Phantom Phenomena (Inactive)

Game Master Shadow Dragon

Cannoli starts cheering for Quinn, ”You got this old man! Kick it into gear. Look, this scrawny doctor even made it!”

Cannoli starts cheering for Quinn, ”You got this old man! Kick it into gear. Look, this scrawny doctor even made it!”

Dr. Quolorum sports a very weak grin amid trembling legs and boots filled with backside sweat.

Quinn breaks out in sweat, ashamed at his performance in front of all his younger comrades. One last mission before retirement, come on old man! He grits his teeth and tries a third time!

Spending a point of inspiration for a bonus to this check.

Climb (ACP, inspiration): 1d20 + 2 - 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 2 - 1 + (2) = 8

Quinn breaks out in sweat, ashamed at his performance in front of all his younger comrades. One last mission before retirement, come on old man! He grits his teeth and tries a third time!

Spending a point of inspiration for a bonus to this check.

[dice=Climb (ACP, inspiration)]1d20+2-1+1d6

And Quinn is King of the Boulder! He's made it to the top but now comes the tricky part: Can he climb down without falling down?

Cannoli, now confident her cheering was the reason for success, continues, ”You got this Old Man! Going down is the easy part. Well, I guess it is sorta harder, since you can’t see where you are going as well. But if you mess up you get down really really quickly!”

Burning with embarrassment, Quinn tries to climb down the far side without further trouble.

Climb (ACP): 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 2 - 1 = 10

Burning with embarrassment, Quinn tries to climb down the far side without further trouble.

And the crowd roars as Quinn successfully traverses the boulder safely to the other side. Now all of those who have crossed hold on tight to the rope as the sizeable android takes on the challenge!

Guardian XI first removes his armor, ties it to the rope, and has the group pull it over to their side. He then proceeds:

Since his Scale Mail gives a -4 penalty it seems wise to remove it for the attempts.

Can he do it??? Part 1 - The Ascent: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Guardian XI went nonstop, all the way to the top, now can you dig it? And can he climb down safely???

Can he do it??? Part 2 - The Descent: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Yes! Guardian XI has crossed the boulder! With some assistance he quickly re-armors and the group is ready to proceed.

All of you notice, when you're at the top of the boulder, that it seems to melt while you're atop it! Cannoli, Vreekka, and Quinn swear that's what caused their hesitance and difficulty. Victor, Daegon, and Guardian XI reassure the others they were shaken Yes as in the condition Shaken by an illusion!

Dr. Quolorum says, "See! I told you! The phenomena is growing stronger the closer we get to it!"

Three more hours pass as the group continues to climb the Diremark.

Cannoli replies out loud, oblivious that she was the only one who heard the question, ”Uh duh, because the people who named that fruit thought it looked like a pine cone. Jeeze, that wasn’t hard at all.”

Are we still shaken?

Cannoli replies out loud, oblivious that she was the only one who heard the question, ”Uh duh, because the people who named that fruit thought it looked like a pine cone. Jeeze, that wasn’t hard at all.”

Are we still shaken?

Cannoli's weak knees firm back up after she finishes climbing down the boulder to realize it wasn't melting after all.

Did...did anyone else hear that? Or am I losing what's left of my mind...?

"I think we are all hearing things." Victor speculates. "I can sense the presence of many spirits on this mountain, perhaps it's them trying to communicate with us?"

"If something is infiltrating our minds, should one of us use that Ectoplasmic Ointment that I mentioned earlier?"

Cannoli stops and moves over to Victor, watching him intently.

”Good idea. Chug it and I’ll watch to see if you turn into a werewolf. This is gonna be awesome!”

Cannoli stops and moves over to Victor, watching him intently.

”Good idea. Chug it and I’ll watch to see if you turn into a werewolf. This is gonna be awesome!”

The vampire cute, innocent bat nods its head, waiting to see what happens next!

Random who saw it: 1d6 ⇒ 3

As the group continues to climb Guardian XI spots what appears to be a narrow opening or crevice in the side of the mountain. When you get closer you realize it is an opening into the mountain. Dr. Quolorum excitedly tells the group the etheric compass indicates not only are you on the correct path but whatever the source of the phenomena is must be inside the cave!

What would you like to do?

Cannoli responds first, ”Oh sweet, a cave! Let’s go in. Nothing ever bad happened in a cave.”

She thinks a moment, ”No, the morlock deal was more of a tunnel, not a cave. And it turned out fine anyway.”

"I'll take the lead," Quinn says, secretly hoping for a chance at redemption after the climbing debacle. He keeps his eyes open for any traps as he moves slowly into the cave.

Moving slowly and Taking 10 (for a 16) on detecting traps.

Victor scans the cave for magic auras (detect magic).

Once the group are ready to move in he utilises his physic powers to summon light (if it looks dark in the cave) and manifest a protective shield, before following Quinn into the cave (he casts light and shield).

