As you pass back through the musical crystal chamber, the discordant sounds and voices begin to disrupt your thought processes. You cover your ears to try to block the sounds and think clearly, but the sounds reverberate throughout your entire body, making them impossible to avoid.
This is a mind-affecting sonic affect.
Unfortunately, the minds of Iovo, Farlen, and Salvio are extremely disturbed by the sounds.
You each take a -1 to attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks for quite awhile.
Male Dwarf Monk 4, Hp:16/34, AC:24 T:16 FF 18; Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +8, +5 Init, +11 Perception (Darkvision), Active Effect: Fast Movement 30'
Let's try the next passage on our way, that last one looks pretty narrow, and I think we should try to do that one last. he says, heading to the Yellow passageway.
Male Human Wizard/5 (12XP)|HP42/42|AC 12( currently16 w/mage armor)/T12/FF10(currently 14)|Init+2|F+4 R+4 W+5|Perc+0| used: |8 of 8 acid darts remaining|
"I agree, crawling through bat guano should be last. Although derro are small, they could have come through there, but let's eliminate everything else." Farlen shakes his head. "That noise has given me a spliting headache." yes, yellow.
820-7 | Female CG Elvish Bard 5 (CORE) | HP 37/37 | AC 17, T 14, FF 14 | CMD 18 | F +3 R +9 W +5 (+2 vs Enchantments) | Init +6 | Per +9, SM +10 | Speed 30 ft | Spells: 1st 5/5, 2nd 3/3 | Active Conditions: None
Wand charges:
CLW 41/50, Burning Hands CL 3rd 4/4, Endure Elements 50/50, Identify 47/50, Expeditious Retreat 48/50, Hide from Undead 50/50
Damiar scrunches her face as she listens to those naughty crystals again! "None of that, now!"
She starts working their strange music into a song of her own which counters the unpleasant effect the music is having on her colleagues.
Everyone can choose to use my perform check in lieu of their fortitude save, because I'm a bard.
♫ Glass ceilings shimmer overhead
But I make easy out of everything hard
Shatter the ceilings, kill monsters dead
'Cause I'm a bard, yeah, I'm a badass bard ♫
Countersong (Su):
At 1st level, a bard learns to counter magic effects that depend on sound (but not spells that have verbal components). Each round of the countersong he makes a Perform (keyboard, percussion, wind, string, or sing) skill check. Any creature within 30 feet of the bard (including the bard himself) that is affected by a sonic or language-dependent magical attack may use the bard's Perform check result in place of its saving throw if, after the saving throw is rolled, the Perform check result proves to be higher. If a creature within range of the countersong is already under the effect of a noninstantaneous sonic or language-dependent magical attack, it gains another saving throw against the effect each round it hears the countersong, but it must use the bard's Perform skill check result for the save. Countersong does not work on effects that don't allow saves. Countersong relies on audible components.
GAMEDAY XII - CORE #9-09: Beyond the Halflight Path”Seelah” | Female LG Medium Human Paladin of Iomedae 4 | HP 36/40 | AC 22, T 10, FF 22 | CMB +7, CMD 17 | F +9 R +4 W +8 (immune to disease, fear) | Init +0 | Perc +1 SM +8 | Speed 20ft | Smite Evil 1/2; Lay on Hands 6/7 | Active Conditions: None
"Agreed, Farlen, crawling through bat guano should definitely be a last resort."Yellow it is.
"Thats a lovely song, Damiar. The harmonies make me feel good."
The narrow passage bends and turns, ascending slightly. It soon opens into a large cavern...
This large cavern contains an alcove in the northeast corner with two large, faintly glowing crystal deposits growing from the walls. To the south, a massive column of stone bisects the passage from where the sound of the rushing underground river beyond can be heard.
As you enter the chamber, four creatures—two blue skinned quadrupedal beasts and two undead humanoids—emerge from the southern passage. They seem just as surprised of seeing you as you are of seeing them. After an awkward pause, the four creatures howl menacingly and sprint forward to attack.
The blue creatures look like hairless blue lions with twin tentacular tails. Dozens more thick tentacles quiver and twitch where its mane should be. (DC 16 dungeoneering or arcana to identify).
The undead: This obviously deceased creature moves forward with disturbing speed, almost as disturbing as the purple-black, barbed tongue that extends from its misshapen skull. (DC 16 arcana or religion to identify).
