin 100 min, comprehend languages 100
Hyrsek: 17 damage
Round 3: Hyrsek, Guardians, Khalia, Rhoreen, Zzvkgrogk, Rūha, Isuma, Yambul

Maintaining her advice, Ruha steps into a flank with Yambul and delivers a pair of quick jabs against yellow, the first one aimed for one of the creature's more eye-shaped segments. (Stunning fist on the first strike. On hit, DC23 Fort or stunned 1 rd)

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 14 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 14 + 5 = 35 Damage (B, cold iron, silver, lawful): 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24 Damage (B, cold iron, silver, lawful): 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Since it looks like Ruha is doubled up, she'll just spend her following turn moving into the flank on the green foe after yellow presumably falls.

Round 3

Heartened by the success of the others to drop two of the four beasts, Khalia decides to enter the room, keeping her distance while targeting Green.

Einior...: 1d20 + 19 + 1 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 19 + 1 + 3 - 3 = 40 for 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 6 + 3 = 17 piercing, magical damage

edit:

Confirm Critical?: 1d20 + 19 + 1 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (7) + 19 + 1 + 3 - 3 = 27 for 2d8 + 8 + 2 + 12 + 6 ⇒ (8, 6) + 8 + 2 + 12 + 6 = 42 piercing, magical damage

Zzvkgrogk shrugs. ”I guess not.”

Without thinking, he air-walks into the room and takes aim at green hoping to also affect yellow. He carves out his friends from the blinding beam.

rtchrtchrtch!
Laser++, Blinding Beam: 1d20 + 18 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 18 + 3 = 23 Touch, -DeadlyAim, Rūha
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 3 + 5d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 3 + (3, 4, 2, 3, 1) + 4 = 33 Deadly Aim, Rūha, Zzvkgrogk Special, Precise Beam, Fire

Fort DC 19 or be blinded for 1 minute, creatures in the the splash (radius?) area that fail their saves against the beam are dazzled for 1 minute . This is a light effect.

Round 3

Rhoreen moves up and continues and extends her magical protections on Yambul and Hyrsek.

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.

Fort DC 23: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
With a powerful blow, Rūha stuns the beast in front!

Khalia puts a perfect arrow on the beast, but due to its amorphous nature, finds no vital point.

Fort DC 19: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Zzvkgrogk burns that same chaos beast, the mass of tentacles and eyes suddenly blinded by the flash!

Rhoreen charming smile extends the onus around.

Yambul does something heroic!

Hyrsek steps forward and goes to kill the blinded creature.
Rapier: 1d20 + 19 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 19 + 3 + 3 = 301d6 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 3 + 3 = 15
Rapier: 1d20 + 14 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 14 + 3 + 3 = 281d6 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 3 + 3 = 16
Rapier: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 3 + 3 = 271d6 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 3 + 3 = 16
The creature collapses.

Zero rifle: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 182d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 2) + 4 = 11
Zero rifle: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 142d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 5) + 4 = 15
And Isuma's shots just finished the stunned one.

Combat is over!

Yellow: 102 damage, stunned r4
Green: 97 damage, blinded 1 min
Party buffs: life bubble 2.5 h
Khalia: longstrider 11 h
Rhoreen: 4 damage, flying 20' up, mask
Rūha: 4 damage, heroism, mage armor, barkskin
Yambul: 26 damage, shield 10 min
Zzvkgrogk: grappled, h. awareness 100 min, barkskin 100 min, comprehend languages 100
Hyrsek: 17 damage

Totems and offerings have been pressed into the tree's fungal bark, including several bloody bones and rotting organs, coated in moldy filth. Among the grisly offerings is a skull with five platinum teeth (each tooth is worth 300 gp) and a slowly decaying human heart with a functional but in need of cleaning thoracic nanite chamber
(mark II).

Perception v DC 30: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23

Khalia feels her hand reaching out towards the heart, its palm warm as the nanites beneath her skin sense something vital about the thoracic chamber. She allows it, only to witness this little manifestation of her subskinconsciousness. She is actually rather appalled as her hand touches the rotting flesh, but she relents, grasping it, and raising it to the others.

"This is certainly interesting technology. Hyrsek, this wouldn't happen to be Therace's heart, would it? We all look the same on the inside, I suppose."

