Mummy's Mask - Shifting Sands [IC]

[Gwynfrid]

The creature appears to hesitate for a second when Vlarga's claws scratch a deep gash on its tongue, and falters again when hit by Vershab's necromantic ray. Nevertheless, it continues its attack... With a disgusting, grunting and slurping sound, it swallows Vlarga, and the entire giant gnoll disappears in its gaping throat! While doing so, however, it fails to maintain its hold on Azkin, and the young man slips out of its grasp to fall flat on his back.

Spoiler: end of round 0

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Damage sustained so far 25 (Vlarga) + 15 (Enervation), shaken, and 3 negative levels.

Stadard action, swallow Vlarga whole: (1d20+21)[35] damage (3d8+15)[26] bludgeoning
Free action, maintain grapple on Azkin (-20 penalty) (1d20+1)[9] and constrict (3d6+12)[23]

Vlarga takes 25 damage, she's inside the monster's stomach, still grappled. She can use light piercing or slashing weapons to try and cut free, or she can try to escape through the monster's throat.
Azkin is now free.

Rounds 1 begins, all PCs can act in any order.

[Farmerbink]

Silently cursing his focus elsewhere, Turi vanishes from sight. Extremely keen observers might track his steps as he dashes southwards to prepare to attack the worm from the rear.

Spoiler: Turi, round 1

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Turi Masakhet
Male N Human Fighter 1 / URogue 7 (Knife master), Level 8, Init 5, HP 88/88, Speed 30
AC 22, Touch 16, Flat-footed 17, CMD 22, Fort 9, Ref 11, Will 7, CMB +6/+1, Base Attack Bonus 6/1
+1 Kukri x2 +13 or +11/+11/+6 (1d4+6, 18-20, x2)
Cold iron dagger +11 (1d4, 19-20, x2)
Silver dagger +11 (1d4-1, 19-20, x2)
mist form- 20% concealment Mistmail, Amulet of natural armor (+5 Armor, +5 Dex, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect, +0 Misc)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 20, Con 16, Int 11, Wis 16, Cha 8
Condition +1 dmg when flanking
sneak stab: 4d8/4d4, DEBILITATING ATTACK
+2 AC (24) vs attack with light blades
Endurance, die hard // Resiliency: 1/1
Vanish: 2/2 (CL 6)
-2 skill checks after failure
ignore first 5' of difficult terrain
poisons, potions
Escape artist R's edge
Headband of Unshakeable Resolve: 3/3

Vanish
move to H/13
stealth (-5 for movement, +20 for invisible) (1d20+31)[36]

[SanguinePenguin]

One moment, Vlarga was struggling with the beast - kicking, clawing, pushing - anything to keep those gargantuan jaws from digging further into her flesh, then she felt the creature’s enormous tongue slap onto her side, then the jaws loosed, her position shifted abruptly, and everything went dark. Her darkvision saw a fairly featureless, undulating surface. It looked in the dark like a wall, but moved like muscle. The walls engulfed her, crushing, and grinding, pushing at her feet and forcing her head forward. Finally, the area expanded a bit. She still barely fit, the walls were still crushing down upon her, and she was now surrounded by a caustic fluid that burned faintly against her demonic skin. Finally, it dawned on her - it ATE me!

In all her adventures, Vlarga had never once been eaten before. She’d been bitten many, many times and could recall a particular grisly wound from a ghoul that consumed a fist-sized chuck from her side, but the complete dining experience was definitely something else! Though a small part of her delighted at the novelty of the experience, in her rage she was mostly just pissed off. Vlarga forced her legs against the stomach wall, and pushed her back hard against the other. Momentarily braced as such, she freed her arms and drove her claws slashing simultaneously into the stomach walls. This beast was about to experience the indigestion of legends.

