Phantom Phenomena (Inactive)

Game Master Shadow Dragon

k. history: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
k. local: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

As investigators get to use inspiration for free on knowledge checks, would Quinn also get inspiration on those knowledge rolls?

Cannoli borrows a bag of iron shavings from the blacksmith, then complements them on their awesome tools, then heads to the monolith.

”Just in case. Now let’s go find that treasure!”

Oddly the blacksmith's shop is closed.

As investigators get to use inspiration for free on knowledge checks, would Quinn also get inspiration on those knowledge rolls?

That is correct. :)

Quinn doesn’t feel inspired today, so let’s keep on keeping on!

The group ventures out of the village of Dunhob and make the area within the day.

The great monolith of the ancient Kellids towers over the barren hillside. A distant flash of red lightning silently illuminates the muggy air, revealing a hole that gapes in the slope like a toothless mouth. Several dozen feet away rises a low mound of dirt and loose rock.

Please make Knowledge (Arcana), Knowledge (History), or a Linguistics for anyone examining the glyphs.

Guardian attempts to substitute in his knowledge of the planes for arcana. One never knows.

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Guardian attempts to substitute in his knowledge of the planes for arcana. One never knows.

[dice=Knowledge (planes)]1d20+5

Unfortunately that won't help in this particular situation.

Cannoli squints, ”What’s everyone looking at? Something cool? Describe it to me.”

She doesn’t have any of those skills trained. Also ‘several dozen feet’ sounds like more than thirty so she probably can’t even see the mound.

Cannoli squints, ”What’s everyone looking at? Something cool? Describe it to me.”

She doesn’t have any of those skills trained. Also ‘several dozen feet’ sounds like more than thirty so she probably can’t even see the mound.

Cannoli's vision deficiencies render her unable to assist at the time but she does see the vampire cute innocent bat wink at her again.

"I'll take a look at these glyphs and see if I can make sense of them.
Meanwhile, be careful around that hole--anything could come out, or there could be ancient traps placed to keep people from going in."

Linguistics (+inspiration): 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 7 + (5) = 25

Quinn identifies an ancient Kellid glyph of protection known as Gorum’s Eye, consisting of an eye within an elongated hexagon.

If any PC wishes to inspect the tunnel can roll a Knowledge (Engineering) check.

Knowledge: Arcana: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

After confirming Quinn's analysis of the glyphs Vreekka checks out the tunnel.

Knowledge: Engineering: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Unfortunately that won't help in this particular situation.

I figured as much, but had to try :)

[dice=Knowledge: Arcana]1d20+11

After confirming Quinn's analysis of the glyphs Vreekka checks out the tunnel.

[dice=Knowledge: Engineering]1d20+7

Is anyone searching the general area?

Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 (+1 if Victor is able to use guidance)

Victor scans the area for magic auras (using detect magic) and also has a general search around for any clues...

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 (+1 if Victor is able to use guidance)

Recalling that Dr. Quolorun was interested in the glyphs, once he has finished his search he will take out a pen and parchment and copy down some pictures of the glyphs.

(+1 if Victor is able to use guidance)

Victor scans the area for magic auras (using detect magic) and also has a general search around for any clues...

Recalling that Dr. Quolorun was interested in the glyphs, once he has finished his search he will take out a pen and parchment and copy down some pictures of the glyphs.

Victor suddenly stops as if he has just become aware of something. He approaches the monolith, removing his glove, before placing his hand on the stone and closing his eyes...

"I sense the emotions of those who built this place." he mutters "...the fearful determination of the Kellids who created the monument, as though they needed its power to keep whatever lived below from emerging.".

He opens his eyes again and puts his glove back on. "It also seems that this Gorum's Eye is a source of powerful magic based on my earlier divinations." he adds.

Upon spotting the tracks of the claw-footed humanoid leading to the newly dug tunnel, Victor will also point those out to his companions, noting the tracks also left by the creature's hands which reach down to the ground.

The catfolk sticks close to Victor, mainly just to make sure he doesn’t go out of her sight.

