[Outpost VIII] GM Chadius 3-98: Expedition into Pallid Peril (Inactive)

Game Master chadius

We get the potions of water breathing from Society.

Mrs. Perkins wouldn't mind a darkvision elixir!

One moderate darkvision for Mrs. Perkins.

Shayla wouldn't mind darkvision either. If possible, she purchases a pair of swim fins

Faintly glowing algae tints jagged stone walls in a green light. A fine silt that clouds the water with every movement covers the bottoms of the chamber, though it settles seconds later. Clearly manufactured steps start at the base of the floor and sink to deeper waters in the flooded room to the east.

But enough of that. Carnivourous aquatic life teems in the chamber. Looks like they're hungry for you. 3 eels and some kind of shark? Seal? Whatever, they're out for blood.

Round 1
Henri
Kernal Klank
Mrs. Perkins
Evindal
White Eel
Yellow Eel
Shayla
Joli
Red Eel
Purple Shark? Seal?

Nature can be used to identify these creatures.

>The Sunken Antechamber<

Klank draws out his warhammer and shield and hollers to Joli "Side by side, try to keep them inside the chamber!" He raises his warhammer in warning if something gets too close.

Klank doesn't have a swim speed or underwater marauder so he is OG and takes the attack penalty with his warhammer. Will use whichever reaction triggers first: AOO or RS. AC25 but OG...

Henri would like to have darkvision elixir if there is still some left.

Then...
Henri drinks the potion of water breathing before going underwater after activating the light of his wayfinder.

Now...
Henri surrounds himself with the blessing of his deity after following the frontliners
Athletics to Swim: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

◆ Swim
◆◆ Bless (15-ft emanation, +1 status bonus to attack rolls while within the emanation)

If Shayla wasn't able to get darkvision, she lights her wayfinder instead. She also has Underwater Marauder.

"Side by side?" Mrs. Perkins questions, "No, thank you, I will be right behind you, though!"

She moves behind Klank, and then casts needle darts, her sewing needles turning into projectiles and flying through the water. vs White

Needle Darts, Piercing (underwater range 30'): 1d20 + 11 - 0 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 0 = 22
Piercing: 5d4 ⇒ (2, 3, 3, 3, 4) = 15

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

A crowd of drenched Pathfinders is pleased to report that the Sunken Halls is cleared!

Klank doesn't have a swim speed or underwater marauder so he is OG and takes the attack penalty with his warhammer. Will use whichever reaction triggers first: AOO or RS. AC25 but OG...

You'll have a swim speed 20' if you drink the Elixir that Evindal gave you! :-)

Just to clarify: Evindal made 3 Moderate Dark Vision (1 hour duration) as part of his Advanced Alchemy (so they can be used whenever you want during this day) and gave them to: Mrs. Perkins, Shayla, and Henri (the first three who asked). He's also given everyone a Sea Touch Elixir (that could have been consumed before entering the water) which gives a swim speed 20' for 10 minutes.

Before entering the water Evindal quaffs his own two elixirs (darkvision and sea touch), as well as the potion of water breathing of course, so that he'll be able to see and maneuver in the murky water.

Evindal swims forward to be able to see the creatures and then quickly hurls two bombs, both designed for underwater action!

◆ Swim/Stride 20'

◆ Quickbomb Moderate Sticky Algae Bomb, Bless, no lesser cover, 30' range vs. Purple: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 1 = 28
Sticky Algae Bombs are designed for underwater and don't take normal penalties for underwater combat (which I'm not actually even sure what they are anyway!)
Poison dmg: 2d8 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8 + 4 Poison splash dmg (to Purple, Red, and White); on a miss (but not a crit miss) the bomb does 5 Poison splash dmg to (only) Purple.

