Nightmare in Katapesh IC

[SanguinePenguin]

The Elf simply laugh-screams as Dalnu pummels him with her staff, but he remains standing. Only Mauricio manages to connect with the Scry of Leng, poking a narrow hole in the carapace.

The creature that stands where Gex once stood screams and launches a disorienting blast at Dalnu. The monster that is Sadar draws his blade and moved over to Scry and attacks him. Gregorix screams and moves away, hobbled by the manacles. Scry lifts the fibrous stalk and the toothy max closes on Gex's head, when it rises again, the gnome is a bloody mess. A cluster of tendrils whips at Sadar and strikes him, curling around his arms and legs, abruptly the maddness in him vanishes to be replaced by terror.

The maddening visions persist, until a moment when you suddenly realize things are mostly looking back to normal. It is difficult to pinpoint when things improved, there was a bit of lag in your awareness of it, but it is definitely better now. Though you've surrounded the creature, it seems unaffected by this situations at tendrils innumerable writhe between you and it, and more than a dozen of the eyes look at you specifically.

Spoiler: OOC

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Scry:
1: Bite Gex (1d20+13)[33] Damage (1d6+6)[10] + (1d6)[5] Crit
2: Tendril Sadar (1d20+9)[21] Damage (1d6+3)[5] + grab (to end confusion (1d20)[15])
3: grab Sadar if previous successful or Bite Mauricio (1d20+3)[7] Damage (1d6+6)[7] + (1d6)[2]

Conditions:
Gex: unconscious
Sadar: grabbed

Spoiler: Map

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[farothel]

Now she sees that she was pummeling the wrong target, Dalnu focusses on the right one. She calls forth 3 magic missiles that shoot at the Scry of Leng.

Spoiler: OOC actions

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3 action magic missile: (3d4+3)[11] force damage

[Prehysterical]

The one stroke of luck that Gex has is falling right next to their doctor. Once the illusions are dispelled, Mauricio gives something between a panicked cry and a gasp seeing the bloody ruin of Gex's head. All thoughts of battle are pushed from his head as he kneels down to help the mangled gnome, reaching for his tools and trying desperately to stop the bleeding.

Spoiler: OOC

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Mauricio will spend two actions to Administer First Aid to Gex. Going with the standard DC so that Mauricio doesn't kill him by accident.
Medicine (Administer First Aid): (1d20+8)[19]
Mauricio will then spend his last action to a Medicine check to Treat Wounds using Battle Medicine. Going with base DC 15.
Medicine (Treat Wounds): (1d20+8)[23]
If Treat Wounds is successful, heal (2d8)[9] hp
Mauricio Averni
HP: 20/26
AC: 17
Class DC: 18
Speed: 25
Fort: +5
Ref: +7
Will: +8
Perception: +8
Feats: Forensic Acumen, That's Odd, Battle Medicine, Ward Medic

[Starbin]

Kharesh Hammerfist, dwarven monk

Uncertain how else to help with Maurice already seeing to Gex, Kharesh elected to continue his attack, weaving back and forth near the elf to hopefully hamper any return attacks.

---

Round 2 - Keep it up!
Action 1: Enter stance
Action 2: Flurry of blows (fallilng stone attacks)
Action 3: Use the elf as cover.

Attack 1 - (1d20+9)[25], Damage - (1d8+4)[12]
Attack 2 - (1d20+4)[21], Damage - (1d8+4)[5]+1 dam, for 'forceful' trait

Effects / Status / Conditions: Mountain stance (see below); Darkvision; Ancient Blooded Dwarf (+1 save vs magic); Cat Fall (falls are 10’ less)

Spoiler: Crunch& Status

Show

AC: 18 (20) HP 20/32 Initiative +6
Saves: Fort +8 Ref +8 Will +8 Per +6 / Move 20’
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 14 Cha 8 DC 18
Skills: Acrobatics +6, Athletics +8, Warfare Lore +4, Religion +6, Stealth +6, Pahmet Lore +4
Abilities: Call on Ancient Blood (prior to rolling a save vs magical effect, add +1 [circ]); Flurry of blows (make two strikes for 1 action [flourish]); Stunning blow (If attacking same target twice, DC 18 Fort save or stunned 1 round) Mountain stance (see below); Darkvision; Dwarven Weapon Familiarity; Cat Fall (treat falls as 10' shorter); Battle Medicine (Treat wounds in combat)
Stance: Mountain (+4 AC, +2 vs Shove/Trip, +0 Max Dex, -5 ft move; Falling Stone are only Strikes useable in stance)
Combat: Axe (+8 / 1d8S+4 / sweep); Clan Dagger (+8 / 1d4P+4 / agile, dwarf, parry, uncommon, versatile B); Unarmed w/wraps (+9 / 1d6B+4 / agile, finesse, nonlethal, unarmed); Falling Stone w/wraps (+9 / 1d8B+4 / forceful, nonlethal, unarmed)

[Gwynfrid]

The nightmare's creature's violence terrifies the little goblin, but the quick reactions from his comrades bolster his wavering confidence - Mauricio saving Gex's life, Dalnu's vigorous magic, and Kharesh laying into the enemy with bare hands. Maybe we have a chance. Irori, let me find clarity!

