GM R Box - Iron Gods AP

[Elkin Stormborn]

Elkin looks on as the others offer aid and ask advice of the small girl. I didn't pick up on the fact that she was so young! No wonder she hasn't kept the tavern open. But she's very brave to have tried to fight that thing.

[GM Red Box]

Knowledge Checks - The combined checks that you have all made pay off a little more now that the construct is not active (in case like this I assume you take 20). While it is clearly foreign technology you can tell that it is not arcane in nature but more of a clockwork technology, just substantially more advanced they anything common. The exterior is a combination of the same “glaucite” material you found in the stature and a smoother flexible material that is not quite like anything commonly seen (plastic). It would be safe to guess that an automation such as this would be susceptible to electrical damage.

_______________

The girl has composed herself some and you can see more of the inner strength that made her try to defend her home. Her eyes light up when Xander and Augar speak, the dwarfs deep voice making her smile.

“Thank you for that as well then. I am Val, Khonnir’s daughter and, for the moment I have to take care of all this stuff.” she gestures to the buildings. “I can fix the damage form the constructs but first I will remove some of their bits, I thought they were broken once before.”

“Please feel free to use our Tavern as you need. I, well, I will give you food and a place to sleep but I would prefer not get into the drink. Without dad here I don’t want things to get rowdy, he dealt with that stuff.”

Val leads them into the inn to talk further.

“Dolga let you know a lot I hope. Dad didn’t talk to me about much of what he found but he was excited. Mentioned a huge room behind a door and that there may be a lot of salvage he could learn from. I just hope it is easier salvage then that last thing. Lets see, what else…

"Oh, it was dark and he mentioned moldy halflings, YUCK! Umm, what else? Beetles! Something about them."

"Did she mention the water to get in? Dad told me I could swim it but that a man with weapons and stuff would have issues."

[James Quintik]

"I am glad you are safe, girl. Yes, we are going to hunt for your father. Here, take the bits you need," he says, as he starts playing with the thing to see how it might work. "I am going to lock this thing up in a closet until we return, just in case it starts acting up again."

"Yes, yes - we have the swimming part covered. Anything else he say about this here gizmo, or where it came from?"

[Xandar Coulsong]

To be fair take 20 on knowledge is not possible except for the bard later. Knowledge check doesn't allow retries.

"That's good to hear Val." Xandar listens to the other explain the situation. "Indeed we have help getting through the swimming part. But I at least you like to drop some of my equipment that would be hard to swim with, if you would allow that." He adds smiling.

[Crystal Blackhill]

At Vedia's mention of venturing alone being foolish, Crystal gives a blushing and sheepish smile with a shrug as she quietly whispers to her over the others' conversation "Have you ever been cave diving in Black Hill? It is exhilarating even if done alone... I never made it far, but... I have a lot more respect for this "Khonnir" now."

At the mention of swimming Crystal's face would light up and her lean muscles would tense as she mock swam in the air for a second or so.

Nothing about the proposed deal would set her off, and it seemed on their way to the Foundry she was in her own world with small and cordial mutterings to herself, openly wondering aloud "Hmmm, what to call my tribe after this...."

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There, all caught up! lol

As the others stuck to the task at hand Crystal would fidget with the thing with a small frown "I take it you are going to be keeping this, Val? Sorry but... I haven't scavenged something like this little guy in a while!" She would hold the disfunctional robot up with a grin as she eyed it over constantly.

As the others kept to the task at hand, inquiring Val, Crystal would keep an eye out for anything particular with a passive guffaw about swimming "You seem to make a big deal out about swimming. My mom and pop were way better at it than me for now, but I don't think it's too hard... I suppose I could swim with someone on my back if I can breath underwater."

At this, Crystal would give a nudging and joking poke to her new dwarven friend while listening to Val.

[GM Red Box]

Xander, you are correct. I was kind of short handing that many of the party have some technology knowledge and would be able to work out more out of combat's 6 second bites.

Feel free to RP for the evening. While not as drugged from the hospital as I thought I would be I do not trust myself to advance the story properly.

[Augar Battlehammer]

Swimming, he really was not a swimmer. Heck he barely saw water aside from bathing, cleaning and drinking!

