Angoldir isn’t very good with animals, but he still tries to scare away the lizard before it decides to attack one of the rescued dwarves. Qadar warbles encouragingly in his ear, offering his master of bit of guidance as he ventures outside his zone of comfort.

Intimidate, Inspiration, Guidance vs DC 28: 1d20 + 5 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 5 + (4) + 1 = 28

Wow. That was... unexpected.

PFS #: 264524-7
Faction: Dark Archives
Day Job: Craft (alchemy): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

”An excellent idea.” Angoldir studies the walls for a few seconds. ”Let me see if I can create something alchemical to direct the rockfall away from us. None of these dwarves deserve to be left behind. Once the explosives are ready, we can place them a little ways behind us. Aryxis, any luck removing that blindness?”

Craft (alchemy), Inspiration: 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 14 + (1) = 31

Blindness/deafness looks like it should be removable with dispel magic.

Angoldir taps the remaining duergar once, then jabs with the point of his blade. ”Here,” he says, voice strained and tired.

Swordcane vs AC 10: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Swordcane, ST vs Red: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 3 = 27
Piercing damage: 1d6 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (2) - 2 + 3 = 3

Move action to Aid Agryxis‘s next attack (+4 bonus), standard action to attack.

Will vs DC 13: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Angoldir follows the cleric, hoping his companions will join him soon.

Sword Cane, ST vs Red: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 3 = 30
Piercing damage, ST: 1d6 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (1) - 2 + 3 = 2

Will vs DC 13: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Angoldir steels his mind against the flood of darkness and strikes back at the duergar. ”Agryxis,” he calls, ”Oikeinkirjoitusteoria viittaa siihen, että kumppanimme sokeus voitaisiin hälventää samalla tavalla kuin lumous pelastetusta kääpiömme. Voisitko auttaa häntä?”

Turning his attention back to the dark dwarf, the aged elf studies her briefly before striking with his cane’s blade.

Sword Cane, ST: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 3 = 31
Piercing damage, ST: 1d6 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (2) - 2 + 3 = 3

Move action to Study, Standard to attack.

On the bright side - if Blue is blind, that means Laishi gets to add her Sneak Attack damage!

Seeing the last warrior locked in blind combat with Laishi, Angoldir disengages and heads up the stairs to support his fellow elves. ”You must shake off her control,” he urges Aryxis.

Double move. This will provoke from Red, but not from Blue thanks to him being blinded.

If it’s any solace, greater command gives targets another Will save to end the effect at the start of each turn after the first.

Angoldir continues pressing the attack on the mounted duergar, letting his guard down slightly in hope of ending this conflict quickly and freeing up his companions to aid Laishi and Sifvery.

Swordcane, ST: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 3 = 28
Piercing damage, ST: 1d6 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (3) - 2 + 3 = 4

Finally coming fully to his senses, Doranus shouts, "Ah! Thank you for freeing me from that witches magic! How can I help?"

”Your axe would be most welcome here,” Angoldir replies, studying the eastern duergar. ”Do not put yourself at risk needlessly though, and I will do what I can to keep you safe.” He jabs cautiously with his bladed cane, recognizing that the Pathfinders cannot win this fight solely by defense.

Sword Cane, Studied Target, Fighting Defensively: 1d20 + 9 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 3 - 4 = 26
Piercing damage, ST: 1d6 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (2) - 2 + 3 = 3

Studying right duergar and attack - AC currently 25.

Well, the stairs are possibly difficult terrain going up. If that's the case, then Sifvery, Tenibri, the orange duergar, and the orange beetle are all the "same distance" away. Maybe Laiashi would roll a d4 to see who she considers "closest"? What does the GM think?

Reflex vs DC 14: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 (Success - 3 damage)
Reflex vs DC 14: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21 (Success - 2 damage)

Have we exhausted Ironfin's good will? Angoldir thinks to himself as he covers his face against the twin blasts of acid. Unwilling to abandon his rescued charge behind him, the storyteller remains in his defensive position and keeps an eye on the battlefield around him.

Total Defense again - AC currently 27.

Confusion is almost always an enchantment effect, so I would assume the bonus would apply.

Seeing the pair of riders coming towards him and Tenibri - and their rescued dwarf - Angoldir grimaces. Where is that bulette? he wonders, scanning the ground hopefully for ripples or the trace of an adamantine-covered fin. "It might be safer to stand behind me," he suggests softly to the wayang as he moves to the fore, swordcane held defensively in front of him.