GAMEDAY XII - CORE #9-09: Beyond the Halflight Path”Seelah” | Female LG Medium Human Paladin of Iomedae 4 | HP 36/40 | AC 22, T 10, FF 22 | CMB +7, CMD 17 | F +9 R +4 W +8 (immune to disease, fear) | Init +0 | Perc +1 SM +8 | Speed 20ft | Smite Evil 1/2; Lay on Hands 6/7 | Active Conditions: None
Knowledge (religion):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
"No idea what kind of undead these are, but they will be destroyed!"
Iovo tells the group what she knows of the undead creatures. As she is telling you about them, she off-handle remakes “Which makes this simple spell effective...”
Male Human Wizard/5 (12XP)|HP42/42|AC 12( currently16 w/mage armor)/T12/FF10(currently 14)|Init+2|F+4 R+4 W+5|Perc+0| used: |8 of 8 acid darts remaining|
Farlen quickly recalls all he knows about such creatures.
knw arcana:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17 for
Blue creatures.
knw arcana:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31 for deceased humanoids.
He will peek around the corner to see the creatures moving past some of his fellows then he turns around and returns to his orginal spot. He yells out what he finds relavant about these creatures.
Iovo's disrupt undead just barely misses its target.
Farlen peeks around the corner to get a good look at the creatures then casts a protective spell on himself.
Wow. Those are some good knowledge checks. Between the lot of you, you all are able to put your knowledge together, revealing everything about the creatures.
The blue, tentacled creatures:
These are neutral aligned aberrations called Akatas. They do not breathe, are resistant to fire, and are immune to cold, disease, and poison.
Akatas cannot hear. They are immune to spells and effects that rely on hearing to function.
Salt water acts as an extremely strong acid to akatas.
Akatas can enter a state of hibernation for an indefinite period of time when food is scarce.
Akatas hold hundreds of invisibly small larval young within their mouths, spreading these parasitic creatures to hosts through their bite. Only humanoids make suitable hosts for akata young—all other creature types are immune to this parasitic infection. The disease itself is known as void death.
Undead Creatures:
A humanoid killed by void death becomes a Neutral Evil void zombie. A void zombie is a fast zombie that gains a secondary “tongue” attack (actually the larval akata's feeding tendril). A void zombie also gains the following special attack.
Blood Drain (Ex):
If a void zombie hits a living creature with its tongue attack, it drains blood, dealing 2 points of Strength damage before the tongue detaches.
Male Dwarf Monk 4, Hp:16/34, AC:24 T:16 FF 18; Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +8, +5 Init, +11 Perception (Darkvision), Active Effect: Fast Movement 30'
Markus begins to loop around the strange creatures, coming in on the angle to distract the creature. He lashes out with an elbow to the top of the thing's head, attempting to stun it in place. Quick, this one I'll try to stop!
Attack, stunning Fist:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 Damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 If that does damage, Fort save DC 15 or be stunned for 1 round.
Male Dwarf Monk 4, Hp:16/34, AC:24 T:16 FF 18; Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +8, +5 Init, +11 Perception (Darkvision), Active Effect: Fast Movement 30'
Is it too late to spend a ki point for +4 Ac bonus for the round? Would bring Markus' AC to 24 if you'll allow it. I just opened the spoilers realizing you said we could - and I'd rather not get hit. If not, no worries he's got good saves.