With deliberate care, Gurmok goes on the attack with his rusty dogslicer, all the while urging his four-legged friend on. "Come on, Zen, go for it!"

Spoiler

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Gurmok
#1 Dogslicer (1d20+2)[11] damage (1d6+1)[5] (includes +1 from backstabber)
#2 Dogslicer (1d20-3)[1] damage (1d6+1)[3]
#3 Command Zen

Zen
#1 Jaws (1d20+4)[9] damage (1d6+3)[4] plus goblin pox
#2 Jaws (1d20-1)[12] plus goblin pox

Gurmok, level 2 cloistered cleric of Irori
Perception +7; darkvision
AC 16; Fort +5, Refl +6, Will +9
HP 4/24
Spells used for the day: Bless (ended), Magic Weapon (ended), Heal (3/4)

Zen, goblin dog (trained animal)
Perception +6; low-light vision, scent (imprecise) 30 feet
AC 17; Fort +8, Ref +8, Will +5
HP 7/17
Melee jaws +9 [+4/-1], Damage 1d6+3 piercing plus goblin pox
Goblin Pox (disease) Goblins and goblin dogs are immune to goblin pox. Saving Throw DC 17 Fortitude; Stage 1 sickened 1 (1 round); Stage 2 sickened 1 and slowed 1 (1 round); Stage 3 sickened 2 and can't reduce its sickened value below 1 (1 day).

[SanguinePenguin]

Dalnu's force bolts crack the creatures carapace in a few places. Kharesh hammers into it once, twice with powerful blows. Neither Gurmok, nor Zen act do much with their strikes.

Sadar fights against the tendrils holding him. His first attempt does nothing, but gathering himself for a second attempt lets him slip from the tendrils. His swing goes wide.

When Mauricio rouses him to consciousness, Gex opens his eyes with a scream, "AHHHHH!" The gnome jumps to his feet and channels magic into his hand. He lunges for the carapace trying to connect with the sickly violet effluvia before it fades.

Spoiler: OOC

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Sadar:
Escape: (1d20+10)[11] Fail
Escape or PA: (1d20+6)[19] Damage (2d10+4)[16] Success
Escape or Attack: (1d20+1)[8] (+1 esc) Damage (1d10+4)[12] Fail

[SanguinePenguin]

One of the spines on the creature fires are the fleeing Gregorix, but the spine goes wide. Tendrils lash out at Gurmok and Gex, but neither connect. The creature's attacks seems almost random in choice, with no regard for strategy or intent. The Elf cackles madly, seemingly delighting in the carnage.

Spoiler: OOC

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From Gex: Fort(1d20+12)[20] Damage: (1d4+4)[8] success => 4 damage

Scry:
1: Spine vs Gregorix (1d20+9)[17] Damage (2d4+3)[8] Will (1d20+7)[11] miss
2: Tendril vs Gurmok (1d20+9)[15] Damage (1d6+3)[4] + grab miss
3: Tendril vs Gex (1d20+5)[8] Damage (1d6+3)[8] + grab miss

Conditions:
Gex: wounded 3

Spoiler: Map

Show

[farothel]

With her magical potential diminished, Dalnu first cast a shield, then a spell to make her strike easier before grabbing her staff with both hands and tried to give the scry a good whack. Golden scales could be seen on her face as she cast the spells.

Spoiler: OOC actions

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3 action magic missile: (3d4+3)[11]

action 1: cast shield
action 2: cast true strike
action 3: attack with staff (rolled in OOC)

AC: 21 (with shield and bloodline power)

[Starbin]

Kharesh Hammerfist, dwarven monk

The monk nodded to himself in satisfaction at his success, but frowned slightly when the creature seemingly ignored him. It was as if chaos ruled the creature's form AND function. Pushing aside the confusion, Kharesh focused on his attack, looking for opportunities to hurt this thing even more. Once he assessed his foe, he continued to attack, concerned if they didn't put this thing down quickly, a long fight would become costly for all of them.

---

Round 3 - More of the same ...
Action 1: Recall Knowledge (Lore - Warfare, +3)
Action 2: Flurry of blows (falling stone attacks)
Action 3: Use the elf as cover, if possible.

