City of Sinister Delights IC 3

[remetagross]

"Damn creature", mutters Sharkun with less bombastic ways than before. Seeing how the creature managed to avoid their blows even in that uncomfortable position, he takes a net from his backpack, and throws it at the Choker.

"We shall see if you manage to dodge as well now."

He then nods at Rusty near to him. "Let us try again."

Spoiler: OOC

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Move action: unsheathe the net.
Standard action: throw it at the Choker. Ranged touch attack: (1d20+7)[27]. This include the -4 for nonproficiency. There is no longer the +2 from Furious Counterstrike since the damage pool is empty. In case of success, the Choker is entangled.
Swift action: initiate WRT on Rusty.
Free action: 5ft step toward his guisarme.

[Chimaera]

Raising his hammer once more, he keep playing this whack-a-mole game against the former olidammaran.

Spoiler: Here we go again

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PA 2
1st (1d20+13)[19] dmg (1d12+16)[18] plus (1d6)[6] sonic
1st (1d20+8)[9] dmg (1d12+16)[22] plus (1d6)[1] sonic

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: Even though your gusiarme is far away, you could deliver the last blow to this creature with your fists alone. They are spiked for a reason and you are a paladin of Wee Jas, but there is a better thing to do. Far more practical.

Toss a net.

Between Elizabeth's Moon Bolt spell and your net, there is absolutely no way this thing can escape now. Victory is assured. As for you?

Nothing else matters. You need your guisarme.


@Rusty: Try try again, that's the old saying.

With Sharkun off to pick his precious memento, you raise your cheap knock off and bring down the hammer... on the solid stone, inches away from the Choker.

Even trapped by Sharkun's useful net.

Weakened by Elizabeth's powerful spell.

Stunned by Raikou's magnificent Thunder Clap...

You barely even cause him a bruise, as the creature grins evilly and his movements become a lot more fluid.



Map

Spoiler: Initiative

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Experiment 003
Sharkun
Travis
Elizabeth
Rusty
Raikou

[kinem]

That thing needs to die ... now!

Travis backs further from the monster and casts a powerful orb of force at it.

ooc: (1d20+7)[23] ranged touch, sudden max damage 60

[AlanBruce]

@Travis: Watching Rusty and the others beat down on that damn creature, who caused you and the others so much trouble, you take a few steps back and aim your hand at it, thinking it's high time this beast died... and as painfully as possible.

It's an orb of pure concentrated purple energy that forms in front of your outstretched palm as the Choker's black eyes widen with fear and his entire body becomes engulfed in the raw arcane properties only a wizard such as yourself could ever dream of conjuring.

The creature shrieks in pain as the magic takes over him and his body becomes shredded before all that is left, is just a blackened skeleton that stops struggling and begins to slowly dissolve upon the dungeon floor.

And as you take a few steps back and admire your work, you bump into... a wall?


@The Party: Whether you are close to the dead Choker or still at the entrance to this disgusting Den, you all stop in your tracks as a tall lithe figure has seamlessly walked past all of you during the battle unnoticed and fixes its crimson eyes on you:



For those who have seen him before, you know what it is and what it can do. For those who haven't, just another monster to be taken down, as it uses a claw to grab Celanea and tear a piece of wall behind her, lifting her with the chains that bind her as her gag falls off and she tries to squeeze her way out, to no avail, being still chained and held by this horrific new nightmare.

Fear and dread show on the elf's eyes as tears roll down her cheeks and the creature swings its massive bladed tail behind him as both become engulfed in black energy.

"Sister.... what is this? Please... ELIZABETH!!!!!!!!!!""

And yet, before any of you can muster the courage to assist her, Celaena Roceran is abducted and taken who knows where. Her cries of fear still echoing through the dark cells of the Ashford Manor.

Could she have been rescued? Who knows, but whether she was a good ally or not, is something you may never get to find out.

What you do know is that the area where Celaena was chained- the portion of wall torn up by that creature- was a secret cache. A secret cache with apparently more than a few items. Loot, in layman's terms.

How true it is that when the gods close one door, they open another.

Map

[dantiesilva]

Sister Elizabeth watches as Hannibal joins in calling for someone to free Celaena as the old woman had no weapon herself to do so and watches as Travis once again ignores the call to free the woman as he lets loose a tremendous amount of arcane power and completly destroys the creature, there was setting the soul free and overkill, a line Travis clearly didn't understand the woman thought as she looked at the blackened corpse of the creature and got ready to go pray for its soul of the poor soul that had been tormented in such a way as the others would go free Celaena, however as she turns around the sight before her almost makes the old woman feint as all the blood leaves her face.

"LET HER GO!" the old woman screams rushing forward with no weapons at all trying to free her friend only to watch the two vanish into thin air as the old woman falls to the floor, her momentum from trying to run at the creature causing her too trip and fall. "Why didn't YOU save her!" the old woman says, tears falling down her face as she turns, still on the floor to look up at Travis. "I told you to set her free, Hannibal told you to free her. This is your fault, yours!" the old woman says sobbing on the floor at the loss of her friend. Even if she had only known her a short while, she had become close to the woman who she had spent an entire day trying to survive together. Had it not been for Celaena she would have been dead, and now the priestess of Zodal could not even save her friend because she had no idea where that monster had taken her.