" Seems legit Young Miss. You are the Matron of your house and we are mere guests." Augar said as he respectfully bowed to his current hostess. His issue was hiding the wince every time someone mentioned swimming.

"I prefer to keep all of my gear and if possible help with swimming?" Augar admitted to those who could hear him. He was a smith not a fisher man or boat pilot. What use would he have to swim?

[Xandar Coulsong]

"Augar was it right? Swimming can easily be aquired by spells, but sadly they don't last as long, as the spells to draw our breath underwater does, only a few minutes at best. Assuming the lake is safe to swim in, I would advise to take your armor off before going into the water and requip it, once we are inside the cave. If you rather want to swim with spells, I think you need to find an alchemist or wizard to help you with a potion of the spell." Xandar says to the dwarf before turning back to Val.

"Val did you father tell you anything about the gave he explored? Or did he maybe leave a map behind that could help us find him that much faster?"

[Vedia Merenda]

On the way to the Foundry Vedina hears Crystal mention her tribe. As the evening goes on she decides to ask. "What did you mean about naming your tribe?" She shakes her head at the discussion of swimming. "I'm not wearing any heavy armor, and I'm still not good at swimming. Perhaps I should go first in case there is anything waiting for us on the other side. My armor is magical and doesn't weigh anything."

[GM Red Box]

I struggled with the request for a map. I did not want to give too much but it was kind of unthinkable that an educated man searching for the cause of a problem would not make a map. Hopefully this will not kill to much exploration for you.

As the group prepares and discusses Val chimes in here and there.

"A map? Well Dad was working on one in his book but there was a sketch or two left, I will see what I can find.”

After a brief search behind the bar Val comes back with a scrap of paper with a respectable map drawn on it. Any true adventurer would be frustrated by the number of unexplored options but at least it is a map. You can clearly see a basic path to the doors that have been spoken of. Sadly there are no notations, you can only assume those would be found in a journal or more completed map.

“I… Well just make sure I get this back. Its one of the last things he created that I have.”

Val’s Map

[Xandar Coulsong]

Well you don't have to give a map if you don't want to. I think we would perfectly understand if he had taken the map with him the second time.

"I'll let you keep it Val, I will just add a quick sketch of the map to my journal so it doesn't get lost." Xandar says smiling at the girl as he finds his journal and inkpen from the backpack.

[Elkin Stormborn]

GM Red Box wrote:

I struggled with the request for a map. I did not want to give too much but it was kind of unthinkable that an educated man searching for the cause of a problem would not make a map. Hopefully this will not kill to much exploration for you.

As a player, I'd have not been surprised if the only map he had disappeared with him, but thank you for what you provided. Not only should it be useful, but it looks really good! I don't know if that's photoshop or what, but nice effect to make it look hand-drawn. :)

Elkin doesn't speak too much at the tavern. He is definitely engaged, paying attention to all of the questions and banter, but also seems to be holding back, perhaps until he feels more comfortable or knows the group better.

Eventually, his familiar crawls out from under his cloak and starts examining the party as well. A strange beast, it resembles something of a flying squirrel--but not that at all, really--with a sky-blue belly and light brown back. There are moments where it seems that the two carry on a rudimentary conversation, or at least exchange of feelings. New friends, Nelen, new friends. I know you don't understand the words, but you understand what friends feels like, right? Friends.

[GM Red Box]

I try and stay with what I think the NPC's would do and I really feel this would have been left so I am happy to provide. Clearly I had already made it :)

[Augar Battlehammer]

" Hmmm, a map of the area is quite thorough." Augar says as he walks over to look at the map. His footfalls were heavy as he crossed the floor. Looking it over he notes a few things and looks up.

" I wonder if their are some rare metals in thier? If there is we could see if a mine could get started. Or possibly scavenge the placw if ruins." he said speaking out loud and in personal thought.

[James Quintik]

"Does anyone know if this spell will keep our gear dry? I will need dry black powder to fire this again," James says as he cleans and reloads his pistol.

[Xandar Coulsong]

"I don't think it does James, it just allows us to breath underwater. But a standard powderhorn should protect a few doses of black powder from the water." Xandar say looking up form his journal.