Spoiler: Vlarga actions, round 1

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Seems RAW admits full natural attacks while grappled (-2 included for doing something other than escaping the grapple - although this is almost certainly the most effective way to escape the grapple)

L Claws: (1d20+11)[12] Dam: (2d6+15)[22] (Confirm (31): (1d20+11)[30] extra dam: (2d6+15)[22])
R Claws: (1d20+11)[19] Dam: (2d6+15)[25] (Confirm (31): (1d20+11)[19] extra dam: (2d6+15)[21])

Spoiler: Vlarga status, round 1

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Vlarga al-Lamashten
F TN Gnoll Bloodrager, Level 8, Init 1, HP (77)/100, DR 1/-, DR 5 fire,acid,cold, Speed 30 (40)
AC 17, Touch 8, Flat-footed 19, CMD 25, Fort 14, Ref 5, Will 5, CMB +16, Base Attack Bonus 8/3
PA included +2 Claws (while raging) (Bodywrap works on 2 attacks per round) +13/+13 (2d6+15 / 2d6+15, x2)
PA included Falchion +1 (while raging) +15/+7 (2d6+20, 18-20/x2)
Breastplate +3 (+9 Armor, +1 Dex, +2 Deflect, -3 Misc)
Abilities Str 24, Dex 12, Con 22, Int 13, Wis 8, Cha 16
Bloodrage 19/21, Spells: 1st 2/2, 2nd 2/2
Condition Bloodraging - Claws, Enlarge person, DR, 10ft reach
grappled
swallowed whole

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Round 1, Vershab's Status

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Vershab Fethi
Male True Neutral Human Blood Arcanist, Level 8, Init 12, HP 57/57, DR 5/- (vs. Nonlethal), Speed 30 ft.
AC 15, Touch 11, Flat-footed 14, CMD 14, Fort 4, Ref 4, Will 7, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Mage Armor (Extended, 16 Hours), Shield (+4 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 9, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 22, Wis 10, Cha 14
Condition 6/11 Arcane Reservoir Available
0/5 Grave Touch Used
Draak 25/25 HPs
Extended Mage Armor

More of the same is in order, I believe, says Vershab as he casually repeats his activation of the bone-wand in his hand. Then he draws another wand, this one light and capped with a crystal on the end, and holds it in his other hand at the ready...

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Draw his wand of Fly and activate the wand of Enervation (again): (1d20+5)[24] to hit touch AC, (1d20+5)[22] (20/x2), (1d4)[2] temporary negative levels applied, (1d4)[1] critical hit additional temporary negative levels.

[JWallyR]

Lehasti finally shakes off the shock of the creature's sudden appearance, its savage assault upon her protege, and the sudden disappearance of her most recent associate. For a moment, her gaze lingers upon the young priest of Sarenrae, where Azkin has fallen, groaning, but conscious, upon the rocky ground.

The young cleric lifts his eyes to meet his mistress's, and he grasps his holy symbol before praying, his watchful glance now resting upon the great beast before them. "Dawnflower, burning bright, bolster your servants!" he murmurs, and a sense of confidence settles upon his companions.

Spoiler: Actions

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Standard: cast Bless, defensively using roll in OOC
Move: Ready Scimitar/Shield

Spoiler: Stats

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Azkin
M NG Human Cleric, Level 6, Init 2, HP 34/57, Speed 30
AC 15, Touch 8, Flat-footed 13, CMD 14, Fort 9, Ref 8, Will 10, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Keen Scimitar +1 7 (1d6+3, 15-20, x2)
Dagger +1 6 (1d4+3, 19-20, x2)
Chain Shirt, Shield, Heavy Wooden (+4 Armor, +2 Shield, +2 Dex, +1 Deflect, -4 Misc)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 19, Cha 10
Condition Prone: -4 melee atk, AC vs melee, +4 AC vs ranged
Bless (Morale): +1 atk, saves vs fear. ~6 minutes

His mistress nods at Azkin, and with a clenched jaw and a resolute stare, she murmurs her own prayer to their deity... before dashing with surprising speed to meet the creature, sweeping her falchion toward its hide!

Spoiler: Actions

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Swift: cast Grace, so that her movement doesn't provoke.
Move: something like P11, into range for her melee attack and fairly far south to make flanking easier on Turi next round.
Standard: Power Attack!

Attack: (1d20+13)[28]; CC for x2 on 31+: [roll] 1d20+13[/roll] not a threat anyway
Damage: (2d4+17)[24] slashing, add'l (2d4+17)[22] on crit

Spoiler: Stats

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Lehasti Gesmeha
F LG Human Paladin, Level 8, Init 1, HP 98/98, Speed 20
AC 19, Touch 11, Flat-footed 18, CMD 24, Fort 13, Ref 7, Will 9, CMB +11, Base Attack Bonus 8
+1/Flaming/Flaming Burst, Continual Flame Flaming Puzzle Falchion +1 +15 (2d4+7, 18-20, x2)
Flail, Heavy +13 (1d10+7, 19-20, x2)
Spiked Gauntlet +13 (1d4+5, )
Breastplate +1 (+7 Armor, +1 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 20, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 7, Cha 17
Condition Falchion is +1 today
Bless (Morale): +1 atk, saves vs fear. ~6 minutes
Power Attack: -3 melee attack, +6 (+9 2h) melee damage this rd

