GM Erich's #3-99 Fate in the Future [3-4] (PbP Outpost VII) (Inactive)

Game Master Thereus, Silver Crusader

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

The constructs have been defeated!

Table GMs, the CONSTRUCTS DESTROYED condition on page 9 is in effect.

OK, how about this. Looks like Rilkin is going to be good so... my rolls will go in order of everyone else's posting. So:
First roll, success, 10 healing to Peter
Second, success on me, i'm up to full.
Third, fail on Serj. I offer him one of my lesser healing potions (2d8+5) and we'll see where he is after that
Fourth: Our Lady, success, 10 healing.
How much will everyone be down after that?

Peter would be at 44/46.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

The Pathfinders have uncovered lore in the library!

Table GMs, the LORE DISCOVERED condition on page 9 is in effect.

There is adequate time. Everyone is fully healed.

The group completes their healing and repairs while they wait for the other Pathfinders groups to assemble at the stairs to the next level. While Serj is repairing Bull, the effort is hampered as the cracks and dents refresh upon themselves once mended, but the gnome pushes through.

With the excitement ebbing, each of you watches as visions of the previous battles repeat within the cramped room - only now you are not surprised - and can concentrate on the minute details, which seem to vary somewhat from the action experienced mere minutes ago. Or is that the fault of your memory and the way life rushes past faster than can be truly recorded by the faulty instruments between our ears.

All against the subtle tones of an "island tune".

Clearly, the temporal distortions continue.

Serj - a gnome who would never under any circumstances refer to his Prime Asset as a mere "faulty instruments between ears" closes them with his fingers, wincing at the terrible "island tune"!

Bull Market gets his boogey on!

Freshly minted once again, he adds little hops and jumps with auxiliary thrusters, which allow him to clear the ground of 1d12 ⇒ 8 millimeters given the ratio of weight distribution to inertial distortion.

He whips and whirls in circles, making an "8" around his creator and new kobold friend.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

The stranded Pathfinder has been saved!

Table GMs, the PATHFINDER FOUND condition on page 9 is in effect.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

With the lower levels of the ruins secure, Venture-Captain Armeline Jirneau calls the Pathfinders together once again. “Excellent work, Pathfinders! The area’s secure and the path to the upper levels is now clear. What’s more, we have news.” she says, gesturing at the glowing arch. “We’ve discovered that this potent artifact is called the Eternity Arch. It’s resonating with some sort of magical focus nearby, and this resonance is what’s causing the Maze of the Open Road to malfunction. Using this connection, we determined that the focus is somewhere above us, higher in the ruins. We must find the focus and sever its connection to the arch.”

“It’s cold in the upper levels. We’re distributing warm clothing now. Remember, we don’t know what the focus is, so leave no stone unturned. Be safe and stay in touch. Let’s move, Pathfinders!”

Table GMs, please begin Part 2.

Frost-tinged stone gives way to slick ice tunnels and snow-filled passages as the Pathfinders finally forge forward.

Nearby, Venture-Captain Armeline Jirneau holds up a hand for silence. A few moments later she whispers, “I heard something. Footsteps and muffled voices. Be careful.”

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

Proceeding carefully - you round into a large chamber. Across a vast expanse of uneven ground, two young ysoki (ratfolk) sit huddled up on an escarpment, while a trio of strange spotted deer-like creatures recline nearby.

New Map. The snow‑covered ground is difficult terrain. The ice sheets are difficult terrain and uneven ground (DC 15 Acrobatics check to Balance). The raised ledge on the west of the main chamber is 10 feet higher than the surrounding area.

"Ah - sentients!" a grin escapes as our ironclad hero and his trusty tin can approach closer.

