Cacumattus Diuberr's page

"Likewise," Cacumattus replies to Balon and Ely. He bids the team farewell, giving a wide grin to the 'mighty dragon', and scritching Guen behind the ear before making his way through the crowd, with a slightly sad expression as he thinks about the vibrant market that used to occupy this place, all wiped out by Earthfall.

...

The next day, he seeks out the now-reintegrated Kreighton Shaine, excitedly asking "So, when are we going to take another trip back into history?"

Shaine chuckled indulgently, "Don't you think yesterday, or rather the day of Earthfall which happended yesterday, or - blast, never mind when. Don't you think we learned how dangerous the Sky Key is?"

"Yes, but see, I was thinking." the gnome persists, "the way we saw some of those 'anchors' run out of the dome while it was still operating - that wasn't the same as if things from the past were brought out into the present. I think it had to do with the way the magical field was reset when Arodeth tampered with the controls. That suggests that effect - the flower you demonstrated - might be controllable or even avoidable! Then we could really retrieve objects or even people from the past to study--"

"I thought we answered that. The Sky Key is somewhere very safe--"

"Or," Cacumattus continues, unperturbed, "the flower would have been dead already, right, because in our time it hadn't been watered. But what about something that wouldn't have been dead in our time, if not for something in between? What if we could use it to pull pathfinders out of recent time, right before fatal missions. Research should be done--"

"Oh, it will be, I assure you, Mr. Diuberr," Shaine interrupts. "We have top agents working on it right now."

"Who?"

"Top. Agents."

...

In another part of the lodge, Zarta Dralneen watches as two elderly pathfinders nail the lid on a large crate. Incanting a spell, she touches the crate, sealing it against anyone without her magical signature. Then she turns and leads the agents away, past row after row after row of crates, all alike, all gathering dust, stretching away as far as the eye can see...

Thanks for the awesome table, Hmm! And to Bot Buddy, too!

Details look correct, although I suppose I should actually roll the day job:

Craft (Gemcutting): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

And the boon:

Boon: 1d20 ⇒ 3
if needed: 1d6 ⇒ 1

"Yeah, I say things I regret all the time. Probably things I should regret, too, Cacumattus tries to reassure the real Arodeth while moving to the southern end of the workbench. Extending a hand, he blasts his last fiery beam at one of the talkative (red) fake Arodeths.

Scorching Ray, vs touch, PBS, haste: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 24 for: 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 2, 5, 3) + 1 = 12
1 is real: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Cacumattus reloads and fires his crossbow at purple.

Crossbow, PBS, bless, haste: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 19 for: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Cacumattus sets himself up behind the workbench, crossbow at the ready. After Daeris takes out the lead simulacrum of this latest batch, he casts a spell and the floor beneath the remaining simulacra becomes slippery.

Cast grease, magenta area on map, lasts 40 rounds. And here's where I ask for a GM ruling on the question of whether using an Acrobatics check to move through grease makes someone flat-footed?

Cacumattus casts mage armor on himself, then moves toward the simulcra, drawing a wand of burning hands from his belt.

Agreed, we've done pretty well with the skill check stuff so far, we may be able to diplomacy our way through, and if not... "diplomacy by other means" should be fun too.

"I see we have blunt force and fire covered," Cacumattus says, "let's add some ice."

Ray of Frost: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 for: 1d3 ⇒ 2

I could have sworn I made a post last night, but it seems to have vanished; maybe the forum ate it but more likely I messed something up. Anyway, thanks for covering for me, Bot Buddy.

"From what little I know of history, it mostly consists of people dying, so I'd certainly prefer to not become part of it," Cacumattus notes as the party heads off in search of Arodeth. "And either we'll convince her that she doesn't want to be history either, or make sure she becomes it before earthfall hits." The threat in his voice is undermined, somewhat, by the fact that a few stray sparks are still halfheartedly dripping from his hands.

"You can thank me later," Cacumattus replies as he steps around the laughing human, grabbing a wand from its pouch on his belt and leveling at the (purple) undead threatening her.

