DM Carl - Map Link - 60 Friday September 4th, 2020 4:16:47 PM Aexana hangs back in the tunnel, but describes the surroundings to Rill. It's enough for his magic to work, and he instantly summons himself and the rest of the Sea Dragons miles under the surface.
Our heroes find themselves in a large undersea cave. No, cave isn't the right word. Caves are natural formations, unlike the perfectly smooth, perfectly oblong space they're in. The walls are solid granite with no adornment. The floors curve up into the walls, which curve out into the ceiling. There is not a right angle to be seen anywhere. The room is big enough to hold oxygen for our heroes to breath for over an hour, assuming that's even a concern here.
Four tunnels branch off to the north. Each is filled with a roiling, inky darkness. The dwarven members of the Sea Dragons find their darkvision useless in piercing it. The ceiling is covered by a glowing clock face, ticking down to the appointed time. It shines bright enough to cover the rest of the room in normal light.
A few seconds after arrival, the clock vanishes. The room plunges into darkness, but only for a moment before it is replaced with another clock face. This one has a single hand, pointed north at the only number on the entire face: 60. The clock hand is not moving.
This place smells wrong. There is no poison, and everyone breathes fine, but the smell cannot be placed. Perhaps this is just what the ocean smells like this far down?
Light reflections bounce off the water where Aexana still swims and play across the walls. It, and the roiling darkness, are the only things that move.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+19=26 ; Friday September 4th, 2020 10:52:56 PM It seems it did not matter when we got here, if we were just going to trigger this new deadline.
He looks at the dark tunnels. 4 tunnels, 4 abductees? And a new timer. We've no time to waste, it seems.
He targets 2 corridors if possible, but will focus on one if necessary. Cast Area Greater Dispel Magic - CL check 26 to try to get rid of the roiling blackness.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Friday September 4th, 2020 10:53:48 PM didn't notice the map before - will target leftmost corridor with the 20 foot burst.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision-See Invis Saturday September 5th, 2020 2:31:54 AM "I can't see through the darkness. I'm going to being in some help just in case." Tahni starts casting Greater Immortal Summons to bring Umith into the scene. "Does anyone have a daylight spell handy? They're super good versus magical darkness. Umith and I can cast some in a sec otherwise"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 239/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Sunday September 6th, 2020 9:37:57 AM
Fang eyes the clock once it's point out to her. "Well lets pick one and get moving then." She moves to the leftmost entrance, though doesn't dive into the darkness (should it still be there) until the others look ready to come along.
(Caught up to everyone else's level)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Sunday September 6th, 2020 10:57:12 AM
Aex nods at Tahni's request for a Daylight spell. She takes a slingbullet from her pouch and casts Daylight on it. Immediately it sheds bright light in a 60-foot radius negating spells such as Darkness. Now which of the tunnels to explore?!? One once said "when in doubt follow your nose" but the whole place smells wrong...
The whole place does not only smell wrong, it feels wrong entirely. "We'll talk through the rings... we need to see and hear more. Here... you can throw the coin ahead of you as we go... " she says and tosses the Daylight coin into Tahni's hands. She'll change into something different next round.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 260/260) d20+22=41 ; Sunday September 6th, 2020 2:09:41 PM
Bralin casts a spell on himself, and then follows Fang to the leftmost tunnel entrance.
Brushing his fingers lightly across the cavern wall, he attempts to discern how the cavern was constructed.
[Perception 41 inspecting stonework]
Spells in Effect Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC for 14 minutes
Rill (MarkB) AC29 T16 F27, CMD 27, HP 169/169 Sunday September 6th, 2020 5:21:22 PM "I wonder how fast that clock counts down from 60.
"Well, it's not like the people in charge don't know were here, so let's check a few things."
Not sure if we're going round by round, but Rill takes out a Bird Feather Token, scribbles a message of hello to Crall and bids the little bird to take the message to Crall. Then he makes note of which tunnel the bird flies down.
"Perhaps we should start with our strongest ally, or foe if he's been turned against us. The bird should be able to pick the right tunnel for Crall. Assuming it does, should we follow or choose that left tunnnel anyway just to throw them off? And let's check a few other things."
Rill takes out a coin with Continual Light cast on it and throws it into the left most tunnel. Then, if we have time, he will cast Detect Poison to see if these roiling clouds are as toxic as them look.
As he peers down the left most tunnel, Rill hopes that his Foresight spell will warn him against any "impending danger or harm" and give "a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself."
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Sunday September 6th, 2020 6:21:23 PM
Jozhur peers onto what he can only assume is unnatural darkness. He reckons it could indeed also be a fog or cloud, since he can't see through it.
He approaches the four tunnels, waiting for a decision.
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Monday September 7th, 2020 2:25:44 PM
Hey Guys,
I started phase 2 on the Silk Tap where you'll choose your next game. Please go check out and we'll get started! :)
DM Carl - Map Link - 60 Monday September 7th, 2020 7:24:35 PM
Terser puts four and four together and decides there's no time to waste. He tries dispelling the darkness, but the darkness stands. He feels his magic struggling against the darkness, but it just isn't enough. He can tell a stronger effort could be successful.
The clock on the ceiling remains stationary. It seems pretty self-evident it's a timer, but the clock isn't running down yet.
Tahni starts bringing in help, wondering if anyone's got a daylight spell handy.
Fang is ready to pounce into the unknown, but waits until her friends are all ready too.
Aexana takes Tahni's advice and makes a coin and/or sling bullet shine with brilliant light. She wonders where to explore first, which your DM is interpreting as "I'm standing far enough back to not illuminate any tunnels".
Bralin joins Fang, inspecting the stonework. It's entirely mundane granite "cut" impossibly smooth. Magic had to be involved in this chamber's making. There isn't evidence of mining tools touching any of the stone.
Rill wonders how fast that timer will count down. He's astute enough to notice the only hand from the previous clock face that's left is the seconds hand. He activates a bird feather token and sends it after Crall. It's a very clever idea, one that your DM had to think on for a minute. Without hesitating, the bird flies into the right-most tunnel. The flutter of small wings stops soon after.
Perception DC 45, Highlight to display spoiler: {There's a *very* slight "ping" sound before the flutter stops, then nothing else.}
(OOC: I'm sticking to the module exactly as written again. This time it's in your favor.)
A coin with continual light flies off into the leftmost tunnel. It vanishes into the darkness, followed by the sound of a coin hitting stone. It sounds like it rolls on its edge for a moment, indicating it hit the floor. Rill's foresight spell warns him of danger, and that the best way to protect himself from it is to flee.
Jozhur is also waiting for a consensus on how to proceed.
Clock is still pointing at 60 and has not moved. Please put yourselves on the map, or I'll reserve the right to place you myself w/o an appeals process.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 239/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Monday September 7th, 2020 10:36:45 PM
Fang waits somewhat impatiently for the others to be ready to get started.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=35 ; Monday September 7th, 2020 11:56:19 PM
Jozhur peers into the roiling darkness. Well, does that mean we go right?
Whatever they decide, Jozhur is ready to follow along.
Rill (MarkB) AC29 T16 F27, CMD 27, HP 169/169 d20+38=44 ; d20+15=28 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2020 1:37:43 AM
(Rill fails a 45 DC Perception check.)
"It sounds like this left most tunnel ends shortly in a stone wall. Let's take that right most tunnel. At least we know that Crall is in there."
As he moves over to the right most corridor, he glances at the non-moving clock wondering what will trigger it. Once at that corridor Rill casts Detect Poison and Detect Magic (Spellcraft 28 to determine properties.)
Rill relies on Foresight to provide warnings per the spell.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision-See Invis d20+32=36 ; d20+20=30 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2020 2:27:46 AM "Great idea with that bird, Rill!" Tahni nods in appreciation at the very clever idea. Hopefully it makes its way safely to Crall.
On queue, Umith arrives in the square next to Tahni. He looks as thrilled as ever to have been called - which is to say not much at all.
"So, uh, Umith? Care to take the lead down that path on the right?"
The jyoti doesn't visibly sigh or complain, and does as he is asked. He flies 5ft off the ground and down the right hand tunnel ahead of the group.
Tahni starts summoning her other companion, Hyvward.
----------------- Tahni: Perception vs DC45: 36=Fail! Cast Lesser Immortal Summons
Umith: Perception 30 AC24/16/18 - HP104 - Darkvision 60ft - SR20 - Immune death attacks, disease, energy drain, poison Umith's stats can be found on Tahni's sheet here
Fang (Mitch) HP: 239/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday September 8th, 2020 7:38:56 AM
Fang shrugs. "We're saving all of them eventually."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday September 8th, 2020 9:16:56 AM
This place gives Aex the shivers... somehow she feels her Gnome body is quite fragile down here. These round corridors are just playing with her mind.
So Aex decides she'll feel a bit more confident being an Air elemental. Perhaps she'll get a benefit from the Darkvision but more important she can fly up and down the walls as she wants. She follows the group and hovers about mid height of the cave.
Not sure where the Coin with Daylight has gone nor if it will do anything against the Darkness.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+19=35 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2020 10:32:30 AM I was almost able to get rid of that darkness, or something at least, on the leftmost tunnel. I can try one more time, but someone with stronger magic may want to try it. If the coin really did hit a wall, I'll try the next tunnel.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 260/260) Tuesday September 8th, 2020 11:41:20 AM
Following Rill's suggestion, Bralin repositions himself to the rightmost tunnel.
"Should the clock count down seconds, 'tis likely we must split the team regardless", he notes.
The dwarf awaits the results of Tahni's ally's inspection.
--- Spells in Effect Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC for 14 minutes
DM Carl - Map Link - 60 d20+21=24 ; 3d6+10=22 ; d20+33=44 ; 12d6=46 ; 3d6=12 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2020 3:16:37 PM
Fang, Bralin, and Jozhur are ready to get this going, but want to be sure their casters finish their preparation. Your DM would have appreciated this level of courtesy in the games he's played in, that's for sure.
Rill mentions the coin hit a wall, though that's not at all what your DM said.
OOC: It sounds like it rolls on its edge for a moment, indicating it hit the floor.
His foresight will say the same thing at each tunnel: There is significant danger, and the best way to avoid it is to leave. His detect poison spell turns up nothing. His detect magic detects weak evocation magic from the darkness. It seems this is a pretty standard deeper darkness spell, but it was put here by something very powerful. There is a point of strong transmutation magic beyond, but without line of sight and with the interference from the evocation aura, he can't tell more than that.
Tahni brings her winged friend out to play and asks him to lead the way down the tunnel to the right. As she moves up carrying Aexana's daylight stone, the light hits the darkness covering the two right-most tunnels. Immediately the glowing coin dims, and the darkness falls away.
There is a gentle ding sound, and the hand on the clock starts moving. Beyond the right tunnel is another large cavern, equally smooth and round. Inside the cavern is a gargantuan purple worm. It is covered with a thick, viscous slime, and four tentacles are splayed outwards from a circular mouth ringed with teeth. For the briefest of moments as the darkness falls it is unnaturally still, but when it moves it attacks immediately. A spiked tongue lashes out at Umith, hitting AC 24 for 22 damage. The tongue wraps around him and the spikes dig in as he's grappled lifted into the air.
OOC: Escape CMD is 17
Knowledge Dungeoneering, DC 35, Highlight to display spoiler: {This creature is a neothelid. They've only ever been discussed in legend, and no one's ever been able to claim they were real. Evidently they are.}
The smell of the thing wafts through the cavern very soon after it starts moving. Beyond the worm is a glowing purple crystal resting on a pedestal. Light shines from within and dances around the cavern walls.
No one has line of sight into the third tunnel, but a female voice rings forth from inside. The voice is beautiful, but the words aren't in a language spoken by any of our heroes.
Linguistics DC25, Highlight to display spoiler: {You may not be able to translate, but can recognize the language as Aklo.}
A dancing red light shines from the tunnel.
Aexana turns into an air elemental and lifts off the floor. The coin was given to Tahni, and is currently suppressing two darkness spells.
Terser's magic overcomes the darkness spell on the second tunnel. A dancing green light spills outwards from a glowing green crystal. Between the tunnel entrance and the crystal are two winged, barrel-shaped creatures. They stand on a series of tentacles that constantly shift and move, even while the creatures are stationary. They both make faint whistling noises as they see the party. The closest of the two speak in a language even our experts couldn't hope to understand, and electricity leaps from its tentacles at Jozhur. The lightning strikes for 46 damage before arcing to Rill, Bralin, and Aexana. Reflex DC for half is 21 for Jozhur, 19 for the rest.
The closer of the two creatures focuses all of its many eyes on Terser.
Terser only, Highlight to display spoiler: {It spits forth the stuff of nightmares. What stands before you seems ripped from your own subconscious, and is the most terrible thing you can imagine. It runs at you with impossible speed and thrusts itself at your chest. Will save 19 to disbelieve. If that fails, make a DC 19 fort save or die. If the fort save passes, you still take 12 damage.}
Everyone else on that side of the room sees a vaguely humanoid shape rush and leap into Terser.
The clock is ticking. Next round it will be at 54 seconds. This was a surprise round.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+15=30 ; d20+25=33 ; 3d10+31=52 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2020 5:38:34 PM Will Save - 30 (38 vs mind affecting) (pass) Terser is momentarily shocked as an impossible image rushes at him, but he is able to shake the vision aside before it can touch him.
into the rings, he shouts Steel your minds! These things tried to literally scare the life out of me!
knowledge roll to ID these things?
Whatever they are, Terser isn't keen on giving them the chance to cast more spells at them. He steps up and gives a powerful slash at the closest.
Rage, Vital Strike, Power Attack Hit vs AC33 - 52 damage
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d20+14=19 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2020 6:15:11 PM
(I moved Rill's icon. I had noted his move over to the right most corridor in the last post, but was having trouble moving it on the map with the chromebook touchpad I was using. I'm on a proper computer now.)
Rill's Tongues ability allows him to understand the voice speaking Aklo. He will respond in Aklo, "We have no quarrel with you. We are here to rescue friends, unjustly taken against their will. Aid us in this and we need not fight."
Rill makes the DC 19 Reflex save from the arching bolt of electricity, and his Resist Energy Electricity will block the damage. He looks at the creepy, slimy worm thing.
"Ugh. What is that? Whatever it is, it seems the crystals are our goal. I hope this works."
Rill will use his Dimensional Hop ability (move action) to blip 55 feet into where the green gem is and shove it into his pocket(standard action.) Then he will use his Quicken Spell Metamagic Rod to cast a Quickened Dimension Door spell to come back out behind Bralin (swft action, does not provoke AOO.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------- Spells Running: Longstrider, Moment of Prescience, Deathwatch, Tongues, Moment of Prescience, Foresight, Resist Energy Electricity, and Shield of Faith
Spells/abilities available, * = cast/used: 0 (DC19): Create Water, Guidance, Detect Magic, Detect Posion 1 (DC20): Longstrider (D), Bless, Command, Command, Detect Evil, Protection from Evil, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith* 2 (DC21): See Invisible (D), Calm Emotions, Delay Posion, Remove Paralysis, Resist Energy*, Resist Energy, Silence 3 (DC22): Divination* (D), Blindness/Deafness, Blindness/Deafness, Dispel Magic, Prayer, Protection From Energy, Water Walk 4 (DC23): Dimension Door* (D), Air Walk, Air Walk, Deathward, Freedom of Movement, Sending*, Commune* 5 (DC24): True Seeing (D), Bannish Immortal, Breath of Life, Dispel Evil, Flame Strike, Quickened Shield of Faith, Wall of Stone 6 (DC25): Teleport (D), Blade Barrier, Quickened Calm Emotions, Heal, Heal, Greater Dispel Magic 7 (DC26): Greater Teleport (D), Destruction, Ethereal Jaunt, Heightened Heal, Quickened Magic Circle Against Evil 8 (DC27): Moment of Prescience* (D), Animated Disjunction, Discern Location, Holy Aura, Animated Disjunction 9 (DC28): Foresight* (D), Miracle, Miracle, Miracle, Summon Monster IX
Abilities/Items Agile Feet (Su) 12/day - Dim. Hop (Sp) 190'/day - 55' used Greater Insight (Sp) 3/day - Channel Energy (Su) 7/day - 2 used Obscuring Mist (Item) 2/day - Deathwatch (Item) Continual Eagle's Splendor (Item) 1/day - Faerie Fire (Tattoo) - 3/day - MM Extend, Lesser (Item) - 6/day - MM Silent, Lesser (Item) - 3/day - MM Quicken, Lesser (Item) - 3/day - 2 used MM Quicken (Item) - 3/day - Tongues (class)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+20 -- DarkVision-See Invis d20+25=42 ; 11d6=36 ; d4=1 ; d20+22=27 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2020 8:14:18 PM
Tahni's eyes go wide on seeing the creature - probably not as wide as Umith's, but still. "Purple worm? No, wait. Neothelid. They were written off as legends"
Umith is going to be well and truly stuck for a while. His fast healing kicks in and he takes the opportunity to breathe all over the worm.