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

Natala was blessed, no doubt. In the battle on the river, she was sure her time in the mortal coil and as complete. Instead, she had been called to serve further. The visions she received clearly communicated the price of failure. So when the sounds of battle reached her ears, the fire-haired prophetess of the old gods rushed forward, filled with fervor. As she approached, running nimblyacross the rocky outcroppins, she quickly found the source - a giant worm surrounded by a small group, was in the middle of swallowing a struggling figure.

Focusing her sight on the other combatants, she broke out in a grin - it was the Relic Knights! Her companions were spread out, at least the ones she could see. She didn’t notice Turi, and suddenly had a sinking feeling that perhaps that was who had gone down the worm’s gullet. To far and to high up to lend immediate assistance, she desperately called out, seeking aid from the first divine being she could think of.

With a crack of thunder and spray of water, a glowing well-muscled, scaly figure with the head of a crocodile appeared opposite of one of the Knights. Wielding a giant stylized blade similar in shape and size to the weapon wielded by Lehasti, the almost translucent figure gave the Knights a salute, then attacked the behir with gusto.

---

Spoiler: Actions - Rnd 1

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Natala will advance to B25, then cast spiritual ally in a space to flank with whoever is engaged. Ally is a warrior of Sobek, wielding a falchion, and will attack upon appearing. Hits as spell, so no DR.
Attack 1 - (1d20+11)[19], Damage - (1d10+2)[7]
Attack 2 - (1d20+6)[16], Damage - (1d10+2)[7]

Spoiler: Status - Rnd 1

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AC 21 HP 72 Init +8 Move 30
Abilities Str 14 Dex 18 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 20
Fort +6 Reflex +8 Will +9
Weapon: +1 longspear (+9/+4, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon; Shortbow +11/+6 )

Spoiler: Spells

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0: guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand, enhanced diplomacy (Unlimited)
1st: cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil (8/8)
2nd: cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity (7/7)
3rd: cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster III (6/6)
4th: cure critical wounds, spiritual ally, blessings of fervor (3/4)

Martial flexibility: 7/7 (gain 1 combat feat as swift, or two as move; lasts 1 min)
Ancestral Weapon: 8/8 (gain +1 weapon of choice, Lasts 1 min/charge)
Spirit shield: 6/7 (summon +6 mystic armor; lasts 1 hr per charge)
Blessings: 2/2 (War and Good)
Key skills: Diplomacy +13; KS History/Religion +10; Sense Motive +9; Spellcraft +9; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Featherstep Slippers : Ignore difficult terrain, take 5’ step in difficult terrain
Conditions/Effects: Ally (1 of 10 rnds); Spirit shield (+6 AC, 1 hr); Ancestral weapon (Bow, 1 of X rnds); Darkvision

[Gwynfrid]

Bolstered by Sarenrae's multiple blessings, Lehasti boldly steps forward to inflict a grievous blow on the behir's flank, but the enormous beast is already moving in against Vershab after the arcanist inflicted a fresh burden of necromantic pain on it. Its long neck extends and its huge jaws strike like lightning from above, catching the unfortunate young man!

Turi is nowhere to be seen, and Vlarga's struggles are invisible to the others, but she fails to scrape the tough inner wall of the creatures' stomach. Surprisingly, she notices the strange absence of digestive acids. Instead, the powerful muscles of the giant behir's belly contract tightly to crush her bones to bits...

Then, from behind their enemy, Turi notices a human-sized figure standing on the rocks, but with the sun at her back, he finds it hard to distinguish who that might be. A spell is apparently cast, and a powerful-looking, if transparent, ally appears on the battlefield! Unfortunately, its first attacks fail to pierce the creature's thick hide.

Spoiler: end of round 1

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Natala's spiritual ally appears in K15 but its blows fail to connect, even with the flanking bonus and the Bless bonus (for a total of +14 if I count this correctly).

Total damage sustained so far: 74, shaken, and 5 negative levels.