[James Quintik]

"Then I should go get some supplies before we head out."

If we don't have much more to do here, James will go shopping.

[GM Red Box]

Most everyone has weighed in. If you want to do some shopping and meet at the entrance that is fine. If it matters I figure you be entering about 1pm or so at that point.

This evening I will advance to outside the cave this evening, let me know about purchases.

[GM Red Box]

You follow the river to a small pond that has found a low spot in the overall hill. Accross the pond you can see a cave matching the discription given. On the closet shore is an older man, local cleric Joram Kyte. Joram looks less like a holy man and more like a blacksmith but his reputation is good. In his hand is a metal rod, glowing with blue runes lending an air of power to what would otherwise look like a large wrench. His leather apron has an assortment of tools, none of which look holy.

The pond is not a good color of red / brown but it is a necessary hurdle.

As he speaks it is apparent he wants this job done but is not going to bother to be attached to the group. Giving advice but at an arms length.

“Hello, hello. For those that dont know me I am Joram Kyte. Dolga told me you were coming today, I am sorry I was not at the Town Hall to meet you. Going to be a stretch to cast on such a large party but as long as no one else needs to go today it will be ok. Just remember once you are blessed by Brigh you are on a ticking clock. Its not a bad swim so how long you have depends on who needs the spell.”

“Khonnir said that he was going to approach this place in chunks, I suggest you do the same. Plus when you come back I can patch you up and maybe trade what you find for something useful at my shop / temple.”

“I suggest going over close together in case any of those big red beetles are there waiting. So who needs the spell?”

Image on tactical map of both Joram and the map you saw.

Please decide who needs and dosn't need the spell as well as a swim order.

[James Quintik]

"Not much a swimmer here, and happy to bring up the rear, so I will need a touch of magic to get through, I am afraid."

[Xandar Coulsong]

"Must admit swimming is not my strong suit, so I would need to ask for the spell cast on me."
As long as I don't swim in the front I place myself where there is room between the others.

[Vedia Merenda]

James if you don't mind could you grab me a Waterproof Bag please?" She hands over the 5 silver required to purchase the bag.

"I'm an acceptable swimmer. If others need the spell more than I, please take the spell." She tucks her spellbook into the waterproof bag before entering the water.

Translation: I have a +0 to swim. So no actual negative penalty. I'll go toward the middle, and cast mage armor right before I get wet.

[Elkin Stormborn]

"I'm afraid swimming is not something that I've ever done; not more than at a shoreline to wash, that is. I think I'll need the spell, too."

Nelen crawls up onto his shoulder, and Elkin continues. "And this one probably needs it even more than me, I think." A moment passes as he looks the petromin in the eyes before continuing. "Yes, I'm not getting a feeling of confidence from him. He's a flyer; not a swimmer."

I'm assuming that the cave is entirely under the water. If there's open space above the water, Nelen has a climb speed and may be able to travel along the walls above the water, instead.

[Ivar Stonewrought]

"I may not be the best swimmer in the world, but I think I can manage, if'n one o' ye'll help me out of me armor."

If I don't have to deal with ACP, I've got a +3 from STR. I'll manage. As long as I don't roll a bunch of 1s

[Xandar Coulsong]

"I could lend you a hand Ivar."
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 Is it calm water we are to swim in?

[GM Red Box]

The water is perfectly still, the swim to the area of the entrance is easy and I will not bother with checks while above water. For the actual entrance you need to navigate underwater.

Waiting on Augar and Crystal though I think crystal has already said she is a strong swimmer.

This is not going to be difficult but it can have an impact on something else or I would just hand wave. Like climb checks I find swim checks tedious.

[Augar Battlehammer]

Augar looked at the priest. He scowled at this whole ordeal but he stepped forward and spoke. "I do not know how to swim, never needed to know how"

[James Quintik]

Ah, I was more concerned from a Constitution check than a swim check, in case we have to hold our breath long. I looked at air bladders, but they only last 1 round....

Quintok buys Vedia her bag, and picks himself one up too. And a couple extras.

