GM Netherpongo's Emerald Spire (The Tomb of Yarrix)

[Karn "Killer of magic"]

"God of Destruction no care if Karn good or bad. So long as follow destructive direction." Karn smiles with a wide toothy/tusked grin.

Karn is where should be on the map.

[GM Netherpongo]

Is everyone where they want to be on the map?

[Otto O'Read]

GM Netherpongo wrote:

Is everyone where they want to be on the map?

Fine for Otto and Allison to bring up the rear since they take up so much more space.

[Otto O'Read]

Toshiro Takamura wrote:

"Can I have a table of that magical wand sir Otto please? I seem to have been affected by that mold? I regret that I do not have my own."

Happy to provide wand charges if you have an alignment objection to Corelus' wand of infernal healing. Just let me know.

[Coreleus]

Coreleus will stay at the back of the group and move up to tap his two associates with the wand of infernal healing.

wand: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

wand: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

[GM Netherpongo]

Some housecleaning on things I've missed and/or changed my mind on: I put the loop traps in the wrong place is one, and I'm just giving you the real locations even though Professor Kaldosian hasn't actually gotten close enough yet.

Information about Yarrix (History or Religion DC 15):

Yarrix was a deeply evil human priestess involved in a cult focused on burning human sacrifices.

Same check DC 20:

The human sacrifices of Yarrix and the Cult of the Shadowed Fire were said to empower her to create new breeds. The cult was allied with a corrupt race called the neothelids.

Same check DC 25:

Yarrix and her cult were rich in dark lore. Some say that they created or summoned a new kind of elemental fire demon from far beyond human understanding.

Same check DC 30:

Yarrix's cult died out after she was trapped in a multi-dimensional tomb by a band of followers of Sarenrae, led by the hero Carsolis, more than 2000 years ago.

As he is searching around the area beyond the doors, Professor Kaldosian also realizes that by entering the tomb, the party has already triggered a magical effect. The triggering event was during the fight, one instance of when trap spotter shows some value over just searching repeatedly.

Arcana DC 25:

The magical effect has not yet gone off and appear to be from the school of abjuration. They will take effect very shortly.

Arcana DC 30:

The effects are Forbiddance and Arcane Lock, and seem intended to seal the tomb to prevent those inside from escaping.

[Toshiro Takamura]

I'm ok

"What do you see ahead?"

[Karn "Killer of magic"]

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

"Karn heard things 'bout Yarrix. Yarrix deeply evil human priestess involved in cult focused on burning human sacrifices." Karn shudders at the thought of intentionally burning people alive in the name of your religion.

[Professor Baldeck Kaldosian]

Religion : 10 + 20 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 20 + (4) = 34

Arcana : 10 + 20 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 20 + (4) = 34

Professor will up date the group on what he knows.

What is the light condition here? He should be able to see 20 ft normally and 40ft in low light that bright enough to see a body or a doorway using an ioun torch

[Coreleus]

sounds like the sort of place my owner will enjoy watching us toil. Already they are betting on our survival. We should be wary for these strange creations to be sure Coreleus says crouching and moving with the bow at the ready

[Otto O'Read]

Out of curiosity, Professor B., what's the ability that lets you take 20 on the Knowledge checks? Seems pretty nifty!

[Professor Baldeck Kaldosian]

I'm taking ten. By buffed mod happens to be twenty which makes it look confusing. Investigators can get the ability to take (en in combat and spend inspiration to take 20 with Eidetic Recollection.

[Deno'thar]

I recently learned that if I take 10 (or roll) a knowledge check, that I can't later take 20 via lore master, which is why I didn't roll anything, just using Professors checks.

Deno'thar adds I don't think the professor emphasized that correctly. The tomb is going to be sealed momentarily. In or Out folks. I vote in so we can delve the damned thing, but shortly, you'll be voting with your feet!

[Professor Baldeck Kaldosian]

"Yes it will mean no teleporting at all, likely taking damage near the door. I can probably deal with the arcane lock given some time, though the people who create these things often create bypasses or keywords we just have to find them."

Professor in clearly not making any overtures to leave.

[Karn "Killer of magic"]

"Karn want stay in! Can't abide God of Destruction from outside!" Karn bellows. Quieting he continues. "Karn can break lock. Have done before. If lock no want break, door will break. Karn sure."