Attack 1 - (1d20+9)[24], Damage - (1d8+4)[5]
Attack 2 - (1d20+4)[11], Damage - (1d8+5)[13] (with forceful' trait added in)

Effects / Status / Conditions: Mountain stance (see below); Darkvision; Ancient Blooded Dwarf (+1 save vs magic); Cat Fall (falls are 10’ less)

Spoiler: Crunch& Status

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AC: 18 (20) HP 20/32 Initiative +6
Saves: Fort +8 Ref +8 Will +8 Per +6 / Move 20’
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 14 Cha 8 DC 18
Skills: Acrobatics +6, Athletics +8, Warfare Lore +4, Religion +6, Stealth +6, Pahmet Lore +4
Abilities: Call on Ancient Blood (prior to rolling a save vs magical effect, add +1 [circ]); Flurry of blows (make two strikes for 1 action [flourish]); Stunning blow (If attacking same target twice, DC 18 Fort save or stunned 1 round) Mountain stance (see below); Darkvision; Dwarven Weapon Familiarity; Cat Fall (treat falls as 10' shorter); Battle Medicine (Treat wounds in combat)
Stance: Mountain (+4 AC, +2 vs Shove/Trip, +0 Max Dex, -5 ft move; Falling Stone are only Strikes useable in stance)
Combat: Axe (+8 / 1d8S+4 / sweep); Clan Dagger (+8 / 1d4P+4 / agile, dwarf, parry, uncommon, versatile B); Unarmed w/wraps (+9 / 1d6B+4 / agile, finesse, nonlethal, unarmed); Falling Stone w/wraps (+9 / 1d8B+4 / forceful, nonlethal, unarmed)

[Gwynfrid]

Covered in blood, but somehow still standing in the middle of the onslaught, Gurmok starts to feel the ancestral excitement of combat, in spite of all his training and his desire for self-restraint. He releases this agression into the ancient war cry of the Forked Teeth: "BITE! BLOOD! BURN!". His voice isn't the strongest, but the conviction is there, and both Zen and him launch into attack with renewed vigor.

Spoiler

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Gurmok
#1 Dogslicer (1d20+2)[3] damage (1d6+1)[5] (includes +1 from backstabber)
#2 Dogslicer (1d20-3)[3] damage (1d6+1)[7]
#3 Command Zen

Zen
#1 Jaws (1d20+4)[8] damage (1d6+3)[7] plus goblin pox
#2 Jaws (1d20-1)[18] damage (1d6+3)[7] plus goblin pox

Gurmok, level 2 cloistered cleric of Irori
Perception +7; darkvision
AC 16; Fort +5, Refl +6, Will +9
HP 4/24
Spells used for the day: Bless (ended), Magic Weapon (ended), Heal (3/4)

Zen, goblin dog (trained animal)
Perception +6; low-light vision, scent (imprecise) 30 feet
AC 17; Fort +8, Ref +8, Will +5
HP 7/17
Melee jaws +9 [+4/-1], Damage 1d6+3 piercing plus goblin pox
Goblin Pox (disease) Goblins and goblin dogs are immune to goblin pox. Saving Throw DC 17 Fortitude; Stage 1 sickened 1 (1 round); Stage 2 sickened 1 and slowed 1 (1 round); Stage 3 sickened 2 and can't reduce its sickened value below 1 (1 day).

[Prehysterical]

Honestly, the gnome's snap recovery is better than anything Mauricio could have hoped for... although part of him wishes that the gnome would take discretion over valor in his current state. That sentiment intensifies as a tendril whips over Gex's head and Gurmok succumbs to his primal instincts. It's enough to make him agree with the unspoken consensus that killing this thing is the best way to keep everyone alive.

The creature's chaotic movements make things difficult, but Mauricio finally stabs in with a good angle with his dagger. Seeing the elf bleeding beside him, Mauricio pulls out a sticky patch and applies it to Dalnu's wound to ease the bleeding.

Spoiler: OOC

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Mauricio spends an action to Devise a Stratagem and another to make a Strategic Strike. He spends his last action performing Battle Medicine on Dalnu.
Stratagem roll was a 12, so total for the Strike roll is 20 for (1d4)[2] piercing damage and (1d6)[6] precision damage.
Battle Medicine check on Dalnu (DC 15): (1d20+6)[15]
Hp healed if successful: (2d8)[6]
Mauricio Averni
HP: 20/26
AC: 17
Class DC: 18
Speed: 25
Fort: +5
Ref: +7
Will: +8
Perception: +8
Feats: Forensic Acumen, That's Odd, Battle Medicine, Ward Medic

[SanguinePenguin]

Gurmok and Zen fail to connect or even provide much of a distraction. Dalnu too, fails to do any harm. Kharesh manages to strike with a single glancing blow, breaking off one of the creature’s spines. Mauricio notes some design in the madness that is the physiology of this creature and delivers a timely blow that causes half a dozen eye stalks to drop writhing to the ground.