Hyvward arrives on scene and looks to Tahni for direction. "Go see what's down that third tunnel!". Her guardian friend gives a thumbs up and does as told.
Tahni for her part tries to end the neothelid quickly with a suffocation spell.
--------------------- Tahni: Knowl check vs DC35: 42=Pass Standard: Cast Suffocation on Neothelid. SR check: 27. Neothelid to make a Fort Save vs DC28 or start suffocating.
Umith (AC24/16/18 - HP92/104 - Darkvision 60ft - SR20 - Immune death attacks, disease, energy drain, poison) Standard action: Use Breath weapon. Neothelid takes 36pts fire damage. Ref Save vs DC19 for Half. Umith can use his breath weapon in 1d4=1 round
Hyvward (AC20/12/18 - HP53/53 - Darkvision 60ft - SR16 - Immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, morale effects, patterns, and phantasms), bleed, disease, death effects, necromancy effects, paralysis, poison, sleep effects, stunning, ability damage, ability drain, fatigue, exhaustion, energy drain, nonlethal damage, any effect that requires a Fortitude save Standard action: Cast Haste on self Move action: Move to the entrance to the third tunnel
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+13=32 ; d20+23=39 ; d20+37=50 ; d20+26=28 ; d6+8=12 ; d6=6 ; 2d6=8 ; 8d6=24 ; Wednesday September 9th, 2020 2:17:03 AM
Jozhur's reflexes are faster than lightning. He completely avoids the jolt.
He wants to help Terser, but isn't keen on jumping between two unknown monsters. So he hides, waiting to pounce.
Readied attack to hit anything that comes in melee range (hits AC28, damage roll is there in the off chance it's needed)
Fang (Mitch) HP: 239/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday September 9th, 2020 9:55:00 AM
Fang hears Tahni's call and is confused. "Another fight, obviously!" But if the others want to fight all 4 giant monsters at once then ok, guess that's what we're doing. (I meant to move Fang with the rest last time I posted but forgot, ok if I have her move over?)
Fang (Mitch) HP: 239/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+37=51 ; d10+19=27 ; d10=6 ; d10=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; Wednesday September 9th, 2020 10:11:06 AM
With a click of her heals, a quickened spell from her rod, and a touch on her weapon Fang is ready for battle. With a charge she tears at the giant worm, her rage filling her
Activate haste boots - free action Quickened divine favor - swift action Charge worm - draw axe as part of the move, activate Holy lance (just requires her to be touching it) start rage - free action
Vital Strike - 51 to hit, 35 damage (if it is evil it takes another 3 damage, the weapon counts as good for DR purposes)
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 237/260) d20+12=32 ; d20+19=30 ; 5d8=18 ; Wednesday September 9th, 2020 10:24:18 AM
[Reflex 32 - save]
Bralin ducks most of the lightning bolt, and takes stock.
Rill has the gem, yet the worm is still active and his comrades have engaged. "What should we know of the Neothelid?" he asks.
Unwilling to commit to melee on the worm, Bralin pulls a wand and fires a ray of light at it.
--- Pull wand and fire Searing Light at worm. Ranged Touch attack hits ac 30 for 18 hp damage
Spells in Effect Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC for 14 minutes
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Wednesday September 9th, 2020 11:31:22 AM
Rill shouts through the rings (can you shout through the rings?)
"IF FANG AND UMITH CAN WITHDRAW, I'LL SEAL THAT WORM IN WITH A WALL OF STONE."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday September 9th, 2020 11:40:27 AM AC update - with Tahni's spell and my rage, current AC is 24
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+20=26 ; d20+17=29 ; 4d6=15 ; 17d6=61 ; Wednesday September 9th, 2020 2:14:18 PM
OOC - friends please keep your HP updated to we know who needs healing.
(Reflex save 26 - success)
Aexair is able to avoid part of the lightning damage but it still hurts. She was thinking the exact same thing as Rill. If they can steal the crystals they don't need to fight the monsters in the first place. "Yes I can also conjure up a wall to block some of the monsters. Try getting those Crystals out!!" she shouts back through the rings. But with Fang and Umith up close and personal with the worm this is not an immediate option.
Aex positions herself behind Terser and Jozhur but hovers up close to the ceiling. This should give her a line of sight into the tunnel Terser and Jozhur are staring into. And it should give her a free line of sight to shed some sun on the situation.
Casting Sunbeam CL17 - Reflex save DC27 - SR29 - 5 beams available Aex sends one sunbeam over the heads of Terser and Jozhur hoping to engulf whatever it is they are facing. With some luck... they don't like sunlight... Damage 15HP - Reflex save DC27 for half damage and to avoid being blinded. If they fail the reflex save they are blinded (no duration for blindness listed so possibly permanent) Should there be undead, fungi, oozes, mold or slimes they get 61 damage (17d6). If bright light hurts specifically they are destroyed if Reflex save fails.
DM Carl - Map Link - 54 d20+15=31 ; 2d6+10=17 ; 2d6=10 ; d20+17=29 ; 12d6=46 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+17=34 ; d10+11=19 ; d20+11=22 ; Wednesday September 9th, 2020 6:50:54 PM Terser's strong enough to fight off the attempt to scare him to death. He steps and and sinks his weapon into the thing. There are hard, vertical ribs that run the length of its body that deflect some of the damage. Piercing weapons would be more effective.
AC 29, DR10/Piercing
Knowledge Dungeoneering DC 24, Highlight to display spoiler: {The only things these might be come from reports of people that traveled to other dimensions. They named them elder things, as there was evidence they'd been hibernating for eons when they were found. The expedition did not end well. They were not terribly difficult foes, but were protected by other species. Hopefully those aren't around. https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/aberrations/elder-thing-2/}
Rill understands Aklo thanks to his tongues ability, and can tell that whatever's down there was casting a spell last round. Whatever's down there doesn't feel like answering, but the Neothelid does.
If you can understand Aklo, Highlight to display spoiler: {"We do not aid. You, your friends, all will serve. Our empire will consume this new world." It's a trite sentiment. Some bad guys just don't have complicated motivations.}
He is able to avoid all damage from the electricity, then pops over to that crystal and grabs it, intending to put it in his pocket. That doesn't happen. As soon as the crystal is removed from the pedestal, it dissolves into mist and quickly begins to form something much larger. In less than a second, Rill is holding hands with Crall. He doesn't move until fully formed. He is leaning forward, palms outspread, like he was standing at a table. His face is calm, but his lips are pursed and forehead wrinkled, like he was considering something. He is dressed in comfortable clothes and is unarmed.
As soon as he's formed, he stumbles forward. Rill's grip stops him from falling. There is so much to take in for poor Crall as Rill dimension doors the two out of the Neothelid's chamber. The half-orc spins, finding himself in strange surroundings and flanked on all sides by inter-dimensional terrors. He tries for words, but can't find any. His eyes settle on Rill, wordlessly asking what the heck is going on. He could be forgiven for the fear that shines though, brave as he is.
His voice rings through to everyone, suggesting an evacuation of the Neothelid's chamber.
Tahni recognizes this creature from legend. Umith's wounds start healing and he breaths fire on the gargantuan creature. The slime covering it bubbles and smokes under the heat. It does not help the smell.
Hyvward checks out the third tunnel. The thing inside is roughly humanoid in shape, but half its face is a mass of tumors and tentacles. Its arms (surprisingly) are not tentacles, but have several joints throughout their length, giving them a jagged shape. Its body is covered with a mass of brambles, obscuring its legs. Its voice was feminine and beautiful, in sharp contrast to this thing.
OOC: No knowledge roll, as this is not a monster so much as a gnarly NPC.
Tahni's magic pierces the Neothelid's spell resistance. The worm gasps for breath and shudders violently. It is staggered, but Tahni can tell it will survive (fort save 31).
Jozhur avoids the lightning entirely, begging the question of what it chained off of in the first place. He prepares to attack anything that comes near.
Fang activates several goodies and enters a rage, throwing herself at the worm. Holy light flares as it strikes the very evil Neothelid, but her axe meets the same issue Terser's did and some of the damage is blunted (DR10/Cold Iron).
Bralin takes stock and wonders what he's up against. A searing light ray strikes the hard-to-miss target and chars a small section of it.
Aexana moves into position and sends a sunbeam at an elder thing. It takes the full brunt of the attack and is blinded.
The Neothelid is staggered as it tries to get its breathe back. The tentacle holding Umith is violently sucked into its mouth, swallowing poor Umith whole. The creature's teeth bite as he swallows, inflicting 17 damage, and the stomach acid burns for 10 damage.
The thing in tunnel 3 casts another spell. Hyvward observes an angry darkness surround it.
Both elder things unfurl their wings and take flight with surprising speed. Both wiggle their antenna and whistle in similar fashion to each other. Terser gets an AoO on #1, but #2 is too high by the time it passes. Jozhur just misses his own readied attack.
Spellcraft DC 35, Highlight to display spoiler: {1 is casting black tentacles, 2 chained lightning}.
The floor beneath Terser and Jozhur erupts into a multitude of black, grasping tentacles. Both heroes barely avoid being caught by them (grapple 29 vs. CMD 30), but the entire area is difficult terrain. The tentacles will continue grasping any targets in the area. Aexana and both elder things are above the area of effect.
Elder thing 2 sends another arc of lightning, this time at Crall. It strikes, then arcs to Bralin, Rill, and Hyvward. It deal 46 electricity damage, reflex DC is 19. Crall is not prepared and takes the full strength of the attack.
Tahni ONLY (seriously dudes), Highlight to display spoiler: {The sound of heavy breathing suddenly starts behind you. Checking, you see the love of your life just as you last saw him, except he glows with pulsing red light. He is injured from battle and his face is a mask of rage. It takes a second to realize that rage is directed at you. You've seen Braugh this angry before, but never, *never* at you. He charges, and you recognize his dwarven war axe as it descends into you, hitting AC 34 for 19 damage. With a foot in your chest for leverage, he pulls the axe out violently and continues his attack. None of your friends react in any way to Braugh appearing, but any actions or reactions from you are evident.}
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+1 -- DarkVision-See Invis 11d6=29 ; d4=2 ; d20+4=17 ; d20+20=27 ; d20+20=33 ; Wednesday September 9th, 2020 8:07:03 PM
If Umith wasn't unhappy before, he sure is now! Seeing the inside of a Neothelid certainly wasn't what he planned today. He resists the acid but can't avoid the teeth. Once inside Umith uses his breath weapon again, but this time while within the big worm's stomach.
Hyvward may not be here to help for much longer. Electricity isn't something he is immune to and he takes the full brunt of it."Look, could you help my friend there out?" Tahni directs him. Hyvward gives another thumbs up and steps next to Crall. He reaches out a wooden arm to touch him, casting Greater Invisibility on Crall! "This might help keep you a little protected" she assures him.
The group sees Tahni turn around "Bruagh" she says with a smile. She opens her arms wide, dropping her guard. The smile fades quickly though "Bruagh? Bruagh NO!". She raises her arms as if to protect herself, then clutches at her chest as blood pours forth from a fresh, deep wound. She is clearly in pain. She casts a spell targetting something right next to her. Spellcraft DC21 Highlight to display spoiler: {Greater Dispel Magic} "Somebody! Help! But don't hurt him!"
DM ONLY: Highlight to display spoiler: { Hearing something behind her, Tahni spins around to see Bruagh. "Bruagh!" Tahni smiles. Finally. He's here. The dwarf looks exactly the way she saw him last, right down to the scars on his arms and dirt on his face. He never could keep himself clean. She opens her arms to embrace him but is suddenly confused. Something's wrong. Why does he look like that? He looks like... "Bruagh? Bruagh NO!" Tahni raises her arms to protect herself from the blow, but Bruagh is as skilled a warrior as he ever was. His axe dives deep into her chest. No. This can't be him. Someone has taken control of his mind. She will NOT take any lethal action against him. That is for sure. He will be restrained. Tahni casts a Greater Dispel Magic on him, hoping to remove any enchantments he may be under, or at least weaken him in some way. Dispel check: 27. Use hero point to reroll. Dispel check: 33. Not a lot better. CL20 means 5 spells can potentially be dispelled. She can't go toe-to-toe with him though. She needs backup. She calls out to the others for aid "Somebody! Help! But don't hurt him!"}
Umith (AC24/16/18 - HP85/104 - Darkvision 60ft - SR20 - Immune death attacks, disease, energy drain, poison) Standard action: Use Breath weapon. Neothelid takes 29pts fire damage. Ref Save vs DC19 for Half (if it gets one?). Umith can use his breath weapon again in 1d4=2 rounds
Hyvward (AC20/12/18 - HP7/53 - Darkvision 60ft - SR16 - Immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, morale effects, patterns, and phantasms), bleed, disease, death effects, necromancy effects, paralysis, poison, sleep effects, stunning, ability damage, ability drain, fatigue, exhaustion, energy drain, nonlethal damage, any effect that requires a Fortitude save Move action: Move next to Crall Standard action: Cast Greater Invisibility on Crall. Duration: 5 rounds
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday September 9th, 2020 10:16:57 PM I think we're going to have to destroy these monsters, or gather everyone up and escape. Something tells me they won't just go away.
With the way clear, Jozhur moves and picks up the green crystal.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+25=28 ; d20+25=34 ; d10+31=38 ; d10+31=40 ; Thursday September 10th, 2020 3:09:20 AM
With his extra honed reflexes, Terser may just get two free attacks on this creature as it flies by. quick reflexes allows 2 AoO per round, if applicable. If being blind is lowering it's AC, the first hits for 38 damage. If the second one is allowed between quick reflexes and reach weapon, it hits for 40.
I don't know what these things are, but I think your swords may be more effective, Joz!
Terser activates his Liberation ability to avoid being grappled and casts a spell to help him reach the flying foes.
Cast Enlarge Self, AC is back to 22
Fang (Mitch) HP: 239/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday September 10th, 2020 8:05:29 AM
Fang hears the call and controls her rage enough to turn and charge the other direction looking for things to kill. (yay 40 feet movement speed!)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+17=21 ; d20+17=28 ; d20+17=29 ; 4d6=12 ; 4d6=16 ; 4d6=9 ; Thursday September 10th, 2020 4:47:10 PM
(@DM Carl : the Sunbeam hits every creature in its path. Not sure but I thought it should have hit the second elder thing also? And is the first elder thing, since its blinded, able to move so easily across the room and even fly?)
Aex is happy to see one of the elder things at least was affected by her spell but it still moves. She has 4 rays up her sleeve so she repositions herself close to the ceiling still to a spot where she has a clear line of sight on basically all creatures visible (move action)... No one has attacked the tunnel where that voice comes from. There's no sight yet what horror is to be found in the left most.
So Aex decides to send 3 beams. One at each Elder thing and one at the worm. (standard action)
Beam 1 at Elder Thing 1 - SR21 - damage 12 - Ref Save DC27 to avoid being blinded and half damage Beam 2 at Elder Thing 2 - SR28 - damage 16 - Ref Save DC27 to avoid being blinded and half damage Beam 3 at Worm thing - SR29 - damage 9 - Ref Save DC27 to avoid being blinded and half damage
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 214/260) d20+12=30 ; d20+24=40 ; d100=62 ; d100=10 ; Thursday September 10th, 2020 5:32:43 PM
[Reflex save 30]
More lightning flies, and the dwarf takes more damage. Seeing Fang retreat, Bralin calls to Rill, "Seal it!"