Wand of disrupt undead, PBS, bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 16 for: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Cacumattus nods to Gad. "I can understand the desire for a fresh start. This, though - this is more like an end than a start." Turning to his companions, he continues, "So, kid gloves on, and let's chat to this Ormandi and get this barrier down so we can go home."

Cacumattus sighs, "Now what?" and fires his crossbow at the nearest (green) barbarian.

Crossbow,PBS,bless,SA: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 18 for: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 1 + (4) = 7

"Oh! Hello again," Cacumattus greets Ely as she returns. "That's certainly always been the rule wherever I've played. It's been a while though, the last time I played was at, oh, what was that place called..." he begins muttering quietly, ostensibly trying to remember the place name, but actually casting two spells: prestidigitation and ghost sound. The latter he uses to create an extremely irritating buzzing noise that floats slowly back and forth behind Skostravalus's head, gradually getting louder and quieter, staying just on the edge of hearing. "Oh right, it was at the Sleeping Warrior, and I played against this great big fellow (I think he might have been part giant) who drew a flopped 8 into my pocket queen on the first trick, so I bid a small jack against his tabled ace..."

Bluff (aid): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

He continues his patter, recounting the (entirely fictitious) game, while combining the prestidigitation and his own dexterity to slip cards from the bottom of the deck and palm the best ones off to Ely, returning the useless ones to the top of the deck when it's her opponent's turn to draw.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Edit: oops, ninja'd by the GM while typing. Feel free to retain or retcon as you see fit.

"Let's... keep the eating people thing as a plan B," Cacumattus suggests to Orin. Louder, he calls out to Shahan, "Hey, hey green glowy lady, listen, we need you to focus. We think we know a way for us all to get out of here and, you know, not have the sky fall on us, but we need your help to do it."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

1st round

Cacumattus quickly reacts to the appearance of the dinosaur, moving to get line of sight and throwing a beam of fire at the creature.

Scorching Ray, vs touch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 for: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 6, 3) = 18

2nd round

He then moves a little closer, using the side of the nearby building as cover, and fits a bolt into his crossbow.

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15

Cacumattus drinks the potion of tongues he got in his care package and addresses the onlookers. "নাগরিক, আমরা আপনাকে বলতে চাচ্ছি কোন ক্ষতি আমরা এখানে আমাদের ইচ্ছার বিরুদ্ধে আনা হয়েছে, এবং শুধু একটি উপায় বাড়ি খুঁজে বের করতে চান. এই সময়ের মধ্যে আমরা কোনো সাহায্যের প্রস্তাব আমরা দিয়ে..." he gestures helplessly to the sky, "দিতে পারেন চাই যাই হোক না কেন যে চলছে আকাশে."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Boy, that escalated quickly.

Cacumattus will recover 12 levels' worth of spells (2×scorching ray, 2×shocking grasp)

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

"We're back in time again, gods only know when. I guess if that is Earthfall about to hit, that narrows it down a bit though. Where do you suggest we go? Beyond the dome seems out of the question, judging by what happened to those fellows in the robes..."

So sorry for my absence the last couple of days. Got hit by a nasty flu and have basically spent two days unconscious. Thanks for the bot in that last combat!

Cacumattus's mouth begins to water at the description of the genreal's grandmother's cooking. «Որ հնչում է զարմանալի է, որ Azlanti իսկապես հրաշալի մշակույթ ունենք նման քնքշություն! Հուսով եմ, որ մենք պետք է ժամանակ է համտեսել նման համեղ խոհանոց, նախքան մենք պետք է վերադառնանք մեր սեփական, uh, հողերի:»

Diplomacy (aid): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

«Տէր, անշուշտ, դուք չեք ասելով ձեր նախնիները շրջագայել է աստղերի. Այս Օձեր են վերաբերվում ձեզ վատ է, քան մենք կարծում էինք, որ դա հստակ օգտագործած ձեր հիշողությունը. Փորձելով այդպիսի բան... գումարը կախարդական էներգիան անհրաժեշտ կլինի բառացիորեն աստղային!»