”Claws on paws? Seems friendly enough to me. I wear boots to cover mine, but mainly because I don’t like dirt on my toe beans.”

Quinn shakes his head and draws his sword. "I admire your optimism, Cannoli, but I can't share in it. Be ready everyone . . ."

Quinn inspects the edges of the tunnel carefully before moving slowly into it.

Checking for traps and moving in . . .

Perception (vs traps): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Quinn shakes his head and draws his sword. "I admire your optimism, Cannoli, but I can't share in it. Be ready everyone . . ."

Quinn inspects the edges of the tunnel carefully before moving slowly into it.

Checking for traps and moving in . . .

[dice=Perception (vs traps)]1d20+6

Quinn checks the area but finds no evidence of traps or other hazards...

I'm going to risk it and make the assumption the party is going into the tunnel. ;) It's on Slide 2 and note that it begins as a 5' hallway so you'll need to arrange yourself in a single-file line.

The tunnel extends only a few feet through the soil before meeting a stone, partially collapsed hallway. The passage to the northwest is choked with fallen rubble, and it extends to the east.

”This tunnel was dug several weeks ago - and whoever did it, used tools.”

Vreekka goes to the back - she will try to be the last person of the queue. While waiting for her turn, she drinks her extract of Heightened Awareness, then scrutinizes the room.

Perception, HA: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 2 = 16

@GM: Vreekka will NOT drop the spell for better initiative.

My recommendation on order based on our diagram in the slides. First is Victor, Guardian, Quinn, Cannoli, Daegon, Vreeka. Apologies if I misspelled a name.

”Just scream really loud if something attacks. I may or may not have seen you get mauled.”

My recommendation on order based on our diagram in the slides. First is Victor, Guardian, Quinn, Cannoli, Daegon, Vreeka. Apologies if I misspelled a name.

That works for me.

Victor makes a few preparations (casts light if it's dark inside and then shield) and advances into the tunnel. Once he gets to the end of the narrow section he pokes his head around the corner to see what is beyond...

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

How does one sense emotions from that long ago? I can't even sense emotions from now!

As for now, Guardian thinks there about to step into danger again.

Cannoli Jones wrote:

My recommendation on order based on our diagram in the slides. First is Victor, Guardian, Quinn, Cannoli, Daegon, Vreeka. Apologies if I misspelled a name.

That works for me.

Victor makes a few preparations (casts light if it's dark inside and then shield) and advances into the tunnel. Once he gets to the end of the narrow section he pokes his head around the corner to see what is beyond...

[dice=Perception]1d20+9

Victor doesn't notice anything except the tunnel opening into what looks to be a room of some sort. He sees the chamber walls are made from row after row of stacked bones, layers of skulls, rib cages, and arm and leg bones piled from floor to ceiling and cemented in place.

How does one sense emotions from that long ago? I can't even sense emotions from now!

"There are certain techniques I have studied as part of my training in the esoteric arts which allow me to pick up on such things." explains Victor.

Not spotting anything of significant concern, Victor indicates to his allies that the path looks clear and then cautiously moves into the room, continuing to keep an eye out for trouble.

Is it possible to tell what sort of creature the bones came from?

Guardian XI wrote:

How does one sense emotions from that long ago? I can't even sense emotions from now!

"There are certain techniques I have studied as part of my training in the esoteric arts which allow me to pick up on such things." explains Victor.

Not spotting anything of significant concern, Victor indicates to his allies that the path looks clear and then cautiously moves into the room, continuing to keep an eye out for trouble.

Is it possible to tell what sort of creature the bones came from?

You can do Knowledge (Local) or a Heal check to confirm but they look human.

As Victor rounds the corner he sees on the far wall red dyed skulls have been arranged into the symbol of an eye within an elongated hexagon.

While Victor notices that Guardian XI and Quinn notice something else - two large creatures crawling on the wall towards Victor!

Round 1 - Mawnstuhs!