Gex strikes again with the same eerie energy swirling on his hand. The force - antithetical to life - strikes the creature. The gnome then retreats. Sadar adjusts his stance to line up a powerful blow, which is followed by a clumsier follow through, but both attacks fail to connect.

After some hesitation, Gregorix moves as fast as he can manacled away to the south. The creature then launches a flurry of strikes. First, the mouth stalk bites at Kharesh, then a spine is launched at Sadar, and lastly a tendril whips at Mauricio. All three strikes connect. In addition to bleeding, Kharesh's skin burns and shudders where the creature's mouth connected. The spine penetrates Sadar's abdomen and the warrior's pupils dialate and the same frantic look he had moments before takes effect as the hallucinations begin. Though not a powerful blow, the tendril does proceed to wrap around Mauricio's arm, squuezing tightly.

Spoiler: Kharesh

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Lore: As the creature’s base barely moves, it seems unlikely to be very adept at dodging. Reflex is probably it’s worst save.

Spoiler: OOC

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Conditions:
Gex: wounded 3 (HP: 9/24)
Sadar: Confused 1 (HP: 13/30)
Mauricio: grabbed

Forget to roll these will saves
Gex DC vs fort (1d20+12)[21] Damage (1d4+4)[7] save -> half damage
Move to I10
Sadar power attack (1d20+10)[12] Damage (2d10+4)[9]
Sadar attack (1d20)[8] Damage (1d10+5)[15]

Mouth vs Kharesh (1d20+13)[21] Damage (1d6+6)[11] + (1d6)[2] - hit
Spine vs Sadar (1d20+4)[19] Damage (1d6+6)[8] Will (1d20+5)[15] - hit + fail
Tendril vs Mauricio (1d20+5)[24] Damage (1d6+3)[4] + grabbed - hit

Spoiler: Map

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[farothel]

With two quick words, she put her shield up again and also cast a small spell to better hit, before she did try exactly that, hit.

Spoiler: OOC actions

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action 1: cast shield
action 2: cast true strike
action 3: attack with staff on Scry: (1d20+6)[25] or (1d20+6)[15] for damage: (1d8+2)[6]

AC: 21 (with shield and bloodline power)

[Starbin]

Kharesh Hammerfist, dwarven monk

Kharesh found purchase with his first blow, but as more of a feint it lacked the power his second blow had ... which unfortunately missed. However, the creature lashed out with a bite from its odd-shaped mouth, and the wound burned, as if he had touch fire or acid. The blow wasn't enough to drop him, but it was certainly close.

Throwing two more blows, he backed away quickly, fumbling for his healing kit that he might put a compress on the wound. As he retreated, he called to the others, "The creature is slow ... use that against it!"

---

It's bad at reflex saves!!

@SP - I take it Kharesh hasn't gotten any bonus AC from using the elf as cover? Is that something that is even feasible?

Round 3 - Kharesh is pretty hurt, so fighting retreat is in order
Action 1: Flurry of blows (falling stone attacks)
Action 2: Step to F13 (putting the elf in between me and the creature
Action 3: Recover healing kit

Attack 1 - (1d20+9)[16], Damage - (1d8+4)[9]
Attack 2 - (1d20+4)[13], Damage - (1d8+5)[9] (with forceful' trait added in)

Effects / Status / Conditions: Mountain stance (see below); Darkvision; Ancient Blooded Dwarf (+1 save vs magic); Cat Fall (falls are 10’ less)

Spoiler: Crunch& Status

Show

AC: 18 (20) HP 7/32 Initiative +6
Saves: Fort +8 Ref +8 Will +8 Per +6 / Move 20’
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 14 Cha 8 DC 18
Skills: Acrobatics +6, Athletics +8, Warfare Lore +4, Religion +6, Stealth +6, Pahmet Lore +4
Abilities: Call on Ancient Blood (prior to rolling a save vs magical effect, add +1 [circ]); Flurry of blows (make two strikes for 1 action [flourish]); Stunning blow (If attacking same target twice, DC 18 Fort save or stunned 1 round) Mountain stance (see below); Darkvision; Dwarven Weapon Familiarity; Cat Fall (treat falls as 10' shorter); Battle Medicine (Treat wounds in combat)
Stance: Mountain (+4 AC, +2 vs Shove/Trip, +0 Max Dex, -5 ft move; Falling Stone are only Strikes useable in stance)
Combat: Axe (+8 / 1d8S+4 / sweep); Clan Dagger (+8 / 1d4P+4 / agile, dwarf, parry, uncommon, versatile B); Unarmed w/wraps (+9 / 1d6B+4 / agile, finesse, nonlethal, unarmed); Falling Stone w/wraps (+9 / 1d8B+4 / forceful, nonlethal, unarmed)

[Gwynfrid]

The horrific sight of the Scry of Leng's attacks on his comrades shakes Gurmok out of this sudden bloodthirsty outburst, as he realizes the futility of his attacks and the extremity of his danger. Quickly, he recites one of Master Garrogar's favorite mantras to re-center his mind.