He will also apply the Ectoplasmic Ointment to himself assuming no one else would like to use it.

Cannoli watches Victor closely, holding a small piece of cheese ready.

After a minute she gets really close to the human for an inspection, ”No new hair growth. Teeth and nails normal. How do you feel about the moon?” She flashes the piece of cheese into his face, ”Boo!”

If no reaction beyond what would be normal when accosted by a catfolk like her, she shrugs and follows Quinn inside, ”You got this Old Man, sniff out those foes.”

Victor takes the cheese. "Ah, good idea Cannoli. His lordship always said it was foolish to go exploring on an empty stomach."

Perception Cannoli: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

Cannoli thinks Victor's canine teeth might be a bit longer...

Quinn goes first followed by Victor and then Guardian XI who manifests his gloomblade in case of trouble.

When you enter you see green luminescence shines from fungi on the walls of this cave, while the winds outside create an animal-like howl as they whip past the entrance. A narrow path runs along the northern edge, and a deep chasm slick with moisture splits it from another ledge to its south. To the east is a bridge, fuzzy with dark green mold.

New map on Slide 2. Due to spoiler information being on the map I had to cut off part of it and used my unbelievable artist skills to draw in some squares that are the entrance. Note: The light level in the cave is dim so those who don't have darkvision or low-light vision will need either a light source or to stay close to a PC with a light source. I have also placed the tokens on the map with Quinn and Victor in the lead. If the rest of you wish to adjust where you are please move yourself or, in the case of Daegon, let us know where you'd like to be placed.

Victor's light source allows Quinn to see there are no traps but he does see that the chasm is twenty feet deep and would not be an easy climb to get down or up.

Quinn sighs heavily as he sees the chasm. "Unless someone has a bright idea," he says, "this is going to be a long day."

”Why, is the path long? Is there a route across? Do we need to build a bridge? I can only see so far, fyi. If you all forgot.”

"There is a bridge a at the other end of the path, although it does look a bit moldy. If we are not sure about the safety of the bridge, I've got a grappling hook and a piton which we might be able to use to secure a rope over the chasm."

The catfolk shrugs, ”Eh, the cheese was moldy too and you ate that. I’m sure it’s fine. Let’s go check it out.”

Is the consensus to check out the bridge?

Well, let's tie the first person off...that way if they fall, we can use the rope to save them. Daegon says as he gets out his rope.

More rope use in this Quest than a rodeo! Another note for anyone as blind as me: The path/trail from where you start to the bridge is, indeed, only 1 square wide (until you get to the bridge) so it's single file marching order. Let me know who is moving to the bridge and in what order please.

"I'll take the lead," Quinn announces. With a rope tied around his waist, he takes delicate steps across the bridge.

I'm assuming since no one moved the tokens the group is going with the order of entry for the single-file formation going to the bridge. In which case BEFORE Quinn steps onto the bridge:

Victor's keen eyes, guided by his light orison, catch sight of...something...lurking at the far end of the bridge.

Victor can direct the others to where the thing is located; I've marked its location with the green sun. Knowledge (Nature) checks are called for!

Same entrance formation is gtg for the single file. I think that puts Cannoli 4th. Did the group move up or did Quinn see the thing from back at the entrance?

”Oh hey! Look at that!!!”

Cannoli points out the… wall next to her. She is inspecting it closely, running her paw over the surface.

”Dry, interesting. I always thought caves were wet or at least moist. I am learning things like crazy on this mission!”

assuming Victor lets up know of the threat...

Daegon gets out his crossbow and makes sure a bolt is seated properly.

I have us covered...I'm not the best shot, mind you...but might be enough of a threat to keep whatever it is at bay...

The group moved up and I'll move Quinn and Victor to the point Victor would've noticed it. Since Vreekka hasn't posted in over a week I'll bot her:

Knowledge: Nature t: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Wow that was horrible!

Vreekka doesn't recognize the creature but thinks hitting it with a bomb is a great test! She moves in between Quinn and Victor to use Victor's light to see the thing and let's it fly.

Bomb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 71d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Back to back deuces - yikes! Time for the splash chart!

Splash Miss: 1d8 ⇒ 5

But overshoots the 'thing' and the bomb goes BOOM! in the chasm behind the 'thing'...
Even though the bomb missed the fight is ON!

Vreekka is up first and I'll bot her and hope I don't roll another 2...

Vreekka loosens up her throwing arm, squints to get her aim right, hopes some of Cannoli's cat fortune rubs off on her, and throws again!

Bomb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 101d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

The creature is hit with the bomb and burns a bit.

Victor and Quinn notice something unusual:

1 for Quinn, 2 for Victor: 1d2 ⇒ 2

The thing moves and lashes out at Vreekka and Victor; it's tentacles are long enough to span the gap!

Tendril Slap Vreekka: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 171d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Tendril Slap Victor: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 81d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Effect 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

It looks like the thing attempts to pull Vreekka over the ledge and into the chasm but she flexes and doesn't budge. Victor is too well armored to be struck by the tentacle.

