Phantom Phenomena (Inactive)

Game Master Shadow Dragon

Victor swings and misses the creature!

I need to stop posting when I'm tired. I realize now the Pull special ability should've dropped Victor into the chasm from the get-go. I'm not going to penalize the group for my mistake so we'll improvise with Victor taking less damage.

The creature releases Victor when he's ten feet from the chasm and Victor falls into the pile of debris, trash, and various remains. Fortunately for Victor the detritus softens his landing a bit.

Falling Damage: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Victor takes 2 points of damage from the fall and is now at the bottom of the 20' chasm.

The creature then slides over to the bridge and attempts to gnaw on Cannoli!

Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 101d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

But instead gets a mouth(?)ful of breastplate and fur!

Round 2
Vreekka Dazed, 3 rounds remaining.
Thing
Quinn
Victor At the bottom of the chasm, 20' to the ledge.
Cannoli
Guardian XI
Daegon Applying his roll from earlier:

Round 3

Vreekka Dazed, 2 rounds remaining.

Daegon conjures a glob of acid and strikes the creature with it!

Bold are UP!

Cannoli laughs, ”Haha! You fell into my trap. Which even I didn’t know I was setting! Eat mace.”

She steps up, pulls her main weapon and swings away.

Morningstar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 for P and B: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Poorly, which is not unusual.

100% off topic - please see the Discussion thread for my latest post about Gameday XIII tables.

"Looks like there are a few interesting bits and pieces down here." shouts Victor, as he assesses his options for getting out of the chasm.

How hard does the climb up to the ledge with the creature look? If it looks tricky how viable would it be for him to get his grappling hook up there (it's got 50 feet of knotted silk roap attached to it)? Also, just to check, did Victor land on his feet or is he prone, and would the ledge provide cover from the creature to prevent attacks of opportunity if he climbs?

Quickly downing the contents of a vial, Quinn moves forward, blade in hand, as a nearly invisible shield of force manifests to protect him! "Circle behind it!" he shouts to Cannoli.

Drinking a shield extract and taking a 5' step forward.

"Looks like there are a few interesting bits and pieces down here." shouts Victor, as he assesses his options for getting out of the chasm.

How hard does the climb up to the ledge with the creature look? If it looks tricky how viable would it be for him to get his grappling hook up there (it's got 50 feet of knotted silk roap attached to it)? Also, just to check, did Victor land on his feet or is he prone, and would the ledge provide cover from the creature to prevent attacks of opportunity if he climbs?

Here we go: 1) Victor would have to give it a try before knowing how tough it is to climb. Remember this from the description: "a deep chasm slick with moisture." 2) Absolutely yes. From the CRB: "Throwing a grappling hook requires a ranged attack roll, treating the hook as a thrown weapon with a range increment of 10 feet. Objects with ample places to catch the hook have an AC of 5." A rocky chasm is going to have ample places to catch the hook. 3) He is prone. 4) I'm going to rule yes. From the CRB: "You can’t execute an attack of opportunity against an opponent with cover relative to you." and "If any line from this corner to any corner of the target’s square passes through a square or border that blocks line of effect or provides cover, or through a square occupied by a creature, the target has cover (+4 to AC)." I hope that answers everything. :)

Quickly downing the contents of a vial, Quinn moves forward, blade in hand, as a nearly invisible shield of force manifests to protect him! "Circle behind it!" he shouts to Cannoli.

Drinking a shield extract and taking a 5' step forward.

I'm a bit confused. When I last saw the map Cannoli was at the end of the bridge and Quinn was behind her. Now Cannoli is off the bridge next to it? That movement would've provoked an AoO. And Quinn saw the creature has reach and him drinking a potion would've provoked an AoO from the creature with Cannoli not there to provide cover.

I hope that answers everything. :)

Absolutely, thanks!

Victor looks at the slimy walls of the chasm and decides that climbing them unaided may not be the best idea. He stands up, steps towards the wall in front of him and then retrieves a grappling hook with attached rope from his backpack, which he gets ready to throw.

Cannoli was where Quinn was and took a 5 foot step, which would not have provoked. If she is unable to do such a step, let me know.

Also sorry about forgetting the -2 on her attack. It likely wouldn’t change anything, but I’ll try to remember better if she survives for another attack.