"Ignored, my fear
Rock-solid, my heart
Organized, my response
Reliable, my spirit
Inflexible, my will."

With a great effort of self-control, he refrains from more ineffectual strikes, leaving it to Zen to unleash the fury. I never was any good with the dogslicer anyway. Surveying the battlefield, he guesses that the last chance of survival lies in Karesh's fists - provided the badly battered dwarf can stand for a few moments more.

"C'est toi, l'espoir qui nous restes
Mais il te faut plus d'énergie
Pour éviter le sort funeste
Qui sinon nous est tous promis!"

One last time, Irori's healing energy is channeled through the blue-skinned goblin's hand.

Spoiler

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Gurmok

#1-2 Cast Heal on Kharesh (1d8+8)[15]
#3 Command Zen

Zen
#1 Jaws (1d20+4)[23] damage (1d6+3)[4] plus goblin pox
#1 Jaws (1d20-1)[10] damage (1d6+3)[5] plus goblin pox

Gurmok, level 2 cloistered cleric of Irori
Perception +7; darkvision
AC 16; Fort +5, Refl +6, Will +9
HP 4/24
Spells used for the day: Bless (ended), Magic Weapon (ended), Heal (4/4)

Zen, goblin dog (trained animal)
Perception +6; low-light vision, scent (imprecise) 30 feet
AC 17; Fort +8, Ref +8, Will +5
HP 7/17
Melee jaws +9 [+4/-1], Damage 1d6+3 piercing plus goblin pox
Goblin Pox (disease) Goblins and goblin dogs are immune to goblin pox. Saving Throw DC 17 Fortitude; Stage 1 sickened 1 (1 round); Stage 2 sickened 1 and slowed 1 (1 round); Stage 3 sickened 2 and can't reduce its sickened value below 1 (1 day).

[Prehysterical]

There's no time for Mauricio to admire the results of his precision. Their motley band is beginning to fall apart at the seams. Luckily, the little Gurmok fellow seems to be doing his very best to heal Kharesh's wounds. In the meantime, Mauricio fights off the tentacle and its extremely unpleasant sensation. Recognizing the dangers of both the Scry and Sadar potentially falling back into their earlier madness, Mauricio takes advantage of a moment of distraction to sidle up next to Sadar and attempt to extract the spine from the man's torso. Hopefully, he can do so cleanly and not cause any damage on the way out.Unfortunately, Sadar recoils from Mauricio and the tiefling's finger slide right off of the intruding object.

Spoiler: OOC

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Mauricio Escapes the Scry's grapple, then Steps (not Strides) to be next to Sadar. He uses Medic Dedication to overcome Sadar's immunity to Battle Medicine. This is the only time today that Mauricio can do this, so he needs to make it count... or not.
Medicine against DC 15: (1d20+8)[12]
HP recovered if successful: (2d8)[12]
Mauricio Averni
HP: 16/26
AC: 17
Class DC: 18
Speed: 25
Fort: +5
Ref: +7
Will: +8
Perception: +8
Feats: Forensic Acumen, That's Odd, Battle Medicine, Ward Medic

[SanguinePenguin]

Kharesh only strikes air before he retreats behind the cackling elf, Gurmok tending his wounds an instant later. Dalnu’s magically aided staff strikes the creature’s shell hard, and Zen at long last grabs a mouthful of spines that he tears out with a thrash, leaving behind some of his irritating dander. Gex steps to have a clear view and a cascade of boulder’s collapses onto Scry, the largest of which lands hard in the center of his shell with a loud crack. Sadar, the madness upon him again, screams in horror. Though Maurico tries to mend his wounds, he sprints past the healer straight at Gex and swings his blade once and twice at the gnome. The first strike causes the gnome to cry out, the next severs something important, and Gex shudders, then collapses to the ground. An instant later, Sadar seems to realize what he's done, and emits a wail. The gnome is on the edge of death.

Gregorix continues south and starts shouting at the gate. The elf, noting that Kharesh ducked behind him, steps to the side, “oh no, you can’t use me as a shield. I want to watch, but I am no victim here,” and he continues laughing.