[Professor Baldeck Kaldosian]

"Good thought. If need be we can just tear a wall down and leave."

[GM Netherpongo]

It sounds like everyone is staying in, then.

As the party rushes inside the doors, a sudden gust of wind howls through the otherwise still chamber outside, rushing into the Tomb of Yarrix. The doors clang shut loudly and flare with arcane magic.

Light conditions: there are lights near the ceiling lit with Continual Flame, but they are few and far between, leaving much of the tomb in darkness.

There is only one untrapped direction. Do you guys want to proceed that way? (If so, someone please line up the party so I don't have to do it.)

[Coreleus]

The arrow is loosed and cannot be returned. I will take up the rear. Coreleus says putting the wand away and following along

[Professor Baldeck Kaldosian]

I think I have set a formation for going down the hallway.

The professor has a potion of reduce person in hand. Rapier in the other.

[GM Netherpongo]

The door back that far is shut. I'm not sure you can all fit without squeezing in this chamber.

[Professor Baldeck Kaldosian]

Perception at the Door: 10 + 24 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 24 + (5) = 39 +4 for Traps

[Otto O'Read]

Otto glares down the corridor. Just like that selfish little pooch to hide himself away in a dank place like this one!

[Otto O'Read]

GM Netherpongo wrote:

The door back that far is shut. I'm not sure you can all fit without squeezing in this chamber.

Allison has Narrow Frame, and if need be Otto can change back to his normal Oread form to make more room.

[GM Netherpongo]

GM Dice:

Professor Kaldosian does not find traps on the door and I'll assume that he opened it in the interest of time.

This large, octagonal room features a passage or alcove in each of its eight sides. An eerie blue-and-yellow flame dances within a large central pit in the middle of the chamber. In an alcove directly opposite the main entrance stands a red stone statue of a robed woman, her arms lifted to the sky and her eyes gleaming like jewels. Arched passageways lead to the north and to the south.

Let me know what paths you take as you explore and/or traverse the room, especially since it will likely be a trapfinding endeavor.

[Professor Baldeck Kaldosian]

Professor casts detect magic using his wayfinder and scans the room. 60ft for if anything pops he studies for 3 rounds.

[Coreleus]

Coreleus looks from the back moving to the doorway with the bow at the ready but not entering

[Toshiro Takamura]

"What does everyone see?"

[Karn "Killer of magic"]

Karn steps forward and with a grunt of concentration casts Detect Magic. Karn begins looking over the room and hums quietly to himself.

GM: How high are the blue flames dancing from the pit in the middle of the room? Do the flames emit any heat?

[GM Netherpongo]

Professor Kaldosian & Karn both detect magic coming from the central pillar. After continuing your efforts for a short time, you are able to determine that the pillar is radiating magic from both the schools of Conjuration and Abjuration.

Skipping the formality of an Arcana roll just above.

[Professor Baldeck Kaldosian]

Professor will check 20ft wild path infront of him walking toward the magic he will stop 20 ft away from the pillar or father to stay out of the magic and assess it for traps or more details.

Percetion : 10 + 28 + 1d6 ⇒ 10 + 28 + (6) = 44 for traps on the approach. The DC for the statue is 2 higher because of distance.

[GM Netherpongo]

Even from this distance, the Professor can tell that the pillar is trapped. An Alarm effect extending 10' away from the pillar appears to be the trigger.

[Professor Baldeck Kaldosian]

Professor analyzes the situation.

Does he think he can manipulate the trap from 10ft away from the pillar?

If he can:

Disable Device: 10 + 28 = 38

If he can't:

He Draws a chalk line 13 ft around the area and says, "If you go inside this circle you have to deal with whatever happens solo." Then he smiles and laughs.

[Karn "Killer of magic"]

Karn enters the octagonal room and begins peering into the alcoves and passageways while being sure to avoid whatever it is that the Professor is doing. "Karn no like odd shaped room. To many way ambush"

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

[GM Netherpongo]

GM Dice:

Professor Kaldosian and Karn move into the room to disable the trap and continue their exploration, respectively. I moved their minis to suit, but no one else.

A sudden rush of air fills the room and three elementals appear in alcoves around the room. The elementals begin chanting and do not appear to be readying to attack you.

Professor Kaldosian: you know it will take several more rounds before your disable attempt is complete.

