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Mordack takes a defensive position with Time Knight. Telirix lights up a spot with his cannon. Yargnod fires on the spot Telirix indicated. The creature takes a swing at Flame Knight.
Round 2 - bolded may go. Enemy (-57 HP, invisible)
Shambling mounds can constrict people with their vines, but otherwise are just big and strong. Electrical energy grants them temporary hit points. They have 10 foot reach and 9 hit dice. Eric uses magic to increase his reach. Amwari asks for the blessing of his deity. Katswiri gives nearby allies a blessing as well. Round 1 - bolded may go Jules (-1 Str, see invis, displacement, fervor)
The humanoid in yellow is an orc. Clearly some sort of spellcaster, but it's not clear what type. The three nearby creatures are shambling mounds, plants with no subtype. Their reflex and will saves are equally bad, and they are immune to electricity and resist fire. The creature in the back is a mystery to both of them.
Eric waits for his allies to act. Jules creates more illusions of herself, but can't recall seeing this type of creature before. A strange mist surrounds the purple creature. The creature in yellow casts a spell and then rises into the air 25 feet above the battlefield. The blue-tinged creature moves slowly toward the Pathfinders. The bog does not seem to affect it. Round 1 - bolded may go Eric (-22 HP, delay)
Anything measured in minutes per level has expired. 10 minutes per level or longer are still in effect.
Siraya speaks in a soft voice that shares the tone of leaves shifting in the wind. She introduces herself as a representative of the people of the
"Hadrimos. Yes. It is much easier to concentrate away from others." She doesn't seem interested in considering that conversation. She giggles at the sorcerer's question, however. "Gwendolyn. Perhaps you'd like to share a tale about your life? The more fantastical, the better." In response to Nikma's question, Siraya explains that the best way for a train to move through Irrisen’s wilderness is for it to be adaptable. She proposes that a small group of sprites could craft the cars from wood and manipulate its form as needed. If pressed, she taps her wooden model—causing it to sprout a wooden set of dragonfly wings that thrum at a rapid cadence. Lan tries his best to work out what is going on with the winged train, but neither trains nor winged vehicles are really in his personal experience.
Danixki dips their head to Gwen in a way similar to that of submitting to a stronger pack member. The witchwarg shows teeth when Nikma touches the model, though. Lan adds a demonstration of the Pathfinders' physical prowess that impresses the witchwarg. Danixki reveals that their plan is an easy one—their pack is more than capable of pulling a 'chain of iron boxes' across ice, so long as well-waxed skis are laid beneath the cars. The model is not quite small enough for Huang Tong to pull, but he can drag the model across the snow on the ground.
Firozet is surprised at Nikma's understanding on his design. He explains that through gentle applications of planar binding, minor elementals of air and fire can be used to create superheated air. This in turn is directed out through a large vent in the back of the train, causing a horizontal push that will propel the train. Firozet is willing to explain more about the spirits to Huang Tong, who seems to at least grasp the basic concepts.
The dwarves ignore most of Lan's suggestions.
It does take both of Eric's swings, but one of the vermin falls to the ground. Jules doesn't have much luck hitting, but the blue-tinged vermin realizes that the tide has turned against it and returns to its lair.
Your team rushes down the trail, finding a path cleared by other Pathfinders to speed your way to the swamp where your quarry awaits.
The ancient battleground has turned into a fetid swamp that
Initiative:
Round 1 - bolded may go Eric (-22 HP, -4 Str)
It didn't help that the dice were not on your side at the beginning of the encounter. The house has enough successes to move on. It doesn't technically end the encounter, but I am encouraged to get to the new one as fast as possible, which means these mindless vermin are going to develop a morale condition.
The Starfinders are brought to a room with terrain shaped like a planet's exterior, but mostly composed of metal in various states of decay. The gravity here is as unpredictable as outside the fortress. Four oozes emerge from the rusted areas to the south, hovering above the ground on slimy wings. They seem to be suffering from their earlier threshing . Initiative:
Round 1 - bolded may go Cueball (Fort or Will save)
A pack of twelve witchwargs lounge on the edge of the courtyard, cleaning their fur idly and occasionally giving cavernous yawns that display rows of sharp, yellowed teeth. Only one of their number seems focused, standing on their hind legs and snarling as they fiddle with the model train display in their indelicate claws.
On the fringe of the estate’s courtyard, a scant few feet from a copse of trees that begins the Hoarwood, a lone woman paces. Her elegant dress extends to the ground, the hem frayed and stained from dragging slightly. She turns to show vibrant emerald eyes and auburn hair that extends far down her back. In her hands she holds a model, this one oddly devoid of any metal.