Cannoli was where Quinn was and took a 5 foot step, which would not have provoked. If she is unable to do such a step, let me know.

Also sorry about forgetting the -2 on her attack. It likely wouldn’t change anything, but I’ll try to remember better if she survives for another attack.

@Guardian XI: Please hold your action for now. I need to go grocery shopping so I'm going to ponder this issue tonight. I moved the tokens back and the tricky part for the 5' step is that it's off the bridge, there appear to be ropes on the side of it (I've had to really magnify the picture to see it better), so it might not be eligible to be 'bypassed' by a 5' step. But it doesn't say it's difficult terrain so I'll have to consider it.

@GM: It's my fault for not reading the Alchemist elixir description carefully, so I'm happy to eat an AoO. It helps to build character!

@GM: It's my fault for not reading the Alchemist elixir description carefully, so I'm happy to eat an AoO. It helps to build new characters!

Fixed! :D

Regarding the step, I see the ropes now. My two coppers -> The question you have to answer is, does the enemy completely block the path off the bridge or do they not. If not, a 5-ft is fine. If so though, then one would pretty much be limited to a bull rush, reposition or acrobatics through the enemy square to get past (or something extremely panache based like tight rope walking the rope bridge railing). Either way, let us know.

Quinn the Investigator wrote:

@GM: It's my fault for not reading the Alchemist elixir description carefully, so I'm happy to eat an AoO. It helps to build new characters!

Fixed! :D

Regarding the step, I see the ropes now. My two coppers -> The question you have to answer is, does the enemy completely block the path off the bridge or do they not. If not, a 5-ft is fine. If so though, then one would pretty much be limited to a bull rush, reposition or acrobatics through the enemy square to get past (or something extremely panache based like tight rope walking the rope bridge railing). Either way, let us know.

No the creature doesn't block it off. The question I had was regarding movement, diagonal movement, and corners. This is from the CRB: "Diagonals: When measuring distance, the first diagonal counts as 1 square, the second counts as 2 squares, the third counts as 1, the fourth as 2, and so on. You can’t move diagonally past a corner (even by taking a 5-foot step). You can move diagonally past a creature, even an opponent. You can also move diagonally past other impassable obstacles, such as pits." Since the module doesn't give any text listing the bridge or the entry/exit points as 'difficult terraian' or some similar designation, I'm going to rule Cannoli can move the 5' diagonal to the spot she occupied. It's an uncommon situation which is why I wanted to review it first. Thanks everyone for your patience. :)

#2 @Quinn: I just wanted to verify you were okay taking the AoO and didn't want to change action.

Quinn's drinking an extract draws a reaction from the creature:

Tendril: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 111d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

But all it does is manage to fan Quinn and give him some relief from the humidity inside the cave.

I wanted to resolve this next because there was a chance Quinn might have been dazed and not moving forward leaving the spot open for Guardian XI.

@Guardian XI: Okay now that everything is resolved, you are UP! Just a reminder Guardian XI can move through friendlies.

Back from my trip! It looks crowded on the map, so I think all Guardian can do right now is...

Guardian moves across the bridge behind Quinn and waits for his chance to get at the creature.

[move] 10ft
[standard] Ready action: attack if within reach

Quickly being surrounded by the group the creature emits a shrill scream which disrupts the minds of those nearby!

Will Cannoli: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Will Guardian XI, Mind-affecting: 1d20 + 0 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 0 + 4 = 7 (+4 vs. mind-affecting, paralysis, poison, and stun)
Will Victor, Ointment: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 1 = 22 (+2 vs. illusion)
Will Quinn: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Duration: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Cannoli, Guardian XI, and Quinn are debilitated by the creature's scream.

Cannoli, Guardian XI, and Quinn have the Nauseated condition and can only take a single move action per round for 3 rounds. Since some of you are GMs if you have a reroll you'd like to use let me know.

Round 3

Quinn (Nauseated?)
Victor (At the bottom of the chasm, 20' to the ledge.)
Cannoli (Nauseated?)
Guardian XI (Nauseated?)
Daegon

Round 4

Vreekka (Dazed, 1 round remaining)
Thing

Bold are UP!

Reroll + 2-star GM bonus: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 2 = 8

Such is life!