[kinem]

Travis replies to the senile fool "Don't be a fool. Alexia chose not to let us add her to our group, simple as that. She could have ordered the capture of any one of us and still might, chains or no were utterly irrelevant. I'm sure she's on the edge of her seat watching these sick little experiments."

Having wasted enough time and breath instructing the simpleton, he peers over at the area where the wall was to see what's there.

ooc: Spot (1d20+8)[20]

[dantiesilva]

"Lady Alexia didn't choose to leave her chained to a wall you did. Me and Celaena fought our way all the way down here and it was her who thought you would all come back because Hannibal promised to save her. I told her you wouldn't come and just when I thought you had come to save her and me like you promised you left her chained to the wall. YOU did this Travis, you could have easily used your acid to melt those chains binding her but YOU choose not to." the old woman say as she stands up, trying to poke him with her finger as she no longer had her walking stick or anything else besides the armor she was wearing and items of power she had on her already. Every wand, and weapon she had was taken when she was unconscious it seemed.

As Travis begins looking at the loot that was found behind the wall as if the loss of Celaena meant nothing she looked on in shock. How could someone be so cold and heartless. Not only did he deny responsibility for her being taken, placing the blame on someone who wasn't even here. But he also showed no effort to want to find her. Turning to Hannibal as he had also told the wizard to save the Celaena Sister Elizabeth says "Aren't you going to do something? He disobeyed your orders and you are the leader you said. And I had told him multiple times before than to free her." she says looking to all those in the room with her trying to see if anyone cared Travis let the woman be taken by a lack of caring to remove the chains from her.

Spoiler: OOC

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Sorry Kinem no hard feelings just how Elizabeth feels

[kinem]

"If Rusty told you he was our leader, then he lied to you" Travis informs the old woman.

[Niwrad]

Raikou sighs with relief as Travis's orb spell is able to deliver the final blow to the horrific Choker. That was one less reoccurring nuisance to have to deal with around this place. But upon hearing the sudden cries from Elizabeth and the chained elf woman, the halfling turns and is horrified to see the same lithe shadowy monster that had menaced them several days ago.

He watches helplessly as the thing grabs ahold of the poor elf and disappears, leaving a very saddened Elizabeth.

Well... That ain't good.

How's everyone feeling?

With the battle over for now, Raikou walks over to the grieving old priestess and attempts to comfort her as best he can.

Hey Lizzy. Long time no see. I'm glad to see at least you are okay. You must be pretty badass if you were able to survive here for this long.

I'm sorry about your friend though... Who was she? I'm sorry I couldn't do more to help her or that I wasn't able to reach her in time. I'm pretty slow on these little legs of mine, but if my familiar was here with me we might have been able to reach her in time. But really though, I don't think you should be so harsh in blaming Jumpy. We were all too focused on trying to bring down that Choking monster and I guess none of us were expecting that thing.

Besides, the last time that thing showed up, it delivered a pretty sound thrashing to us. So I think even if we had managed to free your friend from those chains, we wouldn't have been able to stop it from taking your friend.

[AlanBruce]

@Elizabeth: Being a House Servant to the Ashfords- particularly Lady Alexia- you learned to form a bond with everyone in the house, not only those who paid your salary, but those that worked at an equal level and even below you in the House Hierarchy. It is something Lady Andrea always wanted.

For everyone to be treated as equals. To care for each other. To bond. It should come as no surprise then, that when that horrible man Cutter took over, you would find this solitary soul, Celaena, trapped in a place like this. Both from different paths of life, brought together in camaraderie, if only for a short while.

Who knows who that elf was before coming here, but by Zodal, she was the closest thing you had to a friend. She was driven, never gave up and fought with tooth and nail to protect you and make it out of this place.

And yet, when the chance presented itself to save her, what did they do? What?

Nothing... they were so committed to killing monsters that maybe along the way, they became just a little bit like what they are so driven to slay. And now she's gone. And who knows if Celaena Roceran will ever see the light of day again.



@Raikou: The fact Travis was able to put down the annoying Choker is good. That thing gave you and everyone in the team a massive headache since your arrival to this mad house.

Now only to put down the Kerberos and you can start a wish list.

You may have heard Rusty mentioning such a name. You never saw her until now, and she was gagged and chained. Can't truly empathize over her loss. Perhaps using the common ground that that demon with the bladed tail did kill off Cyrus when you first arrived here.

Sadly, people being taken in this place is nothing new. The fact that you are still alive is a miracle of sorts, but Travis' response to the old lady could use a lighter touch, since Elizabeth clearly cared for that maiden and do your best to cheer her up as you help the healer back on her feet.

You got Cyrus back. Who is to say the same can't happen with Celaena?



@Travis: Poor deluded old fool.

Although you haven't met Alexia face to face, you are already getting an idea of how she thinks: this is all some twisted experiment designed for her amusement. There was absolutely no way to rescue the elf. She was dead upon arrival, so to speak.

