[Gameday XIII] #8-00 The Cosmic Captive (3-4) by Mustaparta

Game Master Mustaparta

From the altar you continue on to underground passages. The ceiling of this deep chamber is barely visible in the distance. Stairways designed for giants connect multiple levels, and bright illumination wipes away the shadows, unlike most other areas on the asteroid. A central platform inscribed with arcane runes hangs carefully balanced in the center of this network of enormous pathways paths. The floor of the platform appears to be a never-ending cascade of earth, forever falling into a black void.

Near northwest tunnel is a strange humming sphere of elemental earth matter and statue of winged demon-like creature. Suddenly the statue spreads its wings flying to attack you.

Ecthelien acts first

Just to double check did the update from DM Carbide have any impact on anything? It sounded like we had traveled to a new location?

Also just to do my usual check, I'm guessing based on the description that we wouldn't have had a chance to buff before running into these two creatures (although I was also wondering if there was any chance to adjust our marching formation a little as Constantin would tend to what to be slightly back from Dan rather than next to him due to his total lack of armour)?

Ecthelien spots the flying creature on its approach.

kn:arcane, planes or dungeon: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

It would appear we have disturbed the hornets nest.

He will try to catch the flapping creature in a ball of glittering dust, avoiding catching the front rank.

A cloud of golden particles covers everyone and everything in the area, causing creatures to become blinded and visibly outlining invisible.

DC15 WILL vs blindness, recheck end of each creature's turn.

You did travel to new location, youre now at entrance tunnel of the fortress. Yes you can adjust the marching order (moved you behind Daniel), but the creatures stealth is good enough you didn't get to surprise round.

Will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 Success, no invisibles detected.

Local is knowledge skill used to identify winged beast. Planes skill identifies instead the brown as Earth wysp which has elemental traits, burrow speed and it grants bonuses on attack rolls and damage rolls to creatures with Earth subtype and DCs of all racial spell-like, supernatural, and extraordinary abilities of such creatures.

moved you behind Daniel

Fantastic, thanks!

Knowledge (local) for winged creature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Ecthelien gladly shares the info he knows about

”the brown in the back is an Earth wysp which has elemental traits, and can burrow… “

kn:local : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

”This flapping one is a… “

It is a gargoyle. They have DR 10/magic. At least Daniel had non-magic sword, if you would remind me when hitting it that be great

Just waiting for when it's my turn

Gargoyle starts clawing Daniel.

claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Slashing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Party is up

Constantin move around behind the gargoyle (keeping out of AoO range) indicating for one of his colleague to move into flank with him. Once someone moves into flank he attacks...

longspear AoO attack + flank: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 = 22
cold iron piercing damage + sneak attack: 1d8 + 6 + 2d6 ⇒ (8) + 6 + (4, 6) = 24

Ecthelien assumes Daniel will step into flank to attack ( but he himself will draw his longsword and flank otherwise)

”We should take down Themis gargoyle first and quickly.“

The elf does not apparently have a magic weapon either. So he can try to aid…Daniel
aid,flank : 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 2 = 11

Azura draws her bow, charges it with Arcane Energy and fires at the gargoyle. Then she takes a step to the north, beginning to move around the combatants for better positioning.

+1 Composite Shortbow attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Damage, PBS, AS, IC: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

Dan clearly sees Constantin waiting for the flank. He positions himself as seen fit and gets on flanking position. He hopes to do sufficient damage to get through the gargoyle's damage reduction, and takes appreciation in benefiting from Echetelien's pinpoints.

attacks with a bastard sword : 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 28
Damage : 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

He hits well, but his weapon being nonmagical makes the hit dull enough that doesn't get through the creature's carapace. He feels even worse knowing his attack was almost accurate enough to go into overdrive.

All of you hit the gargoyle but nonmagical bastard sword doesn't even scratch it. The tiny-sized brown sphere rolls closer to action but stays outside melee range.

Gargoyle steps closer to Constantin unleashing its fury against him. The humming sound from the sphere seems to empower its attack.

claw: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 = 13
claw: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 2 = 20
slashing: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8
bite: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 2 = 11

2nd round continues: Constantin, Daniel, Azura and Daniel are up.