◆ Quickbomb Moderate Sticky Algae Bomb, Bless, no lesser cover, 30' range vs. Purple, MAP: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 1 - 5 = 10
Poison dmg: 2d8 ⇒ (8, 4) = 12 + 4 Poison splash dmg (to Purple, Red, and White); on a miss (but not a crit miss) the bomb does 5 Poison splash dmg to (only) Purple.

Versatile vials used: 4 of 6

Evindal's bombs seek the purple creature. Caught off guard, the bombs critically explode in its face, hurting the others nearby.

Two eels surge from their rest. The white eel Evindal hit comes first, practically crawling along the cavern floor.

Even is Klank: 1d2 ⇒ 2
Bite: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26
Piercing: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (2, 6) + 8 = 16
Athletics to Grab: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29
Klank reacts immediately to raise his shield and absorb some of the blow, but now he's caught in its maw!

A Yellow striped eel swims around the corner and 10 feet above the cavern, lunging at Evindal and holding on to him.
Bite: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32
Piercing: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 6) + 8 = 15
Athletics to Grab: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

Round 1
Henri (Bless 15 ft)
Kernal Klank (16 incoming damage, Shield Raised, can Shield Block, Grabbed by White)
Mrs. Perkins
Evindal (15 damage, grabbed by Yellow)
White Eel (4 damage, 0ft above ground, grabbing Kernel Klank)
Yellow Eel (10 ft above ground, grabbing Evindal)
Shayla
Joli
Red Eel (4 damage)
Purple Shark? Seal? (16 damage)

Nature can be used to identify these creatures.

>The Sunken Antechamber<

Shayla moves up and sends her needle darts at Yellow.

Needle Darts, 60' range: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28 for Piercing Damage: 5d4 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 2, 1) = 11 Critical Hit: Double Damage + 3 persistent bleed

◈ Swim
◈◈ Needle Darts vs Yellow

GM, just checking the bomb math. If the first bomb was a crit on Purple it should have taken 20, not 16 (8x2 + 4 from the splash). And if the 2nd bomb was a miss but not a crit miss then Purple should have taken another 5 dmg from that bomb, for a total of 25 dmg. Please disregard if there are other factors but just wanted to be sure you weren't missing out on the splash dmg since it's such a huge part of what alchemists do.

Thanks for keeping me honest, Evindal. I haven't played alongside a lot of alchemists.

Shayla's needles pierce the eel's flesh, but it's not as hard as it should be. Must be some kind of piercing resistance.

Round 1
Henri (Bless 15 ft)
Kernal Klank (16 incoming damage, Shield Raised, can Shield Block, Grabbed by White)
Mrs. Perkins
Evindal (15 damage, grabbed by Yellow)
White Eel (9 damage, 0ft above ground, grabbing Kernel Klank)
Yellow Eel (6 damage, 10 ft above ground, grabbing Evindal)
Shayla
Joli
Red Eel (9 damage)
Purple Shark? Seal? (25 damage)

Nature can be used to identify these creatures.

>The Sunken Antechamber<

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

With bravery and tenacity, Pathfinders have fought their way through the Labyrinth’s haunted halls. The Labyrinth is cleared!

Joli wades in, walking calmly along the ground, and with a guarded stance, attempts to free the alchemist...

◇) Quick-Tempered to Rage (+9 tHP)
◆) Parry (to AC 25)
◆) Swim (Evindal's Seatouch Elixir)
◆) Strike

Merciful Bo Staff (B, reach, parry, non-lethal) w/ Bless (+1) w/ Bloodrage (+2, plus 1 bleed) vs Yellow Eel: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 15 + 1 = 312d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 2) + 4 + 2 = 9

Swinging a staff underwater is tough. That would have been a critical blow on land, but the water blunts Joli's aim. Its thick hide blunts some of his impact, but it still leaves a nasty bruise that bleeds into the water.

The Red eel swims up but it can't do much, the other eels are blocking the way. The Purple shark-like thing is small enough to swim under the eel and tries to bite Joli.