Will Vreekka, Other save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Although no one knows what it is its appearance is unsettling - literally. Although most of the group aren't overly bothered Cannoli and Vreekka are particularly perturbed.
Additionally the creature's attack seems to have left Vreekka effected in some way...

Cannoli and Vreekka suffer a -2 penalty to attack rolls.

Everyone except Vreekka is UP!

Daegon quickly brings his crossbow and snaps off a bolt.

attack: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 1 - 4 = 21d8 ⇒ 3

adding the -4 assuming it is in melee...unsure...if not, don't factor it in

Daegon quickly brings his crossbow and snaps off a bolt.

adding the -4 assuming it is in melee...unsure...if not, don't factor it in

It is in melee unfortunately.

Apologies for the lack of post in the last few days, I unexpectedly ended up in hospital! Thankfully it's all sorted now.

"Hmm... Looks like its wounds are healing." Victor notes.

Assessing that jumping the chasm may be a bit of a risk without a run up, the varisian opts to risk crossing the bridge...

Victor attempts to double move over the bridge (unless he spots a significant problem with the bridge once he gets there).

Apologies for the lack of post in the last few days, I unexpectedly ended up in hospital! Thankfully it's all sorted now.

"Hmm... Looks like its wounds are healing." Victor notes.

Assessing that jumping the chasm may be a bit of a risk without a run up, the varisian opts to risk crossing the bridge...

Victor attempts to double move over the bridge (unless he spots a significant problem with the bridge once he gets there).

Yikes! I'm just glad you're okay. If you need more time off to recover just let us know.

As Victor traverses the ledge to reach the bridge the thing takes the opportunity to strike at him again!

Tendril AoO: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 231d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Crit confirm?

Tendril: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 61d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Tendril Pull!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

The creature snags Victor with one of its tendrils and manages to pull him over the ledge!

Victor has been pulled off the ledge and is dangling 15' down. Since this interrupted Victor's actions he still has a Standard action. Note the Pull does NOT confer the grappled condition and I know Victor is wielding his glaive.

Cannoli eyes the creature’s perfect tactical position with disdain, ”Rush it while Victor has it distracted!”

She bolts forward, hoping her statement is true. And also hoping…

There better be a damn bridge!

Double Move should put her just on the bridge, assuming she can double move and the bridge appears passable enough.

Cannoli eyes the creature’s perfect tactical position with disdain, ”Rush it while Victor has it distracted!”

She bolts forward, hoping her statement is true. And also hoping…

There better be a damn bridge!

Double Move should put her just on the bridge, assuming she can double move and the bridge appears passable enough.

Cannoli rushes along the ledge and gets closer to the bridge escaping attack.

I moved Cannoli back 10' since her speed is 20' with her canine-scented and flea-infested breastplate. ;)

Botting Guardian XI; double move:

Guardian XI lets Cannoli test out her theory and, when it proves correct, also rushes past to get to the bridge.

Will Victor, Ointment: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 1 = 17

Forgot Victor's Will save after he was hit but he passed it so can take his Standard action this round. :)

Daegon tosses a blob of acid at the beast, hoping to contribute a little toward its demise.

touch: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 1 - 4 = 151d3 ⇒ 3

In metal armor her speed is 30. Metal Mystery: Armor Mastery.

@Daegon: Daegon missed his crossbow shot this round but I'll save that acid splash roll for next round. :)

@Cannoli: *coughpowergamingcheeseweaselcough* Oh ok so I marked where Cannoli was on the map and counted out a double move which should put her at the end of the bridge - if you're okay with being there that is.

@Quinn: Quinn is UP and Victor has a Standard action to take! And then it's back to the top of the order:

Round 1
Quinn

Round 2
Vreekka Dazed, 3 rounds remaining.
Thing
Quinn
Victor
Cannoli
Guardian XI
Daegon

my bad..i assumed everyone was up...

my bad..i assumed everyone was up...

It's my fault; I didn't put up the Inits tracker. :)

Is Victor able to attack the creature from his current location?

Is Victor able to attack the creature from his current location?

Short answer: Yes. Longer version: Since it still has Victor in a 'pull', but not grappled, Victor is free to attack the creature by hitting it in the tendril. Note that this does not mean Victor will cut off the tendril or prevent it from its hit/pull combo again.

Quinn rushes towards the new threat!

Double move. (nothing bad can happen while ending movement on a shaky bridge over a deep chasm, could it?)

Quinn rushes towards the new threat!

Double move. (nothing bad can happen while ending movement on a shaky bridge over a deep chasm, could it?)

Of course not - safest bridge you've ever seen! 8)

"Unhand me you purple monstrosity!" snarls Victor as he swings his bardiche at the grabby tentacle monster...

Bardiche vs creature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
S Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

...and almost definitely misses!