Then, he turns at Tahni's call. He sees nothing, but she does, and something caused that wound.
Bralin lowers a shoulder, and plows through the space in front of Tahni.
-- Bull Rush due south. If no one is there, stop at to indicated position on map. Incurs an AoO. Bralin has Blind Fight feat thus takes no AC penalty if attacked by invisible attacker
CMB roll of 40 to shove whoever as far south as he can.
Miss rolls due to concealment, if needed. 62. (If a miss, reroll due to Blind Fight feat is a 10.)
Spells in Effect Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC for 14 minutes
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d20+14=20 ; Thursday September 10th, 2020 6:37:09 PM
Rill makes his save against the lightning, and his Resist Energy mutes the damage.
The cleric says to the now invisible Crall, "Crall, on my belt is a magic dagger and a masterwork morning star. Feel free to take and use them both if you need a weapon."
Rill turns his attention to the staggered worm. "Thanks Fang for backing up. I'll wall him up, but I'm not sure how long it will hold. Tahni, I hope your friend Umruth has a way out."
Rill looks at the opening and casts Wall of Stone (standard action) . Assuming it's a round 15' diameter tunnel, his spell will create a wall of stone 10 inches thick. (Hardness 8 with 150 HP to destroy a 5x5 area, or DC 40 Strength Check to just break through.)
Hearing Tahni cry out against something he cannot see, Rill moves near her (move action) and casts a Quickened Magic Circle against Evil (swift action) thinking Tahni's mind is being somehow affected and that a Circle against Evil will help. "Tahni - what is it? I cannot see anything attacking you."
-------------------------------------------------------------------- Wall of Stone - Like any other stone wall, this one can be destroyed by a disintegrate spell or by normal means such as breaking and chipping. Each 5-foot square of the wall has hardness 8 and 15 hit points per inch of thickness. A section of wall whose hit points drop to 0 is breached. If a creature tries to break through the wall with a single attack, the DC for the Strength check is 20 + 2 per inch of thickness.
Spells Running: Longstrider, Moment of Prescience, Deathwatch, Tongues, Moment of Prescience, Foresight, Resist Energy Electricity, and Shield of Faith
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d20+38=54 ; Thursday September 10th, 2020 6:51:50 PM
Also, Rill uses his keen senses to locate Tahni's unseen foe if there is actually something there. Perception 54.
DM Carl - Map Link - 48 d20+21=40 ; d20+21=32 ; d20+33=48 ; 3d6+10=17 ; 3d6+10=20 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+24=41 ; d20+24=34 ; 6d6=16 ; d20+17=19 ; d20+15=19 ; d20+10=15 ; Friday September 11th, 2020 12:57:34 PM
Umith breathes a sharp jet of flame that tears a hole right through the Neothelid. The birdman plops out of the hole, covered in acid, bile, and who even knows what else. His displeasure is likely immeasurable. Hyvward meanwhile makes Crall invisible.
Tahni's happiness at seeing her lost love is cut short by the war axe that is sunk into her chest. She casts a dispel magic, beseeching her friends to help, but not hurt him. Her friends don't see anyone, but that wound on her chest is bleeding bad and visible to all. She casts a dispel magic, but it has no effect. She feels the magic slip away and through her target. It doesn't fail to overcome any magic, it simply doesn't stick.
Jozhur moves up and takes the green crystal. It quickly turns to foam in his hand and reshapes into a sleeping Han Valen. The man is dressed only in his underwear, and his long hair is plastered to his face with sweat. When he's finished reforming, he quickly falls to the floor and wakes groggily. He rubs his head a bit and looks up at Jozhur. "Hey, you're one of them Dragons." He looks around. "Ya didn't scare the girls off, did ya?" He starts feeling around for something, oblivious to where he is. "Oye, what did ya do with the rum? At least pour a guy a drink if you're gonna wake him." Han Valen is obviously very drunk still.
Terser's axe crosses the elder thing a second time as it flies overhead, scoring another solid hit that's blunted by the creature's anatomy. He uses his domain powers to make himself immune to the tentacles, then makes himself bigger.
Fang books it out of the tunnel with the Neothelid. At least, that was the plan. The Neothelid take the opening to lash out at her with one of its tongues, wrapping the spiked thing around Fang's neck and digging deep (hit AC 40, crit confirm 32). She takes 17 damage + 20 crit damage. She's lifted off the ground and is grappled (grapple check 48 - the Neothelid's CMD is 37).
(OOC: I'll retroactively apply the damage, but can't realistically blind it after the fact.)
Aexana sends sunbeams out in many directions, striking both elder things and the Neothelid. All three fail their saves and take full damage, meaning both elder things are blind. The Neothelid does not have eyes and cannot be blinded.
Bralin would probably like that tunnel with the Neothelid sealed, but looks like Fang's not clear yet. He shoulder charges the area in front of Tahni, but meets no resistance.
Tahni watches as Bralin tries to lend a hand. He passes clean through the vision of Braugh, which is not affected in any way by the dwarf.
Rill offers Crall a choice of weapons if he's able to fight. He feels the morning star lifted and watches it vanish as the invisible Crall wields it. Rill would also like to wall that tunnel off, but Fang is still present. Maybe he does anyway?
OOC: You can put the wall up as in your original post, or take two standard actions this turn if you wouldn't have sealed her in.
He quickly puts down a magic circle against evil, hoping it will help with whatever Tahni's dealing with. He has no way of immediately knowing if it works, but Tahni doesn't see any affect.
All that begs the question: what is this thing? A DC 45 knowledge arcana roll may provide some insight.
Rill's superhuman perception picks up nothing at first, but notices something odd as the powdered silver from his magic circle spell spreads out: the silver passing through the area in front of Tahni moves a fraction of a fraction of a second faster in some places, slower in others. Each individual mote of silver dust is affected a little differently.
The blind elder things find themselves unable to target individuals. They throw down additional black tentacles, then both fly south towards the lone exit from this place. They can fly fast, and unless someone has a way to stop them, they dive into the water and retreat. They do both fly near Aexana, allowing her an AoO on one if nothing else.
CMB check for the grasping tentacles is 19, which catches no one. The area is difficult terrain still.
The Neothelid holds Fang in one of its tongues. The ratgirl feels a pressure build in her mind that quickly turns to an unbearable crushing sensation. Fang must make a DC 25 will save or collapse unconscious and dying at -1 HP. Success means she takes 16 damage and is sickened for one round.
The thing from tunnel three makes an appearance. It's multi-jointed arms rise to the ceiling and it calls out in its beautiful, alien voice. In Aklo, Highlight to display spoiler: {"We bring love! We bring salvation! My heart bursts from the affection I have for all of you. I will share the beauty I have seen with your world! Behold!"}
Her arms fall and point to Terser. She casts her spell, and the dwarf feels his entire body try to collapse in on itself. He resonates at a frequency that causes individual molecules to slide past each other under the extreme pressure exerted on him. It is unpleasant.
Implosion - Terser takes 170 damage. Fort save DC 28 negates all damage.
Tears stream down her face as she keeps her concentration. Her smile looks so genuine...
Crall's voice calls out, casting what anyone with some spellcraft skill will recognize as a fly spell. He moves towards the strange priest trying to share her love with Terser.
Tahni only, Highlight to display spoiler: {Braugh's attacks keep coming in rapid succession, but his rage makes his aim sloppy. Tahni ducks past one swing, but Braugh recovers and brings his axe down straight between her eyes. The impact never comes, and Tahni finds herself holding her glass dagger. She unwillingly raises it to block the attack, and Braugh's axe comes crashing into it. The dagger, made to be used once and broken, blocks the attack without so much as a crack. The dagger glows the same red, pulsing color as Braugh. Her love does not relent in his attack.
Hit AC 19 and 15, both miss.}
Everyone else sees Tahni duck, then hold up an arm. Her hand is empty, but she looks like she's gripping something.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+25=35 ; d20+24=27 ; d20+24=39 ; 6d8+33=64 ; Friday September 11th, 2020 2:38:12 PM
Terser exerts his will to keep his molecules where they're supposed to be. Or at least in their current enlarged state. fort save 35 - pass
He holds up his divine help to get him through the grasping tentacles and walks over to the thing trying to implode him. He doesn't know what it's saying, but it can't be good, and it's probably important to disrupt the spell it's concentrating on.
AC27, hero point reroll if necessary hits AC39 Vital Strike, Power Attack, Enlarged now 64 damage
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=40 ; d6+9=13 ; d6=6 ; 2d6=5 ; 8d6=28 ; Friday September 11th, 2020 4:47:15 PM
Jozhur shakes his head at Van Halen and offers a brief warning before he rushes off, "Wake up, and steel yourself. We're in a fight for your life."
He rushes out of the tunnel back to the main chamber and decides to help with the thing Terser is dealing with.
------------------------ Use Boots of Haste (1/10 daily uses) Freedom of Movement ring should allow normal movement through tentacles Attack on thing hits AC 41: 13 damage, 6 cold damage, 5 damage if evil, 28 sneak attack damage (52 total)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 25/15/21 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+1 -- DarkVision-See Invis d20+14=18 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+4=15 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+25=34 ; d20+25=32 ; Saturday September 12th, 2020 1:05:58 AM
The look that Umith gives Tahni is not one of happiness. It's not the time to discuss things now, so he turns his attention back to the worm thing. He stabs at it repeatedly, but still has some bile in his eyes and he misses every time
Hyvward is still alive! Well, as alive as a construct can be. In an additional stroke of luck he isn't snared by the tentacles. His day is turning out the complete opposite of Umith's. He makes his way over to the Neothelid and lightly attacks it with his sickle. He fails to hurt it in any way.
Tahni looks completely surprised as Bralin moves past her. She seems to realise something though. She looks and him and speaks calmly. "Looks like this is my fight, Bralin. It's ok. I've got this".
She quickly casts a spell to defend herself and then takes a defensive pose "This isn't you Bruagh. I won't fight you" she says to the empty space in front of her. Tahni reaches into her pack and grabs hold of something.
DM ONLY: Highlight to display spoiler: {Tahni is completely surprised when Bralin passes right through Bruagh. This is just like what happened in the arena. Only she can see him. If only she can see him, then perhaps that also means only she can stop him? There is nothing Bralin can do here. "Looks like this is my fight, Bralin. It's ok. I've got this".
Tahni has no intention of harming Bruagh. She'll need to come up with some way to subdue him. Until she works out how to do that she needs to protect herself. She quickly casts Shield of Faith and then assumes a defensive stance.
"This isn't you Bruagh! I won't fight you".
What's with the dagger though? It should have shattered into pieces. Why the glow? Why is Bruagh glowing? Why the pulsing? She tries hard to find some rationale to the situation. Is the pulsing in time with her heartbeat? Is the red the color of blood or perhaps Woldsblood? Perhaps there's some way to remind him of who he is? Tahni reaches into her pack and takes out Bruagh's medal. She holds it tightly in her other hand.
She tries to determine whether he is some kind of spirit or - "Please Gargul no" - undead. Knowl Religion: 32}
--------------------- Tahni: Knowl Arcana vs DC45: 34 = Fail! Freedom of Movement protects her from the tentacles. Swift action: Defensively cast Quickened Shield of Faith. Tahni gets a +5 deflection bonus Standard action: Total defense. With acrobatics Tahni gets a +6 dodge bonus Move action: Retrieve something from pack Tahni's AC this round: 36
Umith (AC24/16/18 - HP95/104 - Darkvision 60ft - SR20 - Immune death attacks, disease, energy drain, poison) Full attack: Hit AC18,12,15 = All Miss!
Hyvward (AC20/12/18 - HP11/53 - Darkvision 60ft - SR16 - Immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, morale effects, patterns, and phantasms), bleed, disease, death effects, necromancy effects, paralysis, poison, sleep effects, stunning, ability damage, ability drain, fatigue, exhaustion, energy drain, nonlethal damage, any effect that requires a Fortitude save Move action: Move next to the Neothelid Standard action: Hit AC15 = Miss!
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 214/260) d20+32=38 ; d10+14=22 ; d6=2 ; Saturday September 12th, 2020 9:45:01 AM
Bralin passes Tahni unimpeded, and black tentacles erupt around him as the two flying things dive into the water. The dwarf is feeling decidedly ineffective.
Fortunately, he's been grappled, grabbed, and otherwise restrained so often that he finally went and plunked down 40k for a Ring of Freedom of Movement. The money is well spent.
Tahni tells him its her fight, and Bralin can only nod. It appears he is unable to assist regardless.
Turning toward the mission at hand, the dwarf spins, drops the wand in his hand, and chugs toward the tentacled foe. On the way, he pulls out his axe. It, and he, arrive with a 'Thunk'.
"Jozhur, can you slip past for the gem?"
---- Ring of Freedom of Movement in effect. Charge Tenatcles and attack Hit ac 38 for 24 hp damage (2 cold)
Spells in Effect Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC for 14 minutes
Fang (Mitch) HP: 202/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+26=43 ; d20+26=41 ; d20+21=35 ; d20+16=32 ; d4=2 ; d4=2 ; d4=4 ; d4=4 ; Saturday September 12th, 2020 12:42:14 PM
Freedom of Movement. She was supposed to cast it before the fight but it was so sudden she forgot. To late now, she can't concentrate while in it's grip even if she ended her rage. She just tries to pound the thing instead.
Can't use two handed axe while grappled so claw + bite
Bite - 43 to hit, 11 damage unarmed attack/claw - 41 to hit, 10 damage (1d2, rolling a d4 and halving) claw 2 - 35 to hit, 10 damage claw 3 - 32 to hit, 11 damage
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Saturday September 12th, 2020 11:19:53 PM Terser offered up a Freedom of Movement to whomever wanted it before we teleported in, so you could have it maybe?
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Saturday September 12th, 2020 11:38:56 PM
I have started the official vote on the Silk Tap. Please go vote Sea Dragons! :)
Fang (Mitch) HP: 202/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+19=35 ; Sunday September 13th, 2020 12:50:00 PM
The ratWoman easily makes her save to not die horribly from her brains melting (35 will save, yay cloak of resistance!)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+17=28 ; d20+17=28 ; Sunday September 13th, 2020 1:21:34 PM
Two elder things passer by her... they are fleeing so Aex, not being the fighting type, does not use an AoO... The Tentaclers are seriously going to hamper her friends so she'd rather concentrate to see if she can get rid of those instead.
Casting Greater Dispel Magic. Area Dispel - capturing the centers of the two right Tentacles Dispel check vs first Black Tentacle : 28 Dispel check vs second Black Tentacles : 28
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday September 14th, 2020 12:41:54 AM
Rill glances at the clock. What does it say now
Fang's capture changes things a bit. Rill's not sure what's going on with Tahni but it seems to be something he cannot affect just now.
Rill uses hit Agile Feet ability (free action) to move through the difficult terrain of the tentacles (move action) about 35' to get close enough to touch Fang. As he touches the dangling woman, he will use his Dimensional Hop ability to move them both (first standard action, does not provoke AOO), and then throw up the Wall of Stone he had intended before (second standard action). Since the wall crosses Hyvard's square a bit, I guess he could decided which side of the wall he will remain on?
(I moved Fang's picture, but I cannot seem to access Rill's picture under all those circles on the map. I added a picture of Rill next to Fang. You can delete the other picture of Rill if you can get to it.)
Finally, Rill will use his Quicken Rod to cast a Quickened Air Walk on Fang (swift action.)
"There you go Fang. Now you're out and you can Air Walk above the tentacles. We need to free the people imprisoned in the gems as soon as we can. I don' t know what happens when the clock runs out, but it can't be good."
DM Carl - Map Link - 42 Seconds Remaining d20+21=41 ; d20+21=38 ; d20+33=38 ; 3d6+10=18 ; 3d6+10=18 ; d20+19=25 ; 15d6=52 ; d20+17=23 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+10=19 ; Monday September 14th, 2020 3:46:14 PM Terser somehow manages to keep from imploding. The pressure does not relent, but he's good for now. His holy power helps him move easily through the tentacles towards the thing trying to kill him. He is stopped 10' away from her by an invisible field, but with his enlarged size and reach weapon, he's close enough to hit her. His swing hits another invisible barrier around the thing, but he heroically presses his attack and connects(Hero point was needed). When it connects, he feels the pressure immediately stop as he disrupts the priest's concentration.