Yambul lines up for a bit of healing before they proceed. "I get the thought we dodged something in their attacks, but yes, it seems we are now known. We should be careful as we proceed. They'll likely throw whatever they have against us."

CLW x7: 7d8 + 7 ⇒ (1, 1, 1, 2, 4, 4, 4) + 7 = 24

Sorry for the truly pitiful rolls!

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (2) + 21 = 23 +10 if visual

Ruha inspects the tree with her special focusing visor and notes the lack of meaningful animation associated with it. "It seems that not only were the beasts waiting here for us, but someone spoke through this artistic but relatively unintelligent tree at us. Something is watching us and attempting to spook us, I would suppose. Unless Therace's remains are here, let's keep moving and hopefully get out of its sight, whatever it may be."

1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 18 + 2 = 29 Perception

Rhoreen concludes nothing as it turns out, but was close to concluding something important, she is sure.

"Yes, let's keep moving. Let's go back to that other fork in the slop? I mean, once Yambul is done healing," Rhoreen suggests and moves back to find a new way forward.

Rhor moved on map.

"Something is watching us and attempting to spook us, I would suppose."

Perception Aid: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 18 + 2 = 22

He pulls out the wand of cure light wounds and hits Yambul with it several times.

"Yea, let's move on."

Khalia listens to upper chamber, wondering if any vooniths linger, before she moves on, following Rhoreen to the next awkward tunnel, where the Zzvkith must single file into the next hostility.

"Mmm... interesting, it is certainly a possibility" Hyrsek examines the piece close enough "This is definitely a piece of technology the Technic League might have worn. Let's keep investigating, I feel my purpose is close"

Khalia hears the vooniths creatures above as you walk to the north.

H4. Abattoir
The ceiling of this cavern yawns thirty-five feet high, with a central pillar of natural rock supporting it. The moldy surfaces of this chamber are spattered red and bones are scattered everywhere.

Party buffs: life bubble 2.5 h
Khalia: longstrider 11 h
Rhoreen: 4 damage, flying 20' up, mask
Rūha: 4 damage, heroism, mage armor, barkskin
Yambul: 2 damage, shield 8 min
Zzvkgrogk: grappled, h. awareness 98 min, barkskin 98 min, comprehend languages 98 min
Hyrsek: 17 damage

"What is this place? Some sort of abattoir or something?" Rhoreen asks, noting that it's not much different than Yambul's cleaving table.

1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 18 + 2 = 40 Perception

Rhoreen moves to examine the ledged area, looking for foes, and also casts Detect Magic as well.

1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 18 + 2 = 27 Perception

Zzvgrogk peers into the room just above and behind Yambul.

”Whatever is is, I don’t like the look of this place at all.” He continues hovering as high as he can in the cavern passage.

Percept: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 18 + 2 = 32

”Another ledge… maybe the unfriendly flying things are furtively waiting to waylay us foes and I don’t mean it figuratively.”

He keeps an eye out for flying or other hostilities.

"Let's not give them too much time to prepare for our arrival." Khalia trudges through the cavern, keeping to the right wall, and peering ahead as best she can towards the northeast.

Yambul moves up with the others, though he does not climb quite yet - willing to let the fliers discover what they can above.

Ruha watches enviously as the magically flying members of the party magically fly above the muck and with a good view of the various elevated ledges. "Do let us know if you spot one Zzvkgrogk." She hefts her autograpnel as she advances into the abbatoir with Yambul, ready to try to reel in any wayward mi-go.

She keeps an eye out for any ground-level hazards.

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (4) + 21 = 25 +10 if visual

Flying to the top, you can see over the central ledge a pile of equipment and gold: 170 gp, five chrysoberyls (100 gp each), a violet garnet (500 gp) plus a ring and a wand. Rhoreen detects magic in there.

She and Zzvkgrogk also notice some movements behind the crevices to the north-west.

Khalia peeks through the cave to the northeast and sees it follows forward for a while.

Rhoreen moves closer to the magics, still flying high to get a closer look.

She waits to see if others encounter anything before beginning to acquire and identify the loot.

Khalia moves up enough to keep vigil towards the northeast, while watching her companions investigate the larger chamber for now.

Yambul moves into the room and keeps watch while the others search.

"You find something?" he looks to Rhoreen and Zzvkgrogk up in the air.