Move and Full Defense (AC currently 27). Bodyguard if needed below.

Angoldir finishes helping the other Pathfinders tie up Doranus before standing back up. "We shouldn't let our guard down - there could be m-"

A sudden crash and clatter interrupts the storyteller. Turning to look, he sees the dwarf atop the beetle ahead. "And they are here. Prepare yourselves." Quickly he pulls out another vial of clear liquid and swallows it before studying the duergar's mount.

Knowledge (nature?), Inspiration: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 9 + (3) = 25

Using extract of shield as a standard action and Studying the beetle as a move action.

Poor Doranus - he didn’t even get to roll a d20 for that reflex save. XD

Also, isn’t the damage from Bane still lethal damage?

Angoldir moves forward to assist his companions. ”Perhaps he can be restrained?” he asks softly, glancing at Laishi.

CMB to Aid vs D 10: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Success - Laishi could gain a +4 bonus to grapple the dwarf.

The aged storyteller steps lightly over the unstable ground and tucks himself behind Laishi. He spits towards the surface dwarf, and the same pale green liquid splashes all over the dwarf and threatens to bind him to the ground.

Move and spit adhesive spittle. The dwarf needs to make a Reflex 16 save or become glued to the ground. Even on a successful save, the dwarf is entangled for 2d4 rounds (with the same methods of escape as if against a tanglefoot bag).

Given that Angoldir is an elf (and a lightweight one at that) and that we had plenty of time to investigate the area before opponents arrived, I'm assuming he does not trigger the pit trap. If this is an incorrect assumption, please let me know and we can look at other options for his turn.

Angoldir pulls a vial of pale green liquid from his belt pouch and swallows it. Moving around the backside of the central pillar, he pulls out his longbow and studies the dark dwarves.

Knowledge (local), Inspiration: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 10 + (4) = 21
Do they have any resistances or weakness? If not, any special abilities that are particularly noteworthy?

Using extract of adhesive spittle and moving (drawing weapon as part of movement).

Oh. That’s news.

Is that dwarf in the back (with the book) a duergar or a prisoner?

"Though they might ask themselves what someone like yourself is doing down here where surfacefolk are rarely seen," Angoldir adds, tucking himself behind the stone column in the middle of the path. "It could make them suspect something is afoot. Perhaps you could make yourself look more disheveled - as if you had been stumbling through these caves for weeks. That might lay their suspicions to rest long enough to surprise them."

Is it just the rectangle marked T1 that will collapse, or the entire dotted rectangle from north to south across the gap? Regardless, Angoldir is in position.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Knowledge (engineering), Inspiration: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 9 + (3) = 23
Knowledge (dungeoneering), Inspiration: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 9 + (3) = 29

Angoldir carefully studies the area, looking for anything the Pathfinders could use to their advantage. "Remember, we are here to rescue the prisoners," he cautions, "which means we should not endanger them if at all possible."

Heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Angoldir approaches the great beast slowly, a concoction of mushrooms from the nearby tunnels and chemicals from his pack mashed together into a thick, pungent paste. "This will help ease his pain," he explains to Felgriss. "It should also reduce the chaffing from the augmentations, at least for a time, if applied to the skin around them."

If this counts as an Aid, Angoldir should give a +4 bonus. No Wild Empathy or anything to communicate directly unfortunately.

As the Pathfinders sheath their blades when the bulette falls, Angoldir approaches Sifvery. "Might I trouble you for some assistance with this healing wand?" he asks politely. "I can attempt it myself, but that might take longer and time is of the essence in this mission."

Assuming she agrees:
CLW: 5d8 + 5 ⇒ (7, 1, 7, 4, 5) + 5 = 29

At the barricade, Angoldir shows his empty hands. "We seek passage through and nothing more," he explains, turning to his companions and gesturing for Aryxis to step forward. "My companion can explain in more detail."

Angoldir automatically Aids a Diplomacy check, giving Aryxis a +4 bonus.

Angoldir continues tapping distractingly at the bulette, trying to give his companion a better angle to strike from. "Keep your hand steady..." he advises calmly.

Swordcane to Aid vs AC 10: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 Success - Agryxis gains a +4 bonus to his next attack against the bulette

Assuming that Aryxis steps closer to be able to hit the bulette with his greatsword...