The priest screams out in ecstasy as Terser's glaive pierces her. She grabs the blade and twists it, causing blood to pour from the wound.
Jozhur joins the rush to attack the priest, but gets stopped at the same distance Terser did and can't make an attack unless he can reach 15' away.
Umith is too angry and disgusted to be effective. He can be excused consider what he's been through. Hyvward doesn't fair much better, and opens himself to attack when it approaches. It's a devastating hit. He'd be hurt a lot worse if he wasn't a construct, so there's some luck. The Neothelid scoops him up in another one of its tongues.
Neothelid AoO against Hyvward hits AC 41 for 18 damage. Grapple check 33.
Tahni doesn't know what to think of all this. Her knowledge doesn't give any useful tips, but she doesn't think Braugh's undead. She goes on the defensive and digs up Braugh's medal.
Bralin turns his attention to a foe he can see. He is stopped by the same field his friends are.
Spellcraft DC 21, Highlight to display spoiler: {The priest is protected by an anti-life shell.}
Fang laments not casting freedom of movement. She survives the psychic assault, but still take some damage and is sickened this round. She attacks with tooth and claw, unable to swing her weapon. Sick though she may be, she still lands every blow. The Neothelid's DR absorbs almost all of the damage, however.
Aexana is content to let the elder things flee to spend their lives bouncing blindly around the bottom of the ocean. She dispels both black tentacles on the right.
OOC: It's not letting me select those black tentacles to remove them. I'm noting they're not really there on the map.
Rill digs into his bag of tricks and rescues Fang. He throws up a wall of stone, trapping Tahni's summons in with the Neothelid.
OOC: Time on clock is in header.
Crall is unable to get close enough to the priest to do anything.
Han Valen stumbles out to see what's going on. The black tentacles try to grapple him, but even drunk he's nimble enough to avoid them. He looks around, scratching his head. "Man, I've woken up in some unsavory places, but this takes the cake."
The priest raises her hands to the sky and calls down a gout of fire and unholy power on Terser and Jozhur. Both take 52 damage, Reflex DC 24 for half.
The clock keeps ticking down.
There is a rush as a mass of air is displaced by the Neothelid as it teleports itself into the chamber. Hyvward is left behind as he was not willing to teleport alongside the thing. Van Halen stumbles back as it appears.
Tahni's attacker has not relented, but he's sloppy. He's so sloppy, and Tahni's focusing on not being hit. He doesn't come close.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 214/260) d20+30=43 ; 3d10+14=42 ; d6=2 ; Monday September 14th, 2020 6:31:44 PM
Bralin cannot advance on the tentacled creature. He begins to consider his next move, when the giant worm appears in the middle of the cavern.
Problem solved.
The dwarf pivots, moves with surprising agility up to the worm, and attacks.
---- Ring of Freedom of Movement in effect. Move to worm. Spring Attack feat avoids AoO.
Improved Vital Strike Hit ac 43 for 44 hp damage (2 cold)
Spells in Effect Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC for 14 minutes
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Monday September 14th, 2020 8:54:42 PM
Brock and Mark, please vote. :)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+14=29 ; d20+25=40 ; d20+25=31 ; d20+15=28 ; 2d8+33=42 ; Monday September 14th, 2020 10:39:22 PM
Terser gives a little fist pump as he completely ducks out of the way of the fire. Reflex 29, ring of evasion, no damage!
He's glad he doesn't have to focus on being imploded anymore as he whacks away at his betentacled foe. He manages to get one more strike in, but keeps his extended glaive waving around her face, distracting her from casting.
Attack vs AC 40 for 42 damage.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+23=41 ; d20+27=46 ; d20+27=35 ; d6+9=11 ; d6+9=11 ; d6=1 ; 2d6=3 ; 8d6=29 ; Monday September 14th, 2020 11:31:12 PM
Jozhur easily dodges the unholy fire. "Don't think I have a way around Bralin, something is blocking me."
He also quickly moves to attack the giant worm, worried it may snatch up the drunken Han Valen.
-------------------------------------------- ooc: Just to clarify, the main room is normal light. Are the tunnels without inky darkness normal light as well?
Reflex save: 41 Spring Attack hits AC46, crit confirmed with a 35: 22 damage, 29 sneak damage, 1 cold damage, 3 damage if evil (55 total before DR)
Boots of Haste used: 2/10 AC for round is 28 Freedom of Movement
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+1 -- DarkVision-See Invis d20+22=42 ; Monday September 14th, 2020 11:45:24 PM
Umith and Hyvward are pretty much trapped now. Sure, they could break through eventually but Rill's magic is so powerful it will take them a long time to do so. Hyvward looks to Umith, smiles and gives him a thumbs up. Umith rolls his eyes and starts chipping away at the wall, desperate to not be trapped with this guy for too long.
Tahni isn't ready to stop fighting. She holds the medal out in one hand "This is you! Remember! Drakesmeade, Captain Redforge, Raeb. Think Bruagh. Remember! Please!"
She feels a rush of emotion. She needs him to come back from wherever he is. "Remember" Tahni pleads and tries to throw her arms around him, wanting to embrace him as she used to do so long ago.
---------------------- Swift: Use Quickened SLA to cast True Strike Standard: Embrace Bruagh. Thinking this would be like a grapple. It will provoke an AoO from him. CMB+26-4(for still holding dagger)=+22. Roll: 42. Nat20!!!
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 10d6=31 ; Tuesday September 15th, 2020 1:01:52 AM "Hey Tahni - Sorry about trapping your friends. Who knew the worm could teleport? Looks like you and your boyfriend worked things out though."
Rill moves into the room (move action). As he does so, he exchanges rods in his Glove of Storing (free action). He casts Destruction on the hag. (Standard action - 90 points of damage, DC 26 Fort Save to take 32 points of damage instead.) If the woman is not dead, Rill will then use a Lesser Quicken Rod to cast a Quickened Silence spell (swift action) at a point in space about 5 feet above her head.
(Normally a Silence Spell is a 20' radius spell. Rill positions it high enough above the hag that it is a smaller radius at our level, so that yellow circle reflects the effect of the spell as it applies to us medium sized spell casters.)
Then he says silently through the rings, "I've placed a 40 wide sphere of Silence above the hag's head, so it's not that big at floor level. Use care moving up to her if you also need to cast spells."
Rill again glances nervously at the clock.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 202/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday September 15th, 2020 7:48:10 AM
Fang takes a moment to pause her rage (moment of clarity) to cast freedom of movement and a quickened protection from evil.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday September 15th, 2020 9:38:55 AM
With the clock counting down and the last tunnel yet to be explored Aex decides to bring in some help. She sacrifices an 8th level spell (earthquake) to cast Summon Nature's Ally VIII. She moves a bit further away from the Neothelid and begins her summoning spell.
Next round, at the start of the round a gargantuan Purple Worm will make its appearance.
DM Carl - Map Link - 35 Seconds Remaining d20+15=17 ; d20+22=28 ; d20+21=32 ; 3d6+10=23 ; 2d6+10=12 ; 2d6=11 ; 15d6=64 ; d20+12=19 ; 14d10=63 ; d4=2 ; d20+10=20 ; d6=5 Tuesday September 15th, 2020 1:20:24 PM Bralin bemoans the lack of something to kill for just a moment, then the Neothilid comes and solves his problem. He puts another new hole in the worm, but the tough hide blunts some damage.
Terser continues showing how the Sea Dragons' investments in bumping their saving throws to extreme heights has paid off. His reach allows him another solid hit on the priest. A dark energy flows from the priest, through his glaive, and into Terser. It does 5 STR damage, DC 27 fort save negates.
Jozhur also springs into action, winding up in position to flank the Neothelid. His sword pierces deep into a softer chunk in the worm's hide. OOC: Yes, both middle tunnels have normal light. Far left is still dark, far right is walled off.
Umith and Hyvward chip away at stone in the dark. Tahni implores Braugh to remember her. It's heartfelt, and your DM almost feels bad saying her opponent simply does not care. She holds him tight, an impressive move for Tahni! She easily avoids an axe blow as she moves. Seems the die roller does not want Tahni injured. She has been through enough already, that's for sure.
She holds him, and realizes he is solid. Even accounting for armor, there should be some give when one is squished. This close to him, Tahni likely comes to the conclusion that this isn't the real Braugh.
Rill uses a mix of metamagic rods to cast a few spells. The priest starts to erupt in holy fire, but tamps down on the flames before she is consumed. She still cooks a little. She starts to speak again in Aklo, but is cut short by a silence spell. For the first time, she shows an emotion other than rapture. Her eyes burn hatred at Rill for stopping her sermons.
Fang takes a moment to slow down and prepare herself.
Aexana prepares to bring in some help.
The tentacled priest retreats into the tunnel (Terser gets an AoO). A whirling wall of energy blades springs to life in front of the tunnel. Crossing it deals 64 damage, reflex DC 25 for half.
Braugh struggles against Tahni's grip, but cannot break it. He screams and rages at his captor, though Tahni realizes there is no breath or spittle coming from his mouth.
The Neothelid rears back and spits out a 50' cone of acid, drenching Bralin, Rill, Crall, Terser, and Tahni. The acid does 63 damage, reflex DC 27 for half. No one can see it (unless they can see invisible), but Crall takes the full brunt of the acid and is in rough shape.
Those who can see him note Crall ducks into the sealed off tunnel to try and make sure his skin doesn't melt all the way off.
Han Valen takes a look at that acid blast and nopes himself back into his tunnel too.
Neothelid: 165 damage, AC30, SR26, DR 10/Cold Iron Elder thing1: Escaped Elder thing2: Escaped Tentacle-faced Priest: 170 damage, AC 32
Crall: 110 damage
The clock is almost half way around its revolution. The glow from the red crystal begins to intensify. It shines through the blade wall, bathing the room in blinking red light.
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Tuesday September 15th, 2020 1:42:30 PM
We have our winner. Please check the Silk Tapestry as I've started the last phase: suggestions and ideas for this new game.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+25=45 ; d20+25=41 ; 6d8=17 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+26=39 3d6(5+3+5)+13=26 Tuesday September 15th, 2020 3:46:39 PM
Terser easily shrugs off the draining energy (Fort save 35), and the priestess picked the wrong time to retreat, as Terser catches a lucky shot right across her belly (or wherever she may be most vulnerable)
AOO nat 20! Confirms with a 41. Roller doesn't go high enough! 17+99 = 116 damage!
If she's still up, Terser will step into the silenced area and fling his hammer at her through the barrier. If not, he instead turns his attacks to the Neothelid that just soaked him in acid. Turns out he's not so good at dodging when it's not a spell.
hp 288/346
thanks for clarifying, Carl!
Since she's still standing somehow, Terser steps over to the hallway and whips his hammer at her through the barrier, hoping to finish the job.
Bralin twists to avoid the full brunt of the acid, but still lets out a hiss of pain as he's seared.
The dwarf briefly considers switching weapons, but decides against exposing himself.
Taking advantage of his flank with Jozhur, Bralin shifts his grip to add power to his blows, and rips into the worm for all he's worth.
--- Full Attack, Power Attack. Atk 1 hits ac 32 for 37 hp damage Atk 2 NAT 20. Crit Threat hits ac 31 for 89 hp damage Atk 3 misses (ac 27) Atk 4 misses (ac 14) Haste atk hits ac 43 for 33 hp damage
Spells in Effect Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC for 14 minutes
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 149/181 d20+22=38 ; 15d6=50 ; Tuesday September 15th, 2020 7:35:23 PM
Rill uses a Hero Point to help avoid the acid, and manages to dodge the worst of it. He winces at the effect on his white robes.
He grasps the Lesser Quicken Rod to cast a Quickened See Invisible, and once he does so, he is shocked to see Crall so badly damaged. "We'll get you patched up, but stay there for now."
Rill looks to see if Terser killed the hag, because if he did there may be no Blade Barrier in effect. If this is true, he rushes in to touch the red gem. If the hag and the Blade Barrier are still there, he will instead call down a Flame Strike on her, inflicting 50 points of damage (DC 24 reflex for half.)
If the hag is dead but the Blade Barrier is up, Rill will Dimensional Hop past it to go touch the gem.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+1 -- DarkVision-See Invis d20+18=37 ; d20+28=32 ; d4=1 ; Tuesday September 15th, 2020 9:27:37 PM
With 'Bruagh' in the way, Tahni is sheltered from the cone of acid. Something doesn't feel right though. He doesn't feel or smell anything like Bruagh, no matter how he appears. Tahni releases 'Bruagh' from her embrace. "You're not Bruagh" she levels the accusation at the impostor.
This being is an affront to Bruagh's image. With her emotions coming to the surface, Tahni grips the dagger tightly and stabs at the impostor.
------------- Ref Save vs DC27: 37=Pass! Ring of Evasion means no damage Free action: Release grapple Swift action: Use Quickened SLA True Strike Standard action: Attack with dagger. Hit AC32 for 1pt non-lethal damage.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+30=40 ; d20+24=29 ; d20+30=39 ; d20+19=29 ; d6+9=13 ; d6+9=10 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=7 ; 8d6=37 ; 8d6=35 ; d20+30=38 ; d20+24=33 ; d6+9=13 ; d6=6 ; 2d6=8 ; 8d6=34 ; d6+8=14 ; d6=6 ; 2d6=5 ; 8d6=26 ; Tuesday September 15th, 2020 11:08:03 PM
After seeing it spew acid on everyone, Jozhur thinks it best he finishes this foe before moving on. He activates his boots of haste and tears into the worm before stepping back towards the last tunnel.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First Attack hits AC 38: 13 damage, 1 cold damage, 7 damage if evil, 37 sneak damage (58 total before DR) Haste attack hits AC 37: 10 damage, 6 cold damage, 7 damage if evil, 35 sneak damage (58 total before DR) First Off hand hits AC 36: 13 damage, 6 cold damage, 8 damage if evil, 34 sneak damage (61 before DR) Second off hand hits AC 31: 14 damage, 6 cold damage, 5 damage if evil, 26 sneak damage (51 before DR)
Boots of haste used: 3/10 AC for round is 28 Freedom of Movement
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+25=39 ; 4d8+12=24 ; d20+25=43 ; 2d8+12=22 ; d4=4 ; d20+36=56 ; 3d8+17=24 ; Wednesday September 16th, 2020 1:01:03 PM
Not sure if the Neothelid will survive the massive attacks from her friends, Aex summons the Purple Worm close to the last tunnel. The magical beast has Darkvision and Tremmorsense so with any luck it knows what's in there and if it can attack or not.
Should the Neothelid survive, the Purple Worm will of course attack it - but I doubt it will. Else it will attack whatever it senses in that last tunnel... assuming the last one they are looking for will also still be a crystal.
Purple Worm attack : Bite hits AC39 - damage 24 - Grab CMB 56 to grapple Sting hits AC43 - damage 22 + poison FORT save DC25 or -4 STR
Aex veers over to Crall (move action) and heals him for 24HP
(Aex now hovers about 5ft above the floor near Crall)
DM Carl - Map Link - 35 Seconds Remaining d20+20=30 ; Wednesday September 16th, 2020 2:18:54 PM Terser's glaive is ready as the priest makes a run for the tunnel. His weapon cleaves straight through her torso, just missing her spine. No blood pours from the wound. Instead, tiny mottled black hands erupt and begin clawing their way out of her. Before long a twisted, slimy mass is wriggling out of her. Hands, eyes, and mouths dot the surface, and they desperately try to scrabble away from the priestess.
Her color drains. She cries out in Aklo, Highlight to display spoiler: {"No! We are so close my friends! Come back!"}
Terser throws his hammer at her through the barrier. It's a solid throw, but the handle is caught by a whirling blade and ricochets off before embedding itself in a wall.
OOC: AC with Unholy Aura and the blade barrier is 40.
Bralin is burned by the acid, but it's not as bad as it could be. Taking advantage of Jozhur's distraction, he attacks for all he's worth. His first attack tears a gash exposing the Neothelid's spine (evidently it's not an actual worm). Spotting his opening, he swings again and severs it. The back two thirds of the Neothelid immediately go limp. Without control of most of its body, the thing cannot support its head and falls.