Bite: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Piercing: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 Plus 1d6 Bleed

Tail: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 4 = 20
He parries the tail slap, but the shark leaves a lasting bite that also bleeds, driving it into a frenzy!

Round 2
Henri (Bless 15 ft)
Kernal Klank (16 incoming damage, Shield Raised, can Shield Block, Grabbed by White)
Mrs. Perkins
Evindal (15 damage, grabbed by Yellow)
White Eel (9 damage, 0ft above ground, grabbing Kernel Klank)
Yellow Eel (6 damage, 4 Nonlethal damage, Bleed 1, 10 ft above ground, grabbing Evindal)
Shayla
Joli (Parry AC 25, 3 damage, Bleed 1d6, RAGE!)
Red Eel (9 damage)
Purple Shark? Seal? (25 damage, Blood Frenzy, 8 Temp HP)

Nature can be used to identify these creatures.

>The Sunken Antechamber<

I didn't see a mention of Mrs. Perkins needle darts. Did they hit? Can she tell what the resistance was?

Evindal doesn't like being grabbed! He quickly fishes groan around in his toolkit and tries to craft something.

◆ Quick Alchemy to create Moderate Bestial Mutagen
DC 5 Flat check due to being grabbed: 1d20 ⇒ 5 whew!

Then he quickly chugs it down!
◆ Interact
DC 5 Flat check due to being grabbed: 1d20 ⇒ 19

The normally sanguine old elf is suddenly a mad beast and he attempts to bite the eel's head off!

◆ Jaws, bless: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 1 = 23
P dmg: 2d8 + 1 ⇒ (4, 3) + 1 = 8

5 of 6 vials used

Mrs. Perkin's needle darts pierce the eel's White hide. She also notices some resistance to the piercing damage.

Evindal takes out a vial, drinks it down, and clamps hard on the beast's hide. He can feel its hide resisting some of his piercing teeth.

Round 2 [/ooc]
Henri (Bless 15 ft)
Kernal Klank (16 incoming damage, Shield Raised, can Shield Block, Grabbed by White)
Mrs. Perkins
Evindal (15 damage, grabbed by Yellow, Bestial Mutagen)
White Eel (19 damage, 0ft above ground, grabbing Kernel Klank)
Yellow Eel (9 damage, 4 Nonlethal damage, Bleed 1, 10 ft above ground, grabbing Evindal)
Shayla
Joli (Parry AC 25, 3 damage, Bleed 1d6, RAGE!)
Red Eel (9 damage)
Purple Shark? Seal? (25 damage, Blood Frenzy, 8 Temp HP)

Nature can be used to identify these creatures.

>The Sunken Antechamber<

Klank can only raise his shield as a reaction there, so can't also shield block as he's out of reactions at that point.

Evindal: Sorry, I'm not used to playing with someone providing consumables, I should have drank that thing before this, too late now.

Kernal is surprised by the power and viciousness of these oversized sushi rolls. "Keep the ranged clean so they can support us up here, blood will flow quickly." Weighing his options Klank decides the best and fastest route forward is through his hammer. He raises his shield then takes a wide swing with his hammer into the white and yellow eels.

◆◆ Swipe: +1 Striking, Crushing, Cold Iron Warhammer, Underwater, Bless: 1d20 + 17 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 17 - 2 + 1 = 192d8 + 4 ⇒ (7, 7) + 4 = 18

Hero Point: ◆◆ Swipe: +1 Striking, Crushing, Cold Iron Warhammer, Underwater, Bless: 1d20 + 17 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 17 - 2 + 1 = 292d8 + 4 ⇒ (7, 4) + 4 = 15

It was a toss up to raise shield vs assurance athletics to break the grab, not feeling like a DC20 would get the job done. Base AC27, will shield block or AOO whichever triggers first.

Venture-Captain Luna Aldred addressed the gathered Pathfinder agents.

