Zero's #2-09: The Seven Secrets of Dacilane Academy (Outpost VI) (Inactive)

Game Master Super Zero

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Mindartis attempts to unlock what he thinks is a sort of riddle. Having no answer, he shakes his head and turns his attention back to the halfling.

"What is the nature of this homework that you speak of?"

SIlien was a bit distracted, his senses on the edge for a moment as his mind went to the far end future, sadly the trip back had blocked most of what he knew of this situation

Ah. homework , that is the worst haunt that a sutdent can find huh? Tell me oh student, alas it would be very fortuitous if your name was Aroden, as my favorite book is the History and funture of the humanity, it would be a first of course

He grins at the halfling

And have you been reqeusrting help to solve this homework of you for a bit? What is about?

Since this is an actual creature appearing, and with all the evidecne we have been gathering , Silien would like to try to see which kind of creature is this, it might be a halfling, it might be a ghost/haunt or might be other thing, please let me knwo when/ if i can roll a recall knowledge on it, If possuble would like to try Esoteric lore

It's too solid to be a ghost, and it's not a halfling.
Unfortunately, since it's magically disguised Silien can't conclusively identify it. Still, it seems fairly likely this is the azikendri protean the party was expecting. Silien knows that their chaotic anatomy can be resistant to sonic, acid, and electricity damage--but only the one which most recently hurt them, so varying energy types can be effective.

"Oh, I have all kinds of homework!" says Student #19 excitedly, "I haven't been keeping up with it very well. You'll help me with it? Even though you think I'm a god?"

They slip towards the door to Mr. Ngon's classroom.

The calcite bracelet begins to hum. If someone could figure out why it's resonating...

religion for spoiler: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

"Hmm... well, mr Ninteen... I think part of doing homework is that you are supposed to do it ... at home. And I think given we are out of hours - that is where you should be."

Khaul dangles the bracelet he found. "And is this not the key to your home?"

He tries to "use" the bracelet to help the 'poor halfling' get home.

religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

"I thought you were going to help me!" snarls the halfling, looking at the bracelet.

Their face is longer than it seemed. And more green.

Really, just overall the Scholar of Sorts is starting to look less like a halfling child and more like a serpentine creature radiating chaotic sparks of energy and wrapped in unfurled scrolls.
Although they aren't any bigger, as it turns out.

(New image added to Slides.)

Khaul manages to create a portal to the Maelstrom, but it doesn't look long-lived. And with the protean well aware of his doing it--it may be possible for someone to push them in, but they'd have to act quickly.

"You're no fun at all!" shrieks the Scholar, lunging at Khaul.

Alas, the Scholar rolls a natural 20 on Initiative.

The bracelet of bells that they had worn in their halfling student guise falls to the floor with an oddly discordant sound, and the portal winks out as the protean lunges towards the dwarf who conjured it.

* Stride
* Strike Jaws: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31 for piercing damage: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (3, 6) + 4 = 13 and chaotic damage: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5
* Strike Jaws 2nd attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15 for piercing damage: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (5, 2) + 4 = 11 and chaotic damage: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8

The Scholar sinks their fangs into Khaul's arm as they try to force him to drop the planar focus. And as that happens, a chaotic jumble of buzzing and sensations fills his head.

Khaul takes 13 piercing damage (and some chaotic damage, but he's not Lawful and so is immune). He must also make a DC 22 Will save. On a success he shakes it off.

All PCs' turn.

Initiative:
Scholar of Sorts
Haka
Khaul (-13, Will save needed)
Pik
Silien
Mindartis
Darel

"Go for the eyes, Mialee!"

Mialee flies to flank the scholar and attempts to give an opening for Mindartis. The elf runs into the room and fires an arrow towards the scholar.

Longbow: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 - 2 = 24
Piercing: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11

◆ Command Animal (◆ Stride, ◆ Support), ◆ Stride, ◆ Quick Draw

Support Benefit The bird pecks at your foes’ eyes when you create an opening. Until the start of your next turn, your Strikes that damage a creature that your bird threatens also deal 1d4 persistent bleed damage, and the target is dazzled until it removes the bleed damage.

Mindartis's arrow strikes, and Mialee's talons flash.

Is--is that what protean blood is supposed to look like?

(That's a hit!)

Haka, Khaul, Pik, Silien, and Darel's turns.