In a flurry of blows, Bralin chops off the Neothelid's tongues and hacks deep into its brain. It stops thrashing quickly, very dead.
Rill very nearly doesn't avoid the acid, but then does. He casts a spell to check on Crall and is shocked at his state. Without armor or any protective layer, the acid has grievously wounded him.
The priestess is still up, so Rill brings a flame strike down on her. In the state she's in, a saving throw won't be saving her. She cries out, words lost forever over the roaring flames. She is down and dying, but shockingly enough still alive. Her anti-life shell does not fall, and Rill realizes her death won't end it. That shell will continue on well past her death. Rill is able to dimension hop past the barrier if he wants to, just not into the bit covered by the shell. He'll start his turn there if he wishes.
Tahni realizes that thing is not Braugh. It is just another extraordinarily cruel experience thrown at her. She drives the glass dagger into it, and the impostor immediately crystallizes. It flashes red, then quickly gets absorbed into the glass dagger.
The dagger glows a hateful red hue, and Tahni can feel the rage inside. She instinctively knows any living thing injured by the dagger will feel it too.
OOC: This is a fate item for Tahni's use only. It functions similarly to Symbol of Strife. Any living creature injured by the dagger (before DR) attacks the nearest creature for 5 rounds. A DC 30 will save negates the effect. It will shatter on a successful attack, or if an attack roll fails by more than 5. It can be thrown, but will shatter regardless if it hits or misses if used this way. If Tahni is holding the dagger when it shatters on a miss, she must make the will save or be affected by the rage herself.
Tahni's companions are still stuck in the dark.
Jozhur sees the Neothelid go limp, and likely stabs it a few times to make sure it's really dead. It is. It is very dead.
Aexana finishes bringing a purple worm to the party. Her primary target is very dead, so it checks out the last tunnel. Its darkvision cannot pierce the darkness, and its tremoresense picks up nothing moving. She may remember the creatures in the other tunnels were perfectly still for a moment after the darkness was broken. (You can save those rolls for the first time it's able to attack)
She can't see Crall, but Rill can and will likely aid Aexana in finding him. She can't see the results of her healing, but Crall's sigh indicates it worked. "Thank you friend. Please, where am I? I was strategizing with my team just seconds ago."
Han Valen peeks out of the tunnel after the Neothelid stops moving. "Oye, you Dragons kill that thing yet?" He looks down at the black tentacles still grasping at him. He clears his throat before belting out a primal scream at a shockingly high pitch. The tentacles quickly wither away.
OOC: Bardic dispel magic
He walks out. "Right love, that's better. Now where the heck am I?"
He may think this is over and done, but our heroes know better. One tunnel is completely unexplored. The other has a crystal none of them can personally go retrieve. That's not too great a challenge for our heroes, but they'll need to figure something out. Clock is ticking...
Neothelid: Dead Elder thing1: Escaped Elder thing2: Escaped Tentacle-faced Priest: Dead
Crall: 86 damage
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 183/260) Wednesday September 16th, 2020 6:13:53 PM
Bralin finishes off the giant worm with a flourish, and looks around for his next foe. None are apparent.
Instead he crosses to Rill, while pulling out a gem, and hands it to the man. "An earth elemental gem," he declares. "I cannot speak Terran, but you can likely direct it to retrieve that stone."
Marching back, he answers Han Valen. "You, Crall, Bezos, and Xhuffie have been kidnapped by an unknown foe who encased you in gems. We are some miles below the surface of the sea. We have but a few seconds left to rescue the remaining victims. Should you be able to dispel that darkness in yon tunnel, t'would be helpful to our cause."
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 149/181 d20+19=22 ; Wednesday September 16th, 2020 7:06:19 PM
Rill says through the rings, "Time is our enemy here. We have to press into that last corridor. Let's get that last gem. I'll see what I can do to deal with the red one."
He watches Tahni stab at the air again. "Hey Tahni, how's it going with your imaginary friend?"
Rill will cast a Greater Dispel Magic near the dying hag's body, using it as an area dispel. The 20' radius will be large enough to affect the Blade Barrier, but not Terser. (Rats! His roll is only a 22, affecting spells up to caster level 11 - pretty sure that's a fail.)
Rill takes the gem from Bralin. "Good thinking Bralin! My attempts to drop the antilife shell, blade barrier and silence spell failed. I cannot command the gem to life until I take my silence spell down next round."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+1 -- DarkVision-See Invis d20+20=32 ; Wednesday September 16th, 2020 11:51:34 PM
It isn't just the dagger. Tahni can feel the rage inside HER. Someone is toying with her emotions. Playing with her and taunting her with the one she holds most dear. When she finds the person doing this to her... Maab would probably be displeased with the spells Tahni considers suitable.
"What?" She hears Rill call her name and it brings her back to the present "Uh. Nothing. It's fine" Tahni looks over the dagger carefully, still surprised by the effect it had.
She can see that the blade barrier and anti-life shell are posing an issue for the group so turns to dispelling them.
Tahni starts heading towards the western tunnel, still a little lost in thought.
------------- Standard: Cast Gtr Dispel Magic to get rid of the blade barrier and anti-life shell. Dispel check: 32. 20ft radius burst. She tries to cast it far enough down the tunnel so as not to affect anyone in the party Move: Move/fly west 40ft. The map still has monsters on it but I assume they're gone now?
LOL. Just noticed Han Valen on the map :)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+26=45 ; 3d6+13=22 ; Wednesday September 16th, 2020 11:55:15 PM
Having seen Rill throw whirling walls of blades around himself, he'll trust him to deal with this one. Instead, he positions himself to where he may be able to get a shot off down the corridor as soon as someone can bring a light that way.
delayed action for light - will throw the hammer if I get a target and can see it past the worm. Potentially hit AC 45 for 22 damage
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+37=47 ; Thursday September 17th, 2020 1:15:32 AM
Not about to wander into a room where he cannot see a thing, Jozhur holds his position and addresses Han Valen, "Han, can you dispel that darkness? It's apparently fairly powerful magic." He motions to a dagger tucked into his belt, offering it to the bard.
He does his best impersonation of a stone wall, ready to pounce anything coming out of the darkness.
---------------------------------------------- Stealth (move action): 47 Readied single attack
Fang (Mitch) HP: 202/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday September 17th, 2020 8:10:00 AM
Now prepared and falling back into her rage Fang runs across the hall to the other side ready to enter the last hallway.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday September 17th, 2020 12:40:10 PM
(I'm assuming the red dot on the map is the Daylight coin? So... Tahni accidentally dropped it :-) )
"Throw that Daylight coin into the tunnel Tahni! We need to see what's in there..."
Aex holds back close to Crall untill she notices the Daylight coin just laying there on the ground... she veers over to it to pick it up while moving. At the end of her move she throws it towards the last tunnel...
(perhaps stretching the accidental drop of the coin a little ;-) )
The Purple Worm is ready to attack once it has a clear sight on the tunnel. Rolls made last turn.
DM Carl - Map Link - 24 Seconds Remaining d20+15=22 ; Thursday September 17th, 2020 4:15:26 PM Bralin hands Rill an elemental gem. He's correct that the antilife shell won't stop it. He then explains the situation of Han Valen. It's quiet enough in here now that Crall will almost certainly hear the response as well.
Han Valen, still drunk, listens and looks around. "All right, loves. That scans." He takes his situation in. "Gonna write a song about this, you best believe it." Looks like the Sea Dragons' fame just grew a bit.
OOC: I'll resolve HV's actions after everyone else's.
Rill knows time is still short. He checks on Tahni, but there aren't any fresh wounds opening on her. Well, no physical wounds...
Anyway, he tries dispelling the magic around the priest's corpse. He's got a hunch it's not enough, and he's correct. It is possible for him to target the dispel magic in such a way to take down the silence field, should he want to. It's his effect so it dispels automatically if within the AoE. (Just delete it on the map if you'd like.) He accepts the gem, ready to use it next round.
Tahni is not happy. That's understandable. Lucky for her, Maab isn't all star-shine and rainbows. The goddess could probably forgive some revenge here. She casts her own dispel aimed down the tunnel. The blade barrier and antilife shell fall.
At the same time, the sunlight-infused coin she may or may not have glows a little brighter, and the third tunnel is illuminated even more. She must have dispelled the darkness spell that was being suppressed by the sunlight spell.
OOC: Red border around monster = downed monster. Neothilid corpse is too big to just disregard.
Terser trusts his friends to handle the barriers over on that half of the cavern. He readies an action to throw a hammer.
Jozhur asks Han to help with the darkness as well as he melds into the wall. Han turns down the dagger. "Thanks all the same, love. Best weapon's always with me, though."
OOC: The red dot was something only Tahni saw, but there's a good chance that coin got dropped during her ordeal. I'll just say it was in the spirit of not sweating the small stuff.
Fang moves double time to where the last bit of action will probably be. This time she didn't forget freedom of movement. That's good. That's real good...
Aexana scoops up the coin and throws it down the tunnel. Her worm is poised to strike. If the worm moves into the tunnel, it will take up the entire available space.
Han Valen looks at the darkness. "Oh yea, I can take care of that. No problem, loves." He positions himself nearby when Aexana's coin flies past into the tunnel, suppressing the darkness.
Inside the tunnel are two trees. Except the trees branches are waving around and smacking into themselves. And the branches are actually more like tentacles. And the trunks are really just three enormous hooved legs pressed into each other. And it's covered with dozens of gaping, whistling mouths.
And the mouths are whispering to each of you in a language that transcends mortal speech and speaks directly to your instincts. They bring forth thoughts of perverse, twisted, glorious offspring. Unwelcome longings threaten to bloom in anyone close enough to hear the whispers. It is best not to delve too deeply into what they entail...
Everyone but Rill must make a DC 27 will save or be shaken. It is a sonic mind-affecting effect.
Knowledge, Planes DC 40,Highlight to display spoiler: {There are stories about creatures like these from other dimensions. Stories are spotty, revealing only they serve an alien fertility goddess. They're most often seen responding to sacrification or fertility rituals. The details aren't appropriate for polite adventurers to discuss. Suffice it to say you should absolutely *not* eat their flesh. The colloquial name for them is "Dark Young".}
Han Valen is an extraordinarily powerful bard. He is not an adventurer. He is also drunk. He stops just as he's about to begin dispelling the darkness, shaken by the whispers. "Just...just gonna let you loves handle this," is all he gets off before he heads back into the safety of his tunnel.
Crall is in no shape to help.
Terser's hammer is thrown. The purple worm provides cover, but it strikes the creature on the left regardless. It punches right through its hide. His hammer falls inside the beast, revealing it to be hollow.
Jozhur is not in melee range. The purple worm is not either.
Since the party was expecting these things, they do not get a surprise round. A white gem shines from the corner.
DY1: 22 damage, AC <= 41 DY2: 0 damage, AC <= 41
Please roll spell resistance against them if appropriate.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday September 17th, 2020 4:54:47 PM
Aex will give the Purple Worm the sign to charge into the tunnel and attack DY2 (previous rolls)
Purple Worm attack : Bite hits AC39 - damage 24 - Grab CMB 56 to grapple Sting hits AC43 - damage 22 + poison FORT save DC25 or -4 STR
(Just wanted to give some orders to the Worm and clear the tunnel entrance. Aex will post tomorrow)
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 149/181 d20+38=46 ; d20+17=20 ; Thursday September 17th, 2020 7:05:55 PM
With the Blade Barrier and other things gone, Rill will dash in (move action.) He looks at the seemingly dead creature, and looks for any sign of movement (Perception 46, Heal 20, not a full heal check.) Rill also relies on his Foresight spell to inform him if approaching he hag's body presents a danger and how it might be avoided. Standing over the hag's body, he reaches out and touches the red gem. Not sure if the touch requires a standard action or is just part of his movement.
Assuming the being trapped in the gem appears, Rill will give quick instruction. "You and some others were taken here against your will. We are here to rescue you, make your way out to the larger room. Time is short, so hurry."
Assuming Rill can still take an action, he will use it to move back out (hence two icons on the map.) He watches to make sure the person does come out of the tunnel - can't be too careful with some creepy priestess' body there.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 183/260) d20+24=36 ; Thursday September 17th, 2020 7:40:32 PM
Will Save 36 - success
Bralin endures the whispers, and moves around the dead worm to the tunnel entrance.
"What are these?" he asks.
--- Double move.
Spells in Effect Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC for 14 minutes
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+25=31 ; d20+26=39 ; 3d6+13=27 ; Thursday September 17th, 2020 8:47:46 PM Will save - +4 rage, +8 Mind Blank 31 - pass
Since the dead enemy worm carcass is still taking up half the foyer, Terser settles for positioning himself to put the dwarven thrower through the monster that's not tangled up in purple worm.
Hits AC39 for 27 damage
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+16=17 ; Friday September 18th, 2020 2:28:55 AM I can make a hasted dash for that last gem, the problem is getting whoever it contains out of there.
-------------------------------- Holding action for now, will post again. Will save: 17 (shaken)
Freedom of Movment
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+1 -- DarkVision-See Invis d20+21=28 ; d20+25=38 ; d8=5 ; d8=6 ; d8=4 ; d8=6 ; Friday September 18th, 2020 2:47:26 AM
Tahni has no idea what those tree-abominations are. Her mind is still a little rattled.
"Crall! Where are you? Come here!"
She prepares to heal him if he gets close enough to her, but he'll need to announce himself.
----------------------- Will Save vs DC27: 28=Pass Knowl Planes vs DC40: 38=Fail
Ready action: If Crall gets close enough to Tahni, cast CCW on him healing for 41pts
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Friday September 18th, 2020 5:10:58 AM
(second post with Aex's actions)
"I don't want to be here when that clock hits 0... if this cave floods we're all history. I'm going to summon another worm to deal woth those things while you figure out a way to get that gem and the person out of there. It's going to get cramped in that room so stay to the right sde of the wall... I'm summoning on the left wall.
Someone make sure to have some teleporting spells ready. Else I still have Animal Shapes available to change everyone into squids for swimming back up... "
Aex looses another 8th level spell to replace it so she can summon a second Purple Worm... She intends to drop the summoned worm near DY1. (sacrificing Whirlwind) She moves close to the ceiling again with a clear line of sight on the left wall of the last cave.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 202/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+19=39 ; d20+19=25 ; 3d10+19=28 ; Friday September 18th, 2020 1:28:19 PM
Fang shakes off the mental attack and charges the foul things (52 to hit, 28 damage)
DM Carl - Map Link - 18 Seconds Remaining d20+17=28 ; d20+23=41 ; d6+10=14 ; d20+21=38 ; d20+21=22 ; d20+21=38 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+21=38 ; d20+30=42 ; d20+30=39 ; d20+30=43 ; d20+30=31 ; d6+10=15 ; d6+10=14 ; d6+10=11 ; d6+10=11 ; d20+21=36 ; 2d6=9 ; Friday September 18th, 2020 4:38:56 PM
The purple worm takes a bite out of the second creature. The worm had to move, so it can't make a full attack with its stinger as well.
The worm recoils as it bites down. The creature's flesh is evidently exceptionally foul. The worm is (barely) hardy enough to suppress the toxic effects for now, but the poison still has a course to run. The worm wraps itself around the creature and grapples it.
Rill is able to move up and free whoever's trapped in the third gem. His foresight spell doesn't warn him of any danger. In fact, the priestess makes a final last wheezing breath as Rill approaches. She is now officially dead. Like the rest, the gem turns to foam and reforms in the shape of Bezos.
Bezos is in mid step when he reforms. He stops and calmly observes his new surroundings. Rill doesn't waste any time explaining the situation. Bezos takes it in, nods, and wordlessly makes his way to the large chamber. He seems pretty nonplussed about all this, but that seems to be in character for him. Rill heads towards the last of the tunnels.
Bralin moves double time and wonders what they're up against.
Terser continues hurling hammers, punching another hole into the same creature as before.
Jozhur ponders making a dash for them gem, but the far chamber is quickly getting cramped. The last crystal is likely to be Xuffie's. Maybe she'll cooperate?