Scry fires a spine at Kharesh, which goes wide, then the mouth on the fibrous strikes at Dalnu narrowly deflecting off of her magical shield. Lastly, it strikes ineffectually at Mauricio.

Spoiler: OOC

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Conditions:
Gex: dying 3, wounded 2 (0/24)
Sadar: (13/30)

Save vs goblin pox (1d20+12)[30] crit success

Gex scatter scree DC 18 vs ref (1d20+6)[8] Damage (1d4+4)[8] crit fail => 16 damage
Move to J11

Sadar move to I11
Sadar attack (Gex) (1d20+10)[25] Damage (1d10+4)[8] hit
Sadar attack (Gex) (1d20+5)[20] Damage (1d10+4)[5] hit

Gregorix flee south, shout at gate
Elf move aside, trash talk

Spine vs Kharesh (1d20+9)[10] Damage (1d6+6)[8] Will (1d20+8)[17]
Mouth vs Dalnu (1d20+8)[20] Damage (1d6+6)[12] + (1d6)[3] edit: miss
Mouth vs Mauricio (1d20+3)[4] Damage (1d6+6)[12] + (1d6)[4]

Spoiler: Map

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[farothel]

This was going nowhere quickly, but she had to keep trying. With a quick word to put her shield and scales back on, she then moved a step to divide its attention before trying to hit again.

Spoiler: OOC rolls

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action 1: shield up
action 2: step to G11 to flank with Gurmok
action 3: attack (1d20+6)[20] (-2AC for flanking bonus) for damage (1d8+2)[10]

AC: 21 (19 +1 shield +1 bloodline)
HP: 18/18

[Starbin]

Kharesh Hammerfist, dwarven monk

Kharesh nodded his thanks for the healing, but frowned at Sadar's attack on the gnome. When Gex fell, lifeless, Kharesh blinked for a moment, then pushed the thought aside for now. The situation demanded they focus - and with some relief from his wounds, it was almost time to enter the fray once more.

He quickly tried to patch the remainder of his wounds, but whatever he did actually ripped the healing flesh back open. Wincing, he shook his head and stepped back in to throw two quick punches at the creature. If they didn't make significant gains, it might be time to consider a tactical withdrawal.

---

Round 4 - Got some healing (15), but Kharesh will try to heal more of his wounds, then enter back into the fray.

Action 1: Battle Medicine (DC 15, heal 2d8) - I think a critical failure, so he took 5 dam
Action 2: Step to F12
Action 3: Flurry of blows (falling stone attacks)

Heal - (1d20+5)[6], (2d8)[13]
Attack 1 - (1d20+9)[21], Damage - (1d8+4)[8]
Attack 2 - (1d20+4)[20], Damage - (1d8+5)[6] (with forceful' trait added in)

Effects / Status / Conditions: Battle Medicine used on self; Mountain stance (see below); Darkvision; Ancient Blooded Dwarf (+1 save vs magic); Cat Fall (falls are 10’ less)

Spoiler: Crunch& Status

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AC: 18 (20) HP 17/32 Initiative +6
Saves: Fort +8 Ref +8 Will +8 Per +6 / Move 20’
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 14 Cha 8 DC 18
Skills: Acrobatics +6, Athletics +8, Warfare Lore +4, Religion +6, Stealth +6, Pahmet Lore +4
Abilities: Call on Ancient Blood (prior to rolling a save vs magical effect, add +1 [circ]); Flurry of blows (make two strikes for 1 action [flourish]); Stunning blow (If attacking same target twice, DC 18 Fort save or stunned 1 round) Mountain stance (see below); Darkvision; Dwarven Weapon Familiarity; Cat Fall (treat falls as 10' shorter); Battle Medicine (Treat wounds in combat)
Stance: Mountain (+4 AC, +2 vs Shove/Trip, +0 Max Dex, -5 ft move; Falling Stone are only Strikes useable in stance)
Combat: Axe (+8 / 1d8S+4 / sweep); Clan Dagger (+8 / 1d4P+4 / agile, dwarf, parry, uncommon, versatile B); Unarmed w/wraps (+9 / 1d6B+4 / agile, finesse, nonlethal, unarmed); Falling Stone w/wraps (+9 / 1d8B+4 / forceful, nonlethal, unarmed)

[Gwynfrid]

Odds of survival go from slim to desperate when Sadar utterly loses his mind and takes down his own ally! Gurmok is on the verge of running away, when the courageous Dalnu steps in. His faith and honor compel him to do nothing less... "This is a test, isn't it, O Master of Masters!" He still has his rusty dogslicer in hand, but decides against more hopeless strikes. Instead, he uses the last of his powers to send a bit of divine guidance to others.