Dan is a bit pissed off - lamenting he has to face what amounts to a not-so-insurmontable creature but having one ability specifically tailored to the equipment he currently has. His ultimate goal is to kick the floating ball out of the sky because of being the obvious buffer, but can't charge at it without getting intercepted by the gargoyle, so for now he focuses on this one, but not without casting Divine Favor like the previous times.

attack roll : 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 26
Damage : 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

He has to put his maximum strength to do something, but at least this is something. He's more happy that Constantin will sneak the heck out of the creature.

Ecthelien carefully moves south and lines up a flame arc on the two opponents.

When blade will not suffice, magic may prove more effective.

Flame Arc DC 13) (Su) : 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1) + 1 = 5 Bleh!

Azura charges her bow and fires again on the gargoyle.

+1 Composite Shortbow attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Damage, PBS, AS: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

Reflex save, Gargoyle: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Reflex save, Earth wysp: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Both are burned by magic and Azura hits gargoyle with bow piercing its hide.

Constantin's turn

Constantin steps back and attempts to stab the gargoyle again...

longspear attack + flank: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 2 = 21
cold iron piercing damage + sneak attack: 1d8 + 6 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (2, 2) = 11

Constantin slightly wounds gargoyle and its on brink of death when the wysp unexpectedly releases energy killing it and healing its winged companion.

Ecthelien can act.

Delaying Ecthelien

Gargoyle concentrates its attacks on Constantin. Claw and bite cut deep wounds.

claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
crit confirm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
slashing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
crit slashing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
piercing: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Party can act

Constantin waits for Dan to move into a flanking position and to attack (plus for any other non-spell attacks from the party to happen). He then kicks the gargoyle hard in a vulnerable area while it is distracted...

unarmed strike + flank: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 = 28
damage + sneak attack: 1d6 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + (5, 6) = 19
crit?: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13
crit damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

If the gargoyle is still alive after his attack he will then use Dimensional Slide to teleport away without provoking (he will also use some of his movement after the teleport if necessary). I'll hold of on moving my token until it's clear if he needs to teleport.

Dan doesn't need much to try to help Constantin - he just moves enough to keep the flanking in place. He wasn't expecting the wysp's self-sacrifice and the following hefty hit the creature landed on Constantin ... the faster the creature goes back down on the floor, the better.

attacks with a bastard sword : 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 21
Damage : 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

He's able to chip in the gargoyle's skin again despite more than a half of the hit getting absorbed.

Constantin and Daniel finish off the gargoyle. Combat over, you have time heal and apply buffs with longer durations

Advancing deeper into the cave network, tunnels twist and turn into dozens of dead-ends, each of which terminates in a rapidly shifting portal through which other locations on the asteroid are visible. You come across three pale yellow humanoids with blank, bulging white eyes and gangly arms and legs. They clutch pickaxes in their knobby hands.

Constantin and Ecthelien act first. Knowledge (nature) to identify

It seems I had wrongly assumed we were still in Part 2, ignore last post. Very sorry for this confusion.

A rune-scribed floating island begins drifting beneath the tunnel and brushing against the lowered ropes. “These rocky fragments gravitate toward the fortress,” Sorrina shouts as she hangs from a rope. “If we can cling on before it travels out of reach, it should carry it toward our destination.” The iceberg-sized rock spins slightly, revealing a host of undead cultists that cease their chanting, point toward the Pathfinders, and let loose unholy wails. “Now!” cries the Master of Spells, and agents begin rappelling down to the crude platform.

You begin suspended 15 feet above the surface of the rock, and must climb down the knotted rope or drop in order to reach the ground and fend off the undead cultists.

So this last post is valid?

Ecthelien will look down the cliff and decides climbing is too manual and dirty. He has no knowledge about nature.

”This is where the arcane arts can bypass these nasty messy tasks“

He will dimensionally slide to the lower area

CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Azura begins to Orate, offering advice on hand and foot placement as they begin to descend.

Performing to Inspire Competence on our climb checks (+2 to Climb). She will also directly aid Daniel (+4) and offer the use of her climbing kit (+2) for a total of +8 to his climb check.