Tahni calls Crall to her for healing. "I am here," he says as she feels him approach. His breathing improves after he is healed. "Thank you, Tahni. I'll be fine now. We should help your friends before that clock gets to zero."
Aexana has stumbled upon a really great summons to take on these creatures, so she starts summoning another one. She won't be able to summon it in the chamber with the monsters since there's no space. She'll have to either summon something smaller in there, or summon it out here and get everyone to move out of its way.
Fang moves in to attack. She'll have to travel through the creature's threatened area to do so, incurring an AoO unless she's got a trick your DM's not aware of. It lashes out with a tentacle and slaps into Fang, hitting AC 41 for 14 damage. It tries grabbing her, but Fang's freedom of movement spell prevents the grapple.
The three rescued men do nothing much of note, though anyone looking will see Bezos watching the combat intensely.
The creature grappled by Aexana's worm makes a full attack. Four tentacles slam into the worm and wrap around it, reversing the grapple. The creature is now grappling the worm. The worm also takes a total of 51 damage.
The other creature takes a defensive posture and summons forth a fog that quickly covers the area. Anyone outside the far tunnel loses line of sight. Casting spells that require it are impossible inside the fog. The fog is thick enough to impede movement. Creatures inside move at half speed and take a -2 on melee attack and damage rolls. Ranged weapon attacks are impossible. No one can make a 5' step. As if that wasn't obnoxious enough, the fog burns, doing 9 acid damage to Fang and the worm. The creatures don't seem to be bothered. The fog is continuing to expand outward.
From her vantage point, Fang notices the wounds on the creatures are healing very quickly.
DY1: 57 damage, AC <= 41 DY2: 14 damage, AC <= 41, Grappling
OOC: In case anyone was wondering exactly when time was up, the round posted with "6 seconds remaining" is the last round you'll be able to take action before time is up.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+35=48 ; Friday September 18th, 2020 5:54:43 PM I'm going for it then.
Jozhur crouches low and silently enters the fog...
---------------------------- Gah, got busy and missed getting the post in.
Not sure how you're going to handle moving through fog and squeezing past everything in the room, but Jozhur is trying to skirt the right side of the tunnel and room to get to the gem, grabbing it if he has time.
Stealth: 48 (can be used at full move speed with rogue talent) Speed for round with haste is 65, freedom of movement is in effect. Will use double move to get to gem if necessary. There are two Jozhurs on map, one where he started and another where he is trying to go.
Boots of Haste used: 4/10
Active Effects Shaken (-2 attack/damage rolls, saving throws, skill/ability checks) Haste (+30 move speed, +1 AC) Mobility feat (+4 AC vs opportunity attacks)
AC for round is 26, AC 30 vs opportunity attacks)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+1 -- DarkVision-See Invis Saturday September 19th, 2020 12:35:26 AM "Glad you're still with us. Would have been an awkward conversion with Elhonna otherwise" Tahni smiles to the invisible space next to her. Hmm. talking to things that others can't see is becoming a bit of a habit now.
She agrees with him though. Time to get in the fight. Tahni gets closer to the entrance to the passage and casts a Gust of Wind spell to disperse the vapors.
----------- Move action: move towards the western passage Standard action: Cast Gust of Wind. From her position she should avoid all the party (except Terser) by casting it in a straight line.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+26=38 ; 6d6+36=63 ; Saturday September 19th, 2020 8:46:30 PM
With the wind clearing a path through the fog, Terser charges into the cavern behind Jozhur to cut through the tree that his hammer had been putting dents into.
Vital Strike, Power Attack Hit AC 38 for 63 damage
Fang (Mitch) HP: 186/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+44=46 ; d20+44=45 ; d20+39=54 ; d20+34=41 ; d10+19=21 ; d10+19=27 ; d10+19=24 ; Sunday September 20th, 2020 5:00:34 PM
Fang is mildly inconvenienced by the attack and fog, tearing into the thing with her trademark viciousness.
Attack 1, 46 to hit, 21 damage haste attack, nat 1, miss attack 2, 54 to hit, 27 damage attack 3 41 to hit, 24 damage
72 total damage
Fang (Mitch) HP: 186/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Sunday September 20th, 2020 5:01:30 PM
She can't see the clock or know how much time they have and in her battle rage has totally lost track Hopefully the rest finish whatever they need to do while she slaughters the enemy.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 183/260) Sunday September 20th, 2020 5:32:17 PM
Bralin is out of ideas, and unable to enter the cavern.
The dwarf stows his axe, and retrieves his wand.
-------- Spells in Effect Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC for 14 minutes
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 149/181 Sunday September 20th, 2020 6:40:39 PM
Rill looks again at the clock and feels a slight dismay.
"They say time flies when you're having fun. Evidently time also flies when you're ... well when you're doing whatever this is."
"I'm going into the room ethereally. I can sense where Jozhur is - he seems to be headed for the gem. I'll back him up."
Rill moves up and uses the last charge in his Quicken Metamagic Rod to cast a quickened Freedom of Movement spell on himself. Then he casts Ethereal Jaunt. He fades from sight of the others, even as things on the material became hazy and insubstantial for the cleric.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+36=42 ; d3=2 ; d20+21=33 ; d20+21=39 ; 2d8+7=19 ; 2d8+7=14 ; Monday September 21st, 2020 12:26:00 PM
The Purple worm is surprised with the foul taste of the DY flesh... the grappling dance continues and now the grappler is grappled... but now the grappled grappler attempts to well... grapple the grappler who grappled the grappler... or something like that...
CMB to grapple : 42 probably not sufficient...
Aex wanted to summon another Worm but the fog blocks her vision and it was getting too cramped in that last cave. So instead she summons 1d3 Greater Air Elementals Unaffected by poison both elementals fly close to the ceiling and thus fly over the Sea Dragons standing near the cave entrance. All Aex summoned creatures need to do is to keep the DY's busy...
Assuming DY2 is grappling the worm both elementals attack DY1
EL1 attacks DY1 - slam hits AC33 - damage 19 EL2 attacks DY1 - slam hits AC39 - damage 14
Aex is a bit clueless now what to do next... there's no room to summon anything else and she's not convinced it would be a good idea to blow away the mist... who knows how it will affect her friends.
Greater Air Elemental AC 25, touch 19, flat-footed 14 (+10 Dex, +1 dodge, +6 natural, –2 size) hp 123 (13d10+52)
DM Carl - Map Link - 12 Seconds Remaining 2d6=9 ; d20+28=36 ; d20+23=30 ; d20+30=37 ; d6+10=12 ; d10=6 ; d20+23=33 ; d20+23=41 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+23=41 ; d20+23=41 ; d6+10=16 ; d6+10=12 ; d6+10=14 ; d6+10=16 ; d20+21=32 ; d20+21=28 ; d20+21=39 ; d20+21=28 ; d20+21=32 ; d6+10=14 ; d6+10=15 ; d6+10=13 ; d6+10=14 ; d6+10=13 ; d20+26=32 ; d20+26=35 ; d20+26=41 ; Monday September 21st, 2020 2:42:45 PM Jozhur makes his move. His freedom of movement effect means he can move through the fog unhampered, but it still burns. He takes 9 acid damage, no save. He hugs the wall as the tree creature and purple worm fight each other. He has a close call as the worm hurls itself into the wall just in front of him to get some leverage. Jozhur is showered with dust and small rock shards, but is unharmed. He's too sneaky for either to realistically sense him, and is able to make it to the gem.
Tahni calls forth a gust of wind to disperse the acid fog. This begs many questions, as the fog has no where to disperse to. The wind ends up blowing a line of clear space in the fog, but the extremities of the open tunnel are still affected.
Terser charges. The tree creature uses the opportunity to lash out at the oncoming dwarf (reach 20'). Terser takes 12 bludgeoning damage and is wrapped up in the thing's tentacle. It tries lifting him, but he's enlarged and too heavy. He is grappled and unable to complete his attack, seeing how his weapon is two-handed.
OOC: I looked back over the posts from the end of the martial tournament to now. I see where you offered up freedom of movement, but not where you cast it on yourself. I'll ret-con if you can show me otherwise.
Fang shrugs off the acid and unleashes what she's got. Three solid hits sever two tentacles and punch a new hole in the hollow beast.
Bralin retrieves a wand.
Rill quickly casts freedom of movement before taking an ethereal jaunt towards Jozhur.
Aexana's worm attempts to reverse the grapple again and just barely succeeds. She finishes summoning two elementals, both of whom put dents in their target.
Just two creatures still fight. The first has Terser grappled and constricts, doing 6 bludgeoning damage. Two more tentacles bash him:
Hit AC 33 for 16 damage Hit AC 41 for 12 damage
Three more swing at Fang:
Hit AC 35 for 14 damage Hit AC 41 for 14 damage Hit AC 41 for 16 damage
Terser is already grappled, and Fang has freedom of movement. Neither are subject to being grappled again.
The second creature is grappled by the worm. Jozhur's right there, but he's too sneaky. The creature unloads on the worm, doing a total of 69 damage. The third tentacle snakes around the worm (heh), again reversing the grapple.
Bezos finds himself next to Aexana. He keeps a distance, not wanting to interrupt the adventurers fighting for his life. He gives her a small, plastic smile. DY1: 152 damage, AC 30 DY2: 14 damage, AC 30, Grappling
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+24=33 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+14=31 ; 2d6+36=45 ; 2d6+36=45 ; 2d6+36=39 ; 2d6+36=41 ; Monday September 21st, 2020 3:31:51 PM Offered it up, but never actually had a taker. I was counting on my domain powers for myself. No worries.
30 damage after DRTerser isn't worried about being tangled up, though he's a bit miffed that the tree could reach that far. He calls upon his liberation domain to slip out of it's grasp (4/10 used), takes one step forward, and takes a full attack, with an additional hasted attack for good measure (1/3 used). If one happens to go down, the last strike will go to the other.
Hits vs AC 33, 35, 31, 31 damage 45, 45, 39, 41 (slashing, +3 to overcome DR)
hp 263/346
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+27=34 ; d6+9=11 ; d6=3 ; 2d6=9 ; 8d6=26 ; Monday September 21st, 2020 5:17:50 PM
Jozhur isn't too sure about releasing a captor right next to these monsters, but there isn't time for anything else. He reaches for the gem, hoping someone can blip the captive out of the room.
---------------------------------------------------------- Does the gem need to be picked up or only touched? If it needs picked up, Jozhur has to stow a weapon and won't get an attack, though maybe he can lift it with his swords in his hands?
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Monday September 21st, 2020 5:18:32 PM
Captor? Captive? Maybe Xhuffie is the culprit.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 149/181 Monday September 21st, 2020 7:05:18 PM
Rill moves slowly in this state, and makes a double move ethereally into the room. Whew, it's crowded in here, but there seems to be space near the back corner. While he does not need space in his ethereal form, he will when he steps back into this plane.
As he moves in he sees Jozhur touch the gem.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 183/260) d20+19=29 ; 5d8=19 ; Monday September 21st, 2020 8:04:49 PM
Bralin is becoming impressed with the number of creatures that can be fit in a single cavern.
The dwarf fires a beam of light at the tree grappling with Terser.
As one of the few in the main cavern, Bralin glances at the clock, and mentally sends the information to his friends. Twelve Seconds.
---- Wand of Searing Light. Ranged Touch Attack hits ac29 for 19hp damage
Spells in Effect Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC for 14 minutes
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+1 -- DarkVision-See Invis d4+1=5 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=4 ; Monday September 21st, 2020 11:51:36 PM
There's really no way that Tahni is going to fit in that passage as well.
All she can do is watch the clock. Well, there's that and cast some magic missiles. There's always room for magic missiles!
-------------- Cast MM. 16pts force damage to DY1 (or DY2 if DY1 is already dead)
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+44=46 ; d20+44=62 ; d20+39=46 ; d20+34=37 ; d10+19=21 ; d10+19=29 ; d10+19=27 ; d10+19=22 ; Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 7:56:28 AM
Fang doesn't even notice the wounds, she just keeps pounding away.
Attack 1- 46 to hit, 21 damage Haste attack - 62 to hit, 29 damage attack 2 - 46 to hit, 27 damage attack 3 - 37 to hit, 22 damage
Total - 99 damage
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 d20+21=28 ; d20+21=34 ; 2d8+7=9 ; d20+21=41 ; d20+21=37 ; d20+21=30 ; 2d10+7=13 ; 2d10+7=20 ; 2d10+7=16 ; Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 2:04:00 PM
The Purple Worm goes limp in the deadly embrace of the DY and fades from this existence... Staying close to the ceiling the two Air Elementals are still battering on on DY1 unless this one's dead, then they'll batter DY2. Both making a full attack (reach 15ft).
EL1 : Slam 1 hits AC28 EL1 : Slam 2 hits AC34 - damage 9 HP EL2 : Slam 1 hits AC41 - Confirmed Crit - damage 33 EL2 : Slam 2 hits AC30 - damage 9 HP - damage 16 (maybe some flanking bonus to make slam AC30 hit )
Aex nervously watches the clock... they should end this thing... fast She sees chunks of DY being chopped of by her friends so with some luck they will perish soon... they must... If only they can blip that crystal out of there...
"Sir Bezos... ", Aex says in Auran (still being Air Elemental shape) with a nervous smile as she keeps her eyes on the clock, "... how did you end up here?!? Do you know who brought your hear? That clock... I think we need to get out of here in a hurry soon. Just don't think of running out of here as we're only a couple of miles beneath the sea. You'd be flat as a pancake if you do... Any advice Sir?"
Not sure if Bezos understands Auran, Aex does not take any actions. She just observes and hovers in place. Ready to cast spells to get them out of here.
DM Carl - Map Link - ?? Seconds Remaining d20+19=39 ; Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 8:10:40 PM Terser slips the creature's grasp with some divine aid, then absolutely clobbers it. After three hits the thing crumples inwards and collapses in a stinking, fetid pile. It almost instantly starts to decay. It will likely just be a smear within the hour.
Jozhur just needs to remove the gem from its pedestal. Do we need to worry about freeing hands to do so? This DM doesn't think so. Maybe he holds one sword in his teeth?
Anyway, the last gem is removed from its pedestal. Like the others, it turns to foam and begins forming into a humanoid shape. We'll get to that in a moment...
Rill ethereals his way to Jozhur and finds an empty spot to pop himself back into.
Bralin starts aiming at the creature Terser is fighting, but Terser kills it. He switches targets, striking the other creature. Unfortunately, the creature's spell resistance is too high for the wand to possibly overcome.
Tahni isn't about to wander into that mess. No sir. She sends some magic missiles out, easily overcoming the aforementioned spell resistance. The missiles punch clean through the thing's hide, leaving even more gaping holes. It's looking rough.
Fang is able to step up and attack the last target. Just like the other one, these things can't stand up to concentrated punishment from our Sea Dragons. It too collapses in on itself and starts decaying.
Aexana bids her purple worm adieu. Her elementals lack a target. She asks Bezos for advice. This elicits a raised eyebrow from him. "Don't worry about me, Aexana. I can leave anytime I choose. I'd thought myself prepared for any contingency, but this experience has shown otherwise. I will have to work on handling unexpected stasis in the future." The reply is in common, but obviously he understands Auran somehow.
The last gem reforms into the familiar shape of Xuffie. She's in mid-step when she finishes reforming and nearly stumbles into the wall in front of her. She wheels around lightning quick, longsword already drawn, and comes face to face with Jozhur. Her eyes dart, locking in a flash on Fang and Terser. Finding herself outnumbered, she holds the attack her instincts scream at her to unleash. Her eyes narrow on Jozhur. "What treachery is this, dragon?" The word drips with venom.
Han Valen stumbles out of his tunnel, tip-toeing around the Neothilid corpse. "Got quiet in here. You lot deal with all them baddies, yea?"
Bezos nods approvingly to Aexana, then vanishes. Considering his last statement, he likely left voluntarily this time.
Crall makes his way to the rear of the party. "Begging your pardon, would someone mind removing this invisibility?"
The clock on the ceiling of the cavern vanishes. It was the main source of light in the cavern. Now only Aexana's sunlight coin glows. The cave does not undergo spontaneous decompression...or would it be spontaneous compression? Either way, you don't all instantly die from the pressure of three miles of ocean on top of you. How long will it hold? Probably not forever.