Truth is, you all are. It's just a matter of time before the cards are drawn and someone is the unlucky winner of a most deadly lottery. But no point in explaining this to the crone any more. Hell, this is a lethal expedition. You knew what you were signing up when you came down here. If Celaena belonged to a similar group, she should've known the stakes as well.

Could you have used acid to melt her chains? Maybe. There was no time, though. What with being swarmed by Chimera and that Choker, finally put down for good. You can keep people safe. That is part of your training as a wizard... but sometimes, hard decisions have to be made.

You made yours. Elizabeth is a new member of this team and although clearly crazy, useful. And not wishing to trade semantics with senile priestesses, you take a peek at the area where The Verdugo ripped the elf clear off, shackles and all and rub your chin as you gesture the group to come take a look.

And also, as a final note:

Hannibal Rust is NOT your leader. That's a self appointed position that some here choose to bow to. Not you, so every single point Elizabeth may make against you is moot and irrelevant.


@The Party: If there was a panel or secret switch to reveal this hidden cache, it doesn't matter- that thing ripped a large portion of the wall when abducting Celaena and quite the collection of... wait. Some of these things are awfully familiar. Not all, but some.

Spoiler: Choker's Loot Stash

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1,210gp

Polished Stone Holy Symbol of Ehlonna (30gp)

Chalcedony Stone (60 gp)

Chrysoprase Stone (40 gp)

Silver Circlet inlaid with Fine Steel (1300 gp)

Leather Belt set with Smoky Quartz (500 gp)

Masterwork Short Sword (Medium) (310 gp)

Masterwork Spiked Gauntlet (Medium) (305 gp)

Brooch of Shielding (1500 gp)

Old rusted masterwork longsword

@Rusty: Whether you choose to diffuse the argument between both fools is halted as you drop your trademark weapon and look at the biggest most beautiful piece ever crafted.. by your own hands:

You thought it gone. Eaten probably, but that thing was an Olidammaran before. Some of its natural instinct as a thief must've been retained- that to stash and hide all they pilfered.

Where there was loneliness, now there is a reforged bond. Where there was Silence, a Conversation.

Where you had toy tools to play with... you now have The Hammer!

Spoiler: Reunited

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+1 Adamantine Heavy Hammer w/ Wand Chamber

Wand of Wraithstrike (29 charges)

It's cold to the touch, but nothing a good solid swings shouldn't take care of. That one word echoes in your mind as you look at the others, some grieving, others pragmatic.

You have gone this far. Fought for your life every step of the damn way. Do you abandon this quest? Let Alexia win, or...

See how deep this Rabbit Hole goes...and Vandalize the f*** out of it?

[remetagross]

When Travis reduces the monster to ashes, Sharkun rejoices.
"Well done Travis! That was a well-aimed shot!"
He gets nearer to grab his net back and starts to fold it again.
"Now, let us proceed to freeing Elizabeth's friend -"

It is then that, turning to react to the crone's cry, he sees an unknown monster, that has managed to slip past all of them, abduct the poor prisoner away. What? How?

Sharkun remains frozen for a few seconds, trying to process what just happened, dropping his net. He hears the bickering between Elizabeth and Travis, and the comforting words of Raikou. From his words, it seems like they met this new creature before?

Ah, and it seems that some stash of items was hidden in the wall where the prisoner was held. Let us deal with that later, first there is the matter of the ongoing dispute.

Sharkun comes closer to Elizabeth, Raikou and Travis, and, gently patting her with his mailed hand, says softly to her:
"My sister, I am very sorry we did not manage to save your friend...yet. Indeed, we were all focused on the one and immediate threat we were facing at this time and, to say the least, none of us were expecting an ennemy to enter the room and walk past all of us, completely unseen or unheard. With the information we had at the time, ending the threat of the Choker was the best way to keep Celanea, as well as all of us, away from further harm. But pay good heed to my words. We will scour this place up and down, and we will find her back. Just as we found you in the first place. As a Paladin of Wee Jas, this is a solemn promise."

After hearing Elizabeth's answer, he goes back to his net and folds it properly before packing it, and then fetches his guisarme.

[Chimaera]

"Drink for me in Winesong", he says and make a quick prayer for te choker. It was after all a fellow olidammaran, even if he had stolen his baby.

When the Verdugo appear, he grip his hammer and get ready to fight it... Only for it to rapture Celaena.

Hearing Elizabeth's accusations and cries, Hannibal look to both of her and Travis, "We were all fighting for our lives here, Elizabeth. Being harsh on Travis will do no good as there is problably no person behind that face. As for being the leader: I can only lead those who allow it, but Travis is a scarred from Alexia and Connor's tyranny so he probably see any who command as an enemy lr an opportunist. Cant actually blame him".

"As for Celaena... It's a shame she was taken, but I promised to save her and Im intent on doing so", he says and look up, "With that said, if you can hear us: I'm coming for you". The last line being a promise of rescue for Celaena and a threat to Alexia.

He leave Raikou and Sharkun to take care of the old woman and walk with Travis to check the stash and after seeing his Hammer, he smile from ear to ear.