5-ft step 1 square to the north
Standard action, attack Vershab (1d20+13)[27] damage (3d6+12)[24] cc(33) (1d20+13)[22] ed (3d6+12)[25], and grab (1d20+19)[37] with immediate constrict damage (3d6+12)[25]

Vlarga takes damage inside the creature: (3d8+15)[24] bludgeoning

Vlarga takes 24 damage. Vershab takes 49 damage and is grappled.

Rounds 2 begins, all PCs can act in any order.

Note that the slightly darker area in the center of the map is the entrance of the behir's lair, basically a huge hole in the ground. This means that:
- Squares M10, K-N11, J-N12, L-O13, L-N14 and L-N15 are 10 ft or more below ground level: Stepping into these squares means a fall.
- Squares M9, K10, L10, N10, J11, O11, I12, O12, K13, P13, K14, O14, K15, O15, L16, M16, N16 are difficult terrain. A character that stands into one of these squares at the end of their turn must make a DC15 Acrobatics check or fall into the hole.
- Being a flying creature, the spiritual ally doesn't have to worry about this.

[SanguinePenguin]

Vlarga was in a constant battle with the crushing stomach walls. The constant chaotic jostling meant she couldn't tell what direction was up, down, or anything in between. Irate that her previous attacks seemed to bounce off the creatures seemingy tender, exposed flesh, Vlarga squirms to rotate herself as best she can a quarter turn. She then again pushed her feet hard immediately after a tight squeeze, bares her viciously sharp claws, and uses the breif respite to drive those claws as hard as she can into the incominging walls.

Spoiler: Vlarga actions, round 2

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I read bless and I am pretty sure that Vlarga would be affected despite having been eaten at the time.

L Claws: (1d20+12)[27] Dam: (2d6+15)[23] (Confirm (32): (1d20+12)[16] extra dam: (2d6+15)[25])
R Claws: (1d20+12)[26] Dam: (2d6+15)[26] (Confirm (32): (1d20+12)[15] extra dam: (2d6+15)[24])

Spoiler: Vlarga status, round 2

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Vlarga al-Lamashten
F TN Gnoll Bloodrager, Level 8, Init 1, HP (54)/100, DR 1/-, DR 5 fire,acid,cold, Speed 30 (40)
AC 17, Touch 8, Flat-footed 19, CMD 25, Fort 14, Ref 5, Will 5, CMB +16, Base Attack Bonus 8/3
PA included +2 Claws (while raging) (Bodywrap works on 2 attacks per round) +13/+13 (2d6+15 / 2d6+15, x2)
PA included Falchion +1 (while raging) +15/+7 (2d6+20, 18-20/x2)
Breastplate +3 (+9 Armor, +1 Dex, +2 Deflect, -3 Misc)
Abilities Str 24, Dex 12, Con 22, Int 13, Wis 8, Cha 16
Bloodrage 19/21, Spells: 1st 2/2, 2nd 2/2
Condition Bloodraging - Claws, Enlarge person, DR, 10ft reach
bless
grappled
swallowed whole

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Round 2, Vershab's Status

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Vershab Fethi
Male True Neutral Human Blood Arcanist, Level 8, Init 12, HP 8/57, DR 5/- (vs. Nonlethal), Speed 30 ft.
AC 15, Touch 11, Flat-footed 14, CMD 14, Fort 4, Ref 4, Will 7, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Mage Armor (Extended, 16 Hours), Shield (+4 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 9, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 22, Wis 10, Cha 14
Condition 6/11 Arcane Reservoir Available
0/5 Grave Touch Used
Draak 25/25 HPs
Extended Mage Armor
Invisible (Round 1/5)

Dimensional Slide (25 out of 80 ft used today)

With a grunt of pain Vershab seems to disappear from the behir's grasp, reappearing between two rocks behind Azkin. Then a moment later he speaks some arcane syllables and disappears from sight again, this time staying invisible.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Vershab will use Dimensional Slide (Su) to move to move to S6. There he will cast Vanish.

Spell-Like Abilities

A spell-like ability has no verbal, somatic, or material component, nor does it require a focus. The user activates it mentally.

Supernatural Abilities (Su)
These can’t be disrupted in combat and generally don’t provoke attacks of opportunity. They aren’t subject to spell resistance, counterspells, or dispel magic, and don’t function in antimagic areas.