As soon as Rhoreen moves over the loot, three towering beasts get out of the crevices. As they do, their compressed body recovers their large size. They have a horrible, vertically aligned mouth and arms that split at the elbows into twin clawed hands.

The cavern is 20 feet high.
Please, clarify your height, those who are flying

"Well, that ain't Therrace. That I know" states Hyrsek, readying his rapier for the fight.

Party buffs: life bubble 2.5 h
Khalia: longstrider 11 h
Rhoreen: 4 damage, flying 20' up, mask
Rūha: 4 damage, heroism, mage armor, barkskin
Yambul: 2 damage, shield 8 min
Zzvkgrogk: grappled, h. awareness 98 min, barkskin 98 min, comprehend languages 98 min
Hyrsek: 17 damage
Round 1: Zzvkgrogk, Yambul, Khalia, Isuma, Rūha, Rhoreen, Beasts

Zzvkgrogk is still 15' in the air.

Know Dungeon: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 2 + 2 = 21 Heightend Awareness, Heroism

”Gugs,” Zzvkgrogk grunts. ”Nine o’clock, 10 o’clock and 11 o’clock. Real brawlers. Don’t bother with negotiation.”

He shoots at Blue.

LaserPistol++: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 18 + 2 = 38 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -SemiAuto, Heroism
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 2 + 5d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 + (2, 6, 2, 5, 4) + 4 = 33 Deadly Aim, Fire, Zzvkgrogk Special

LaserPistol+: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 18 + 2 = 30 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -SemiAuto, Heroism
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Deadly Aim, Fire

LaserPistol+: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -SemiAuto, Heroism
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 Deadly Aim, Fire

Yambul, somewhat surprised at their bulk, still knows what he must do. He 5’ steps to blue, studies it, and swings! Given Zzvkgrogk’s warning, he keeps out of reach of green for now, so it can’t 5’ step and full attack.

Chainsaw: 1d20 + 18 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 18 + 5 = 36 (hero, studied)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 3 ⇒ (1, 2, 6) + 19 + 3 = 31 (studied)

Chainsaw: 1d20 + 10 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 5 = 26 (hero, studied)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1, 1) + 19 + 3 = 28 (studied)

Chainsaw: 1d20 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 5 = 18 (hero, studied)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 3 ⇒ (4, 5, 5) + 19 + 3 = 36 (studied)

Round 1

Rhoreen moves back and hastens the party, not wanting to get brawled by a brawler. Everyone but Khalia.

Haste 1/11: 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.

Flying on the air, Zzvkgrogk produces a volley of laser beams that badly scorch the first gug in line!

Yambul starts the sawing with a couple great hits that spread the blood all around. The last one though is dodged by the gug which has had enough cutting.

Rhoreen applies some magics and the group starts to hasten.

Hyrsek moves to support Yambul with his rapier.
Rapier (vital strike): 1d20 + 19 + 3 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 19 + 3 + 3 + 1 = 312d6 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 + 3 + 3 = 15

Isuma likely moves into the room and gives it a shot.
Zero rifle: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 332d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 4) + 4 = 9

The strikes are enough for it to collapse to the ground!

Blue: 136 damage, unconscious, dying
Party buffs: life bubble 2.5 h, haste (all but Khalia) r12
Khalia: longstrider 11 h
Rhoreen: 4 damage, flying 20' up, mask
Rūha: 4 damage, heroism, mage armor, barkskin
Yambul: 2 damage, shield 8 min
Zzvkgrogk: grappled, h. awareness 98 min, barkskin 98 min, comprehend languages 98 min
Hyrsek: 17 damage
Round 1: Zzvkgrogk, Yambul, Khalia, Isuma, Rūha, Rhoreen, Hyrsek, Gugs

"Quick work! Let's keep at it." Ruha offers Advice regarding weak points on the gugs' strange anatomy as she starts circling around the pillar to the other side, hoping to catch the gugs in a pincer maneuver.

(+3/+3 from Advice)

Rūha bolsters the group with her advice.

Khalia does something heroic!

The gugs move into the attack trying to push back their enemies with an awesome blow.
Awesome blow vs Rūha: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21 Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Awesome blow vs Yambul: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35 Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
The Kasatha holds in place blocking the attack, but Yambul flies on the air and lands prone on the floor!