Hoping this more assertive, but still respectful, tone is enough to justify the intimidate roll. Making it an aid if anyone else wants to interrogate him.
Intimidate (aid): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Cacumattus spots a second tablet, and goes to examine it. As he reaches for it, however, he feels a warning tingle in his fingers. Looking closer he sees a slight telltale haze indicating a spell trap. "Careful!" he warns his compatriots, "there's a trap on this tablet, check any others you find carefully. I guess these serpentfolk like to keep their knowledge to the church and not share it with the riffraff."

Disable Device: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

He attempts to bypass the trap trigger, but the bite he took is still bothering him...

Cacumattus tries his shocking grasp trick again, this time remembering to also activate his daredevil boots before skipping around to to opposite side of the enemy from Balon to deliver his spell.

Acrobatics (avoid AoO): 1d20 + 7 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 5 = 27

Shocking Grasp, hatred, bless: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 6 for: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 3, 1) = 11

He's too focused on avoiding the attack, though - the living embodiment of once bitten, twice shy - and only swipes at the air in front of him.

Snapping his hand back from the cobra's bite, Cacumattus watches as the creature is defeated, before reloading his crossbow, taking a 5' step towards the olive serpentfolk, and firing at it.

Crossbow, PBS, hatred, bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 10 for: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

But the pain from the bite distracts his and the bolt flies wide.

Cacumattus whispers some arcane syllables and once again sparks begin to crackle around his hand. Ducking around behind the pillar, he approaches the giant snake from the side and attempts to discharge the spell on its scaly flank.

Shocking grasp, vs touch, bless: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 = 11 for: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 3, 2) = 13

Aware of exhausting his magical resources, Cacumattus moves in and fires his more mundane crossbow at the cobra.

Crossbow, PBS: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 1 = 24 for: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

You may take ten, but not twenty. If you aid another, that uses up your use of that skill.

I'll post for the first few 5-min periods up front so I won't slow anything down. If there end up being more periods, just repeat the stand watch rolls.

First 5-min segment
Cacumattus spends a few minutes attempting to assist anyone studying the banners,

Craft (aid another): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Second 5-min segment
before attempting to make a few notes of his own,

Knowledge (nature) (take 10): 10 + 7 = 17

Further segments
then stands guard calling out incoming projectiles to allow the others to complete their studies.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24
Stealth: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26

And I'll take 10 for the main roll, for 24 plus all the aids for a total of 30 if I've done my maths right?

Cacumattus hands Sparkle-Weave's crossbow back to her with a nod of thanks, before crouching down to examine the constructs. "Oh, you're right, that does look important. It seems to connect with that piece over there," he points to where the Kraken is trying to not get blood everywhere, "forming a conduit for the magical energy to flow to the rest of the, well, whatever this thing has instead of a skeleton."

Perception does sound like a good option. Cacumattus has +14 in that, which looks like the equal highest (with Orin the eidolon) of the group from a glance at everyone's stat lines, and then there are a +11 and a couple of +8 for assists?

Cacumattus's next best of the options we can use are K(arc) and Spellcraft at +12, then Disable Device at +10 but I suspect there won't be as many assists available for those.

Cacumattus grins wickedly at his fellow gnome, before raising the heavy crossbow, stepping to the corner of the pit and loosing the bolt.

Heavy Crossbow, PBS, haste: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 14 for: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Thanks for the botting. First day at new job is over and the new work machine now has internet etc set up, so posting should be back to normal.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

"Look, that slight shimmering in the air over there, that looks a lot like the same magic that brought us here? Some kind of shelter for the civilian population, maybe?"

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

"Those things look like some kind of constructs, usually no flesh and not much brain..." He fires his fiery beam at the righthand (red) guardian, then moves for cover.