”With everyone’s work, we’ve uncovered two new areas in the ruins. One route follows an old caravan route through the mountain, while the other goes through an abandoned temple. Choose whichever route you prefer, but keep your eyes peeled, as we’re getting closer to Raseri Kanton. However, the Aspis Consortium is closing in. We’ll return to the ruins tomorrow and beat those snakes to the city. Rest up tonight and prepare for a long day tomorrow.”

Table GMs, begin Act 2.

Another roar comes from behind. Henri and Shayla turn around just in time to see a school of Merfolk and Undines swim past them.

One of them, an Undine with Strix wings and talons, manages to pry one of the eel's mouths open. "Oh! We got this. You head back to base and recharge, okay?" She bops the eel on its snout. "Bad eel! We're not food!" She kicks it for good measure.

With the reinforcements arriving you decide it's time to make your exit and return back to base.

Venture-Captain Aldred bids you all a good night.

Please recharge your daily preparations.

You see teams splitting between the Temple Route and the Caravan Route. Which will you take first?

Nothing new here

So did I use my hero point or no?

Klank reluctantly leaves the fight, not being one to leave his safety to others, that's HIS job. "Thank you, be well." He offers thanks, finally drinking his swim potion and heads for the exit.

---

It takes a lot of food to fuel Kernal, he hits the mess hall thoroughly, offering up again his services for free gear repairs to other agents or support crew in need. "Rest well, we'll have another big day tomorrow."

---

"Seeing our skills in action, I vote we head along the temple route. We'd be most useful there I think."

Awaking refreshed, Joli dusts his fine clothes, and heads to the temple behind the kernel.

Mrs. Perkins is okay with the temple route.

Klank, keep your Hero Point.

Unless otherwise stated, the ceilings are 10 feet high. The structure is made of worked stone. There are no light sources in this dungeon.

Something has torn the stone tiles from this room, exposing red-streaked white soil beneath. Sections of the wall have collapsed or been torn apart, changing the room from the typical, straight lines of worked stone to a more organic shape almost like that of a skull. A sickly green altar radiates light from a fire etched into it.

The symbol in the altar is a fire lit under a stone arch.

>The Temple Route<

Give me your exploration activities, and how you are able to see in the dark.

Will go with defend this time for approaching the altar. AC27.

Klank adjusts his helmet, pulling his black beard out from a pinch point between the helm and some steel neck plating "Just remember, these were likely Torag's halls. Two days ago when we found some sealed temple doors I smelled demon summoning magic. What do we know about demons?" He asks the group, just in case. "I know my cold iron warhammer is usually very effective, tested numerous times in Cheliax."

Religion DC15: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

Klank hefts his warhammer and shield as he approaches the altar enough to get a good look. "This is the symbol of Droskar, the Dwarven deity of cheating and endless toil."

Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 vs DC 15

"That's a carving that hobos make to indicate to other hobos where work or food can be found."

Mrs. Perkins is Searching, or Scouting if nobody with a lower Perception modifier is already Scouting. She'll light her wayfinder for light.

Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

"Yep, " Shayla agrees with Klank, "I'd hate to play cards with him..."

Shayla will light her wayfinder. Shayla will scout (+11 perception). She'd stick to the shadows but that's kinda hard with a lit wayfinder... :)

Henri lights up his Wayfinder to see in the dark. He keeps his eyes peeled for any sign of danger.

Exploration Activity: Search, Perception +13

Evindal will maintain two investigations moving forward: 1) how to defeat the Aspis Incursion? and 2) what really happened to the ruined dwarven cities?

Now that we're out of the water Evindal will use his advanced Alchemy for the same assortment as earlier: 3 moderate darkvisions (given to the same folks as before) and 2 each of silversheen and cold iron blanch (given to Kernal and Joli as the most frequent frontliners), unless there are any requests for other items. He can make poison too... :-)

...

Upon entering the temple area, Evindal peers around carefully, certain that there may be clues to his different investigations.