Cannoli stumbles out of the way, putting an arm up to shield from an attack as she seeks a place to vomit.

Move with a tumble to avoid AoO.

Acrobatics - ACP + Harrow: 1d20 + 3 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 - 4 + 1 = 18

question...and it's a weird one and i think i know the answer anyways...but if the critter is surrounded by nauseated creatures. would i still get the firing into melee penalty? i think so, but wanted to check...a d8 damage from a xbow is better than a d3 from acid splash...

question...and it's a weird one and i think i know the answer anyways...but if the critter is surrounded by nauseated creatures. would i still get the firing into melee penalty? i think so, but wanted to check...a d8 damage from a xbow is better than a d3 from acid splash...

Unfortunately the answer is 'yes' the -4 penalty still applies. While the PCs may not be 'engaged' in melee with the creature, it's still involved in melee against them. Acid Splash also takes the -4 penalty, same as the crossbow, but its vs. the creature's touch AC rather than its regular AC. If Daegon has a longspear he could assist a PC's attack or AC, maybe help Victor climb out of the hole, etc. if you think another action would be more helpful. This is a perfect example of why I want 1st levels to get a Chronicle sheet before Gallows; if Daegon had a Wand of Magic Missile he could do guaranteed damage each round.

For a moment it looks like Quinn is going to spew, but he manages to choke it down--a long life of fighting monsters like this keeps him focused. He steps a bit closer and stabs at it!

I'll go ahead and use my shirt reroll on the save. Result: There ya go!

Will save (+3 GM stars) vs nauseated: 1d20 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 3 = 26

I'd like to do a five-foot-step to the south if the square is open (I'm not sure if it's too much cliff to stand on) or, instead, a five-foot-step to the southwest. GM, please move my token appropriately.

attack (without flanking): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Cannoli, the purveyor of moldy cheese and eater of rat kebabs, coughs up a hairball as Quinn, ever stout, strikes the beast!

Yeah the square to the south is iffy so I moved the token to the SW square.

Guardian XI, Victor, and Daegon are UP!

Deciding that possibly impaling one of his friends with a crossbow bolt isn't worth the risk, Daegon flings a small blob of acid at the creature.

AS, touch: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 1 - 4 = 101d3 ⇒ 3

Until I know better about rerolls...

Guardian inches closer to the creature. Though it's a short distances, he fights through strange feelings that his inputs are not connected to his outputs.

[move] 5ft SW

@Daegon: I moved Daegon closer to be within the range of acid splash.

Quinn stabs the creature and Daegon hits it with acid (again)!

Victor is UP!

Swinging the grappling hook a few times to build momentum, Victor then launches it up toward the top of the cliff hoping that it will gain purchase so he can start to climb...

Grappling hook: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

If that is enough Victor will start climbing. If not he will use his move action to pick up the grappling hook to try again.

Victor hooks the grapple Barely - you just hit the number! and begins his ascent.

Since that was Victor's standard he can take his action to begin his Climb - which means rolling for that and it's 1/4 of his movement speed unless you want to try accelerated climbing. Since the rope is knotted it's a DC 5 Climb.

The creature reacts to Quinn's vicious stab by lashing out at him!

Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 91d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Tendril: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 111d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Tendril: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 221d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Will Quinn: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Quinn is struck by a tendril and his mind is flooded with confusing images and thoughts but he manages to fend off the mental assault!

Quinn takes 2 HP damage but is NOT dazed.

Round 4

Quinn
Victor (At the bottom of the chasm, 20'[or less] to the ledge.)
Cannoli (Nauseated, 2 rounds left)
Guardian XI (Nauseated, 2 rounds left)
Daegon

Round 5

Vreekka - She is ALIVE!
Creature Feature

All of the players are UP!

Daegon tries to catch the creature with another acidball.

touch: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 1 - 4 = 01d3 ⇒ 2

After checking the rope is secure, Victor starts to climb...

Climb knotted rope (DC 5): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 (move action from last round)
Climb knotted rope (DC 5): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Climb knotted rope (DC 5): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

With a move speed of 30 feet, 1/4 speed is 7 feet (rounding down). So 3 successes should be 21 feet, which gets him to the top.