"Que ta main, O Irori
Dans ce combat suprême
Guide le bras de mes amis
Pour vaincre ici même!"

He repeats this twice, and an aura of white light bathes both Zen and Dalnu as they feel their strength renew...

Spoiler

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Gurmok

#1 Cast Guidance on Dalnu
#2 Cast Guidance on Zen
#3 Command Zen

Zen
#1 Jaws (1d20+5)[10] (includes Guidance effect) damage (1d6+3)[6] plus goblin pox
#2 Jaws (1d20-1)[12] damage (1d6+3)[9] plus goblin pox

Gurmok, level 2 cloistered cleric of Irori
Perception +7; darkvision
AC 16; Fort +5, Refl +6, Will +9
HP 4/24
Spells used for the day: Bless (ended), Magic Weapon (ended), Heal (4/4)

Zen, goblin dog (trained animal)
Perception +6; low-light vision, scent (imprecise) 30 feet
AC 17; Fort +8, Ref +8, Will +5
HP 7/17
Melee jaws +9 [+4/-1], Damage 1d6+3 piercing plus goblin pox
Goblin Pox (disease) Goblins and goblin dogs are immune to goblin pox. Saving Throw DC 17 Fortitude; Stage 1 sickened 1 (1 round); Stage 2 sickened 1 and slowed 1 (1 round); Stage 3 sickened 2 and can't reduce its sickened value below 1 (1 day).

[Prehysterical]

Just the sound and the way Gex falls tells Mauricio that the gnome has seconds to live. Completely forgetting his involvement in the melee, Mauricio rushes over to the gnome's side to once more deny death its prize. His fingers work in a flurry to bind the gnome's wounds and stop the bleeding.

Spoiler: OOC

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Mauricio Strides to J10. The remaining two actions go into Administer First Aid to stabilize Gex. With Gex's dying value of 3, the DC should be 18.
Medicine: (1d20+8)[17]
Mauricio Averni
HP: 16/26
AC: 17
Class DC: 18
Speed: 25
Fort: +5
Ref: +7
Will: +8
Perception: +8
Feats: Forensic Acumen, That's Odd, Battle Medicine, Ward Medic

[SanguinePenguin]

Gurmok blesses both Dalnu and Zen, while the latter fails to injure Scry, the former delivers a solid whack to the self proclaimed Scry of Leng. Kharesh follows with two powerful fists, both kraken the test of the creature. Seeing Gex’s dire state, Mauricio dashes to his side, and in a moment of nigh divine insight, manages to clamp a critical artery he almost overlooked, and he can tell that it saved the gnome. Sadar fumbles with his medkit for a moment, but when he sees the vastly more competent healer arrive, he grips his falchion and charges at Scry. Though his first swing goes wide, his second snaps some critical piece of the test, and the whole thing splits.

Some caustic effluvia spews out of the test and onto the dirt, the fibrous stalk emits the first sound you’ve heard it make outside of your skull, a frantic clicking, then it falls limp, the test splits into ten pieces revealing a enormous pink five-lobed brain filling most of its center. Whatever spark of life fueled the Scry is now extinguished. The whole thing stinks.

The elf’s jaw drops, he face is racked with incredulity, then a moment later he wails. Gregorix exits out the gate to the south, which closes behind him.

[Gwynfrid]

Gurmok stands there, on top of Zen, dumbfounded, while the goblin dog starts to sniff into the remains, wholly unconcerned by their alien aspect and grisly smell, before he bites into a particularly juicy-looking piece of brain.

"I... I can't believe it... We're alive! We WON! We passed Irori's test!" Wide-eyed, disheveled, and covered in wounds still oozing blood, the little blue goblin's pointy teeth shine in a smile from ear to ear.

But he notices, in the corner of his eye, Gregorix making his escape. "Hey! He's getting away! Filthy drug-peddler!" He makes to pursue, but gives up, turning to the elf. "Not you, though. You get to the jail you belong to, and I hope they lose the key. But maybe now you'll consent to answer a few questions!" He waves his dogslicer menacingly under the elf's nose.

[Starbin]

Kharesh Hammerfist, dwarven monk

With the beast down, Kharesh took a cleansing breath and put away his medical kit for now. He glanced in the direction Gurmok indicated, frowning as the drug dealer fled the compound. The distance wasn't far, but catching the man might be problematic. He called to the others, "Somone stab that thing. As for the dealer, he said he would flee the city - do you want to give chase?" Kharesh stood ready to race after the man, but wasn't going to follow if the group agreed it was pointless.

---

OOC - Huzzah, we lived! For the moment, at least. Let's kill that brain first, then Kharesh will try to follow Gregorix. He may not have the speed, but he should have the endurance to keep up.