[GM Red Box]

I see Vedia, Ivar and Crystal as declining the spell. The rest (5) have seven hours of spell duration. If anyone wants to ret-con their choice to take the spell please go ahead and roll swim or declare the change. This has slowed things down too much. @James, I will make no guarantee about Fort saves later.

Moving forward.

The cleric casts the spell with the aid of his meta magic wand and sees you off. "Best of luck, it would be best if you could bring him back."

Vedia, Ivar and Crystal please roll DC10 swim checks. You need two consecutive.

I will put you into an intuitive order for the swim. Melee before ranged and caster.

[Elkin Stormborn]

GM Red Box wrote:

seven hours of spell duration

Before Joram casts the spells, Elkin does some quick math. "The spell will last us seven hours? That's three and a half in and back if we do nothing but travel; let's try to make sure we always have a sense of how long it's going to take us to backtrack from wherever we are in there."

Once the spells have been cast, he and Nelen waste no time getting into the water, forming up with the others, and getting under way. Neither look confident in the water at all, but not having to worry about finding air helps both to manage well enough.

[Augar Battlehammer]

Augar looked at them and tapped his chin. "well their might be another exit or entrance not seen on the map.So if it lasts to long we can always try that roite."

[Crystal Blackhill]

Crystal eagerly speaks to Vedia about her tribe as she begins stretching for the swim while the others get bags and spells cast on them "Well, my old tribe, Blackhill, used to scavenge the mountains and caves to make a living. We were strong, swam, fished, hunted, climbed, danced... Unfortunately almost all of them have now left for the city, or to work for the Technic League... So I'll be working on making my own! First, though, I'm going to have to test these waters!"

Crystal couldn't wait any longer- she hadn't swam in nearly three days. Or was it four? She couldn't remember- the city had always thrown off her sense of time.

Swim Checks:

Swim out of Armor x3: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Swim: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Though stripped down to her basic tunic and cloths, Crystal struggles slightly at the beginning of her swim. "Ugh... I knew I shouldn't have stayed in Torch so long..."

By a few strokes, however, she seems to get into her usual flow of things and courageously swims, even daring to swim facing upwards at certain points of the journey.

Anyone who struggles, Crystal would wordlessly attempt to aid and support.

[Xandar Coulsong]

You can always take 10 in calm water, so unless you have a penalty it shouldn't be a problem in and out. I thought it was a longer swim.

"Thank you Joram, we'll do our best to bring him back today. I'll help our way if anyone wants a light spell cast on them, to see underwater and in the cave let me know. I can hold it active on one person at a time.

[GM Red Box]

See discussion for explanation of what I just did.

The water is more unpleasant then expected and you each feel at least slightly ill. After Joram casts his spell, the seven of your enter the pool. The underwater entrance is big enough for only one of you to go through at a time but eventually you all get though.

Fortitude:

Fortitude Augar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Fortitude Crystal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Fortitude Elkin: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Fortitude Ivar: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Fortitude James: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Fortitude Vedia: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Fortitude Xander: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Crystal, Elkin, Vedia and Xander come out of the water and immediately vomit sickened DC 10 (The character takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks) for the next minute The room is dark and a foul dampness hangs in the air. You can hear a clicking noise and the sound of splashing as something moves though the water. Those without darkvision can see very little other than four moving yellow lights that seem to be getting closer.

Darkvision:

Four large red beetles have heard the splashing and vomiting and have come looking for an easy meal

Once there is a light source everyone can check this.

Initiative:

Initiative Augar: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Initiative Crystal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Initiative Elkin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Initiative Ivar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Initiative James: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Initiative Vedia: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Initiative Xander: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Initiative Beetles: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Bold may act (map updated):
Crystal, Xander and Vedia
Beetles
Ivar, James, Elkin and Augar

[Elkin Stormborn]

Petromin are naturally luminous, shedding light like a candle. Their monster entry states a swift action to turn that off, but makes no mention of the action required to activate it once off. Nelen would have been luminous during the swim, but I could see him turning it off before emerging from the water to make sure he's not a shining target in a dark space. So it's off when they emerge; if he can turn it on as an immediate action, he will do so now, before anyone acts. Otherwise, we'll wait for initiative.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 for Nelen, to be fair

[GM Red Box]

I would call it a natural instinct for him to use this when emerging from nasty water into a dark, foul smelling, room. It provides dim light, I believe it is only the equivalent of a candle.