Quinn
Vreekka
Cannoli
Daegon
Mawnstuhs!
Victor
Guardian

Bold may go!
Knowledge (Nature) to discern that nature (see what I did there?) of the Mawnstuhs!

As Victor has combat reflexes, does the creatures route take them through the threatened area of his reach weapon?

Cannoli taps Victor’s weapon, sheathing it in flame.

”May this flame be a blessing to you and a curse to your enemies…

…I’m just messing with you. It’s fire on your blade and it’s badass. Burn them!”

Sun Metal for One Round. Yeah I know it’s a terrible spell compared to others but it fits Cannoli!

As Victor has combat reflexes, does the creatures route take them through the threatened area of his reach weapon?

Indeed it does you min-maxing powergaming cheeseweasel! ;)

mike's character wrote:

As Victor has combat reflexes, does the creatures route take them through the threatened area of his reach weapon?

Indeed it does you min-maxing powergaming cheeseweasel! ;)

Victor instinctively lashes out with his Bardiche at the creatures...

AoO Bardiche vs Red: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
S Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

AoO Bardiche vs Yellow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
S Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

(I'm assuming no fire damage on those as it happened before Cannoli set the Bardiche on fire)

"Oh, thankyou." says Victor as the flames start licking menacingly from his polearm.

@Victor: Correct on no fire damage. Victor's AoO is triggered first.

Victor, the minmaxing, powergaming, cheeseweasel spiritualist, makes two vicious slashes with his bardiche, slicing them in two!

That's all for that combat; I feel bad that none of these is any kind of challenge for you guys but blame Victor and Vreekka.

Cannoli smiles big, ”Thank you Victor! And Vreeka too, last fight. I feel as though my amazingly powerful infinite healing would be needed more if we didn’t have you two. Great work everyone else too. Anyway, so what were these things and what else do we need to do with the monolith? I forgot because… fire is cool and it sorta put me in a trance.”

"I'm not sure what those were." says Victor "But they don't look like the sort of creatures who would leave the tracks we spotted coming into this area. So I'm guessing that the potentially friendly creature who left those must be somewhere further in."

"Shall we see what's through there?" he adds, pointing towards the tunnel to the at the other end of the room.

Guardian nods.

There is nowhere else to go but through.

Quinn nods, visibly relaxing after seeing the extraordinary quick reactions of his allies when danger struck.

Well, that was quick... Daegon says as he looks at the creatures trying to identify them

k. arcana: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
k. religion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

The alchemist nods approvingly.

"Quite quick indeed."

Naturally, Vreekka checks out the remains of the Mawnstuhs to learn more about the nature of these creature. ;-)

Knowledge Nature, HI: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 2 = 16

She then scrutinizes the chamber walls made of (human?) bones.

Knowledge Local, HI: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 2 = 28

The alchemist nods approvingly.

"Quite quick indeed."

Naturally, Vreekka checks out the remains of the Mawnstuhs to learn more about the nature of these creature. ;-)

She then scrutinizes the chamber walls made of (human?) bones.

Daegon draws a blank about what's going on while Vreekka determines these were giant centipedes but doesn't know anything else about them.

Vreekka confirms these are human bones that were used in the construction of this place.

Having Vreekka take 10 on Knowledge (Arcana) for a 21.
Vreekka also confirms that the red dyed skulls arranged into the symbol of an eye within an elongated hexagon are a larger, more elaborate version of Gorum's Eye that was located on the Monolith.

With at least 3 votes to go forward I'll keep the current marching order.

As Victor enters the doorway he sees a broad well with low sides plunges into the middle of this large chamber. While there's more to see in this area his attention is immediately drawn to the humanoid figure sitting on the edge of the well!

Since Victor and ? see each other at the same time, they're in a surprise round as no other PC has line of sight to ?.

The humanoid creature moves toward Victor, shouting out something, and leaping the last ten feet to swing a club at him!

@Victor: Unfortunately Victor does *not* get an AoO; if/when Knowledge checks are made you'll know why.

Attack from ?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 61d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

And trips over Victor's bardiche in the process!