"Greetings, locals" Serj assumes the ratfolks live here - wherever they are "Presuming that you don't worship the object that serves as the focal point of our venture - (Indeed, Let's hope your intelligence grants the wherewithal to produce less unworthy idolatry) - may we inquire as to the set of coordinates whereby rests the, as to what it is referred, Eternity Arch"

Diplomacy (Expert) w/ Glasses: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

The Ysoki arise (at the entrance of the gnome), hands on weapons - but not drawn. The robed one speaks - but in a tongue you don't quite recognize. It seems accusatory?

The other strange creatures encircle the ysoki as if to protect.

Others can attempt to communicate despite the language barrier with a successful DC 19 Deception, Diplomacy, Performance, or Society check. Or anything else you think might convey the proper meaning.

Peter realizes that it's unlikely anyone speaks Ysoki. Fortunately, he remembers playing the part of a rat in his elementary school play. He mimicks their movements, conveying the actions of a friend.

Deception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29 vs DC 19

He's very good at playing charades with rats.

Eltis keeps his hands away from any weapons.
"Hello. We come in peace."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Rilkin tries to recall gestures that he's seen Ysoki make, to see if he can remember any that mean friend.

Society: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

He thinks that touching his snout (nose?) and bowing should do the trick, so he tries that.

”Don’t worry” Serj explains with egotism ”They are with me” over-extrapolating the importance of his attendance.

The ysoki have lowered their guard but still bristle slightly as you approach. They attempt what sounds like another language, but none of you can understand that either.

You each can attempt another DC 19 Deception, Diplomacy, Performance, or Society check. Lady Alya can attempt two checks.

Peter mimes their mission.

Deception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32 vs DC 19

We are looking for an artifact called the Eternity Arch. It is resonating with some sort of magical focus, and we must find the focus and sever its connection to the arch.

diplo: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
"Yes, we are not hostile. We my have come through some kind of temporal portal. Or possibly you did. I'm not sure."

Says nothing but keeps and eye out fro trouble

The two ysoki still seem a bit hesitant until all the miming of the eternity arch begins, but then start to nod their heads in unison. Sensing you aren't being a threat (and maybe even having similar goals in mind) they move down to your area and the robed one uses a flail-butt to mark in the snow.

The sound of movement from the hallway behind startles everyone for a moment, until you realize it is just another Pathfinder group closing in.

"Jirneau sent us, said there were some Akitonians here. We speak their tongue... Allow us?" An Osirian Pathfinder whispers.

Over the next few minutes these two ysoki share their tale in their native tongue.

"I am Fipp and this is my brother Cog. We have come from Akiton’s northern Winterlands and have traveled halfway around our planet to get here. In my dreams, I have seen visions of the strange arch pulsing with power within these ancient ruins. I don’t what this place is, but I know the arch is an incredibly powerful object, capable of (at least) sending minds through the vast gulf of time, although we have discovered that the bodies of those affected are left behind as empty husks that soon wither and die. My people are terrified of this arch and I just want the visions to stop so we can go home. What does your group seek with the arch?"

"Hmm... undecided yet. Perhaps some sort of Investment Forecast Machine, to, err..." he momentarily forgets he is a Pathfinder, but regains his composure, and instead has the Osirian colleague translate the following in Akitonian:

"On our planet, similar to your dreams, this device is sending a Beacon to us, and causing some trouble with the Transportation Device my employers use to sojourn tither and yon. We are contracted here to investigate the source"

"Then we wish you well. All of our lives may depend on it, through the ages even." Fipp the Prophet intones solemnly through the interpreter.

Before you can react - Eando Kline enters the chamber. "No time for slumming, Pathfinders. We have an issue. We dispatched scouts to the east, but we haven’t heard from them yet. Go check it out. See if they need help!”

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

Following the Faction Leader's orders, your group departs and heads through the twisted passages to the east. You seem to reach "residential" areas with many small rooms and alcoves. The walls on the east side of this area are partially collapsed, revealing ice tunnels that wind off into the distance.

New Map. These ice tunnels are difficult terrain and uneven ground (DC 17 Acrobatics check to Balance). But not the circular room.