"Who left you there alone and in the dark?", he ask it and take the magic crysal and wand back from his toy hammer, putting the hammer and wand into the haversack, "Daddy is here".

He pick up the hammer and check the wand chamber, "Poor thing, look at you: youre already getting Rusty".

Rusty swing the hammer in the air and out the safety chains and crystal, "Now I wont lose you again".

Turning to everyone he hand some wands for Elizabeth, "Are you feeling better? If yes, here are some wands to heal the injured".

Spoiler: Healing and Wands

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Rusty need 8 Lesser Vigors (87 damage).

He's handling her tr following wands:
Wand of Vigor (2 charges after healing Rusty)
Wand of Vigor (3rd, 19 charges)
Wand of Vigor (45 charges)
Wand of Cure Light Wands (22 charges)

Sitting on the floor, he take down the used anklets and put on his magical boots.

Spoiler: Footwear

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Putting on the Steadfast Boots

"What an you say about this dungeon, Elizabeth?"

[dantiesilva]

Sister Elizabeth was about to reply to Travis saying Hannibal was not there leader, even though she had seen time and time again that he did fill the leadership role in their odd adventuring group, to the point of risking his life to try and make sure no one was left behind even. Raikou distracts her as he does his best to comfort her, which does seem to help a little. “Alone I doubt I would have survived down here. Where the elevator dropped me off when I got separated from Hannibal and Folkir because of one of the frogs there were zombie like animals, and some creature that could steal ones memories. Devouring parts of yourself, I got one of the two I saw however the other one escaped.” She says explaining her descent.
“I left clues for you all to see where I was and what I had explored so I hope that helped you find the two of us. Anyways when I went down the stairs I noticed a rather large piano, however having read the former caretakers journal of this place I knew not to play with it unless I knew the right notes to play. Some kind of tune that would calm all the creatures in this place. He also mentioned a boa constrictor which I thankfully have not come across. Anyways after the piano I continued down where I was attacked by some bird creatures, that’s when I meet Celaena. She was stuck in a cell somewhere else but had heard me and told me how to reach her so I ran all the way there, getting attacked by the birds and some creatures she called Lickers.” The old woman says, her sobs slowly decreasing.
“After that we became very close friends as we trusted in one another to make it to the bottom of this place looking for an exit of sorts or anything really. We had to go through crimson heads, and a group of creatures called Bandersnatchs. If not for her I would be dead right now, so when we finally made it to the basement and found a puzzle we were confused. We eventually solved it together, however that was this morning. It seems between the day before and this morning the items we had hidden were stolen, items I see are here.” She notes looking at the stash of items found hidden inside the wall.

“Being too harsh on him, he saw what you did to all those other creatures, and I told him to free her. If he paid attention I even told her when you arrived you were just like her. I know the two of you together could have done the same thing he chose to do himself, leaving her chained to the wall. Celaena could be with us right now, not who knows where with that monster. After all the things we endured and faced together to be taken because no one would set her free, having to watch as everyone who could set her free ignored her. Imagine the betrayal you would feel if you were helpless and had to watch everyone ignoring you chained to a wall, and gaged, unable to escape on your own. And while people asked for others with the ability to free you ignored you? Can you imagine the terror and betrayal she must have felt when that creature came?” she asks Raikou trying to put it in a way that made sense and not a bunch of rambling.

“If it wanted to fight us why didn’t it? It only took Celaena who was helpless to try and stop it and then left.” The old woman points out. “If you have fought it before and lost then it knew you were not a threat and still it left instead of fighting and taking all of us. There is a reason it took her I know it, no doubt Dr. Cutter’s monster is going to try and infect her or something.” The old woman notes showing everyone the four files she had found with Celaena.

Looking to the dwarf who told her he was a paladin, a warrior known for keeping their word the old woman nodded as she stood up on shaky legs. “I will hold you to that word Sharkun, Paladin of Wee Jas. And so long as you are upholding it I will do all in my power to keep you alive.” She says before turning to Hannibal. “The puzzle I mentioned earlier is a level below this one, and you still have the arrow head correct? If so we should be able to finish it, though I do not know what is behind the mural a lot of barrels of gunpowder are down there however.”

"From what I have explored of specimen storage, which is most of it, I know it used to be a holding area for all of Dr. Cutters creations when he was put in jail. Most of the creatures have been dealt with by Celaena and myself on our way down, however when we tried going back upstairs to meet you we were ambushed. Everything down here seems to like to grab people however and hold them until they are dead. Something that may not trouble you, but for normal people like myself it was a very real and dangerous thing. Below us is the puzzle I mentioned. Above us is the bird things and lickers. There is also a metal cage Celaena told me not to disturb, but the birds seemed afraid of, as well as a giant door I didn't bother going in due to being attacked." she explains to Hannibal trusting that he would lead them down before back up as she used the wands he had given her to heal the party.

[Chimaera]

"We managed to kill three of the four bird creatures, but the last one escaped and play a single note on the piano. Probably a wrong one to release a guardian that forced me and Raikou to flee by jumping down all the way here", he says before going into details, "A spinned hugging mosnter. Regenerate real fastand with a reach way greater than you would expect. Be aware of that should we get separated and you meet it".