...Once he reaches the ledge he assumes a boxing stance, having left his bardiche at the bottom of the chasm in order to be able to climb. His fists glowing with a faint ethereal light.

After checking the rope is secure, Victor starts to climb...

[dice=Climb knotted rope (DC 5)]1d20+2 (move action from last round)
[dice=Climb knotted rope (DC 5)]1d20+2
[dice=Climb knotted rope (DC 5)]1d20+2

With a move speed of 30 feet, 1/4 speed is 7 feet (rounding down). So 3 successes should be 21 feet, which gets him to the top.

...Once he reaches the ledge he assumes a boxing stance, having left his bardiche at the bottom of the chasm in order to be able to climb. His fists glowing with a faint ethereal light.

I thought the 'rounding down' meant he'd move at 5' per round? That's how it's been for swim checks which is also 1/4 movement. Would climbing up a rope in this case have him prone? Or would Victor's movement provoke once he reached the top of the ledge?

I thought the 'rounding down' meant he'd move at 5' per round? That's how it's been for swim checks which is also 1/4 movement. Would climbing up a rope in this case have him prone? Or would Victor's movement provoke once he reached the top of the ledge?

That's true, as we are on a map it would round to the nearest 5'. I probably should have risked accelerated climbing to minimize the loss due to rounding! Getting over the edge of the climb is a bit of an odd one. As far as I know there is no mention of climbing making you prone. But there is the question of what happens when you get to the top of the rope, do you effectively end up in the square level with the ledge and then need to move horizontally from that square onto the ledge, or can you move diagonally from the square below that onto the ledge (the first would provoke, but I don't think the second would as you would not be moving out of a threatened square). I'd say for that it would be GM's call.

A single climb move for a 30ft move would be 5, buuut if you double move generally most games allow it to be treated as 1/4 of 60ft = 15 ft climb. Then next round (or prior in this case) one only needs 5 for that full climb. I would generally rule that finishing the climb up top would provoke, but no loss of dex on that AoO. Also definitely not prone while climbing.

Quinn shuffles to the side to allow more room for his allies as he stabs back. "Whatever this thing is, it likes mind-games!"

Sword Cane: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The catfolk *hurks* up her remaining stomach contents, before wiping her mouth.

”I don’t like these games.”

Quinn slices the creature again and it's showing multiple wounds from the group's efforts!

Guardian XI and Vreekka are UP!

Still "off", Guardian simply stays close to the creature.

Waiting it out until he gets his standard actions back

Still "off", Guardian simply stays close to the creature.

Waiting it out until he gets his standard actions back

Understood. Between the nausea and the daze it can inflict it's a tough combat at this level.

@Daegon: I'm sending you a PM about character info for the Chronicle sheet.

Waking up from the daze Vreekka remembers that she has the Experimental Herbicide in her bandolier. She ponders if the unknown creature looks plant-like or not...

A PC can throw the herbicide as a splash weapon. A direct hit causes Large or smaller plants to wither and die over the course of an hour. Against a plant creature, a direct hit deals 1d8 points of damage and bestows 1 negative level. Every plant creature within 5 feet of where the herbicide hits takes 1 point of damage. Alternatively, a PC can coat a metal weapon in the herbicide, much as he would apply a poison. The next creature struck takes damage as though it were directly hit with the herbicide.

Waking up from the daze Vreekka remembers that she has the Experimental Herbicide in her bandolier. She ponders if the unknown creature looks plant-like or not...

** spoiler omitted **

Experimental Herbicide (University) wrote:

A PC can throw the herbicide as a splash weapon. A direct hit causes Large or smaller plants to wither and die over the course of an hour. Against a plant creature, a direct hit deals 1d8 points of damage and bestows 1 negative level. Every plant creature within 5 feet of where the herbicide hits takes 1 point of damage. Alternatively, a PC can coat a metal weapon in the herbicide, much as he would apply a poison. The next creature struck takes damage as though it were directly hit with the herbicide.

Unfortunately identification is done through a Knowledge check and Vreekka failed hers earlier. She can still use the herbicide and see if it works but remember without Precise Shot she'll suffer a -4 penalty throwing a ranged weapon into melee. But it is a touch attack; that's why Daegon went with Acid Splash instead of a crossbow.

I'll give it until this evening my time and then bot Vreekka.