Angoldir steps in tandem with the other elf, his sword-cane dancing through the air as he taps the angry creature in a distracting manner.

Swordcane vs AC 10: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 Success - Aryxis gains a +4 bonus to his next attack against the bulette

Angoldir stumbles back behind Aryxis, his arm nearly severed from the blow. "One moment," he says, voice calm as he tries to ignore the pain. Pulling out a vial of pale yellow fluid, he gulps it down and returns the bottle to his belt pouch.

Knowledge (nature), Inspiration vs DC 18: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 9 + (6) = 19

"A bulette - they have been known to jump on those they hunt and cut them to pieces," the aged elf explains. "And beware those jaws."

5 ft step and drink extract of long arm. I know it's not a nice place to be, but if Aryxis moves closer next round Angoldir can assist him in hitting the creature and keeping it from hitting him back (Angoldir needs to be able to reach the bulette and be adjacent to Aryxis). Angoldir's just at too few hitpoints right now to risk another hit (and he can't Aid his own AC).

I know Aryxis rolled low on their initiative, but was it so low that it doesn't even get to show up in the turn order tracker? XD

"Be on your guard," Angoldir warns, pulling out a vial of clear liquid from his belt pouch and swallowing it. As he strides back towards Aryxis, he pulls his sword cane from its sheath in his walking stick. "Something is below us."

Drink extract of shield and move, drawing weapon as part of movement.

”They know better than to completely empty the purses of travelers,” Angoldir adds. ”After all, that would drive traffic off the road, and those coins do no good in the belly of some strange beast.”

Automatically Aid, +4 bonus.

"If the road is already made, let us walk it," Angoldir echoes. "I would not want to rely on my little knowledge of the underground while our quarry escapes."

Angoldir can automatically Aid someone else's Diplomacy check to give them a +4 bonus thanks to his adoptive racial trait Helpful Halfling. Alternatively, he's got a +9 bonus to Knowledge (dungeoneering) with a +1d6 bonus from Inspiration, but that is not enough to make me feel comfortable choosing the off-road option.

Hey, just a short notice. I'm having a really hard exam today and in two weeks (the ones where they kick the most students out). I'll post an update tonight after the first exam.

The GM did mention that they had exams on Sept. 4th and Sept. 18th. That's this Friday - perhaps they'll be back after that?

"We may need to see in the dark without relying on a source of light that would give away or position," Angoldir suggests. "Though these dwarves of the deep might not be able to handle the light of day as well as we do, so a means of producing daylight might give us an advantage as well."

Oh no! Take your time, GM - goodness knows there’s enough stress in this world without us adding to yours.

An aged elf nods to the other Pathfinders as the group enters Janderhoff. "It is an honor to be a part of your story," he says solemnly, one hand over his heart. An ugly cauterized scar peeks over the tips of his long fingers, not quite hidden behind his shirt. "I am known as Angoldir, and this one as Qadar." He smiles gently as he indicates the small songbird perched on his shoulder. "Now, what is already known that we might not retrace old steps while these duergar create new trails."

Knowledge (local), Inspiration: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 10 + (1) = 24
Knowledge (dungeoneering), Inspiration: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (20) + 9 + (6) = 35

Angoldir thinks a moment, then sighs heavily. "A tragic story, that of the duergar. Unwilling to join their brethren in their Quest for the Sky, they instead turned to Droskar, the dwarven god of toil, slavery, and cheating. Perhaps he cheated them when he cursed them - or perhaps both parties saw it as a blessing in order to survive in such an inhospitable place as Nar-Voth and the Darklands. The land is full of sharp drops, unstable ground, slippery surfaces, and cramped passages, so it is little wonder that the duergar are though of as the most powerful race when they control the Long Walk. Regardless, there is little love between the dwarves and the duergar - both are more likely to kill each other on sight rather than take prisoners. I fear these captives may be intended for a dark fate." The elf's voice is neutral and unemotional, but his eyes narrow in concentration as he leans on his walking stick. "A dark fate indeed..."

"I even hear there's some land available where an asylum once stood," Angoldir adds. "No doubt the people living there would appreciate having a new building with no connection to the residents of the previous one." He smiles gently. "Besides. Should there be lasting trouble from the Keepers' actions, having highly-capable agents on hand would certainly help calm the citizens' nerves."