"Okay, once everyone is healed we go down and check this puzzle", Hannibal says to all, "Alexia is working to always keep us separated cause she know the chances for her monster to overwhelms us is a lot bigger that way, so let's try to avoid that".

He takes the files and read, then pass around and once everyone read it, he put it in the haversack.
"Does a boa have poison? Not my area of expertise", he ask Travis and Elizabeth, handling each a vial of antitoxin, "Keep those just in case as they will protect you for an entire hour and we had a Heroes Feast".

"And I believe subject HB stands for Hannah Bartell, the only lepotitsa we fought so far".

Once everyone is healed, Rusty will lead them downstairs.

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: Who knows what that creature was that too Celaena, but it did not look like a pushover. It was able to lift her off the wall, chains and all and vanish just as quick.

If there is a chance to rescue her, however, you will. That is your word as a Holy Warrior of Wee Jas, never given freely and loosely to anyone. You are already starting to get an idea about this place and everyone you can save is one less you have to fight.




@Elizabeth: If only everyone were as noble as this dwarf...

Celaena was a powerful caster, this is something you let the others know. Without her skills, very similar to Raikou's, you'd have been dead many times over. In fact, you let the team know of the many perils you have faced on the way down here, each worse than the last.

Some, you were able to fight off one on one one. Others, like the Bandersnatch, required Celaena's assistance... against all four of them. And yet, you hand over the files found and let them know about the creature caught in a casket and the mention of a boa residing in this place. Also, the fact that there is a puzzle below, something that you let one of hannibal's friends know.

And although you may still be mad at Travis for not saving Celaena when he had the chance, bickering won't solve anything. Cutter's monsters are still on the loose and the faster you get rid of them, the faster you can help the little Miss and save this City.


@Rusty: You read the files handed by the old woman and make sure everyone gives them a thorough look before stashing them in your bag.

You are coming after Celaena... and Alexia. She's not getting away with this anymore. That's a promise. So they have giant snakes here? You could probably wrestle a big snake, but an oversized animal is the least of your concerns now as you let the others know that one of those birds used the piano to release something from an iron maiden in the floor above.

Something that apparently...cannot be killed. And Raikou blasted that thing much like the Chimeras here. Who knows if even Travis' orb would do the trick. That is one hurdle that you will have to overcome, but later.

Now is the time to heal, as you hand the wands to Elizabeth, who gets right into it. If there is a puzzle below and Corwin's intel matches what this hag says, you have a way to solve it. The first of many things to figure out in this Mad House.


Your Hammer is cold, but nothing that a few practice swings can't fix. Now we're cooking with gas. This baby was forged by you and it's been quiet for awhile. There's still room left in this place for conversation. A lot of it, and so you lead the team out of this smelly nest and allow Elizabeth to lead the way to the bottom of Specimen Storage.


@The Party: There are no monsters roaming around this area- between Elizabeth and your combined efforts, all of them have been routed, evidenced by everything being so quiet.

The broken stone bridge is still an issue, for a few at least, as Rusty leaps over it with ease and assists any who can't make the leap using his trusty rope and grappling hook.

The whole place smells like death as Elizabeth leads you to a spiral set of stairs leading down... a five minute walk to the final floor as a single torch has been placed in the entrance to a simple wooden door which is unlocked.

This last area has a sixty foot tall ceiling, divided by several levels with interconnecting stairs. Barrels of gunpowder have been placed at various intervals, allowing you to smell the explosive contained in the barrels. Needless to say, they are flammable, so caution would be best.

And then, after going down the stairs, you all stand in the very bottom, with a macabre fountain in the center:

There is a writing on it, but it isn't important now, as you look beyond the fountain and see a marble frieze, as tall as Rusty, more or less, and twice as wide.

It has the depiction of a foolish smiling looking angel- a cupid. However, its trademark arrow is missing something:

The arrow tip itself. An indentation in the shape of an arrow has been carefully carved out in its place, but there nothing more here. If this frieze is connected to the painting you ripped out in the main hall, maybe you can get closer to finding out what the hell's going on here.























Map

Spoiler: Screenshot

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[Chimaera]

Taking the arrow tip from the arrow they treasured before, Rusty insert it on the missing place.

"Be ready for anything funny", he says.

Spoiler: Stance

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Will go with stance of the wolverine for now.

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: You look at the angel mural and take out the peridot arrow piece, going to place it on the angel, but not before warning everyone that this could get pretty hilarious, as you call on your training and grip your Hammer with one hand as the green arrow tip fits perfectly onto the cherub, who has been fooled by the Fake Star...


@The Party: It's a clock sound from way up as the only door is shut by a thick slab of stone, with several smaller ones opening at different areas opening smaller vent sized squares as screeches can be heard all over the place.

Monsters have been released in the upper levels of this floor, but that's not the biggest problem here. Not by a long shot, as the angel mural begins to slide upwards before a human wail can be heard from the other side, followed the sound of... a buzzsaw? Indeed, as a large organic serrated blade slices the angel mural from within and a monstrous creature steps forth, drooling from one of its mouth as the other looks at all of you:




"I am... HUMAN!!! Listen to me....urgggg...!!!!"