So everyone can see as per dim light conditions.

[Augar Battlehammer]

augar came out of the water coughing. As he looked about he noted the beetles and the others. Almost instictually Elkins' pet began to glow which shed even more light.

[Xandar Coulsong]

Xandar emerges from the water, loosing his breakfast. "That was a waste of coin to get the big breakfast." "Beetles, why beetles."

He draws his longsword to cast light on it and allow the others to see and fight better. "Light show our path. Lumionus."

Know. nature: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 Clearly he only knows it's a red beetle.

[Ivar Stonewrought]

Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

"By Droskar's Ashen Forge, that's a gigantic bug!" Ivar says, pulling his dorn-dergar and helm from him sodden pack. No time to put me armor on, these'll have to do. he thinks.

[Crystal Blackhill]

Crystal takes a long deep breath as she neglects her wet armor to instead take out her earthbreaker with a smile "Feel free to get dressed boys... Im going in."

She was familiar with this dizzy, spinning feeling going through her head. She had the perfect counter to it, at least for now...

With a quick spinning of her Earthbreaker Crystal would slam it into the ground releasing a brilliant flash of blue as it then covered her entire body while whispering to herself "Gorum."

bloodrage round 1

Crystal then moves to be five feet away from the nearest beetle, continuing to spin her earthbreaker about her in a showing display of force.

[James Quintik]

James sees the approaching lights and sets about lighting a torch as soon as he can dig one out. Then he draws his rapier and prepares to stab any creature that gets too close.

[Vedia Merenda]

Sorry about that. I was traveling yesterday.

Vedia coughs and hacks from the nasty water. I really should have prepared Prestidigitation today. Vedia casts light on Crystal's earthbreaker. "I hope you don't mind a lighted weapon. It may help in the fight."

[GM Red Box]

Round 1 Beetles

Clicking and splashing the beetles advance on what they hope is an easy meal. There luminescence flairs brighter as they move in to attack.

Beetle 1 @ Augar
Beetle 1 Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Beetle 2 @ Crystal
Beetle 1 Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Beetle 3 @ Crystal
Beetle 1 Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Bold may act:
Crystal, Xander and Vedia [color=Red] Round 2 [/color]
Beetles
Ivar, James, Elkin and Augar [color=Red] Round 1 [/color]

[Augar Battlehammer]

Augar having never taken off his ceatus punches at the bug attacking him.
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

[Elkin Stormborn]

Elkin steps a little forward, finding a space behind Augar from which he can work. He glares at the beetle attacking the dwarven cleric, his eyes glowing a sharp blue.

Targeting that beetle with Evil Eye for a -2 penalty to AC. Will save DC 14 for 1 round of effect, otherwise, 7 rounds.

"Nelen seems amused. I don't think he's seen other creatures that generate their own light before."

[GM Red Box]

Augar lets lose a punch, clearly powered by Torag, striking the beetle hard between the mandibles. The creatures legs splay out to the side and it falls not moving again.

Will: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Beetle number two feels the effect of the witches stare.

[Vedia Merenda]

Vedia pulls out her crossbow and loads it. "I wonder if their glow can be used for spell components." Vedia muses as she waits for her chance at a shot.

Move Pull out Crossbow, Standard Load Crossbow

[Xandar Coulsong]

"I'll help you hit these beetles." Xandar says composing himself to ready his performance.

Perform Sing: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Well let's hope nothing gonna countersing me.

"An illusion? A dream? Those gentle days
That seemed I was embraced by kind hands as I fell to sleep
Disappear without a trace, almost like a spell was broken.
With that, I knew that my normal everyday was a miracle."

+1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls, +1 morale save vs fear and charm.

[Crystal Blackhill]

Crystal continues to spin with the Earthbreaker, almost dancing with it as a partner instead of a weapon as she smashes it after the first beetle that had failed to bite her-

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (6, 4) + 5 = 15 0.0

Second round of rage

[James Quintik]

James moves up and readies his rapier to attack any beetle that moves to within range.

Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 + 1 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8