Scorching Ray, PBS, SA, haste, competance: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 30 for: 4d6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 1, 1) + 1 + (2) = 12
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 18 for: 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 1, 3, 2) + 1 = 9

edit: thanks Rob for pointing out my typo in the crit damage... now if only I could roll this virtual d6 worth a damn...

"We only live once, I suppose,"

"Well, I'm not so sure about that," Cacumattus replies, "I met this necromancer once, who... nevermind. Temple it is," he finishes, keeping his crossbow ready in hand as they move toward the structure.

Sorry for the gap in my posting... Apparently there are more things in my to-do-before-starting-new-job list than I realised ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Expect about 0.5ppd for the next few days, ramping back to ~2ppd by the middle of the week.

On the extra encounters, as a spell-resource-limited character I'd be worried about them being draining; but if we did get days ahead it would be good to keep the momentum up. Happy to follow the group decision either way.

Rolls look like they've succeeded already, but just for the RP:

Not having much experience in healing arts, Cacumattus focuses on releasing the slaves from their shackles, all the while throwing out questions - Reesa and he competing to get a word in edgewise with each other - for the Salty Kraken to interpret. "What are all these snakeskins, sorry, serpentfolk -" he gives the Kraken a glance to suggest not translating the racial slur - "doing here? Are they making you do hard labour like digging these tunnels, or do they make you service their personal needs while they work? What was that liquid they force you to drink? Some kind of magic potion? Do the sna- serpentfolk use a lot of magic? Do they mostly call on their gods, or their own magical talents?..." and so on.

Disable Device (aid another): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Diplomacy (aid another): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

"Steel not working?" Cacumattus quips, "Let's try sparks."

His hand begins to crackle with electrical energy, and he moves forward to press his palm to the side of the creature.

Shocking Grasp, vs touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 for: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 3, 5) = 20

Then, clicking his heels together (to activate his daredevil boots) he jumps back from the beast, flinging a quick spray of ice in his wake.

Acrobatics (avoid AoO), daredevil boots: 1d20 + 7 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 5 = 29
Ray of Frost, vs touch, PBS: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 = 14 for: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Cacumattus moves out of the doorway, heading for the slight cover of whatever those circular room furnishings are. As he moves he mutters a spell and flings a beam of fire at the same (blue) target he hit before.

Scorching Ray, vs touch, PBS: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 22 for: 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1, 1, 6) + 1 = 13

I'll amend my surprise round action to move to the stairs, make loading the crossbow the move action for round 1, and then for the standard action:

... and fires it at the closer of the smaller creatures (blue).

Crossbow, PBS, Sneak Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 1 = 21 (extra +1 if it's a humanoid with the reptilian subtype) for: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 1 + (6) = 9

Congratulations on your anniversary, Balon! I've been a little slower than intended the last couple of days with family in town, but am now back to normal, or maybe even better than normal since I'm temporarily unemployed for the next week (before starting a new job Monday week).

then
Cacumattus enthusiastically performs the ritual to ask the snakes for their blessing, before choosing a spot near where a particularly colourful snake lies sleepily coiled to collect a sample of the water.

now
Maybe I should have used that language elixir they gave me, Cacumattus thinks as the strange words echo down the passageway. On the other hand, the screams speak for themselves...

He quietly takes up a covered position in the alcove near the stairs and loads a bolt into his crossbow.
Stealth: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (11) + 21 = 32

Cacumattus sneaks around to examine each plinth, avoiding the snakes' notice.

Stealth (take 10): 10 + 21 + 2 = 33
Assuming that's enough to get between plinths:

#1
Appraise: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

#2
Appraise: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

#3
Appraise: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

#4
Appraise: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

#5
Appraise: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16

"Sorry for hurting you, Lumpy," Cacumattus tells the ankylosaurus, retrieving a wand and healing a few of the wounds he caused the creature.

As he does so he helps him fellow gnome study the dinosaur, noting differences from similar animals he has encountered in the past.