GAMEDAY XII - CORE #9-09: Beyond the Halflight Path”Seelah” | Female LG Medium Human Paladin of Iomedae 4 | HP 36/40 | AC 22, T 10, FF 22 | CMB +7, CMD 17 | F +9 R +4 W +8 (immune to disease, fear) | Init +0 | Perc +1 SM +8 | Speed 20ft | Smite Evil 1/2; Lay on Hands 6/7 | Active Conditions: None
Seelah tries to strike the stunned akata. (dark blue)
820-7 | Female CG Elvish Bard 5 (CORE) | HP 37/37 | AC 17, T 14, FF 14 | CMD 18 | F +3 R +9 W +5 (+2 vs Enchantments) | Init +6 | Per +9, SM +10 | Speed 30 ft | Spells: 1st 5/5, 2nd 3/3 | Active Conditions: None
Wand charges:
CLW 41/50, Burning Hands CL 3rd 4/4, Endure Elements 50/50, Identify 47/50, Expeditious Retreat 48/50, Hide from Undead 50/50
♫ Akata, akata, yeah I got nada
But contempt for you
You and your void zombies make me blue
So we're gonna give you your due
Akata, akata, yea-ea-eah
You'll get what's coming to you... ♫
GAMEDAY XII - CORE #9-09: Beyond the Halflight Path”Seelah” | Female LG Medium Human Paladin of Iomedae 4 | HP 36/40 | AC 22, T 10, FF 22 | CMB +7, CMD 17 | F +9 R +4 W +8 (immune to disease, fear) | Init +0 | Perc +1 SM +8 | Speed 20ft | Smite Evil 1/2; Lay on Hands 6/7 | Active Conditions: None
@GM Roll4initiative: Would it be reasonable to assume that Damiar started her performance first, giving everyone +1 to hit and damage? She does have a higher initiative than Seelah and Markus...
Salvio's shot misses the zombie, the bolt shattering on the cavern wall.
Iovo taps Seelah, giving the paladin a bit of insight in her immediate future.
Farlen's shot also misses its target.
The remaining akata snaps viciously at Seelah...
Bite:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Then tries to whack her with its tail tentacles.
Tentacle:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (12) - 3 = 9 Tentacle:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (5) - 3 = 2
Snapping its jaws and whipping its tentacles at nothing but air, it then leaps back about 5 feet.
Combat Tracker (Round 2). Damiar, Markus, & Seelah may act! Inspire Courage is active (+1/+1).
Iovo:
Farlen:
Lt Blue:
Dk. Blue:
Damiar:
Markus:
Seelah:
Brown:
Orange:
Salvio:
GAMEDAY XII - CORE #9-09: Beyond the Halflight Path”Seelah” | Female LG Medium Human Paladin of Iomedae 4 | HP 36/40 | AC 22, T 10, FF 22 | CMB +7, CMD 17 | F +9 R +4 W +8 (immune to disease, fear) | Init +0 | Perc +1 SM +8 | Speed 20ft | Smite Evil 1/2; Lay on Hands 6/7 | Active Conditions: None
Seelah 5-foot-steps forward and tries to strike the remaining akata.
Seelah strikes the akata with a powerful hit. The akata can barely stand with how injured it is.
Markus flurries with a right hook and a left jab. The left jab shatters the spine and causes the undead to crumble into a pile of bones and rotting flesh.
Combat Tracker (Round 1 cont.): Damiar is up! Inspire Courage is active (+1/+1).
Iovo:
Farlen:
Lt Blue: -12
Dk. Blue:
Damiar:
Markus:
Seelah:
Brown ZomB:
Orange ZomB:
Salvio:
820-7 | Female CG Elvish Bard 5 (CORE) | HP 37/37 | AC 17, T 14, FF 14 | CMD 18 | F +3 R +9 W +5 (+2 vs Enchantments) | Init +6 | Per +9, SM +10 | Speed 30 ft | Spells: 1st 5/5, 2nd 3/3 | Active Conditions: None
Wand charges:
CLW 41/50, Burning Hands CL 3rd 4/4, Endure Elements 50/50, Identify 47/50, Expeditious Retreat 48/50, Hide from Undead 50/50
F Elven Rogue 3 / Wizard 3 | HP 45/45 +6 temp | AC 18 Tch 14 FF 14 | F +5 R +9 W +5; +2 vs Enchantments | 18/20 ci arrows | Magic Sticks: 17/50 CLW 27/50 Mage Armor 49/50 Magic Missile | Diviner’s Fortune 7/8 | Init +9 Perception +11 +5 eyes; +1 vs traps | Reroll 1/1 | PoP 1/1| Conditions: Arcane Bond used, Mage Armor, False Life
Seeing that both of the creatures that cause disease are destroyed, Iovo steps forward a little and shoots a ray of magical energy at the remaining undead.
GAMEDAY XII - CORE #9-09: Beyond the Halflight Path”Seelah” | Female LG Medium Human Paladin of Iomedae 4 | HP 36/40 | AC 22, T 10, FF 22 | CMB +7, CMD 17 | F +9 R +4 W +8 (immune to disease, fear) | Init +0 | Perc +1 SM +8 | Speed 20ft | Smite Evil 1/2; Lay on Hands 6/7 | Active Conditions: None
Seelah 5-foot-steps forward and tries to strike the remaining undead.