Effects / Status / Conditions: Battle Medicine used on self; Darkvision; Ancient Blooded Dwarf (+1 save vs magic); Cat Fall (falls are 10’ less)

Spoiler: Crunch& Status

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AC: 18 (20) HP 17/32 Initiative +6
Saves: Fort +8 Ref +8 Will +8 Per +6 / Move 20’
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 14 Cha 8 DC 18
Skills: Acrobatics +6, Athletics +8, Warfare Lore +4, Religion +6, Stealth +6, Pahmet Lore +4
Abilities: Call on Ancient Blood (prior to rolling a save vs magical effect, add +1 [circ]); Flurry of blows (make two strikes for 1 action [flourish]); Stunning blow (If attacking same target twice, DC 18 Fort save or stunned 1 round) Mountain stance (see below); Darkvision; Dwarven Weapon Familiarity; Cat Fall (treat falls as 10' shorter); Battle Medicine (Treat wounds in combat)
Stance: Mountain (+4 AC, +2 vs Shove/Trip, +0 Max Dex, -5 ft move; Falling Stone are only Strikes useable in stance)
Combat: Axe (+8 / 1d8S+4 / sweep); Clan Dagger (+8 / 1d4P+4 / agile, dwarf, parry, uncommon, versatile B); Unarmed w/wraps (+9 / 1d6B+4 / agile, finesse, nonlethal, unarmed); Falling Stone w/wraps (+9 / 1d8B+4 / forceful, nonlethal, unarmed)

[SanguinePenguin]

At Kharesh’s urging, Sadar slices deep through the enormous brain with his falchion, the blades slices through easily and the top of the brain slides off the bottom to drop to the earth with an unceremonious squelch.

The elf wails again, then glares defiantly at Gurmok, “you defeated me and killed the Avatar! Do you fools actually think this is a victory?! The Crawling Chaos now knows you have meddled in his affairs! An entity older than time itself now longs for your suffering! There is no facet of the cosmos free from his touch. The creativity of the Stalker Among the Stars is boundless. I shall wait in this prison with bated breath for word of how his twisted designs befall you.” The elf continues to cackle madly through tearful eyes.

[farothel]

Assuming the others could keep the crazy elf in check, Dalnu ran to the gate and opened it, making sure she stayed behind it just in case Gregorix was waiting behind it. She looked out with most of her body covered by the gate.

Spoiler: OOC

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1 action to run to the gate
1 action to open it (I assume) and look out, using the gate as cover just in case
1 action: if I need more actions to open the gate, ok, otherwise use it to activate reach spell (for next round)

[SanguinePenguin]

Dalnu runs south to the heavy wooden doors, she pushes on them in an attempt to open. The very heavy doors resist her initial push.

Spoiler: OOC

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Two strides are required to reach the gate. It then requires DC15 athletics to open (1d20+2)[12]

[farothel]

"Hey, a hand with this," Dalnu called out to the others, while she kept trying to open the doors. Suddenly they opened.
"Never mind, I got it," she called back as she looked out for Gregorix.

Spoiler: OOC rolls

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action 1: athletics DC15: (1d20+2)[4]
if action 1 not successful: athletics DC15: (1d20+2)[17]
if action 1 and 2 not successful: athletics DC15: (1d20+2)[13]

action 3: activate reach spell

[Gwynfrid]

Gurmok sees that Dalnu succeeds with the door. He changes his mind, and after a last admonishment to the elf ("don't move, you!") he spurs Zen to turn around and chase Gregorix.

Spoiler

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Zen has a 40-ft speed, so there's a chance to catch Gregorix.

[SanguinePenguin]

After the door resists again, Dalnu adjusts her footing and manages to force the door open a few feet. She looks out, and with her elven eyes in the moonlight, sees three humanoids fleeing south on foot. One of them is Gregorix for sure, the other two are dressed as the men who were guarding the door when you came in. At this point they have moved pretty far away, although a strike should be possible.

Eager to give chase, Gurmok and Zen charge after the three and closes the distance, his darkvision keep the targets easily in sight. Kharesh also gives chase, though his speed is not quite as great as Zen’s.

Sadar looks at the gate, lines up his blade, and says to Mauricio and Gex, “I can guard the elf.” Gex shakes his head, clearly indicating he has no intention of pursuit.

Spoiler: OOC

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Gregorix and the two guards had two rounds of movement (plus opening and closing the gate) so they are about 125 feet away from her.

I was going to say that Gurmok and Kharesh can’t see them yet, but PF2 has unlimited darkvision! Gurmok is 65 feet behind them. Kharesh’s is 110 feet behind.

It is up to Mauricio whether he wants to join.