***
The Sea Dragons have successfully rescued all the kidnapped victims. Hopefully Xuffie doesn't force them to kill her. Each player receives 43,000 XP for combat, 10,000 XP for roleplay, and a 25,000 XP bonus for rescuing everyone. That comes to 78,000 XP each.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 149/181 d20+38=55 ; 10d6=40 ; Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 9:34:54 PM
As Rill steps out of his ethereal state, he regards Xuffie for a moment.
He says sympathetically, "I am sure this is a shock for you. It was for the others that were similarly imprisoned here. You and a few other competitors where taken here against your will. We came here to rescue you, and it appears we have. But we are deep beneath the sea, and only magic stands between us and a killing pressure at this depth.
"We should leave before that magic gives way."
Rill looks around for anything of value or interest in this place. (Perception 55)
The cleric uses Prestidigitation to return his white robes to their clean and pressed state as he makes his way out to the larger room, scooping up his Continual Flame coin he'd tossed into this tunnel when we first arrived.
"Tahni, what magical means do you have for leaving here? I can cast Teleport several time if needed.
"Xuffie, Crall, Eddie, er, I mean Han - let's gather up. Where's Bezos?"
If Rill has time, he will Channel Energy to heal everyone for 40 points.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+1 -- DarkVision-See Invis Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 11:54:06 PM "I can teleport myself plus five others out of here, Rill" She wasn't able to safely teleport here as she hadn't seen the place. Getting out should be much easier "Between the two of us it should only take the one trip".
She looks to Crall just as the invisibility spell wears off, then speaks telepathically with the party:
"Why would anyone do this? Kidnap these people just to draw us here. What was with the timer? I'm sure this all connects somehow. Hopefully it wasn't just a diversion while something happens back on the island"
-------------- OOC: Crall's invisibility only lasted 5 rounds, so should be done now I think
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+26=33 ; d20+21=25 ; Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 12:13:50 AM
Jozhur lowers his weapons, but remains light on his feet. Rather uncomfortable with their current location, he isn't wanting to waste time negotiating with Xhuffie, "We're here to rescue you." He points at the decomposing monsters nearby. "You're sorely outnumbered, if we wanted to harm or subdue you, we could. As Rill said we may not have much time, I'd rather not discuss this with miles of sea waiting to crush us from above. If you won't cooperate with being teleported to safety, we may be forced to leave you here. Put those weapons away and come, Han Valen and Crall are here too."
He starts leading Xhuffie to the main room, keeping a careful eye on her to gauge the reaction.
-------------------------------------------------- Diplomacy: 31 Sense motive: 25
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 7:03:08 AM
Fang sees the weapon drawn and instinctively wants to continue her rage until all foes are slaughtered. She fights down the urge, though not before a threatening hiss escapes at Xeffie as the former prisoner draws her weapon. She turns and walks away towards the rest of the group to be teleported as fatigue starts and she strives to get her raging emotions under control.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+17=25 ; Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 10:09:50 AM Bezos took himself back rather than sticking around to see how the fight went, Rill.
Terser takes a look around the room to see if there are any other clues about who may have done this, then is ready to get out.
perception 25, 27 vs stonework
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 1:46:58 PM
Aexana is miffed at the way Bezos just blips out of here... this just lacks honor! Bah... she's disappointed to say at least.
"I can turn everyone here in a juicy squid so you can gently swim back up to the surface. I swam down and it's a truly amazing trip. One worth the detour if I may say...
Let's not taunt that clock and get the hell out of here. Squids or teleport? Decisions... now."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 183/260) Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 5:24:33 PM
Keeping an eye on the exchange between Xuffie and his comrades, Bralin immediately answers Aex.
"Teleport"
DM Carl - Map Link - ?? Seconds Remaining Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 5:38:22 PM
Rill materializes. This doesn't immediately improve her disposition, to say the least. She listens to his explanation of where they are.
She takes a moment to look around. Bezos is gone, but Crall and Han are both here. There are obviously the remains of some kind of terrible creatures all over the place. Her posture relaxes.
The only things of value in here are going to be on the body of the priest from the third tunnel. She had some nice equipment. Our heroes have excellent spellcraft skill, so let's skip the rolling to ID this stuff part, shall we?
Hide armor +5 Buckler +5 Dagger +2, human bane Amulet of Nat Armor +3 Belt of Mighty CON +6 Cloak of Resist +4 Headband of Inspired WIS +6 Ring of Prot +2
Tahni figures Crall should be visible again any moment...and there he is! She wonders why anyone would do all this and notes she can teleport 5 people out of here. Hopefully Terser can shrink back down so he doesn't take two spots.
Jozhur also explains the situation, though with a bit more hard pragmatism. Luckily, that's her language. She stows her sword. "Fine. I'll behave," she says before walking out to the main chamber. "Jeez Crall, what happened to you?" The half-orc is still a bit melted from the acid. Rill takes this as his cue to heal everyone who needs it, and Crall is mostly healed.
Fang controls herself, but can't stop a hiss from escaping as Xuffie walks by. Xuffie sighs. "I don't take threats from vermin, dear." She dismissively hand waves Fang away.
Terser takes a look around. The stonework, if you can call it that, is perfectly smooth. It must have been shaped by magic. There's nothing really interesting besides that.
Aexana is unhappy by Bezos' exit. The man's too rich to give such feelings much thought, though. She offers an alternate exit. It would work, so long as she has enough magic to turn everyone into squids. Does she?
The three remaining rescued captives gather. "Xuffie, what do you remember?" asks Crall.
"From what? One moment I was walking to camp, the next I was here."
"Same," responds Crall.
"I was having a nice sleep. Got a bit worn out tonight, if ya know what I mean..."
"Wait, how long have we been gone?" The question comes from Xuffie. Crall and Han eye the party, probably curious about that as well.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 149/181 Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 7:57:25 PM Tahni, I know we could simply Teleport into town, but what do you think about going up to our waiting boat instead? Part of our goal has been to build alliances, and this give us a bit of time alone with these three. Though, truth be told the thought of simply leaving Xuffie here did cross my mind for a second.
Rill waits for everyone to gather.
"Let's take that priestess' body with us along with her gear. It's further proof of what happened here.
"Between Tahni and I we can Teleport everyone even if Terser retains his size. Teleportation is not always exact, so maybe I'll first cast Water Walk on everyone as insurance. And here Jozhur...
Rill hands the rogue a Feather Token shaped like a small boat.
"...go with Tahni and use this if we get separated. It will make a speedy boat for you. Now, if everyone's ready."
Assuming everyone is ready, Rill will use a Miracle to cast Greater Teleport to arrive at the Dragon Boat (Swan Feather Token) that we left anchored above. Rill will hold off if someone needs to delay for some reason.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 9:41:21 PM
Terser shrinks down for safety and convenience, since it would wear off in a few moments anyway. He wouldn't mind the swim, but perhaps another time would be better, when they aren't hosting a recalcitrant rescuee. He's ready for the ever more familiar "pop" of the teleportation magic.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+1 -- DarkVision-See Invis Thursday September 24th, 2020 3:32:44 AM
Tahni nods in agreement. Teleportation sure sounds a lot better than swimming.
"Yeah, let's go to the boat instead. The trip back will also give us time to ask these three some questions"
Tahni tries to reassure the newcomers "Best we were able to determine is that you were taken last night. What time was it that you last recall?" She lets them know the current time so they can work out the difference. She doesn't want to start getting into questioning them now though. First thing is getting out of here.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday September 24th, 2020 5:13:35 AM
Aex takes a last look around the cave still wondering how it was created. Who would go through all this only to give the Sea Dragons an entertaining day away from the games...
"Flawless... but if the aberrations in these caves would have worked together it could have gotten far worse. Let's go..."
In a brief moment Aex visualizes what would happen if one would teleport from an extreme depth with extreme pressure up to the open air surface... Guess a person would go... pooof...
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday September 24th, 2020 8:06:12 AM
Fang does a mental count of how long it's been and lets the newly freed prisoners know.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday September 24th, 2020 2:10:58 PM
Jozhur looks about at the slain monstrosities. "Odd collection of creatures. I'd wager we haven't seen the last from who, or whatever organized this."
He nods to Rill and anxiously awaits the teleport.
DM Carl - Map Link - ?? Seconds Remaining Thursday September 24th, 2020 3:37:16 PM
If given a vote, Bralin would rather teleport. That seems to be the consensus.
Rill wants to collect the priestess' body, but finds it's really gooey. He could scoop some of her into a bucket or something if he's set on bringing her back, but any piece of her that's handled basically turns to mush. Her gear is ok, if you don't count being covered in priestess goo.
He decides they should teleport back to the surface and boat back to the Invitational. No one seems to object to this.
Terser shrinks himself back down, then gets ready to teleport.
Fang and Tahni answer that they were taken last night. No one seems happy about this.
Aexana worries about pressure changes, but the pressure in this cavern is about the same as sea level. Their blood should have boiled when they entered it, but didn't. She's pretty certain teleporting to the surface is safe from here.
Jozhur figures they haven't seen the last of whoever organized this. He's right, of course.
Crall starts to say something, but Xuffie puts a finger gently on his lips. "Let's not talk here," is all she says. Crall must see some wisdom in this, because he keeps quiet.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Thursday September 24th, 2020 4:21:23 PM
Once they're back on the boat, Terser replies to Jozhur's comment.
Odd yes, but they all seemed to fit a theme. Though I guess the priestess didn't have that many tentacles? I didn't get the clearest impression of her.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 183/260) Thursday September 24th, 2020 6:51:42 PM
Bralin waits wordlessly for Rill to transport the group.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 149/181 Thursday September 24th, 2020 7:21:36 PM
(Since no one stopped Rill, I will assume we are on the boat above.)
Rill looks around the boat to make sure Tahni's Teleport was on target. Feeling the boat's gentle rocking is somehow comforting and reassuring.
"I guess the question is who would have set up such an elaborate test? Were those abducted chosen at random? Why didn't they just abduct one of us? Or Heather - we would have been just as likely to go to save her?"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+1 -- DarkVision-See Invis d100=41 ; Thursday September 24th, 2020 7:31:25 PM "Perhaps it was meant to rally teams against us? Cause distrust?
Maybe if we hadn't stayed in the mansion it could have been one of us missing as well?
Let's not forget that it was one of those island construct monks that Jozhur and Bralin saw at the Seven's ship. We might need to have a chat with the head monk when we get back."
----------------- Teleport check: 41=Pass
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday September 25th, 2020 6:04:39 AM
Fang doesn't bother to add her own speculation, just listening in on the other's comments.
DM Carl Friday September 25th, 2020 8:46:00 PM
The team, plus the kidnapped three, form into two groups and teleport themselves back up to the surface where the boat waits. There's a second boat token just in case, but it's not strictly necessary. Still, if the Dragons want two boats, then by golly they can have two boats.
The smell of salt air hits everyone fast. The weird smell from the cavern clings to your clothes. After all the excitement, everyone grew nose-blind to it. The fresh air is...well it's just delightful. The gentle rocking of the waves this far from shore under the light of the moon is a welcome respite from the short, but brutal ordeal. Rill wonders who set this up, asking for opinions.
"I find myself doubting the three of us were anything but pawns in this." Xuffie is the first to answer. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you Dragons aren't here just to compete. This year's competition has been far more...exciting than most years." Xuffie takes a moment, looking at each of our Dragons, before she nods. "For what it's worth, I believe I wouldn't be here without your effort." She puts a hand over her heart and bows. "Thank you." It's not much, but it's probably the nicest thing Xuffie's said in years.
"Oye, yea." chimes in Han Valen. "Most blokes wouldn'ta gone to any trouble to save their competition at the Invitational. You Dragons are above board, alright."
Crall takes a deep breath of the sea air. "How many people know we were missing?"
"Not many, I hope. Wouldn't be good for my image." She doesn't say this with any arrogance. Her image is important in her line of work. "How public is this rescue going to be? Any chance this one could not write a song about it?" She points to Han Valen.
"You lot are asking the wrong questions," slurs Han. He leans forward. "Who won today's contests?" Xuffie cocks an eyebrow, interested as well.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Saturday September 26th, 2020 5:20:35 AM
From a distance Aex listens to the conversation between the rescued. They are raising a few interesting points but Aex herself can't connect the dots yet... There's too much intrigue. Who speaks truth and who lies...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 183/260) Saturday September 26th, 2020 9:40:25 AM
Bralin never thought he'd be grateful to be on a boat, but being on top of leagues of water is far more preferable than the converse.
The dwarf answers Han's question immediately. "We did," he says simply. "Fang, Terser, and I. Also Claw."
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Sunday September 27th, 2020 6:06:16 PM
Jozhur takes a lung full of the salt air and smiles.
He nods to Xuffie and Han. Jozhur primarily addresses Xuffie"And thank you. There is something strange going on. Please quietly report anything out of the ordinary to us."
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Monday September 28th, 2020 6:51:30 AM "I think all the teams know. Not so sure about the general public. Most of the groups wanted to keep things on the down low. As for the contest, we're in tournament brackets. We won our matches, not sure about the other ones. I think I have it somewhere..." (If the DM permits I'd like to say Fang has a paper copy of the brackets on her to help her keep track of everything)
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 149/181 d3=1 ; d20+33=37 ; Monday September 28th, 2020 1:43:15 PM
Rill listens to the captured competitors speak, trying to discern any hidden agendas. (Sense Motive 37)
"The teams know, and the Abbot of the Monks on the island knows. So it is likely your abduction is known to very few.
"I have no reason to mistrust the Abbot yet, but I have strong concerns about his monks as many of them are constructs. A construct is generally under the control of another, and the Abbot admits they are not created or controlled by him, though they do seem to be following his direction for now."
"Clearly, this was set up not to harm you, but to engage us. The question is why? Was it to distract us from something else? Was it to test our resolve? Was someone watching us to determine our abilities and limitations? This makes little sense so far, but someone went to great lengths to pull this off. It would take great, perhaps godly power to create the chamber, hold back the ocean, imprison you all, and place those foes there. To what end?
"One thing we know for sure. There is a strong threat here, and we - all of our teams - should be prepared to work together to face what may be coming. Our four teams represented here are the four strongest teams in this tournament.
"So I ask you three - can we count on you going forward?"
DM Ken - Clearing the Air Monday September 28th, 2020 7:36:55 PM
Xuffie, Crall, and Han all exchange glances. Han doesn't hesitate. "Of course. I owe you guys a big one. If you guys need somethin' from the band, man, its all bubbly and babes, baby. You got my axe." He shows his guitar, which is not an axe, except knowing Han, it might double as such.
Crall is also happy to accept. "You dragons are an honorable group, as was expected. Though I can't fully commit my outfit to you, I'm sure when I explain what happened, the Knight Captain will be agreeable. I just hope that Hin didn't get up to anything too bad while I was gone."
Xhuffie doesn't immediately capitulate. "Look, I appreciate you saving me, and from this point forward I can tell you that I'll probably have to think really, really hard about acting against your interests. But our team is basically bought and paid for to win this thing. That said, if we all find ourselves acting against a common enemy, you have my word that our daggers won't find our way into your backs under any circumstance." Even that seemed to take a lot of commitment.
Xhuffie does seem a little surprised at the results of the martial tournament so far. "Wait, someone beat Cid? Who the heck beat Cid? That guy is literally a warlord resurrected for the sole purpose of killing the strongest people on the planet." She seems more than a little shocked.
(Fang can deffo have a copy of the results so far.)
Rills lie detector doesn't go off. If anything, this is probably the most sincere he's ever seen the guarded Xuffie.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+1 -- DarkVision-See Invis Monday September 28th, 2020 8:41:12 PM "Hmmm. I kinda disagree on that assessment of the monks Rill. Well, now that Jozhur and Bralin saw one deliver a threat to them back on the ship of the Seven it seems there are at least some that are involved in all this." She gives the reminder of the encounter. "I think it worth revisiting that abbot again. Perhaps we could also focus some more divinations on it?"
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Monday September 28th, 2020 9:24:33 PM "Aye, those constructs are not on the up and up."