Party buffs: life bubble 2.5 h, haste (all but Khalia) r12
Khalia: longstrider 11 h
Rhoreen: 4 damage, flying 20' up, mask
Rūha: 4 damage, heroism, mage armor, barkskin
Yambul: 12 damage, shield 8 min
Zzvkgrogk: grappled, h. awareness 98 min, barkskin 98 min, comprehend languages 98 min
Hyrsek: 17 damage
Round 2: Zzvkgrogk, Yambul, Khalia, Isuma, Rūha, Rhoreen, Hyrsek, Gugs

”HEY, jerks! Quit bullying our Professor and our Chef!” Zzvkgrogk demands of the Gugs. He shoots green, throwing down a force beam.

rtchrtchrtchrtchrtchrtch!
LaserPistol++: 1d20 + 18 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 18 + 2 + 3 = 33 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -SemiAuto, Heroism, Rūha
for Damage: 1d4 + 7 + 2 + 5d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 + (1, 1, 1, 4, 4) + 4 + 3 = 30 Deadly Aim, Fire, Zzvkgrogk Special (Force), Rūha
And:
Creatures that take a direct hit from a force beam are knocked prone unless they succeed on a Reflex save DC 19.

LaserPistol+: 1d20 + 18 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 18 + 2 + 3 = 30 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -SemiAuto, Heroism, Rūha
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 3 = 15 Deadly Aim, Fire, Rūha

LaserPistol+: 1d20 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 3 = 28 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -SemiAuto, Heroism
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 3 = 11 Deadly Aim, Fire, Rūha

Ruha maintains her Advice as she steps in close to the nearest gug. "Lets see if I can keep this one busy." She aims a haste-quickened trio of jabs at the creature's knee... if that's what it is based on its strange and squishy anatomy. (Attempting stunning fist on the first attack. On a hit, DC23 Fort or stunned 1 rd)

Unarmed Strike, heroism, haste: 1d20 + 14 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 14 + 3 + 3 = 27 Damage (B, cold iron, silver, lawful): 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Unarmed Strike, heroism, haste: 1d20 + 14 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 14 + 3 + 3 = 25 Damage (B, cold iron, silver, lawful): 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Unarmed Strike, heroism, haste: 1d20 + 14 + 3 + 3 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 14 + 3 + 3 - 5 = 25 Damage (B, cold iron, silver, lawful): 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Yambul stands back up out of the muck, takes a 5’ step, and studies the green one. ”You’re next big’un!”

Zzvkgrogk's special comes with a lot of force this time and overturns the first gug making it lick the ground!
Ref DC 19: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Rūha takes on the other one, with a powerful blow, it leaves it stunned on place!
Fort DC 23: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Yambul recomposes himself, recovering his position.

Green: 56 damage, prone
Red: 29 damage, stunned r3
Party buffs: life bubble 2.5 h, haste (all but Khalia) r12
Khalia: longstrider 11 h
Rhoreen: 4 damage, flying 20' up, mask
Rūha: 4 damage, heroism, mage armor, barkskin
Yambul: 12 damage, shield 8 min
Zzvkgrogk: grappled, h. awareness 98 min, barkskin 98 min, comprehend languages 98 min
Hyrsek: 17 damage
Round 2: Zzvkgrogk, Yambul, Khalia, Isuma, Rūha, Rhoreen, Hyrsek, Gugs

Round 2

Rhoreen moves up to support Ruha, trying to slow down the dangerous blows of the red gug.

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. 10/50.

Everyone but Khalsia.   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.

Rhoreen jinxes the stunned gug.
Will DC 22: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Hyrsek tumbles next to the fallen gug and takes profit of its prone position to skewer it with the frost rapier!
Acrobatics (tumble): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33
Rapier+prone (vital strike): 1d20 + 19 + 3 + 3 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 19 + 3 + 3 + 1 + 4 = 432d6 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (6, 3) + 4 + 3 + 3 = 19

Isuma, without an easy target, moves for a clearer aim on red and shots.
Zero rifle: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 322d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10

Khalia does something heroic!

The prone gug stands up, which is profited by Hyrsek.
Rapier+prone (vital strike): 1d20 + 19 + 3 + 3 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 19 + 3 + 3 + 1 + 4 = 371d6 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 3 + 3 = 16
Awesome blow vs Hyrsek: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 271d8 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
The tiefling sticks the rapier on the creature which then pushes him away and makes him fall fallen.