[Farmerbink]

Turi whispers under his breath as he steps forward, the sound easily lost in the wind of the wastes. "two... three... time to die!" He eyes the gaping hole warily, yet charges boldly to the edge regardless. Eyes focused on the monster before him, he places his feet as carefully as he can and lashes out with his enchanted blade.

Spoiler: Turi, round 2

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Turi Masakhet
Male N Human Fighter 1 / URogue 7 (Knife master), Level 8, Init 5, HP 88/88, Speed 30
AC 22, Touch 16, Flat-footed 17, CMD 22, Fort 9, Ref 11, Will 7, CMB +6/+1, Base Attack Bonus 6/1
+1 Kukri x2 +13 or +11/+11/+6 (1d4+6, 18-20, x2)
Cold iron dagger +11 (1d4, 19-20, x2)
Silver dagger +11 (1d4-1, 19-20, x2)
mist form- 20% concealment Mistmail, Amulet of natural armor (+5 Armor, +5 Dex, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect, +0 Misc)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 20, Con 16, Int 11, Wis 16, Cha 8
Condition +1 dmg when flanking
sneak stab: 4d8/4d4, DEBILITATING ATTACK
+2 AC (24) vs attack with light blades
Endurance, die hard // Resiliency: 1/1
Vanish: 2/2 (CL 6)
-2 skill checks after failure
ignore first 5' of difficult terrain
poisons, potions
Escape artist R's edge
Headband of Unshakeable Resolve: 3/3

Move to K/13.
Stab the mother with his blade of choice:
(1d20+15)[18] (includes flanking, should resolve vs flat-footed unless it can sense invisible foes somehow)
(1d20+15)[23] CC (33+, x2)
(1d4+7)[10] damage
(1d4+7)[8] crit confirmation
(4d8)[18] sneak stab

Gonna use debilitating strike to give it a -2 to AC for everyone and an extra -2 (for -4 total) to Turi's attacks.

Ending my turn in no man's land: (1d20+13)[27] vs 15?

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

Natala felt the worry well up in her stomach as the beast attacked Vershab next, grabbing the mage with ease and obviously swallowing him whole, since he disappeared from view. Gasping, Natala moved forward, raising her glowing bow to take aim at the beast, when she saw Turi slip out and attack the creature. It seemed perhaps the day was not as dark as she originally surmised!

---

Spoiler: Actions - Rnd 2

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Natala will advance to C21, then fire an arrow. Attack - (1d20+11)[18], Damage - (1d6+3)[9]
Spiritual ally will attack again, stepping to flank as necessary.
Att1 - (1d20+11)[15], Dam - (1d10+2)[9]
Att2 - (1d20+6)[13], Dam - (1d10+2)[8]
EDIT: No flanking bonuses included yet

Spoiler: Status - Rnd 2

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AC 21 HP 72 Init +8 Move 30
Abilities Str 14 Dex 18 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 20
Fort +6 Reflex +8 Will +9
Weapon: +1 longspear (+9/+4, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon; Shortbow +11/+6 )

Spoiler: Spells

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0: guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand, enhanced diplomacy (Unlimited)
1st: cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil (8/8)
2nd: cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity (7/7)
3rd: cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster III (6/6)
4th: cure critical wounds, spiritual ally, blessings of fervor (3/4)

Martial flexibility: 7/7 (gain 1 combat feat as swift, or two as move; lasts 1 min)
Ancestral Weapon: 8/8 (gain +1 weapon of choice, Lasts 1 min/charge)
Spirit shield: 6/7 (summon +6 mystic armor; lasts 1 hr per charge)
Blessings: 2/2 (War and Good)
Key skills: Diplomacy +13; KS History/Religion +10; Sense Motive +9; Spellcraft +9; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Featherstep Slippers : Ignore difficult terrain, take 5’ step in difficult terrain
Conditions/Effects: Ally (2 of 10 rnds); Spirit shield (+6 AC, 1 hr); Ancestral weapon (Bow, 2 of X rnds); Darkvision

[JWallyR]

Lehasti starts at the creature's sudden, vicious attack upon Vershab... but when the latter suddenly reappears (before suddenly, and clearly intentionally vanishing once more) she grins viciously, before throwing all of her might into a furious assault on the creature's hide!

Spoiler: Actions

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My read is that Lehasti should have flanking from one or more of Turi and the Spiritual Ally. If she can 5ft step to a safe square, i.e. one that doesn't involve an acrobatics check, to ensure flanking, then she'll take it. Flanking not included in below rolls.