Szvetneera stares at Lan as if he'd asked the stupidest question in the world.
The poison clears Amwari's system as his cutlass bites deeply into the spider before him. Unsurprisingly, the spider is not happy about this.
Not happy, but also not in the ballpark for landing its blow. Round 4 - bolded may go Blue (-76 HP, 31 nonlethal, burning, prone, blinded 3 rounds)
One of the copaxi steps forward. "I am Kyrsine. We accept that you are not here to cause us harm. Now you must complete the Threefold Trials to show your worthiness to enter Gadrathatr's Core." What are the Threefold Trials?:
"We shall observe you in a Trial of Combat, a Trial of Knowledge, and a Trial of Balance." What is the first trial?:
"Parasitic oozes grow among the copi of Gadrathar Fortress. We challenge the Starfinders to destroy a group of these oozes." What is the second trial?:
"You will be tasked with demonstrating your understanding of the history at work here in Gadrathar Fortress and how the copi and copaxi play into it." What is the third trial?:
"You will be asked to prove your ability to manipulate the forces of balance that govern Gadrathar Fortress itself." What if we refuse?: "You may return safely to your home, but you will advance no farther here."
Undy makes things unpleasant for the blue-tinged foe. At least it doesn't fall down a second time. The other spider tries to get its chomp on.
Eric parries the attack and strikes back with his blade? Round 3 - bolded may go Blue (-51 HP, 31 nonlethal, burning, prone, blinded 3 rounds)
The interior of Gadrathar Fortress is primarily made of stone, with mortar made from fossilized copi acting like veins that reach out through the entire structure. Unless otherwise noted, all rooms and doors are circular in shape, dimly lit, and have a ceiling height of 20 feet. The fortress has been broken up into several “lobes” that are in a state of constant rotation, grinding past each other in erratic directions. This means that non-flying characters must always be moving to avoid being tossed about as if they were in some kind of aerial rock tumbler. A stone balcony surrounds a pit recessed into the ground. The pit is rust colored, and a seemingly metallic liquid pours like a waterfall from some underground spring into its center. Despite the motion of the fortress, this water remains within its pool. Four copi structures, each reaching 20 feet into the air, have limbs outstretched as if trying to escape the sludge. On the opposite balcony from the Starfinders’ arrival are a large group of robots, their faces covered by solid plate masks with ornate artistry along the edges— halfway between an homage and a mockery of the copaxi. All of them are using some form of flight. Their apparent leader floats forward, amplifying their voice to be clearly heard throughout the room. “The Gadrath have not suffered outsiders here for centuries. State your purpose so we may decide if you’re worthy to remain in this place, or whether you should be cast out.”
Katswiti gets out of the way. Zephyrus throws a bomb full of cold and germs (but not cold germs) at the reddish spider. It shatters, covering the creature with unpleasant substances.
It resists everything but the damage. Round 3 - bolded may go Blue (-44 HP, 15 nonlethal)
The aid token has moved to miteke, boosted with a Hard Knowledge check.
Sefel is not quite sure what or where the creature is, but figures that a haste spell will be helpful regardless. Telirix can't spot the creature either, but feels an impact on his mech as he ascends.
A gash opens in Shadow Knight and electricity pours in.
Round 1 - bolded may go. Enemy (invisible)
Obo does not seem to be in the proper meditative state to pass through the gate right now. Some rest would likely help with that.
"There are no chickens," the matriarch scowls. Still, the flattery didn't hurt things with her.
Nikma adds his voice to the slurk grease debate. Ivinder cheers loudly and slaps him on the shoulder as the argument shifts in his favor. Now that you have ingratiated yourself, he will be happy to tell you about gunpowder.
Jules uses the power of her mind to get out of the webs and moves in on Red. Eric takes the more direct action of pounding on that spider repeatedly.
Round 3 - bolded may go Blue (-44 HP, 15 nonlethal)
Amwari's blade bounces off the spider's thick hide. The blue-tinged spider, unused to having all its eyes not working, lashed out wildly at where it thinks Amwari is.
Fortunately, it was wrong. Round 3 - bolded may go Blue (-44 HP, 15 nonlethal)
A pale, four-legged creature leaps from the cliffs, creating a rain of ice over the mechs.