Green: 91 damage, prone
Red: 39 damage, stunned r3
Party buffs: life bubble 2.5 h, haste (all but Khalia) r12
Khalia: longstrider 11 h
Rhoreen: 4 damage, flying 20' up, mask
Rūha: 4 damage, heroism, mage armor, barkskin
Yambul: 12 damage, shield 8 min
Zzvkgrogk: grappled, h. awareness 98 min, barkskin 98 min, comprehend languages 98 min
Hyrsek: 26 damage, prone
Round 3: Zzvkgrogk, Yambul, Khalia (x2), Isuma, Rūha, Rhoreen, Hyrsek, Gugs

Zzvkgrogk attempts the same tactic on Green Gug.

rtchrtchrtchrtchrtchrtch!~

LaserPistol++: 1d20 + 18 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 18 + 2 + 3 = 30 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -SemiAuto, Heroism, Rūha
for Damage: 1d4 + 7 + 2 + 5d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 + (2, 2, 2, 3, 1) + 4 + 3 = 30 Deadly Aim, Fire, Zzvkgrogk Special (Force), Rūha
And:
Creatures that take a direct hit from a force beam are knocked prone unless they succeed on a Reflex save DC 19.

LaserPistol+: 1d20 + 18 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 18 + 2 + 3 = 29 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -SemiAuto, Heroism, Rūha
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 3 = 11 Deadly Aim, Fire, Rūha

LaserPistol+: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 12 - 2 + 3 = 33 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -SemiAuto, Heroism
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 3 = 11 Deadly Aim, Fire, Rūha

Crit?: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 12 - 2 + 3 = 23 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -SemiAuto, Heroism
for Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 3 = 12 Deadly Aim, Fire, Rūha

Haste
What the hells, Calliope -- get out of my head!

LaserPistol++: 1d20 + 18 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 18 + 2 + 3 = 25 Touch, -DeadlyAim, -SemiAuto, Heroism, Rūha
for Damage: 1d4 + 7 + 2 + 5d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 + (3, 4, 3, 3, 1) + 4 + 3 = 33 Deadly Aim, Fire, Zzvkgrogk Special (Force), Rūha

Oops. sorry. No Zpecial on that hasted attack. 15 Total damage.

Round 1,2,3

Knowledge(Dungeoneering) v DC 20: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

Appalled at the deformity of the creatures, Khalia listens for tidbits of information from those in the know about the cretin aberrations, and acts on their weaknesses as best she can. She attacks Red, then Green only after Red falls.

Einior...: 1d20 + 19 + 1 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (15) + 19 + 1 + 4 - 3 = 36 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 = 17 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 = 19 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy Manyshot

Einior...: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 14 + 1 + 4 - 3 = 22 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 = 19 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy

Einior...: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 1 + 4 - 3 = 23 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 = 19 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy

And again...

Einior...: 1d20 + 19 + 1 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (4) + 19 + 1 + 4 - 3 = 25 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 = 20 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 = 23 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy Manyshot

Einior...: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (10) + 14 + 1 + 4 - 3 = 26 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 = 23 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy

Einior...: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 1 + 4 - 3 = 17 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 = 23 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy

Aaaand again...

Einior...: 1d20 + 19 + 1 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (19) + 19 + 1 + 4 - 3 = 40 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 = 16 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 = 17 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy Manyshot

Einior...: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 14 + 1 + 4 - 3 = 33 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 = 18 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy

Einior...: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 1 + 4 - 3 = 21 for
1d8 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 + 4 + 6 = 20 piercing, magical damage, including Favored Enemy

Round 3

Rhoreen tries again with the stunned gug.

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. 9/50.

Everyone but Khalsia. 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.

Yambul also tumbles in and tries a swing of his own. He also swiftly studies the remaining opponent (red).
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 23 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 23 + 2 = 33 (heroism)

Chainsaw: 1d20 + 18 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 18 + 9 = 42 (hero, studied, haste, advice)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 6 ⇒ (6, 2, 4) + 19 + 6 = 37 (studied, advice)

critthreat Chainsaw: 1d20 + 18 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 18 + 9 = 40 (hero, studied, haste, advice)
damage S: 3d6 + 19 + 6 ⇒ (2, 5, 1) + 19 + 6 = 33 (studied, advice)