Worse yet, undead creatures appear to be feasting on humanoid bodies near the entrance to the collapse. Lore Discovered Activated They appear to be ghouls and ghasts, paralyzing undead with a sickening bite.

Round 1 - Bold can act
Serj
Bull Market
Eltis
Yellow ghoul
Purple ghast
Orange ghoul
Peter
Pink ghast
Red ghoul
Rilkin
Alya

Seeing how far away they are and not wanting to step up at the moment, Eltis selects a target and delays.

There is a great...

Overdrive (Crafting, Expert) vs Level Four DC (19): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

...fizzle.

"Blast!" our mad hero curses, breaking the throttle stick to the auxiliary power cell.

◆) Raise Shield (to AC 24)
◆) Overdrive
◆) Command Bull Market
↺) Shield Block (if 17 or less)

"Bull Market:" he gives a specific command "Silent Partner!"

◆◆) Ready (w/ Trigger: When an ally - Rilkin or Alya probably - moves adjacent to a creature to strike it)
↺) Stride (into flanking position w/ first viable ally w/ Speed 25 feet)

Obeying his master, a special Yellow Light flashes on his console, as Bull Market keeps his scope on Rilkin and Alya, ready to infuse their capital approach!

Half of the group prepares for the necrotic advance. They respond by advancing and blindly lashing out.

yellow jaws (piercing) vs Serj : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 131d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
purple jaws (piercing) vs Rilkin: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 241d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
orange jaws (piercing) vs Rilkin: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 101d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Round 1 - Bold can act
Serj <shield> Need a DC 16 fort save vs sickened at start of turn
Bull Market <readied to move>
Yellow ghoul
Purple ghast
Orange ghoul
Eltis <delayed>
Peter
Pink ghast
Red ghoul
Rilkin -6 damage Need three DC 16 fort saves - one for disease and one for paralysis (albeit w/incapacitation), and one vs sickened at start of turn
Alya Need a DC 16 fort save vs sickened at start of turn

Fort vs Disease DC 16: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

I don't really want to have ghoul fever, so Hero Point!

Fort vs Disease DC 16: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
:facepalm

Fort vs Paralysis DC 16: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

♫ How come you're always such a fussy young man?
Don't want no Captain Crunch, don't want no Raisin Bran
Well, don't you know that other kids are starving in Golarion?
So eat it, just eat it
Don't wanna argue, I don't wanna debate
Don't wanna hear about what kinds of flesh you hate
You won't get no dessert 'til you clean off your plate
So eat it ♫

◆ Inspire Courage
◇ Lingering Composition: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14 vs DC 19
Hero Point
Lingering Composition, Hero Point Reroll: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30 vs DC 19

◆◆ Telekinetic Projectile, IC: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 1 = 27 vs Purple
Bludgeoning, IC: 3d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 3, 6) + 1 = 13

Fortitude vs Sick (DC 16): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 @ Sickened 1

Serj loses his lunch - or rather, having forgotten to eat for a few days (busy scheming new schemes to scheme) - bile!

"♫ Beep Bliiip ♫"

" ♫ Beep Bliiiiiiip ♫"

"♫ Beep beep boop boop beep boop beep beep BLIP ♫"

Bull Market, standing ready, shakes with Thrills!

Eltis hits the Ghast with some good energy...
dusrupt undead damage: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 5) = 14
basic Fort save DC 18, if crit fail enfeebled 1

He then targets whichever one he can lean around his fellow party members and possibly hit with his crossbow...
GM choice

Crossbow+1 +9 d8
crossbow: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
P damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8
nice shot!: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Peter starts the song and slings a stone. Eltis then lashes the ghast and it trembles. Two more fiends join the fray and sink their nasty teeth into the heroes.