Haha my curse effected the foe! The new map is on Slide 2 and Victor is up!

Does Victor understand what the creature shouts (i.e. is it in Ancient Osiriani, Common or Varisian)?

"Hey, watch where you're swinging that thing." replies Victor.

Wondering if the creature may have simply been startled by the intrusion, or if it could have useful information, he opts to not use lethal force for the moment...

Improved Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Bludgeoning non-lethal damage: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

...(probably missing) before stepping to the side to make room for his allies.

Would it be a knowledge local to know what the creature is? If it is then...

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Does Victor understand what the creature shouts (i.e. is it in Ancient Osiriani, Common or Varisian)?

"Hey, watch where you're swinging that thing." replies Victor.

Wondering if the creature may have simply been startled by the intrusion, or if it could have useful information, he opts to not use lethal force for the moment...

[dice=Improved Unarmed Strike]1d20+4
[dice=Bludgeoning non-lethal damage]1d3+4

...(probably missing) before stepping to the side to make room for his allies.

Would it be a knowledge local to know what the creature is? If it is then...

[dice=Knowledge (local)]1d20+5

@Victor: The language it is speaking is not among the ones Victor knows. Yes it is K-L and I'll include the info in a spoiler tag.

@Everyone: I'll ruin the surprise but I checked everyone's languages and, unless I'm blinder than I think, I believe none of the PCs speak Undercommon. Is this correct?

Victor calls 'alarum within' to alert the other party members something is not right!

Round 1 - Who goes there?
Cannoli
?
Vreekka
Victor
Guardian XI
Daegon
Quinn

Bold may react!

@Cannoli: Due to her positioning she can't see what Victor is talking about so bear that in mind when taking an action.

Cannoli is wise.

"This creature has attacked us, so that's bad. And we can't understand it. Or at least probably not. It didn't respond when Victor spoke common. And since it isn't a catfolk, it probably can't understand anything I say. Which means..."

"...hold on..."

the hamster wheel kicks into overdrive

"...that my amazing spell that makes people do things but only works if they understand me won't work here! AHA! So there is only one thing to do."

She pulls out her morningstar and moves into flanking position before continuing, "Beat it senseless."

Move to draw weapon (curse you +0 BAB) and 30 ft Movement. This DOES provoke. But now Victor flanks! Or might, if the enemy doesn't move.

The creature chitters at Cannoli and attempts to knock the filling out of her!

Whack Em!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 151d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Seeing the incoming danger it decides to step back slightly and give Cannoli da bidness!

Whack Em!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 141d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Chew on this...: 1d20 ⇒ 191d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

And bites into Cannoli's fur!

Cannoli has suffered a grievous wound of 3 HP! Will she survive???

The rest of the party is UP!

I hope it isn't resistant to acid... Daegon says as he hurls a small blob of green liquid at the creature.

acid splash, touch: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 161d3 ⇒ 2

That wound looked very grievous Cannoli! I can help!

The clunky android soldiers forward to strike at the morlock with his shadow blade. He moves around to the opposite side of it possibly drawing an AoO.

He holds his blade over his head before swinging it down powerfully.

[move] 30ft
[standard] attack
shadow weapon attack (flanking), slashing damage: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 2 = 252d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 4) + 6 = 14
Darn, one away from crit threat

Great googly moogly what a shot!

Daegon's acid splash is a near miss and hits the back wall leaving a sizzling trail of damage!
I moved Daegon's token into the room where he had an unobstructed shot at the creature. He still suffered the -4 penalty for firing into melee combat which was the difference between him hitting and missing. And yes I remember acid splash is a touch attack. ;)

Guardian XI arrogantly strides past the creature literally daring it to hit him - but it doesn't attack!
Emboldened by its inaction Guardian XI viciously slashes his shadow blade through the creature, inflicting a horrible wound! And yet...it still lives! Guardian XI reckons this thing is tougher than a 2 copper steak!

Vreekka, Victor, and Quinn are up! Cannoli please hold your 2nd round action for the aforementioned three to have a turn. :)