Full-round POWER attack:

Attack 1:(1d20+13)[33]; CC for x2 on 28+: (1d20+13)[14]
Damage: (2d4+17)[23] slashing, add'l (2d4+17)[21] on crit.

Attack 2:(1d20+13)[23]; CC for x2 on 28+: (1d20+13)[22] Edit: forgot to subtract 5 on both rolls for FRA.
Damage: (2d4+17)[22] slashing, add'l (2d4+17)[21] on crit.

Spoiler: Stats

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Lehasti Gesmeha
F LG Human Paladin, Level 8, Init 1, HP 98/98, Speed 20
AC 19, Touch 11, Flat-footed 18, CMD 24, Fort 13, Ref 7, Will 9, CMB +11, Base Attack Bonus 8
+1/Flaming/Flaming Burst, Continual Flame Flaming Puzzle Falchion +1 +15 (2d4+7, 18-20, x2)
Flail, Heavy +13 (1d10+7, 19-20, x2)
Spiked Gauntlet +13 (1d4+5, )
Breastplate +1 (+7 Armor, +1 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 20, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 7, Cha 17
Condition Falchion is +1 today
Bless (Morale): +1 atk, saves vs fear. ~6 minutes
Power Attack: -3 melee attack, +6 (+9 2h) melee damage this rd

Meanwhile, Azkin attempts, cautiously, to stand to his feet, despite the proximity to the creature.

Spoiler: Actions

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Standard action: total defense for +4 AC.
Move action: rise to his feet

Spoiler: Stats

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Azkin
M NG Human Cleric, Level 6, Init 2, HP 34/57, Speed 30
AC 19, Touch 12, Flat-footed 13, CMD 18, Fort 9, Ref 8, Will 10, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Keen Scimitar +1 7 (1d6+3, 15-20, x2)
Dagger +1 6 (1d4+3, 19-20, x2)
Chain Shirt, Shield, Heavy Wooden (+4 Armor, +2 Shield, +2 Dex, +1 Deflect, -4 Misc)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 19, Cha 10
Condition Prone: -4 melee atk, AC vs melee, +4 AC vs ranged
Bless (Morale): +1 atk, saves vs fear. ~6 minutes
Total Defense: +4 Dodge AC

[Gwynfrid]

The behir howls in frustration when Vershab escapes from its maw, and then again, this time in pain: Onlookers can see blood coming out of a broad gash in its midsection, a place that hasn't been under attack from any in the group so far.

On the other side, Turi suddenly becomes visible, with a grunt of frustration as the creature's thick hide resists his blade's razor-sharp edge. Next to him, the transparent being doesn't appear to be much more effective, and neither is an arrow coming from behind him. But this distraction diverts the monster's attention long enough for Lehasti's falchion to strike two big blows, one of which pierces the behir's scales. It reacts with just one bite at the paladin, who dodges out of the way of the enormous fangs... and then, the hungry giant turns back to retreat into its hole of the ground with great alacrity.

Spoiler: end of round 2

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Total damage sustained by the behir so far: 146, no longer shaken, and 5 negative levels.

Standard action, attack Lehasti (1d20+15)[17] damage (3d6+12)[22] cc(35) (1d20+15)[33] ed (3d6+12)[20], and grab (1d20+21)[40] with immediate constrict damage (3d6+12)[16]

The creature retreats in its hole and is no longer visible at the end of its turn. Attacks of opportunity from everyone in melee range are possible.

Vlarga takes damage inside the creature: (3d8+15)[34] bludgeoning, but she sees an opening. She can get out with a move action.

No new map - it's now basically a big hole in the center.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Round 3, Vershab's Status

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Vershab Fethi
Male True Neutral Human Blood Arcanist, Level 8, Init 12, HP 8/57, DR 5/- (vs. Nonlethal), Speed 30 ft.
AC 15, Touch 11, Flat-footed 14, CMD 14, Fort 4, Ref 4, Will 7, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Mage Armor (Extended, 16 Hours), Shield (+4 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 9, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 22, Wis 10, Cha 14
Condition 6/11 Arcane Reservoir Available
0/5 Grave Touch Used
Draak 25/25 HPs
Extended Mage Armor
Invisible (Round 2/5)

Dimensional Slide (25 out of 80 ft used today)

Remaining invisible, Vershab calls out, "It's retreat is unfortunate - I do not recommend following it into it's lair. It could double back and attack with little warning or ability for us to defend. I will summon an elemental to burrow in after it, though, and try to continue to help Vlarga escape it's stomach. In the meantime, I could use some healing, if Azkin were to approach the sound of my voice!"