Spoiler: The Check

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Knowledge Dungeoneering (Trained) to ID it

What the hell is this thing? Another of Alexia's creations? This place is a death trap. With monsters threatening to join at any moment and this massive bulbous creature that has now been released, who knows if you have q chance to bring it down, but you have to at least try.


You did not come all the way here for nothing.

Map

Spoiler: Fight or Flight, your Call. However...

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Roll Initiative

[AlanBruce]

Round 1

@Rusty: Whatever this thing is, it's going down. Another monster to scratch off the list, but despite its massive bulk and size, it reacts rather quickly, as its small human head wails about.

"I am not...a MONSTER!!!!""

And having said that, the massive buzzsaw shreds through your chest, cutting you deep, but worse yet- it's leaving a balck wound that will not stop festering!

Spoiler: PA Organic Buzzsaw

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33 damage plus 1 Vile damage

Reminder: Unlike regular damage, vile damage can only be healed by magic cast within the area of a consecrate or hallow spell... only in a holy place can healing magic repair the damage

@Sharkun: By The Stern Lady, who could've done this? You have no idea what this creature is, but it just nearly cut Rusty in two! And that saw of his, grafted into its hand in a most gruesome manner, as the main head salivates at the sight of the warrior's blood is enough to cause you to rethink even engaging it!

Spoiler: Fear Aura

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This creature is truly a horrific and anyone within 10 feet of it becomes frightened unless they succeed at a Will save DC 16. Success leaves a target immune to the creature's fear aura for 24 hours.

If Sharkun is immune to fear due to being a paladin, ignore the save. Those who have Heroes Feast on are immune to the fear aura. If you aren't and fail the save:

A frightened creature flees from the source of its fear as best it can. If unable to flee, it may fight. A frightened creature takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

A frightened creature can use special abilities, including spells, to flee; indeed, the creature must use such means if they are the only way to escape.

Frightened is like shaken, except that the creature must flee if possible.

And having cut down Rusty, the massive creature wobbles closer towards Travis, its buzzsaw spinning wildly.

Map

Spoiler: Initiative

Show

Subject Barrin
Elizabeth
Raikou
Sharkun
Rusty
Travis

[Niwrad]

Raikou grimaces as the massive buzzsaw slices through Rusty's chest like a butterknife through butter. That looked quite painful... But then the ugly thing started shambling closer to him.

Not wanting to be anywhere near that massive weapon, the halfling moves back twenty feet.

Hey! You say you're human... but have you seen yourself lately? I really don't think humans have a giant buzzsaw instead of a hand.

If you're really not a monster, then why don't you stop attacking us and we can talk this out like reasonable people.

The halfling wants to give this thing the benefit of a doubt, and doesn't resort to blasting just yet. Having said that though, he still realizes that this is probably a threat, and fires off a preliminary ray spell to slow the thing's reflexes.

Spoiler: Ray of Clumsiness

Show

Move action to move back 20ft away from that buzzsaw, then standard action to cast ray of clumsiness.

Spell resistance...? (1d20+8)[18]

Ranged touch attack (1d20+12)[32]
If that hits, it takes a dex penalty of (1d6+4)[6]

[AlanBruce]

@Raikou: Being cut and clawed and bit is bad.

Being sawed off? A new level of pain has been established here, as you watch Rusty take the full brunt from this new menace, secreted behind the angel mural and take several steps back as it lumbers towards Travis.

Earlier, Rusty was right about creatures here not being friendly. This should apply here as well, as you try and talk this abomination down from going on a killing spree, but all you get are wails from the human head and gurgling sounds from the main head, filled with sharp teeth.

You need to bring this creature down. Most of your spells have been spent for the day- the more powerful ones- but you should be able to at least make it easier for the others to hit it, as you zap this monster with a sluggish coiling orange ray and his flabs of skin ripple as the beast nearly kneels down, drooling all over the floor as the human head looks around.

"Stop it. Stop it... STOP IT!!!""

You got him. At least it's be easier for the others to hit him now.

Map

Spoiler: Initiative

Show

Subject Barrin
Elizabeth
Raikou
Sharkun
Rusty
Travis

[kinem]

"Of course I'm sorry that Celaena is caught in Alexia's web, but so are we and so are many others such as my raptoran friend Ketra, who was snatched in similar fashion when the group we had then were all alert and ready for action shortly before we met Elizabeth. I did my best to protect the group and beat the monsters, as did we all. If Celaena has even a tenth of a brain, she saw that. I will not bother to address this foolishness again" Travis notes.

"Rusty, thanks for the antitoxin, but the feast still protects me."

Travis doesn't see anything terribly exciting among the loot in the choker's room, but points out "We should take the valuables." He does so if no one else bothers.

To prepare for further exploration he accepts a casting of lesser vigor, casts alter self to turn back into a troglodyte, and uses his last pearl of power to regain a shield spell, and casts heart of earth. He also requests a mage armor spell from Raikou, which the halfling graciously provides.

Downstairs, he casts the shield spell just before the attempt to solve the puzzle.