I don't see any 'good' options on Vreekka's character sheet so I'll put her on delay until she decides on an action. We'll go ahead with the rest of the initiative order and the creature is up next.

Enraged at Quinn's constant stabbing of it the creature lashes out at him!

Tendril: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Tendril: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 121d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 171d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

But misses every single time! All of you experience a piercing headache from the creature projecting its frustration outward.

Round 5

Vreekka [Currently Delayed]
Creature Feature

Quinn
Victor (Climbing, 5' to go.)
Cannoli (Nauseated, 1 round left)
Guardian XI (Nauseated, 1 round left)
Daegon

Bold are UP!

@Victor: Your situation is unique and a web search really didn't provide any similar examples. Victor has an odd combo: Normally a corner/edge would provide enough cover so that he wouldn't provoke but climbing to the top of a wall and then climbing over the ledge is awkward enough in my opinion to be equivalent to standing up from prone. So here's what I'm going to propose: Victor climbing to the top will provoke but I won't give any penalties to his AC or Climb check. Usually a Climb check without a Climb speed means the PC loses their Dex bonus to AC *and* they add any damage taken to their Climb check result. So we'll go with a 'plain' AoO. It's also a move action so Victor will have his Standard and be adjacent to the creature.

Tendril: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Seeing Victor pop up the creature tries to attack him but is clearly so disturbed by Quinn's prowess it misses.

Seeing no other option, Daegon flings another viscous blob of acidic goop at the critter.

touch: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 1 - 4 = 121d3 ⇒ 2

Guardian continues to make pitiful echoing metal sounds as he waits for the nausea to pass.

his time comes soon…

Daegon is moving into the creature's #2 spot on the 'I hate you!' list...

lol...doing my best to bide time for GX to come around and smoke it...

@Victor: Your situation is unique and a web search really didn't provide any similar examples. Victor has an odd combo: Normally a corner/edge would provide enough cover so that he wouldn't provoke but climbing to the top of a wall and then climbing over the ledge is awkward enough in my opinion to be equivalent to standing up from prone. So here's what I'm going to propose: Victor climbing to the top will provoke but I won't give any penalties to his AC or Climb check. Usually a Climb check without a Climb speed means the PC loses their Dex bonus to AC *and* they add any damage taken to their Climb check result. So we'll go with a 'plain' AoO. It's also a move action so Victor will have his Standard and be adjacent to the creature.

All sounds fair to me.

Victor attempts to complete his climb...

Climb knotted rope (DC 5): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

...Before trying to slip past the creatures tentacles and deliver a solid body hook to the monstrosity....

Ghost touch unarmed strike: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Bludgeoning damage: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Cannoli uses the time as her stomach finishes settling to wipe her face off and straighten her breastplate.

Bobbing and ducking the creature's attacks, Quinn replies with another thrust of his sword cane!

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Again with no cantrips to cast and only alchemical weapons that would damage party members, I'm going to delay Vreekka again. If she wishes to take an action I'll let her take two since it was a GM decision to bypass her turn. So the creature is up and then the entire party.

Victor Heal Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Cannoli Heal Check: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

Quinn Heal Check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Although its alien nature makes a precise determination difficult Victor and Quinn believe the number of wounds, the...blood?...leaking from those wounds, suggests the creature is in dire condition. Still it lashes out at those who hit it!

Tendril vs. Quinn: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 91d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Tendril vs. Victor: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 231d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Tendril Confirm?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 151d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Will Victor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Bite vs. Quinn: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 71d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

It manages to strike Victor with a tendril and suddenly Victor doesn't look well.

Victor has the stunned condition. If you have a re-roll on a save you can use it.

Although it appears Victor may have exited the fight for a bit the creature has nothing to celebrate for Cannoli and Guardian XI can now enter the fray...

The party is UP! Can they finish the creature???

The catfolk takes a deep breath, ”Alright tentacle monster, enough is enough. Time to go away.”

She ducks and weaves past her allies, then strikes!

Acrobatics to Tumble - ACP + Harrow: 1d20 + 3 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 3 - 4 + 1 = 20

Morningstar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 for P and B: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Cannoli puts on a gymnastics display worthy of an award! Her attempt to strike the creature? Not so much...