Edit: added red squares for trap areas.

[Professor Baldeck Kaldosian]

Spellcraft or arcana to see what they are doing?

[GM Netherpongo]

It isn't a proper spell being cast, but we can probably use Spellcraft to gain more information. The elementals are doing a ritual of some kind.

Also, I didn't put up spoilers to know more about the elementals. A Planes check fir that is in order.

[Toshiro Takamura]

Torshiro moves up closer to the area.

[Coreleus]

Coreleus draws on one of the ritual chanting elementals and taps himself with the gravity bow wand

should we attack them?

wand: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

[Professor Baldeck Kaldosian]

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35

Planes: 1d20 + 20 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 20 + (3) = 40

[Karn "Killer of magic"]

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28

Karn attempts to speak with the elemental. (Speaking Taldane (Common)) "Who you? What doing?"

If the elemental does not respond to Karn's questions he will just loudly bellow at it.

[GM Netherpongo]

Giving a more long form explanation since you guys aren't in combat.

Professor Kaldosian identifies the creatures as Shadowfire elementals. Specifically in this case, fire elementals with the Shadowfire template. Shadowfire creatures have not been heard of in recent times. They are immune to cold damage and are healed by fire damage. Their attacks do additional shadowfire (negative energy) damage, they become incorporeal while moving, they can be hard to hit when not in bright light and they are able to travel from shadow to shadow instantaneously on a limited basis.

The ritual the elementals are performing is conjuration based.

They do not respond to Karn's shouting.

[Toshiro Takamura]

Toshiro readies his sword and whispers.

"Yes should we attack?"

[Professor Baldeck Kaldosian]

"F+*#, hit them all stop the ritual while I disable this trap."

[Deno'thar]

Deno’thar moves up and whispers through a message spell,” So the violent solution eh?”

[Professor Baldeck Kaldosian]

"I don't think they will listen to reason. Though science may be effective but I don't know."

[Karn "Killer of magic"]

Seeing the others prepping to attack Karn immediately flies off the handle. He roars some incoherent challenge at the nearest elemental and wails at it with his mighty sword.

Attack #1: +3 furious adamantine greatsword, power attack, furious focus, raging: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36
Damage #1: magic, adamantine, slashing, power attack, raging, witch hunter: 2d6 + 23 ⇒ (3, 5) + 23 = 31

Attack #2: +3 furious adamantine greatsword, power attack, furious focus, raging: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Damage #2: magic, adamantine, slashing, power attack, raging, witch hunter: 2d6 + 23 ⇒ (6, 3) + 23 = 32

Attack #3: bite, power attack, raging: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Damage #3: B/P/S, power attack, raging, witch hunter: 1d4 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

[GM Netherpongo]

GM Dice:

Karn can fly off the handle if he wants to, but he still has to wait for initiative before he can full attack. You guys aren't being precisely secretive about your attack plans, so no surprise.

Given earlier responses, I'm assuming that Professor Kaldosian and Otto expend Heightened Awareness here, but not Deno'thar.
Coreleus Initiative: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Deno'thar Initiative: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
Karn Initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Otto Initiative + Heightened Awareness: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 4 = 13
Professor Kaldosian Initiative + Heightened Awareness: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 4 = 26
Allison Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Toshiro Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Blue Shadowflame Elemental Initiative: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Yellow Shadowflame Elemental Initiative: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Green Shadowflame Elemental Initiative: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Initiative Order:
Coreleus
Professor Kaldosian
Blue Shadowflame Elemental
Yellow Shadowflame Elemental
Deno'thar
Green Shadowflame Elemental
Allison
Toshiro
Karn
Otto

Coreleus and Professor Kaldosian can act! (It's getting to the point where further posts before Monday start looking unlikely)

[Professor Baldeck Kaldosian]

I assume I need to stand here and continue to work? What does the Professor understand about the time of the things happening here. And what he can do about this trap?

[Deno'thar]

I usually expend HA for the initiative bonus, unless I’m critically low on spell slots

[Coreleus]

attack 1: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

attack 2: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24

attack 3: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

attack 4: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 2) + 8 = 11

damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (3, 5) + 8 = 16

damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 4) + 8 = 13

damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 3) + 8 = 12

if evil I do another 2d6 holy

bring sharpened arrow
end elemental fury
Ritual silenced