Aid another (Knowledge (nature)): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Glancing at everyone's sheets, it looks like the highest single modifier we hae for any of those skills is Sparkle-Weave's +11 for Knowledge (nature), and Cacumattus and Daeris have positive modifiers (+7 and +4 respectively) for a decent chance at aiding. Anyone see any better option that I missed?

"Yes, a few of us have magical knowledge," Cacumattus agrees with Reesa.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

"And I promise, I will take it personally."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

"I don't think we look like slaves," Cacumattus answers Daeris as he approaches the edge of the pit. "I've rescued slaves before, they weren't nearly this well-armed."

He again points at the dinosaur, but hesitates for a fraction of a second. Try to subdue the poor thing, not kill it, he tells himself, it's not its fault it's master is a snakeskin. He lets fly another beam, but of ice this time.

[dice=Ray of Frost, PBS, SA, combat advice]1d20+6+2[/dice] for: 1d3 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (5) = 6
Adding the sneak attack since "the rogue flanks her target" but not the +2 flanking bonus on the attack roll since that's "[w]hen making a melee attack"

Marching order looks good; Cacumattus is happy to just use his stealth to get that elusive sneak attack damage in.

Regarding the vigilante, I'm happy to play it as the classic "Oh hey Clark, where've you been, Superman just left" thing if you like. I'm not sure what Cacumattus would've done if he'd rolled that 2 higher on Perception; I'd probably have asked what the Wisdom DC for not blabbing it to everyone was ;-)

Salty Kraken's appearance:
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

Cacumattus nods in greeting to the new team member, then does a quick double take. There's something familiar about the newcomer, but he can't quite put his finger on it.

Surprise round:
Stealth: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (16) + 21 = 37

Cacumattus sneaks around the corner into the room, keeping to the shadows along the wall.

Knowledge (nature, rider): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Knowledge (nature, mount): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Studying the occupants of the room, he recognises the dinosaur but not its rider.

First round:
Stealth: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30
Cacumattus continues to edge along the wall towards the creatures, then when he gets close enough, points at the dinosaur and mutters sound arcane syllables, shooting a beam of fiery energy from his fingertips.
[dice=Scorching Ray, vs touch, sneak attack]1d20+6[/dice] for: 4d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 3, 5) + (6) = 16

"It's an ankylosaurus," he calls in response to Daeris's target suggestion. "Thick skin, watch for the tail!"

"Ooh, showbags!" Cacumattus excitedly examines the content of his care package, then quietens down and watches Shaine's demonstration of the Sky Key device with rapt fascination.

He frowns thoughtfully at Daeris's question. "Interesting question. Could we create a paradox, or are any actions we take already part of the history we're here to observe? Or perhaps we'll create a whole new timeline - but then which history would we be studying?"

The gnome's contemplation of the nature of causality is interrupted by the more pragmatic question of where to explore. "I have a couple of fly potions," he notes and apparently 30 min of air walk from his care package, "but it looks like there's plenty of caves for everyone, I'm happy to do some spelunking."

Cacumattus shudders slightly when the Sky Key is mentioned. "I was there when some of the bits of that thing were found. And then I saw it again when... well, it wasn't the best day for the society. I hope this time goes better!"

"Ohh I hope it's not going to be a ship again. I went out to the Gloomspires once; my stomach did not agree with sea travel," Cacumattus comments, "and that's an experience I don't need to repeat."

He looks up with concern as the elf barges through the crowd, but then spots the cat following her and breaks out into a grin. "Kitty!" he exclaims, reaching out to scratch the leopard behind the ear. "Quale hè una bona gattino? Tu sì, sì tù sì."

Cacumattus is a sneaky type, likes to scout ahead, and in combat will try to move between cover taking snipe shots with crossbow and scorching rays.

In social situations he's talkative as long as he finds the conversation interesting, and he loves wordplay. He's got decent Diplomacy but terrible Sense Motive ;-)

He's fond of animals and will try to avoid hurting them if he can.

Yep, maps are fine for me.