Aid Another (Daniel) Climb, kit, Inspire: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 12
Azura Climb, kit, Inspire: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 28

He's not too happy to having to climb down or up again. Give him a flat terrain everyday of the week. He certainly won't complain at all Azura helping him and adresses her a big sigh of relief like he owes her a solid after this is concluded.

Climb : 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 + 4 + 2 = 28

Somehow he lands pretty well on his feet and marvels at his good luck.

Yes, last post is valid. Constantin has +10 Climb modifier so he automatically succeeds climbing a rope.

Two skeletal cultists wait near where descend. Closer foe is holding high its longsword as cold blue light shines in its eye sockets. One behind it is wearing robes.

Azura acts first

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Azura calls out, "Bludgeon, if you can..." and begins to sing to Inspire Courage in her comrades. She draws her bow and blunt tipped arrows.

8th round of Bardic Performance, verbal components; Inspire Courage: +2 to attack, damage and saves vs charm/fear.

Just to cover off Constantin's actions between the end of the last fight and this one...

Following the fight with the gargoyle Constantin wipes away the blood from his forehead inspecting it on his hand with a grin. After cleaning his longspear he then then heals himself back up to full health with the help of his wand and follows the rest of the party to the new location.

Once there, in preparation for heading down the rope he casts enlarge person and shield on himself using his other wands and then descends the rope onto the floating island (I assume he'd have time to use the wands while waiting to head down the rope?)

Yes enough time to use wands
Azura knows these are Bone priest and skeletal champion. Both have Damage resistance which doesn't apply to bludgeoning and Bone priest needs also magic weapon to fully hit. Skeletal warrior lumbers toward Daniel and swings with its sword but misses.

sword vs. Daniel: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Daniel and Ecthelien

His sense of deja vu. He's not thinking twice, same strike again. He moves out and provokes an attack of opportunity that hopefully he will evade, or is he tempting luck and getting struck as a result, fate will tell.

Provoking an AoO on purpose hoping the creature doesn't have Combat Reflexes. Hopefully I benefit from flanking, if not, remove 2 from the attack result

attacks with a bastard sword : 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 23
Damage : 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

His hit is pretty good despite expecting the bone absorbing part of it.

Echthelien will ready to cast magic missiles at the bone priest should it advance or attack (to disrupt casting etc)

These look surprisingly similar. And we have learned a bit of their tactics and our own limitations.

As far as I can tell, this has all been the same day without sleep, so Ecthelien is getting very low on magic.

AoO: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
slashing: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Skeleton manages to hit Daniel who shatters its bones even though it still stands. Bone priest tries to cast a spell but Ecthelien's magic disrupts it.

Concentration: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Constantin's turn

Taking advantage of his increased height Constantin launches a knee in the direction of the skeletal champion's head...

unarmed strike + flank + IC: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 2 = 27
bludgeoning damage + sneak attack + IC: 1d8 + 5 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + (1, 6) + 2 = 21

If he manages to do enough damage to kill the skeletal champion he will then move to the area I marked with a square on the map, getting his longspear ready as he does.

The skeleton collapses to a pile of bones.

Azura's turn

Azura maintains her song as she moves up beside Daniel, charges her bow with Arcane Energy and fires on the Bone Priest.

+1 Composite Shortbow Attack, PBS, IC: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 2 = 23 Damage, PBS, IC, AS: 1d6 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 11

9th round of Bardic Performance, verbal components; Inspire Courage: +2 to attack, damage and saves vs charm/fear.

Azura's arrow hits and does some damage.

Others can act before enemy

Ecthelien will pump a couple more missiles into the bone priest

” This is about the last of my spells“

MM : 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 4) + 2 = 8

He draws a wand hoping he will not need to use it?

He tempted the devil a little too much and got sliced as a result. At least one of the undeads is destroyed as a result and remains only one. He doesn't think he'll be able to help Constantin with the flanking this time, so he'ell have to do with just regularly moving at hitting once, assuming it's accurate enough since it's a bit scattered all over the place.

attacks with a bastard sword : 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 2 = 16
Damage : 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Constantin moves around to the other side of the foe from Dan and strikes with his longspear...

longspear AoO attack + IC + flank: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 29
cold iron piercing damage + IC + sneak attack: 2d6 + 7 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (4, 6) + 7 + 2 + (6, 2) = 27