When the monster appears, there seems a moment of hope that it won't attack, but then it does. Oh well, at least this new freak has proven to be a better conversationalist than Elizabeth.

Travis backs away from the thing and casts haste to speed up the group.

ooc: If it looks like he'd draw an AOO due to its reach if he backs off too much, he just takes a 5' step.

[remetagross]

As the group descends and arrives in a new room, Sharkun looks at the ceiling. No monster dangling above their head, this time. Then Rusty triggers a hidden mechanism, that releases...a new monster. A particilarly disturbing one, though Sharkun cannot tell what exactly it is. It seems to be the result of a horrid fusion between one (or more) human beings and a saw? At first, Sharkuk is not too keen on directly attacking that new ennemy. But not only does it grievously wounds Rusty with an utmost evil blow, it also denies Raikou the opportunity to talk a little more. There is no harm in keeping up, though. Sharkun, invigorated by Travis' magic, makes a small step forward and asks extremely seriously:

"We are listening. What are you? How are you human? Can we do something for you? In that case, stop hurting us. Else, we have to hurt you back to protect us. Like this."

He invokes the magic of the wand inside his weapon and strikes down with his guisarme three times, putting all his might behind the blow.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Swift action: activate the wand of Wraithstrike.
Free action: 5ft step forward. The monster is now within Sharkun's threat range.
Full-round action: full-round attack. PA 9. Knowledge Devotion has granted +2 to hit/damage. Attack rolls (including bonus from Haste): (1d20+8)[23], (1d20+8)[20], (1d20+3)[17]. Damage rolls: (1d4+27)[31]+(1d4)[3] slashing +1 acid, (1d4+27)[31]+(1d4)[4] slashing +1 acid, (1d4+27)[31]+(1d4)[3] slashing +1 acid

[dantiesilva]

Sister Elizabeth watches as the arrow is put into place, waiting to see what she and Celaena had risked their life for. However when the monster came out, to say it was the last thing she was expecting would be an understatement. Having already cast a light spell on her armor knowing how dark it was down there she was more than ready to keep her distance from the creature and observe as it began to speak. "None of the others have spoken before, maybe it still has some self control?" she notes as the old woman pulls out her harp and begins to play its strings singing of a bountiful harvest.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Move take out harp
Standard Action Healing Hymn +6hp to all cure spells
Dove's Harp Fast Healing 3 for 1 minute to all allies within 60ft.

[AlanBruce]

@Travis: You let your opinions on the matter be known regarding Celaena's fate and follow the group deeper into Specimen Storage.

Yes, the elf's fate is terrible. But hers, yours and many others will be too unless something is done to stop Alexia. It's an unspoken side of war called Collateral Damage. The part the victors never talk about. And because you need to emerge at least alive from this place, you make sure to draw the pearl of power and once at the bowels of this insane zoo, bask yourself in a myriad of protections, some of them courtesy of Raikou as Rusty releases a new horror for you to be tested against.

Another freakish mutant...and this one seems strong. It nearly sliced Rusty in two. This place is rather large and you need to keep your distance from this creature as Raikou opens with a debilitating ray and you ensure yourself and the others are as quick as possible, weaving the powerful Transmutation into place as you back away from the creature, who seems if only for a fraction of a second, dazed by Raikou's arcane assault.


@Elizabeth: So this is what the trap held? Maybe it was more like a prison... and Rusty just helped it escape. What manner of monstrosity has Cutter crafted this time?

You cannot afford to stay close to this creature- that would be suicidal. This thing is able to use a most unholy and profane posion into its attacks. Even if you all manage to bring it down, curing Hannibal will be no easy task... but you need to make sure these people are safe, as you begin playing your harp in the darkness as Sharkun moves in for the attack, guisarme ever ready.



@Sharkun: Yes... a new monster. And this one doesn't seem friendly at all. In fact, none of the creatures here are, but something about this one is a lot more disconcerting than the rest, as its small human head seems unaware of its surroundings, being a mere accessory.

But Raikou has weakened him. Travis has strengthened you, and your teachings from Wee Jas come into play as you move within reach and look up at the beast before slashing it with your wispy jet black guisarme, bypassing its mundane defenses.

Deep gashes are left with each strike. It's been hurt, but acid is not even fazing him. He is either resistant, or utterly immune.

You moved in to gain reach. That is good, but in so doing, this beast has also managed to reach out to you as your guisarme cuts him repeatedly.

"My name...my name is ...ARGHHH!!!! That hurt!!! Aaaaaarrrrrn!!! You little ...BITCH! Rrrrespeccct your bi...ggg....GRRRR!!!""

Rusty was hurt bad, but that incoming saw nearly shreds your very soul in two!

Spoiler: Buzzaw AoO Crit!

Show

102 damage plus 2 Vile damage

@Rusty: You watch the carnage take over as Corwin reaches out to you telepathically:

Hannibal, how are things going down there? Were you able to regroup? Please don't tell me any other people died...




Map

Spoiler: Initiative

Show

Subject Barrin
Elizabeth
Raikou
Sharkun
Rusty
Travis

[remetagross]

Chimaera asked to play for him this round.