Initiative:
Scholar of Sorts (-11, bleed 1d4, dazzled while bleeding)
Haka
Khaul (-13, Will save needed)
Pik
Silien
Mindartis
Darel

Khaul intercepts the blow with his shield.
Which takes me to up 22 damage I think, 19 from before plus another three now. And three damage to my shield/

will: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Khaul tries to restart the portal.
religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

not too sure how many actions that takes

Haka apps a more direct approach as he helps corner the odd creature and simply axes the thing to leave.

Attack, snagging strike: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
damage, slashing: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Attack, snagging strike, MAP: 1d20 + 12 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 12 - 5 = 15
damage, slashing: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Though he'll need to axe harder next time.

(◆) Stride
(◆) strike
(◆) strike

Pik moves over to Mindartis and touches her bow

This will help your bow hit harder

* Stride
** Cast Magic Weapon

Magic Weapon

For the sake of clarity , Silein's weapin also has a Striking weapon rune

His eyes glitter as the conflict starts

Well, while I enjoy the academic endeavours, physical prowess i guess it has its place as well.

He focuses on the creature trying to discern the weaknes of its posture

Exploit weakness: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Silien's blade does fire damage, so in the case it has weakness to fire he'll use Personal Antithesis, if not he'll go with Mortal Weakness

Then he strides 30 feet towars one side of the creature and shaleshs wtith the blade as he moves thru.

Sword hit vs FF?: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 222d8 + 8 ⇒ (1, 2) + 8 = 11

Seeing the others react offensively toward the creature, Darel tells Da Bear to get 'em ◆. Da Bear Strides in ◆ and Strikes ◆.

Da Bear Bite Strike: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Bite P Dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Darel then Strides in ◆ flanks and swings his Scythe ◆.

Scythe Strike vs FF: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Scythe Slsh Dmg: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Haka and Pik can both change their actions then, if they'd like.

Haka is unable to land a hit on the wily--and wiry--serpent.

Silien, Da Bear, and Darel have more luck.
Silien determines that the protean is vulnerable to the forces of order (Weakness Lawful 5), which he is able to exploit with some precise, rhythmic patterns.

Darel and Da Bear lead into the chaotic prankster as well.

Initiative:
Scholar of Sorts (-44, bleed 1d4, dazzled while bleeding, Mortal Weakness: Silien's Strikes trigger their Lawful weakness even if they don't deal Lawful damage)
Haka
Khaul (-13)
Pik
Silien
Mindartis
Darel

Unsure if we still have the option of pushing him into the portal. If that is an option, then I'll take it. Otherwise is is hammer time.

Using the focus takes too long for a combat action. First attack is a failure. Unless Khaul has three hands there needs to be a drawing action in there somewhere.

The protean cackles as they evade the dwarf's weapon.

Pik's turn.

Initiative:
Scholar of Sorts (-44, bleed 1d4, dazzled while bleeding, Mortal Weakness: Silien's Strikes trigger their Lawful weakness even if they don't deal Lawful damage)
Haka (Shield Raised)
Khaul (-13)
Pik
Silien
Mindartis
Darel

Pik moves to a safer location, as far from the creature as he can and still have it in range of his Electric Arc. Then sends a jolt of electricity through the snake creature.

* Stride
** Electric Arc (Reflex DC 17: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Electric Arc

Reflex: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23 Whoops, wrong bonus. Well, you weren't really supposed to know that anyway. Regardless, a success but not a critical success. Half damage. Which bloodies them.

The Scholar of Sorts jumps as the sparking electricity jolts them. "Oh hey, tougher than I thought."

The sheen of the Scholar's scales takes on a very slightly reddish hue as Silien hits them with fire, and now yellowish as they're hurt by lightning. But... the burn doesn't seem quite as bad as it was a moment ago.

Fast Healing. They are no longer bloodied. I guess you can basically figure out their exact HP total now if you try.

Target-rich environment, clockwise from 12: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Sorry. Interrupted by client coming in early and I had to do work at work.

The Scholar of Sorts twirls and whips their tail at Silien.

Failing that, the protean rounds on Haka and bits down on him before saying away to the corner of the room.
* Tail Strike: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
target: 1d6 ⇒ 5
* Jaws: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24 for piercing damage: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 = 12 and Chaotic damage: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4
Haka is hit for 12 piercing damage, and some chaotic damage he's immune to. He must also make a DC 22 Will save or be Stupefied.
* Stride, provoking any applicable OAs
Oh, need a Concealment check: flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 9
Bleed: 1d4 ⇒ 2 and flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 9. They're bloodied again.

All PCs' turns.