Initiative:
It then vanishes
Round 1 - bolded may go. Enemy (invisible)
The sound of loud pops and bangs can easily be heard coming from a collection of dwarves gathered around a small track. Their leader is a man with a rust-colored beard so long and wide he has tied it like a sash to close his winter coat. He gestures wildly with a hand covered in old burns and missing two fingers. He first needs to be pulled away from a heated debate with members of his group about the optimal lubricant for the wheels of the train (obviously slurk grease) before he will begin to discuss their pitch for the train.
After reaching the gate, the Starfinders discover a ledge where they can temporarily land, latch onto the fortress, and swap out batteries for their flight devices if needed. As they do, they can study the circular portal that gives access to Gadrathar Fortress.
The geometric designs on its surface symbolize spiritual balance. No handles, seams, or cracks mar the surface here. Rather, any character who takes a moment to mentally or emotionally center themselves realizes that they can simply walk through the gate as if it were incorporeal.
Matriarch Szvetneera - who keeps her nose in the air and still talks at the Pathfinders more than to them - insists that the only proper way to create an Irriseni device is to cleave to tradition. Therefore, she and her coven have devised a method to grow chicken legs on each of the cars, much like Baba Yaga’s famous hut.
Undiana sends another ball of flame at the blue spider.
It cannot get out of the way thanks to Undy's experience with the Lodge.
It does manage to keep its feet - all 8 of them.
The antitoxin from Riddy helps flush the poison from his system. The reddish spider tries to chew on Eric.
Eric easily gets out of the way of its fangs. Round 2 - bolded may go Blue (-44 HP, 15 nonlethal, blinded 1 round)
Noticed the bad save and will fix. No action to use the aid token, either the primary effect or to boost.
We're still on the first encounter. Slow posters and terrible party composition for that type of fight.
You may have noticed that I like spreadsheets wayyyyyy too much. I understand each of those words individually but they make no sense combined in that way.
We now have an Aid Token. This can be used to gain one of the following benefits: Allied Offensive: Other Pathfinders aid your attack, increasing the damage you deal by 3d8. After the attack, anyone attacking the target is considered to be flanking until the beginning of your next turn. [Currently boosted to 4d8] Burst of Healing: A fellow Pathfinder heals all of the PCs by 5d6. Timely Inspiration: A fellow Pathfinder grants the benefits of a bard’s inspire courage performance for 3 rounds, granting a +3 bonus. Once it is used, it goes to another table of our choice. Ideally it is frequently cycled, and it looks like now would be a good time to use it in any case. Before passing, we can also boost it for the next table. Choose one * Succeed at a DC 27 attack roll to add 1d8 to the Allied Offensive effect. * Channel positive energy or expend a healing spell of half your level or higher to add 2d6 to the Burst of Healing effect. * Expend 3 rounds of bardic inspiration or a similar ability to add +1 to the Timely Inspiration effect. * Make a Knowledge or Spellcraft check to grant a free success on a similar check. * Cast lesser restoration, neutralize poison, remove curse, or remove disease to allow the table to use that spell once.
Tier 10-11 could really use the aid token.
Eric is paralyzed by the venom once more. Jules drinks an antitoxin and creates magical duplicates. Katswiri casts a spell to aid her companions.
The poison works its way out of Jules' system. Round 2 - bolded may go Blue (-4 HP, 15 nonlethal, blinded 1 round)
Szvetneera sneers as Gwen addresses her, though she gestures for her bodyguards to allow the Pathfinders to observe the device. The train has small chicken legs on the bottom of each car as the apparent means of locomotion. She does at least seem to pay attention to Hadrimos' statement.
Huang Tong can't make heads or tails of the Stone Road Express. It is pretty neat, though. Nikma's fire starting skills seem to be lacking.
Three days into their journey, the heroes are high in the mountains. Perception DC 35: You notice a hulking silhouette that seems to be tracking you from higher up the cliffs.
Delea and Obozaya bang against towers. One of them has a vesk-shaped dent in it. Obstacle 5—Match Rotation: As they approach the gate, the characters must manipulate their chosen method of flight so that they match its rotation perfectly, or else set off ancient magical defenses surrounding it.
Claiming the space closest to the stairs of the estate is a handful of tall Ulfen men, each dressed in warg furs and armed with impressively large weapons. Between them can be seen a thin woman in a shimmering white-blue dress, a resting scowl on her face as she paces next to a nearby table.
"The Stone Road resembles a tunnel, ma'am. It is not clear what is outside the tunnel."
Delea finally gets the hang of the gravity here. Navasi gets the pointy end of some rocks. Obstacle 4—Thrust Vectoring: The Starfinderss must move themselves three-dimensionally to ascend while also dodging the towers they are rapidly approaching.