He nods to Crall, Han, and Xhuffie, "I suppose that is all we can really ask, Xhuffie. Though it is very difficult to win if there is no conclusion to the games."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday September 29th, 2020 12:53:50 AM If nothing else, we can see how the Abbott reacts to the constr-onks knowing about the abduction shenanigans. Perhaps we should interview our guards again to see if they will cough up anything new.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday September 29th, 2020 7:59:01 AM "Different times, different tactics maybe? I mean if I was brought back a hundred years from now I wouldn't know how anyone fought and despite my skill could be surprised by things that didn't exist in my time."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Tuesday September 29th, 2020 2:23:33 PM
Having nothing to add for the moment Aex quietly walks along. Her mind's not on the games right now but on the who and why all this happened. She's happy to see Leafy safe and sound on the Fish. After she told her friend everything that happened its clear he's more that happy he wasn't down in that cave...
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 149/181 Tuesday September 29th, 2020 4:10:25 PM
Rill gratefully acknowledges Han and Crall's response. "Thank you. It's good to know we can count on you."
He smiles as he casts a sidelong glance at Xhuffie. "Careful Xhuffie, that almost sounds helpful. Honestly, you may find that working with us benefits us both. It's good to have you on board."
And to the others, Agreed Tahni - we should talk to the Abbot.
Rill keeps the boat moving back to the docks.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 183/260) Tuesday September 29th, 2020 6:02:32 PM
Bralin nods to Xhuffie. "Xid is formidable," he acknowledges. "If we met five times, he would likely prevail in three. Today, he did not."
"When we meet in the grand tournament, I suspect he can be overcome more quickly with mind affecting spells," he adds to his comrades.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+1 -- DarkVision-See Invis Tuesday September 29th, 2020 9:15:25 PM
Tahni nods silently and then looks over the new additions to the group. Are Xuffie, Crall, and Han all looking back to full health? Do any look gravely hurt?
DM Carl Tuesday September 29th, 2020 10:20:24 PM Tahni acknowledges it's possible at least some of the monks are in on all this, especially after that one threatened the rest of the Sapphire Seven at the docks earlier tonight.
Jozhur agrees and thanks the three they rescued earlier. "Yes," Xuffie replies. "It is. The Last Whisper isn't here to save the Invitational. Our contract..." she pauses. "Well, we'll be fine if the games end up being called off. Not as fine as if we'd won them, but fine."
Terser thinks they should interview the Abbott, as well as their guards at their camp site.
Aexana has nothing to add, but is happy to see Leafy. Was Leafy on the swan boat? Cause that's where you still are.
Rill is gracious as always. "Maybe," responds Xuffie, "but either way none of us are going to be doing it long term."
Fang opines about Bralin's victory over Xid. Xuffie shakes her head. "Not likely. He wasn't dug up yesterday. He was prepared." She looks at Bralin. She knows it was he who won. She just sighs. What else can she do, really?
Bralin ponders that Xid likely would have come out on top in the long run. That may be true. Bralin had a string of great hits that ended the battle. One or two missed hits and Xid could have beat him.
Crall speaks up. "Well, I'm real glad you beat Hin. I'll deny saying that outside this boat, but that jerk would have been insufferable if he'd beat a Dragon. The better person won that fight." He gives Fang a nod and a toothy smile.
"Kinda a shame the Dragons won all those fights though, wasn't it? Buncha risk averse pansies made a small return on an easy bet. Pah." Han looks disappointed, bit gives a smile. "Nothin' personal loves, just kinda predictable. I've been to every Invitational them Chancers have held, and each time there was some major upset. You end up winning every match you're in, and folks will probably ask you not be invited back again." He doesn't say it with a mean spirit.
Sense motive, DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {The Invitational seems to be a big deal for Han, and one can assume all of Dragonsound.}
"Nuff'a that though. How's this fancy boat work? We don't got to row, do we?" Han looks around, probably for some oars.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday September 29th, 2020 11:56:47 PM Well, since you know two Dragons will be facing each other tomorrow, there will be some major money to be won and lost on the match. We know how our allies fight, but have never fought each other. How will it end!?!
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday September 30th, 2020 9:29:20 AM
Fang just shrugs. It's not like they'd accept if they were invited a second time.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Wednesday September 30th, 2020 4:24:47 PM
(Leafy was left on board the Lionfish... I was under the impression we would take the Fish back to port as well along with the Swan boat. LBut as is, Leafy is not on the Swanboat so... )
"I doubt I would ever want to join this in the first place! I tell you... if this is over I'm planning to return home. I've seen plenty... I've met Gargul and I have no intentions seeing him again befor at least a couple of years... and besides... I want to have grandchildren first! I'll have to talk to Aexiri about that when I get back. "
Aex peers into the distance clearly her mind back home in her little shop.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 149/181 Wednesday September 30th, 2020 5:30:15 PM "Xhuffie, who holds the contract for the Last Whisper's participation in these games? It may help us figure out what is going on here.
"As for your long-term plans, let me suggest an alternative for you. Gargul could use people like you, both in helping people cope with death and loss, and to understand the how death sharpens our focus on the value of life itself. For it is written, 'Do not fear death. Fear instead a wasted life.” Give this some thought - there is much you and your friends could do with the skills you have. You could make a real difference in the Wold."
Rill is pleased with the boat, particularly that he had it reskinned to look like a Dragon Boat instead of a swan. (Moves at 60' without oars or sail.)
"No Han, you won't need to row. This boat moves on it's own through magic. We'll be back soon."
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday September 30th, 2020 7:00:13 PM
Jozhur sits quietly, taking the time to enjoy the return journey. He knows this storm isn't over yet.
Han - "You end up winning every match you're in, and folks will probably ask you not be invited back again."
Bralin's eyebrow twitches.
A worthy cause, after all," he silently notes.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+1 -- DarkVision-See Invis Wednesday September 30th, 2020 8:37:37 PM
Tahni thinks about the upcoming bouts. She has absolutely no intention at all of placing any bets on them.
DM Carl Wednesday September 30th, 2020 10:14:48 PM Terser mentions the Sea Dragons face each other tomorrow. This makes Han's eyes light up. "That's right! Oh, that's gonna be brilliant." He gets serious for a moment. "You ain't gonna forfeit, right?" That raises an interesting point. The match up between the two Dragons will draw a crowd and many bets. It would be scandalous if fortunes were lost because one or both Dragons just refused to fight.
Of course, that is not the Sea Dragons' problem, is it?
Fang shrugs it off. She wouldn't likely return anyway. Aexana feels the same way. All this business is getting between her and grandchildren.
Jozhur and Tahni relax on the way back. Bralin draws an audible chuckle from his DM.
Rill brazenly asks Xuffie who her sponsor is. She looks at him with a mixture of shock and revulsion. "I...you're really asking me that?" She pinches the bridge of her nose. "No. Thank you again for rescuing me, but no. I'd sooner go get eaten by those monsters than tell you that." Her reaction isn't as acidic as the Xuffie from before, but Rill's astute enough to know this line of questioning will bring that back out quick.
Then he starts an intervention, and like lightning she's in front of him. She moves just as fast, if not faster, as Jozhur. Rill finds her finger on his lips. Her eyes are on him, and they are sharp. "I am just starting to like you. You have earned considerable goodwill from me. Do not spend it on this, Rill." She sits back and almost relaxes. "I am comfortable with the choices I have made. I sleep well." This is all she has to volunteer on the matter.
The swan boat propels itself, without any help from Han, back to the Invitational. Exactly where they land is up to the Sea Dragons. Regardless of where they land, it is late when they do. The three rescued contestants are eager to get moving.
Han speaks first. "Right, so thank you, from the bottom of my heart, but I'm gonna go. I've got a whole day of drinking and whatnot to make up for." He stays just long enough to hear whatever it is our heroes want to say to him, but not a moment longer.
Crall is next. "I need to get back to my team as well. We'll talk tomorrow, Dragons." Has anyone told him his crew was stuck on their ship when everyone left?
Xuffie hangs back to leave last, but has already said all she wants to. She'll listen if anyone has any need to address her, but probably leaves wordlessly. One moment she's there, the next she's gone. Everyone's seen Jozhur do this before, so it's not a shock when it happens.
Do the Sea Dragons have any other problems they'd like to solve before they retire back to their tent?
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday September 30th, 2020 10:28:00 PM
Terser is ready to hit the hay. Three all out fights in half a day are enough to take it out of the most seasoned adventurer.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday October 1st, 2020 8:00:06 AM
Fang wonders why on earth any of the dragons would forfeit. They may have another purpose for being here but they signed up for the tournament and they'll see their commitments through. She says as much to Han - well she leaves out the part on "other reasons for being here", she just says they'll see their commitments through. She's pretty much ready for bed.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 149/181 d20+4=10 ; Thursday October 1st, 2020 12:10:05 PM
Rill is surprised, and thrown off balance by Xuffie’s reaction - particularly the intimacy of putting her finger on his mouth. That gesture affects the cleric more than he would have guessed. He suddenly feels his face get hot, and hopes his reaction was not evident to Xuffie or the others. (Bluff 10 - uh oh). It takes Rill a moment to regain his composure.
Once she relaxes, he chooses his words carefully.
”Xuffie, please forgive me. I shall not ask you again about your sponsor, as I do not mean to interfere in that arrangement. As for my other comments, words have power - but only insofar as you let them. You are an interesting person, and I would like to continue our conversation another time - either during these games or perhaps later at our home port. It’s a pirate city - you might enjoy that. Until then… Rill will incline his head in a slight bow.
Then he says through the rings, ”What? Stop looking at me - I’m just trying to salvage things in case we need her help. Sheesh.”
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday October 1st, 2020 2:32:49 PM
Jozhur gives Xuffie a respectful nod, "Farewell. Just remember today, that is all we really ask."
He immediately starts heading toward their accomodations, making it clear he does not expect a response.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Thursday October 1st, 2020 3:37:38 PM
It's been a busy day so Aex too will be happy to eat something and after freshening up she'll head straight to bed. Maybe she'll find Bezos tomorrow to see if he teleported home safely... she'll gladly let him know everyone else also made it safely home...
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+1 -- DarkVision-See Invis Thursday October 1st, 2020 8:42:27 PM "I'm not judging" Tahni replies to Rill. She sits there grinning away.
"Crall, there were some difficulties being faced by the rest of your team. Last we saw them they were stuck on your ship and unable to leave. Some sort of magical barrier or such. You might want to check if they have had any success getting past it. Boarding it yourself might mean you get trapped with them."
It seems like all business has been done for the day. She welcomes the chance to get some more rest, safely in the Magnificent Mansion.
DM Carl d20+30=33 ; Thursday October 1st, 2020 10:46:50 PM Terser has earned a sleep. Doesn't seem like it occurred to Fang to forfeit. Han is a little taken back by her answer. "Didn't mean nothin' personal. Some teams don't like competing against each other." He thinks for a moment. "Didn't that Khale jerk go up against the One Percenters' hired orc today? Can't imagine that was much of a fight." He's right. Bokkun basically threw it. Khale was absolutely no match for him, but he moved on to the next round. Rill is surprised by Xuffie's reaction, but recovers gracefully (sorta). She flashes him a pleasant enough smile. "Oh, I'm aware of Bonetown. It used to be a lot more fun, but some people cleaned it up recently. We'll meet again." Jozhur simply asks her to remember what happened tonight. "What, forget the time the land's greatest do-gooders saved me from...whatever that was? I won't." Anyone making a DC33 perception check sees her step into a shadow and out into the night. Jozhur knows that trick and gets a +5 bonus. Anyone else just sees her vanish before their eyes. Aexana wants to know if Bezos made it back, but that's not as important as getting food and sleep. Tahni has an internal chuckle at Rill's discomfort, then warns Crall about his crew. He looks shocked. "That's...I would say that's impossible, but I guess it's not. The Seven aren't easy to best so easily." He frowns. "Thanks for the warning. I'll make sure."
*edit: Man, I really wrote "The Seven aren't easy to best so easily," didn't I? Real nice wordplay, Carl...
That's enough excitement for one night, right? Let's get back to camp and have a good snooze. The Invitational never really sleeps, but it's late enough for our heroes to make their way home unmolested should they choose. Whatever the Sea Dragons went through, it didn't seem to register with the public here.
Any last minute to-dos can be taken care of, otherwise it's a very peaceful night.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday October 2nd, 2020 7:23:46 AM
Fang catches some Z's, within the invisible fortress thing if someone summons it again.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC45 T16 F40, CMD 47 HP 183/260) Friday October 2nd, 2020 11:39:22 AM
Bralin finds Terser before everyone turns in.
"I propose we each use only our own equipment when we face each other tomorrow," he requests. "I'd rather our comrades not have to choose sides."
The dwarf pauses a moment, thinking of what next to say.
"This will be....odd," is the best he can come up with.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Friday October 2nd, 2020 2:13:04 PM
Terser agrees with Bralin. "I hadn't thought about that yet, but it makes sense. Both of those fights would have gone differently without Rill's boots. I should really get some of my own."
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Friday October 2nd, 2020 3:38:54 PM
Rill ties up the dragon boat in an out of the way area of the docks to keep it from becoming a hazard for others, knowing it will vanish sometime tomorrow.
He watches Xuffie step into the shadows the way Jozhur does. Funny - he didn't recall seeing a companion Shadow. Some how the night seems unseasonably warm to Rill just now. "Whew kinda warm tonight for some reason. Let's get back to our pavilion. You know, tomorrow we may want to visit the Catacombs and unload some of the loot we picked up." (I'll send an email with the list.)
Once we reach our "tent", Rill nods to the monk guards, and uses his detection ability to determine if either is a construct. He will tell one of them, "Please get word to your Abbot that the Sea Dragons would like to meet with him tomorrow."
Rill picks up the Heather Summoning Stick to summon an image of Heather, letting he know we have returned but will be unreachable while we rest. Then he will then cast Miracle to create a Magnificent Mansion so we can all get a meal and some rest.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Friday October 2nd, 2020 6:47:45 PM
Jozhur quickly eats and turns in for the night. He is rather looking forward to what will hopefully be a quiet day of watching his companions battle each other. He will voice some concerns about the magic keeping anyone from dying in the arena being tampered with.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 30/20/26 -- CMD 24 -- HP 199/199+1 -- DarkVision-See Invis Friday October 2nd, 2020 8:15:07 PM "I'm assuming we're all staying in the Mansion tonight and none are remaining outside to stay on watch. Doesn't seem safe to be outside alone with all these potentially hostile monks about"
She too agrees with Bralin. She won't be lending out any of her equipment to favor one combatant over another.
DM Carl Saturday October 3rd, 2020 1:31:24 PM
Rill discovers that one monk guard is still a construct. The other one is just as uncomfortable with this as he was a few days ago, but agrees to get the message to the Abbott. Heather is glad you're ok and doesn't take any more time than Rill feels like giving.
Everyone gets some rest.
*Unexpected early visit from my adult daughter last night. Sorry this is so late and short. Monday's post will be the morning after all this.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and LEAFY (L) - HP89/98 - AC34/27/31 - CMD 20 Sunday October 4th, 2020 1:16:34 PM
During the night Aex has vivid dreams of the past encounter in the depths of the sea... how they made their way down... the abberations they fought and the ones they rescued... the rescued... the...
Suddenly she wakes up bathing in sweat. "Only 3 were surprised to be there... " she says to no one...
Crall, Xuffie and Han Valen were all pretty surprised about being there. Only Bezos' reaction was cool... almost as if he wasn't surprise to be there. Crall, Han Valen were injured. Bezos was not. Xuffie was rescued at the last moment. Three stayed behind with no means to get out alone... Bezos was quick to teleport...
Who would be able to put up a trap like that?! It would take immensely powerful magic or... a lot of gold to have someone create it by magic... who else than the 1% have that much money to spend.
If that were true... why then would the 1% put one of their own in harms way?!? Of course... any team who has a member "captured" wouldn't be suspected right!?
Aex shakes her head. This doens't make sense. Most likely she's seeing ghosts. She goes back to bed trying to sleep. Only to be awake still when morning breaks.
Time for meditating some new spells and trying to push those somber thoughts to the back of her mind...
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+36 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Monday October 5th, 2020 7:06:56 AM
Fang snores very, very loudly all night.
LOG ON