The aged elf looks around one last time at his companions. "Drusilla, your strength and compassion do your heart credit. Grunyak, your steady presence and faith have kept us safe many times over. It has been a joy to travel with you once more, and I am glad our journey together was not as sorrowful as our first. Brave Taariik, may you find your path and light the way in a dark world. Eldrin, your keen mind is overshadowed only by your thirst to know the unknown. May your journeys lead you where you need to go, and if the fates allow perhaps our paths will cross once more and I will hear your stories again."

Player Name: Hawthwile

Character Name: Angoldir
PFS Number: 264524
Character Number: 7
Faction: Dark Archives
Progression (normal/slow): Normal
Start XP: 13
Start PP: 3
Start Fame: 22
Start Gold: 641
Day Job: Craft (alchemy), Crafter’s Fortune: 1d20 + 12 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 5 = 30

Copied for your convenience, GM. Additionally, Angoldir would like to scribe the following formulas (from both Krove and Eldrin's spellbooks):

- Comprehend languages (10 gp)
- Identify (10 gp)
- Darkvision (40 gp)
- Invisibility (40 gp)
- Heroism (90 gp)

Total cost: 190 gp

"Crove kept all manner of dangerous creatures in his basement," Angoldir agrees. "I would hate for one of them to overcome us and cause the town to suffer so soon after receiving respite from his actions. I would also hate for another soul to suffer the horrors inflicted upon these captives of the Keeper. Sometimes a story must come to an end so another can begin. The asylum has caused enough suffering and anguish here - let its story end with that of its master."

Fair enough - it would be a bit of a letdown if someone ended up dying from some lesser monster after surviving the spawn's onslaught.

"Caution would be advised," Angoldir suggests gently. "We are all worn out, and I would not be surprised if Crove had more dangerous creatures kept here."

Angoldir shakes his head. "Not today, unless we wish to pass to the Boneyard ourselves. Many of us are fatigued by the day's stress, and not even a mighty warrior such as the Spear-Maiden would choose to go up against a creature like that by herself."

Angoldir's not opposed to putting down the chaos beast, but not until after we've rested.

Angoldir leans on the wall, his centuries suddenly very visible on his face. "Who truly belonged in an asylum?" he whispers rhetorically. Clearing his throat, he addresses the other Pathfinders. "Apparently Keeper Crove was not merely content to summon a creature from beyond the stars. That door is the only thing keeping the chaos beast inside from attacking the townsfolk and turning everyone it touches into shapeless blobs - or worse, more chaos beasts." He sighs heavily. "Taariik, you are in no shape to fight a second horror from beyond the realm of mortal thoughts today. Neither are the rest of us. Drusilla, Grunyak, Taariik, gather the survivors and head outside. Eldrin, help me examine the wards keeping this chaos beast contained. If they can last through the night, we stand a better chance of ending Crove's... continuing menace to the town."

Apparently chaos beasts got hit with the nerf stick when they were reprinted in the bestiary - meaning this one is worse than others we might have encountered elsewhere.

"We will be sure to take him with us when we depart this place," Angoldir answers calmly. "Ploog as well. And as many of these poor unfortunate patients as we can handle. Perhaps the mayor will be open to the idea of a more proper treatment facility with a more caring doctor now that he has seen the damage a small number of overly-entitled individuals can create." The elf studies the rocking door, trying to glimpse the creature causing the commotion from a safe distance.

Knowledge (???), Inspiration: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 9 + (3) = 23

Knowledge (religion), Inspiration: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 9 + (5) = 30

Angoldir waits for a moment before relaxing, a vial halfway to his lips. ”There are stories of birds, especially crows, who escort the souls of the dead to the Boneyard for their final judgement,” he says slowly, sheathing his blade back into the rest of the cane. ”Given the number of them we hear above, it would appear a powerful soul has just passed on.” He pauses for a moment to continue listening, leaning on his cane. ”They have not departed. Intriguing. Perhaps this soul they are here to escort is too great a burden for even their numbers. Or perhaps it is not yet freed... Regardless, it appears your healing skills are needed once more Grunyak.” The ages elf gently pats his old companions on the shoulder before inspecting the cobwebs left behind by the spawn.

I don’t believe anyone else besides Eldrin knows about Oleg yet...