purple save vs vitality lash: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

pink jaws (piercing) vs Serj: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 241d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
red jaws (piercing) vs Alya: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 211d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Round 1 - Bold can act - Courageous Anthem is up!
Serj -2 damage (shield -2 damage) <sickened 1 on turn> Need two DC 16 fort saves - one for disease and one for paralysis (albeit w/incapacitation)
Bull Market <readied to move>
Yellow ghoul -12 damage
Purple ghast -28 damage
Orange ghoul
Peter
Eltis
Pink ghast
Red ghoul
Rilkin -6 damage <diseased> Need two DC 16 fort saves vs sickened at start of turn
Alya -3 damage Need four DC 16 fort saves - one for disease and one for paralysis (albeit w/incapacitation) then two DC 16 fort saves vs sickened at start of turn

For those of you making the two saves vs sickened, if you make the first you don't need to attempt the second, you are immune for a minute.

A flip plate deploys, turning the ghoul's bite into a mouthful of metal.

↺) Shield block (Shield 22/24 HPs)

"Ha!" our shrewd hero celebrates - until he notices the puncture mark...

Fortitude vs Disease (DC 16) w/ Sickened (-1): 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 9 - 1 = 19
Fortitude vs Paralysis (DC 16) w/ Sickened (-1): 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 - 1 = 13
Hero Point!
Fortitude vs Paralysis (DC 16) w/ Sickened (-1): 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 9 - 1 = 16

Nearly seizing in his armor, Serj twitches his pelvic floor, activating an emergency booster shot that adrenalizes his sympathetic nervous system - he narrowly retains his ability to move!

Fort: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Fort: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Undeterred by their foul stench, Rilkin ◆ Steps.

My hope is that this will trigger Bull Market to move to a position that will flank for both Rilkin and Serj. Rilkin will also be flanked, but hopefully not for long! I've moved him on the map, I hope that's OK

◆ Strike! Purple
Longsword vs. FF, Inspire: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 1 = 22
Slashing, Inspire: 2d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2, 7) + 3 + 1 = 13

◆ Raise Shield AC 23

↺) Stride

Zigging and zagging burning left rubber then right rubber then left rubber, Bull Market confounds his opponents with his tiny tread threading between undead legs, around dripping claws and drooling fang.

WWHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOAIAIAAIAIAIAIAAAAI!!!!!!!!

Fortitude Saves (DC 16) vs Disease: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Fortitude Saves (DC 16) vs Paralysis: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Fortitude Saves (DC 16) vs Sickened: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

◆◆◆) Paralyzed!

Fortitude Saves (DC 16) vs Paralysis: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

A terrified look upon her face, the lady freezes in fear a full moment, observing the horror of a mortal future foreshadowed in the egg chamber!

@Serj Paralysis has the incapacitation trait, so Alya not paralyzed (plus DC was even a 15 for ghoul, so my bad). Bonus though, you wouldn't have needed the hero point on your roll.

Rilkin shakes off the stench and eliminates one of the threats. Alya steps into a better position and stabs into the ghoul.

Alya rapier vs ghoul: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 201d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + (4) = 8
Alya rapier vs ghoul: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 191d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (3) = 5

Round 2 - Bold can act - Courageous Anthem is up!
Serj -2 damage (shield -2 damage) <sickened>
Bull Market
Yellow ghoul -12 damage
Purple ghast -41 damage <destroyed>
Orange ghoul
Peter
Eltis
Pink ghast
Red ghoul -13 damage
Rilkin -6 damage <diseased, immune to stench>
Alya -3 damage <immune to stench>

Overdrive (Crafting, Expert) w/ Sick (-1) vs Level Four DC (19): 1d20 + 11 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 1 = 17

"Blast!"

◆) Raise Shield (to AC 24)
◆) Overdrive
◆) Command Bull Market
↺) Shield Block (if 15 or less; hardness 6)

Another malfunction, Serj shakes the gauntlet-mounted controller, wondering why it simply won't work.

His construct, meanwhile, has an idea...

