HoH and the Scythe of TPK

[DracoDruid]

Hello everyone!

We recently made our first steps into Harrowstone Prison and encountered the Scythe.

After 3 rounds we realized that none of us would be able to overcome its hardness and tried to flee.
Hoping the scythe wouldn't persue us further than the platform it spawn.

Well, after our monk was crit-dropped from full 9 to -9 hp with one string one round later, our GM rethought the encounter and made it disappear, since none of us was really sure on how to use the "Haunted" ability.

So here's the question:

When a "haunted" animated object is attacked by positive energy, does this ignore hardness?

[DM Cobalt]

The scythe has the "Haunted" flaw, and you should have looked on page 81 of the AP to find the rules for Haunted.
Quote:

Quote:

Haunted (Ex, +1 CP): The object is haunted by a malevolent

spirit. It takes damage from positive energy as if it were
an undead creature and can be detect by detect undead.

Yes, positive enregy ignores hardness, because it is attacking the "Haunt" animating the object, and not breaking the object itself.

[DracoDruid]

We did but the wording isn't really clear on whether this ignores hardness or not.

It simply states that the object CAN be damaged by pos. energy.

But okay, I'll pass that down to our GM.

Thanks.

[DM Cobalt]

Hardness only applies when you are breaking an object.
Since it is "haunted", you aren't 'breaking' the item, but killing the haunt.

[JOHN DICKERSON]

You're character not knowing how to deal with the haunts initially is actually pretty much expected in the module, and one of the reasons this adventure path has a horrow survival feel to it. You might want to do some research or talk to people in town about what's going on.

That said, this adventure path actually requires your GM be very prepared. A gentle suggestion that he take a close look at the mechanics and encounters in the prison and think about how the party will interact with them might be helpful.

Bonus Hint: Holy water and ghosts don't mix well

Mechanically, the Hardness on animated objects works pretty much identicle to how DR/Adamantine works, if I understand it correctly.

[Pan]

9 HP? Sounds like level 1? You boys better slow down and do your homework before rushing in. You know who rushes in right?

[Windspirit]

Yeah..if nobody died...maybe see it as a HINT of the GM that you shouldn't be here...

[DracoDruid]

As I said, even our GM wasn't absolutely sure about whether to ignore Hardness or not (in this specific case).

And yeah, we are 1st level, and yeah, I have a strong feeling we shouldn't be there.

But up until now, there is no other lead except bringing those books to the academy in what-was-its-name-city.

We already talked to all major NPCs and most of them weren't THAT helpful.

Something is definitely off with them.

I know we are missing something, but I can't put my finger on it...

[Pan]

I would go into more but I cant without spoiling. All I can say is I had plenty in town for my PCs.