”Magic wards the spawn’s hide, but even a basic enchantment on a weapon is sufficient to pierce it,” Angoldir answers Grunyak. ”It also seems to be immune to drastic changes in temperature, such as from fire or ice. More than this I do not know.”

Drusilla/GM, did you include the bonus from Angoldir’s Aid to Drusilla’s attack last round?

”Be careful Grunyak - we don’t want the spawn to turn its attention back to Taariik,” Angoldir cautions, voice emotionless. ”Drusilla, caution might be advisable. I will do my best to protect you, but I did the same for Taariik.” The elf flicks his cane at the spawn before ducking behind Drusilla and pulling out a third vial of translucent liquid. Fates will weave as they will, but perhaps this is not the end of our stories, he hopes with silent optimism as the liquid trickles down his throat.

Sword Cane vs AC 10: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 Success - Drusilla gains a +4 to her next attack against the spawn

Move action to Aid (using Effortless Aid), 5 ft step, and Standard action to use last extract of shield.

Angoldir spits out the fluid at the spawn, then follows behind Taariik. "Do not overexert yourself too early," he cautions, blade dancing through the air. "And be cautious in that slime it is leaving behind."

Sword Cane, Cover vs AC 10: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 - 2 = 17 Success - Taariik gains a +4 to his next attack against the spawn
Sword Cane, Cover vs AC 10: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 2 = 13 Success - Drusilla gains a +4 to her next attack against the spawn

5 ft step, standard action to use adhesive spittle (Entangled, Reflex 16 to avoid being stuck to floor), move action to Aid Taariik, swift action and Inspiration to Aid Drusilla.

Using a spell-like ability will provoke, and that spell has a 1-round cast - meaning Taariik would provoke an AoO for casting, and then the creature would have the opportunity to continue attacking him before the spell took effect. Angoldir can help with defenses, but I don’t know that I would be comfortable pushing my luck that much.

GM, it looks like Angoldir made the saving throw against being sickened, but the Round Tracker has him with the condition. Could you clarify?

Angoldir pulls another vial of pale green liquid from his belt with one hand and swallows it, weaving his sword cane between his companions to distract the spawn with the other. It takes more concentration than usual with all the screaming and stench, but the aged elf furrows his brow and stays at his post.

Sword Cane, Cover vs AC 10: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 2 = 21 Success - Taariik gains a +4 bonus on his next attack against the spawn
Sword Cane, Cover vs AC 10: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 - 2 = 20 Success - Drusilla gains a +4 bonus on her next attack against the spawn

Standard action to use extract, move action to Aid Taariik, swift action to use one point of Inspiration to Aid Drusilla.

Because Angoldir has cover from the spawn thanks to Taariik and Drusilla, he should be able to use the extract of adhesive spittle without provoking an attack of opportunity from the spawn. If that is not the case, he will not use the extract and instead Aid Another as a Standard and Move action (not requiring Inspiration).

Does the thrown weapon retain its critical threat range?

Thanks for the note on the healing - Angoldir wouldn't have wanted to leave anything to chance here.

Knowledge (dungeoneering), Inspiration vs DC 25: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (19) + 9 + (1) = 29 Does it have DR or other resistances (not sure if that counts as one or two pieces of information)?

"The creature is invisible - or rather, was invisible." Angoldir's calm voice breaks the unbearable silence. "The Keepers appear to have summoned a spawn of Yog-Sothoth from the Dark Tapestry. Eldrin, we do not have the luxury of a trial for Crove with the creature here. Do what must be done before the spawn kills him and consumes his soul." The elf himself stands with his sword-cane at the ready. "I will do my best to defend you, Taariik, but please do not go charging after it." He pulls out another vial, this one of brilliant yellow fluid. As he swallows it, his arms begin to lengthen and stretch.

5 ft step to follow Taariik and use extract of long arm to increase his reach to 10 ft.

"Drusilla, could you move to the front and protect Grunyak?" Angoldir suggests, voice rising slightly to be heard over the cacophony of yells, yowls, and crashing noises upstairs. "Taariik, you can throw your sword from here while still defending the rear in case whatever that is upstairs comes down here. Eldrin, do you have a knife? It falls to you to finish the deed and send the Keeper's soul to the Boneyard before whatever he bound himself to can claim it." Long fingers pluck another bottle of clear liquid from his belt, and the elf's eyes seem to widen slightly as he drinks the contents and carefully replaces the vial.

Using extract of see invisibility.