@Markus: what weapon are you using? You have flurry of blows listed for attacks but say that you're firing a few shots at the zombie. Nevermind. Looks like you're using your fists.
Markus' first blow knocks off the zombie's head and sends it flying into the cavern wall. The zombie's body slumps to the ground.
Once again, the Pathfinders are unscathed and victorious!
Searching around the room, you discover an old, tattered backpack in a niche near the floor. Inside is a bronze necklace with a decorative bronze medallion, a pair of arm bracers, and two full potion vials. All four items radiate as magical.
F Elven Rogue 3 / Wizard 3 | HP 45/45 +6 temp | AC 18 Tch 14 FF 14 | F +5 R +9 W +5; +2 vs Enchantments | 18/20 ci arrows | Magic Sticks: 17/50 CLW 27/50 Mage Armor 49/50 Magic Missile | Diviner’s Fortune 7/8 | Init +9 Perception +11 +5 eyes; +1 vs traps | Reroll 1/1 | PoP 1/1| Conditions: Arcane Bond used, Mage Armor, False Life
“Yay! We win again!”
Iovo briefly studies the creatures and says “Although they have tentacles, the tentacles didn’t appear to paralyze. I guess they weren’t the boss monster.”
As you head south through the cavern, a burbling stream of dimly glowing water bisects this room at a sharp angle, casting dim light near the water’s edge. In the center of the cavern, the water passes beneath a natural bridge of stone that arches slightly, as if hesitant to touch the liquid. Small growths of crystals fill many of the room’s nooks and crannies. The water is 10 feet below the floor in this room and is clear enough to see that it's about 5 feet deep. Natural stone steps lead down to the northwest before the bridge.
The sound of a waterfall can be heard further down the stream to the west.
Whoops! Looks like the post got eaten! The treasure is an aegis of recovery, a set of bracers of armor +1, a potion of neutralize poison, and a potion of remove disease.
The stench of rotten fish and damp earth permeates the room. The floors, walls, and ceiling all shine with moisture, and the air is heavy and damp. Stepping in further, you notice the floor has the consistency of a wet sponge.
Several dozen of the tiny, pale cave frogs with two sets of eyes and small, whip-like tentacles growing from their heads pass through this cavern along the western edge of the wall and floor. They hop to and from the narrow northern passage and the wide southwestern exit while many just rest on the wall, occasionally catching tiny insects with their sticky tongues.
F Elven Rogue 3 / Wizard 3 | HP 45/45 +6 temp | AC 18 Tch 14 FF 14 | F +5 R +9 W +5; +2 vs Enchantments | 18/20 ci arrows | Magic Sticks: 17/50 CLW 27/50 Mage Armor 49/50 Magic Missile | Diviner’s Fortune 7/8 | Init +9 Perception +11 +5 eyes; +1 vs traps | Reroll 1/1 | PoP 1/1| Conditions: Arcane Bond used, Mage Armor, False Life
One hand over her nose to protect against the stench, Iovo says “Weird frogs. I don’t think they are a danger, but whatever caused them to grow tentacles might be.”
“What is causing that horrible smell? Think I want out of here pronto!”
M Human CORE Wizard/4 HP 23/23 AC16/T 12/FF 14 Fort +3/Ref +4/ Will +4 Init +4 Perc -1|Sense Motive -1|Active conditions: none
Salvio does a quick, crude sketch of one of the frogs in his notes, waving the piece of paper around to dry the ink more quickly. "I don't know, but I'll bet we'll find out if we keep going!"
F Elven Rogue 3 / Wizard 3 | HP 45/45 +6 temp | AC 18 Tch 14 FF 14 | F +5 R +9 W +5; +2 vs Enchantments | 18/20 ci arrows | Magic Sticks: 17/50 CLW 27/50 Mage Armor 49/50 Magic Missile | Diviner’s Fortune 7/8 | Init +9 Perception +11 +5 eyes; +1 vs traps | Reroll 1/1 | PoP 1/1| Conditions: Arcane Bond used, Mage Armor, False Life
Grimacing, Iovo says “I suppose, hopefully it will not smell as bad as this place does. I think this is worse than some of the sewers they have sent me to!”