"♫ Beep beep boop boop beep boop beep beep BLIP ♫"
"♫ Beep beep boop boop beep boop beep beep BLIP ♫"
"♫ Beep beep boop boop beep boop beep beep BLIP ♫"

The mantra now stuck in the construct's head is become... maddening!

◆) Stride
◆) Strike

Rolling Crush (b) w/ Thriller Anthem (+1/+1) vs Yellow Ghoulie (Flanked w/ Master): 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 1 = 202d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4, 7) + 3 + 1 = 15

Bull Market runs over Yellow Ghoul, smashing him flat!

Bull Market grinds the ghoul to a greasy pulp. They try to surround the halfling but he is having none of it.

orange jaws (piercing) vs Rilkin: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 111d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
orange claw (slashing) vs Rilkin: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 4 = 201d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Round 2 - Bold can act - Courageous Anthem is up!
Serj -2 damage (shield -2 damage) <shield up, sickened>
Bull Market
Yellow ghoul -27 damage <destroyed>
Orange ghoul
Peter
Eltis - Need a DC 16 fort save vs sickened at start of turn
Pink ghast
Red ghoul -13 damage
Rilkin -6 damage <shield up, diseased, immune to stench>
Alya -3 damage <immune to stench>

Eltis and GM, you forgot Inspire Courage. I think Red should have 2 extra damage, not sure who Eltis attacked.

◆◆ Telekinetic Projectile, IC: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 1 = 13 vs Red
Bludgeoning, IC: 3d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 5, 1) + 1 = 13

Peter is so enamored with his lingering song - the acoustics are great in the circular room! - that his rock goes flying off.

◆ Shield

@Peter I did add the damage in for Eltis before (but forgot to double it for the crit), and it was against the two that are now destroyed. Added in for Alya below. Thanks.

Peter tosses an errant stone.

Round 2 - Bold can act - Courageous Anthem is up!
Serj -2 damage (shield -2 damage) <shield up, sickened>
Bull Market
Orange ghoul
Peter <shield up>
Eltis - Need a DC 16 fort save vs sickened at start of turn
Pink ghast
Red ghoul -15 damage
Rilkin -6 damage <shield up, diseased, immune to stench>
Alya -3 damage <immune to stench>

fort DC19: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Eltis tastes bile in his throat but pushes through, sending a wave of healing out.
3 action heal. DC18 basic fort save, unless sickened lowers that, for the undead. 30' should get everyone.

heal or harm: 2d10 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12

Eltis lets loose a surge of health that pulverizes one of the ghouls. The lone ghast steps to intercede on the holy abomination but its attacks wither.

orange save vs heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
pink save vs heal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
red save vs heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

pink jaws (piercing) vs Eltis: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 131d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
pink claw (slashing) vs Eltis: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 121d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Round 2/3 - Bold can act - Courageous Anthem is up!
Orange ghoul -6 damage
Peter <shield up>
Eltis <sickened>
Pink ghast -6 damage
Red ghoul -21 damage <destroyed>
Rilkin <diseased, immune to stench>
Alya <immune to stench>
-------------------
Serj (shield -2 damage) <sickened> Need a DC 16 Fort save vs sickened (to see if you crit fail)
Bull Market

Bull Market romps over pink!

◆) Stride
◆) Strike

Rolling Crush (b) w/ Thriller Anthem (+1/+1) vs Yellow Ghoulie (Flanked w/ Eltis): 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 1 = 222d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4, 7) + 3 + 1 = 15

Pulling out his trusty wrecking ball, Serj gets to pounding.

Fortitude vs Sick (DC 16) w/ Sickened (-1): 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 9 - 1 = 18

◆) Command Bull Market
◆) Interact to Draw Flickmace
◆) Strike

Gnome Flickmace (B) w/ Sickened (-1) vs Pink: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 10 - 1 = 142d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 6) + 3 = 15