Lan looks over the train as it moves on its track, making some comments about the teleporting toy. The lieutenant explains that the train can use the Stone Roads to travel vast distances in an instant.
Gwen looks at Firozet's model, but can't seem to figure out what is going on. She doesn't get much else out of the elementalist, either. The Pathfinders will either need to get his mind off the cold or start a fire.
The bluish spider is pelted with former snowballs. It still manages to sink its fangs into Katswiri, despite being unable to see. Eric's spirits grant him additional resilience that allow him to shrug off the poison. He approaches a spider.
Unfortunately, the creature bites him, exposing him to the venom again. Round 2 - bolded may go Blue (15 nonlethal, blinded 1 round)
Next to the courtyard’s fountain waits an orderly group of tables, set in a grid with precise spacing. A few hobgoblins stand at rigid attention beside them, outfitted in warm layers and holding engineering tools. Their focus is set on one of their number, who wears round goggles made from deep quartz and is deftly polishing the train model she holds. The lieutenant addresses Lan without moving anything but his mouth. "Sergeant, a demonstration please!" Another hobgoblin takes the train model and lays it out on one of the tables and winds it up. As it moves on its own, she infuses an object in her hand with a bit of magic, causing an obsidian archway to appear in front of it. The model enters and comes out of a different archway on the table next to it.
A tall, lean man paces back and forth in front of a table cluttered with bronze implements and tubes. His sun-darkened skin can barely be seen through the outrageous number of ill-fitting coats layered under a brightly colored robe of emerald and white. He fumbles with an instrument in his thickly gloved hands, muttering curses through chattering teeth in an accent that marks him as hailing from the Golden Road. "If I find any around here, curse their frozen hearts, I'll arrange for them to be sent to the Plane of Fire to fetch me back something to warm myself." He seems to be distracted by the cold. Perhaps you could do something to distract or help him, and then he will be more forthcoming?
Being entangled impedes movement, but does not entirely prevent it unless the bonds are anchored to an immobile object or tethered by an opposing force. The creatures seem unbothered by your study of biology, though.
Jules, Eric, Undy and Amwari are unbale to move as the poison moves through their veins. Katswiri frees Undy from the sticky webs. Roddy ascends and fires missiles at the blue-tinted foe.
Dr. Virtuvian hurls a bomb at the reddish spider.
The spider takes the damage, but ignores the other effects of the attack.
Pathfinders look tasty!
Amwari smoothly dodges out of the way, but Katswiri gets crunched. Round 2 - bolded may go Blue (-19 HP)
Yes. Anyone with buffs that are measured in hours would likely have applied them at the beginning of the day. Shorter than that and I need to know so I can determine if they are still in effect.
Delea pulls something as she bounces off the stones, but the other Starfinders seem to be getting the hang of this. Obstacle 3—Flying Debris: The PCs must avoid flying debris, which can be extremely deadly at high velocity.
Surkzin salutes the Pathfinders as they approach. He and his team are standing near a train made of stone. He greets Nikma with a clipped "Sir!" and waits motionless as the ranger studies the device.
Then we will begin the assault on Ayleth's fortress on Tuesday.
The Starfinders get past the first area of variable gravity, though some seem worse for the wear. Obstacle 2—Base Jumping: Gadrathar is orbited by chunks of stone and fossilized copi that must be navigated to approach safely, requiring the characters to briefly touch down on some of them before jumping to the next.
"While there is a chance that a train could come off its tracks, they are unlikely to fall from the sky. Still, any insights you have on safety would be appreciated as well. "If there is nothing else, let us move on." Calix leads you into the courtyard, where six groups of representatives are putting the finishing touches on their trains. The queen encourages you to roam and speak with each of them.
Calix gives a quick summary of each contractor to you. * Firozet Botosar is a human elementalist who has some fame for using spirits to power mahcines. * Danixki is the leader of a witchwarg pack that looks like an oversized sled dog team. * Siraya is a huldra who seems reluctant to interact with the other groups. * Lieutenant Surkzin is a female hobgoblin member of the Oprak Engineering Corps. * Ivinder Greaseblood is a male dwarf who has been experimenting with gunpowder. * Coven Matriarch Szvetneera is a haughty female human with a pair of bodyguards between her and the rest of the gathering.
"The reason we brought Pathfinders in was that we couldn't think of a group who would know more about this land. Examine all the options and use your judgment as to what design would be most feasible and most useful."
The datapad is clear about the mechs being brought back to Skyborne Spire. You may be able to succeed at subterfuge when approaching, but getting her to come out for them will not work.
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