Initiative:
Scholar of Sorts (-46, bloodied, bleed 1d4, dazzled while bleeding, Mortal Weakness: Silien's Strikes trigger their Lawful weakness even if they don't deal Lawful damage, currently resists electricity)
Haka (Shield Raised)
Khaul (-13)
Pik
Silien
Mindartis
Darel

As The Scholar turns on Haka, Khaul calls out. "Oi! Not on My watch.
You should think about what you are doing."

Glimpse of redemption. Either reduces damage by 6 and scholar enfeebled-2, or it can choose not to damage Haka as it reconsiders its naughty, naughty I say, actions.

Hefting his shield up, Khaul steps forward. "Hard work and doing your own homework is the way to success. Look at what long hours and the forge have taught me about hammerwork."

strike: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
damage: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (2, 7) + 4 = 13

*raise shield
*stride
*strike

Will use either glimpse or shield block the first time someone is damaged. Glimpse if someone else, shield block if me.

"To me, Mialee."

Mindartis now sets his sights on his prey and fires another arrow.

Longbow: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 2 = 19
Piercing+Precision: 3d8 ⇒ (7, 6, 4) = 17

◈Command Animal (◈Stride), ◈Hunt Prey, ◈Strike

He sprints forward doing a wide arc of trajectory, as focuses on the arcane energies to strike true on the creature*

- You really should have gone quietly you know?, Father was right about your kind

Stride, Cast true strike, STrike , if posivble to go to the corner he'll go there if not remais where he is in the map*

True strike 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
True strike 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Dmg if hits: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (8, 4) + 8 = 20 +5 Lawful Weakness

"No regrets!" The Scholar is not dissuaded by Khaul's power.
They'll take the penalties.

The protean snakes around Khaul's hammer and Mindartis's arrow, but isn't quick enough to avoid Silien's magically-enhanced attack. "Waaugh! Did he say we're a lot of fun?"

Haka, Pik, and Darel's turns.
Initiative:
Scholar of Sorts (-71, bloodied, bleed 1d4, dazzled while bleeding, Mortal Weakness: Silien's Strikes trigger their Lawful weakness even if they don't deal Lawful damage, currently resists fire, Enfeebled 2)
Haka (-6, Will save needed, Shield Raised)
Khaul (-13)
Pik
Silien
Mindartis
Darel

Will: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Haka's thoughts may be clouded, but his axe is still in his hand and his foe still standing before him.

He steps around Khaul and hacks away.

Attack, Snagging Strike, flanking: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Attack, Snagging Strike, flanking, MAP: 1d20 + 12 - 5 ⇒ (9) + 12 - 5 = 16
damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Roaring at the departing creature, Da Bear follows it ◆ and tries to strike it ◆.

Da Bear Bite Strike: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Bite P Dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Darel designates the creature as his prey ◆, strides up to it ◆ and tries to strike ◆.

Scythe Strike: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Scythe Slsh Dmg: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Precision Dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 1

...to less effect then they hoped, as the wily worm wends away, laughing all the while.

Those attacks miss!

Pik's turn.

Initiative:
Scholar of Sorts (-71, bloodied, bleed 1d4, dazzled while bleeding, Mortal Weakness: Silien's Strikes trigger their Lawful weakness even if they don't deal Lawful damage, currently resists fire, Enfeebled 2)
Haka (-6)
Khaul (-13)
Pik
Silien
Mindartis
Darel

As the information about the protean's varying resistance seems to be true, Pikkuket continues attacking with varying energy while blocking the door.

◈◈ Electric Arc (Reflex DC 17: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
◈ Shield

Reflex: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16 I notice that Pik's level bump isn't included in those numbers, so 6 damage! They heal some with their Fast Healing

The kobold's shocking spell catches the protean directly, and the slight reddish hue of their scales again becomes more yellow.

The Scholar of Sorts again lashes out with their tail, laughing wildly as it... slaps the floor almost a foot in front of Haka. Looking disappointed almost for a moment, they whirl around and bite Silien--but only a grazing blow that fails to penetrate his armor.

Barely even seeming to notice, the serpentine embodiment of chaos ducks under Haka's legs and glides quickly towards the door. Or towards Pik? If they even have a plan, it's difficult to discern.
But they're bleeding a lot and breathing heavily now.

Target from left: 1d5 ⇒ 5
* Tail Strike: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17 for bludgeoning damage: 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (2, 8) + 4 = 14 and chaotic damage: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4 Forgot the Enfeebled penalty, though it's a miss regardless.
Target: 1d5 ⇒ 1
* Jaws Strike: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 for piercing damage: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (6, 1) + 2 = 9 and chaotic damage: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5
* Tumble Through Haka. Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

All PCs' turns.