Investigate for exploration activity. Note that once every ten minutes he can Clue In - give a +1 circumstance bonus if someone makes a check that would be relevant to one of the open investigations. Kind of hard to do in PbP but GM please assume that Evindal will do this at the first opportunity ever ten minutes; it's a reaction.

Relying on his teammates wayfinders, Joli squints to see through the lowlight just beyond their radii, his bo poised defensively as he keeps pace with the kernal.

You hear a loud crash as demons begin smashing some of the remains of statues in the altar. They look at you and salivate, glowing a faint green as they prepare to attack.

You see four demons, but the one furthest in the back with Green fur seems weaker than the others.

Worshippers of Torag and the rest of the Dwarven Pantheon suffer a -1 status penalty to attack rolls, skill checks, saving throws and Perception checks while in this room. Worshippers of Droskar, gain a +1 status penalty instead.

Kernal Klank realizes these demons are about to get the jump on the rest of the team- what will he do?

Round 1
Kernal Klank
Black Demon
Blue Demon
Green Demon
Yellow Demon
Shayla
Joli
Henri
Mrs. Perkins
Evindal

>Droskar's Altar<

Am I right to understand that since I was going with raised shield exploration mode that I'll have a shield raised til my turn? If so then I'll delay until the demons go in hopes they come to melee. That would put my AC at 27 and I'll shield block the first hit if it comes.

Kernal Klank keeps his shield ready and lets them come to him.

One covered in Black ash howls at him.
Will Save vs Fear: 1d20 + 13 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 13 - 1 = 24
Klank ignores it.
Hurled Debris: 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 13 + 1 = 26
He continues to ignore some stones hurled at him.

The Blue skinned demon seems to laugh before turning to Joli and doing the same.
Will Save vs Fear: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 Frightened 2
Hurled Debris: 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 13 + 1 = 26
Bludgeoning Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 3) + 6 = 14
I'm assuming Joli entered rage via Quick Tempered
This demon is much more successful at rattling Joli's nerves and bashing him with a rock.

The other two come running in. Each have enough time for a single bite with their sharp jaws.
Green vs Joli, Frightened 2: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 1 = 21

Yellow vs Klank: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 16 + 1 = 36
Piercing: 3d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 1, 3) + 6 = 12
Fort Save: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30
Kernal Klank raises his shield just in time to avoid what may have been a critical blow. But as the teeth sink in, he feels his body starting to sag. He fights it off and maintains his composure.

Round 1
Black Demon
Blue Demon
Weak Green Demon
Yellow Demon
Kernal Klank (12 incoming damage, can Shield Block)
Shayla
Joli (Frightened 2, 5 damage, RAGE)
Henri
Mrs. Perkins
Evindal

>Droskar's Altar<

Klank holds the line, letting his shield deflect the majority of the demon's teeth. "Bring them down!" He ◆ raises his shield in defense before cleaving the nearby demons into submission... or not.

Swipe: Feat 4: ◆◆ +1 Striking, Crushing, Cold Iron Warhammer, Torag: 1d20 + 17 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 17 - 1 = 182d8 + 4 ⇒ (1, 5) + 4 = 10

So shield blocking the 12, vs hardness 8. 4 damage to me and 4 to my shield. AC27 for the round. Will use first reaction to trigger, AOO or Shield Block.

◆ Recall Knowledge (would this be Occultism/Arcana - both +11, or perhaps Religion +8?)

Also, Evindal can Devise a Stratagem as a free action if it's related to either of his investigations. I assume the Demons aren't related to the Aspis but would it apply to his investigation of what happened to the Dwarven cities?

2 actions remaining, pending the results of the Knowledge check.

Shayla's arm pumps once as she hurls an axe at Yellow.