Rusty steps forwards and, happy to having found the Hammer back, lets it speak to the monster at will.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Free action: 5ft step forward.
Swift action: Wraithstrike
Full-round action: full-round attack, PA of 9. Attack rolls: (1d20+7)[14], (1d20+7)[25], (1d20+2)[9]. Damage rolls: (1d12+30)[34], (1d12+30)[33], (1d12+30)[33].

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: Despite having Sharkun shredded an inch of his life, you know this thing can go down... it has to. There is no backing down from it as you sidestep forward with your Hammer and if Sharkun was able to apply a Geist effect without flinching, you should too, except...

You are not really a Man of Magic.

You can decipher items of magic. Rather easy for you, given your training as an Olidammaran, but there is still a very small chance of failure, which proves true when you swing your Hammer and don't even bother to activate the wand inside it, trusting in blind faith.

You hit... once. And that strike alone isn't even enough to bring this creature down. If Sharkun was able to hurt it with his guisarme, your Hammer;s blows are significantly reduced. This monster's hide, the way it was built perhaps... similar to your fight against Hannah.

Bulbous bodies that bounce off blunt weapons. It was hurt, but not as much as the way Sharkun hurt it and now you are within range of it.




Round 2

@Sharkun & Rusty: The wounds inflicted by both on this creature are rapidly healing back!

Not as fast as he would like, but enough to make some attacks pretty much obsolete. As the creature fixes on both and begins its onslaught, starting first with the crusader, as its massive buzzsaw rips through his body again.

Spoiler: 1st Organic Buzzsaw PA

Show

33 damage plus 1 Vile damage

IMPORTANT: Again:

UPDATE sheet with current HP

UPDATE sheet with current HP

UPDATE sheet with current HP

Reminding 3 times here so people do that and healers can keep track of who to heal and not heal, so actions are not wasted.

@Rusty: Perhaps this was not a good idea after all, as Sharkun gets shredded and the creature looks at you, with the human head looking at both as the dwarf spills yet more blood and rolling its eyes backwards as it smiles like a twisted maniac.

"My body is... hungry!!! Hahahahahhahahaaaaaaaa....""

It's a back slash from that same saw that catches you in full force on the chest.

Spoiler: 2nd Organic Buzzsaw PA

Show

32 damage plus 1 Vile damage

It is the main head, filled with sharp salivating teeth that reaches down and bites hard, attempting to hold you in place!

Spoiler: Bite

Show

20 damage plus Improved Grab DC 39

@The Party: While Sharkun and Rusty engage that massive bloated beast, all of you hear screeches from the level above and three ugly creatures howl at all of you from the stairs:

Monkeys... and they don't look right for some reason. Those who have fought them know what they are. For the rest, it's just more monsters to bring down. Still, they should not descend yet, having rushed all the way from above.

Map

Spoiler: Initiative

Show

Subject Barrin
Elizabeth
Raikou
Sharkun (CONFIRM STATUS)
Rusty
Travis

[Chimaera]

Grappled by the giant monster, Rusty start foaming and beat the creature with his hammer in a wild rage, much like that of a wolverine raking at a prey.

Spoiler: Grappled FA

Show

Sadly I wont be able to make that grapple DC 39.
Thankfully, Stance of the Wolverine allow me to beatr any grappled creature with any weapon (and grants me +4 on damage vs bigger creatures than me), so PA 8 Wraithstrike it is.

UMD (1d20)[16] (fail on a 1 only)

1st (1d20+8)[13] dmg (1d12+32)[40]
Haste (1d20+8)[15] dmg (1d12+32)[40]
2nd (1d20+3)[8] dmg (1d12+32)[35]

"Run to the hills, enjoy while he's grappling me!", he barks to the casters, "Try and blast that creature to whatever hell it came from".

Still foaming he answer to Corwin, "If the link suddenly end it's because I'm dead. Fighting a very big one this time. Tell Ross to pray for me".

Spoiler: Status

Show

Rusty is at 48 HP an dhis maximum was dropped to 119 hp

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: Grabbed by this creature's jaws and almost lifted off the ground, you enter a state of wild frenzy and bash the creature with your Hammer, who has no acquired a black wispy texture and the smaller head, although not hit as you bash the bigger one, wails out loud:

"Stop it! STOP IT!!! I am no monster...!""

This beast is mighty resistant to your blows, but you are hurting it, as you ask the others to make a run for it and inform Corwin what's going on and he replies back:

Hannibal! Be careful! Ross is aware of what's going on. He says he ORDERS you to not die, Hannibal. You hear me? Do NOT throw your life away! You are smarter than this! What manner of monster are you fighting?

Spoiler: Initiative

Show

Subject Barrin
Elizabeth
Raikou
Sharkun (CONFIRM STATUS)
Rusty
Travis

[Chimaera]

"I believe even the most loyal olidammaran sometimes have trouble following orders", he answers to Corwin, "Its a two headed giant of sorts, with a unholy fleshrending arm. Ugly as hell".

Not good. This creature is really strong and unless the others manage to quickly beat it, it will regenerate in no time.

"But if I go down, it will be down fighting".