Initiative:
Scholar of Sorts (-78, bloodied, bleed 1d4, dazzled while bleeding, Mortal Weakness: Silien's Strikes trigger their Lawful weakness even if they don't deal Lawful damage, currently resists electricity)
Haka (-6)
Khaul (-13)
Pik (Shield)
Silien
Mindartis
Darel

Bleed damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2 and flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Khaul keeps his shield up, stepping back toward the non-scholar.

"Well, we'll do it the hard way then." he mutters.

"For Tragg!"

strike: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
B damage: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (5, 5) + 4 = 14

* raise shield
* stride
* strike

The blow is little better than his first one.

Again, will use either shield block or glimpse of redemption against the Scholar's first successful strike.

He yet again dashes forward staying near the entrace,striking twoce as the creature dances and round the combatt

- No,fun was not the words he used, he build for something better, annoying was more like to the word he refered to your kind, Alas i guess depeneds on the day that might be an compliment

Attack 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 122d8 + 8 ⇒ (3, 2) + 8 = 13

Aaand Heropoint that

Attack 1 Heo Point: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
13 dmg +5 Lawful wealness wealmess , of that is fire.

Attack 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 212d8 + 8 ⇒ (7, 5) + 8 = 20

21 To hit , i forgot to reduce the MAP while typing, Also of the damageif 21 jots sjpiñd be 1 lessdamage due Part of it is fire and just cot struck , need to add the extra 5 wealmess. so 24 if it hits
]

The Scholar dodges around Khaul's weapon again as they face off with Silien.

"He doesn't sound like any fun at all! You could do with more spontaneit--oh."

Khaul misses. Silien hits, and that will do it.

"Okay, that's--that's pretty good. Hah!"
The akizendri collapses, beginning to dissipate around the edges. The chaotic planar energies swirling about the academy were subtle enough that the Pathfinders hadn't noticed it when they first arrived, but with the protean defeated and the planar focus removed from its hiding place, the sudden solidity of the place is palpable.

They may not have known the source of the pranks, and certainly weren't aware of the influence of the Maelstrom, but without them the students should have an easier time studying--and they'll certainly be safer.

The bells that the Scholar dropped when they transformed are artfully crafted, and somehow always seem to play exactly the wrong note. While not a dangerous planar focus like the calcite bracelet, it does seem to be infused with a little bit of the chaotic power of the Maelstrom. An oddity that's likely worth a fair price to the right collector.

He smiles a bit as he picks up the bells with the sword, then sheathes it as he mutters to himself

- No, hhe is not fun at times, but still he did what he had to do

Turns out to the others

-This was not how i expected for my return to schoo would be, buti guess it gave us some learning no?

Rings the bells just to check them, then stores them to draw blade again, one never knows.

-Just in case, we should check the room we are missing, we migth not want to miss a portal or any contingency this creature might have left there, and then reporting to J, i guess?

Always best to finish the job.

Mindartis pats Mialee for a job well done. "Looks like it's over. We better report back our findings."

Pik follows the others as they file of of the room

"There are still three more rooms." agrees Khaul.

"Best to check they are also clear of...residual issues."

He starts to check them out in turn.

Not understanding the scope of what he just witnessed, Darel just shrugs his shoulders, pats Da Bear on the back and follows the rest of the group.

The final room is Ms. Hirasara's classroom. The layout is the same as the other two classrooms. This room is notably cluttered with small baubles and minor magical knickknacks used to teach the basics of magic. Several desks contain sculpted clay figures.

Khaul pokes around, making sure there is nothing more hidden. But generally satisfied heads off to join the rest in reporting a successful conclusion.

"I wonder what the clay figures are for?" he muses.

After a full night’s sleep--because, after all, anybody they'd report to must be asleep at this hour--the Pathfinders are summoned to the Grand Lodge to report on the mysteries and their conclusions. J Dacilane meets
with them in a well-appointed tearoom and listens carefully to the full account.

When he hears that so many of the mysteries really did have very strange supernatural causes, J sighs and mutters, “What strange luck. At least the pupils are safe now."

He thanks the Pathfinders for ensuring Dacilane Academy’s safety. "Oh, and the staff wanted me to give you this." He presents the team with a large tray of fancy decorated cookies, "As thanks for your help. And from the headmaster," a brand new copy of the same book of translation the party found in her office, "She insisted that you have this, 'so that you may enjoy the study of the northeastern Arcadian language yourselves.' Apparently she'd just bought this replacement after she'd lost hers, and then her old copy was on her desk this morning. She assumes you found it while investigating."