+1 Striking Hatchet, 20' range, Range: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 15 - 2 = 24 for Slashing Damage: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 5) + 3 = 9
Critical Hit: Double Damage + Crit Specialization

She then focuses and drops a pool of acid on top of Green and Yellow

Caustic Blast, 30' range, 5' burst, Acid Damage; DC 20 Reflex for half: 2d8 ⇒ (8, 7) = 15 Double Damage plus 2 persistent acid on Reflex Crit Fail

◈ Strike
◈◈ Caustic Blast

Klank feels a divine presence holding back his aim. It's enough to hit the Green furred demon with his Cold Iron Warhammer. It hisses in pain, hurting much more than Klank would suspect. He must have found some kind of weakness.

Evindal takes a moment to ponder the demons. They are wrecker demons, also known as abrikandilus. That would explain why the cold iron did so well- they are weak to it. If someone was sanctified they could use the powers of Good to hurt them as well. These demons love destroying beauty and are terrified of their own reflection.

Were they responsible for desecrating this temple, except for Droskar? Maybe they were summoned from his realm.
Evindal, these demons are related to what happened to the Dwarven cities. You can take advantage of this with Free Action Recall Knowledge checks.

Shayla decides to act first, think later. Her throwing axe chops into the demon's Yellow maw. The Yellow demon is definitely not ready for her followup and stumbles into it, leaving a nasty burn. The weakened Green Demon also critically fails, it barely holds together.

Round 1
Black Demon
Blue Demon
Weak Green Demon (45 damage, Persistent 2 Acid Damage)
Yellow Demon (41 damage, Persistent 2 Acid Damage)
Kernal Klank (4 damage, Shield Raised, Shield: 4 damage)
Shayla
Joli (Frightened 2, 5 damage, RAGE)
Henri
Mrs. Perkins
Evindal (2 actions remain)

>Droskar's Altar<

Joli unleashes his full blood - his fury crackles like lightning, his bo striking like thunder - he ravages the devils in front of them, hoping to clear the hall!

Merciful Bo Staff (B, reach, parry, non-lethal) w/ Fright (-2) w/ Bloodrage (+2, plus 1 bleed) vs Green Devil: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 15 - 2 = 182d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (6, 2) + 4 + 2 = 14
Hero Point!
Merciful Bo Staff (B, reach, parry, non-lethal) w/ Fright (-2) w/ Bloodrage (+2, plus 1 bleed) vs Green Devil: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 15 - 2 = 242d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 7) + 4 + 2 = 16

◇) Quick-Tempered to Rage (+9 tHP)
◆) Strike
◆◆) Electric Arc
~) Drained 1 from Bloodrage Casting (lose 6 HPs, -6 max HP, -1 Fortitude)
~) Lower Fright to 1

Basic Reflex vs DC 20 (18 Frightened) vs Electricity vs Green and Yellow (else next closest): 4d4 ⇒ (3, 1, 3, 3) = 10

His body hemorrhages from the weakness that exposes himself from using his cursed magic - fueling in him a hunger for violence beyond anything he has allowed his teammates to see until this point. He opens his mouth and howls with fury, his massive tusks lashing, the calm, gentle eyes giving way instead to bloodshot, angry daggers!

Yellow: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 1 = 21
Blue: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 11 + 1 = 14
Joli unleashes his fury, knocking the weakened Green Demon out and then shocking the other two.

Round 1
Black Demon
Blue Demon (10 damage)
Weak Green Demon (Unconscious 55 damage, Persistent 2 Acid Damage)
Yellow Demon (46 damage, Persistent 2 Acid Damage)
Kernal Klank (4 damage, Shield Raised, Shield: 4 damage)
Shayla
Joli (Drained 1, Frightened 1, 5 damage, RAGE)
Henri
Mrs. Perkins
Evindal (2 actions remain)

>Droskar's Altar<

Henri calls upon the blessing of his deity to help his allies in this encounter. His blessing to Jolinaxus is empowered with healing.

◆◆ Bless (15-ft emanation, +1 status bonus to attack rolls while within the emanation)
◆ Healer's Blessing