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Vershab will begin casting Summon Monster IV, intending to summon a Medium Earth Elemental to go and continue the attacks on the Behir (and help Vlarga).

[Farmerbink]

Turi lashes out irritably as the creature retreats, still not quite sure where Vlarga is- or perhaps rather how to get her out.

Spoiler: Turi, round 2 aoo

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Turi Masakhet
Male N Human Fighter 1 / URogue 7 (Knife master), Level 8, Init 5, HP 88/88, Speed 30
AC 22, Touch 16, Flat-footed 17, CMD 22, Fort 9, Ref 11, Will 7, CMB +6/+1, Base Attack Bonus 6/1
+1 Kukri x2 +13 or +11/+11/+6 (1d4+6, 18-20, x2)
Cold iron dagger +11 (1d4, 19-20, x2)
Silver dagger +11 (1d4-1, 19-20, x2)
mist form- 20% concealment Mistmail, Amulet of natural armor (+5 Armor, +5 Dex, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect, +0 Misc)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 20, Con 16, Int 11, Wis 16, Cha 8
Condition +1 dmg when flanking
sneak stab: 4d8/4d4, DEBILITATING ATTACK
+2 AC (24) vs attack with light blades
Endurance, die hard // Resiliency: 1/1
Vanish: 2/2 (CL 6)
-2 skill checks after failure
ignore first 5' of difficult terrain
poisons, potions
Escape artist R's edge
Headband of Unshakeable Resolve: 3/3

(1d20+13)[19] AoO
(1d20+13)[32] CC (31+)
(1d6+4)[6] damage
(1d6+4)[5] crit bonus
(4d8)[15] sneak stab
use debilitating strike to hamper, reducing all movement speeds by half (to minimum 5')

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

When the beast retreated, the oracle hissed "No!" and immediately moved forward, leaping down lightly from the ledge and hurrying forward. Vershab couldn't survive long in the beast's belly, and she couldn't let one of her companions fall because of her lack of skill in combat!

As she neared her companions, she called out, "Greetings friends! I have found you, but we must be quick if we are to save Vershab. Who share I bless with the favor of the gods first?" Before she could finish, Natala heard a voice she recognized, dry and deadpan, but with a hint of self satisfaction. Blinking, she looked around, stammering. "I-if V-vershab is here ... then who in the Abyss is in the beast's belly?"

---

Spoiler: Actions - Rnd 3

Show

As a swift action she'll send the ally after the beast. Natala will jump down and advance to H18 (move action). Presuming someone is close enough, she can cast heal ... or some other buff. But for now she'll just hold for the others before entering the hole.
Spiritual ally will move and attack.
Attack 1 - (1d20+11)[20], Damage - (1d10+2)[8]
Attack 2 - (1d20+6)[8], Damage - (1d10+2)[11]

Spoiler: Status - Rnd 3

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AC 21 HP 72 Init +8 Move 30
Abilities Str 14 Dex 18 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 20
Fort +6 Reflex +8 Will +9
Weapon: +1 longspear (+9/+4, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon; Shortbow +11/+6 )

Spoiler: Spells

Show

0: guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand, enhanced diplomacy (Unlimited)
1st: cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil (8/8)
2nd: cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity (7/7)
3rd: cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster III (6/6)
4th: cure critical wounds, spiritual ally, blessings of fervor (3/4)

Martial flexibility: 7/7 (gain 1 combat feat as swift, or two as move; lasts 1 min)
Ancestral Weapon: 8/8 (gain +1 weapon of choice, Lasts 1 min/charge)
Spirit shield: 6/7 (summon +6 mystic armor; lasts 1 hr per charge)
Blessings: 2/2 (War and Good)
Key skills: Diplomacy +13; KS History/Religion +10; Sense Motive +9; Spellcraft +9; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Featherstep Slippers : Ignore difficult terrain, take 5’ step in difficult terrain
Conditions/Effects: Ally (3 of 10 rnds); Spirit shield (+6 AC, 1 hr); Ancestral weapon (Bow, 3 of X rnds); Darkvision

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Key words being, 'in the Abyss,' I think, Natala. The gnoll has some infernal heritage, but has been an ally for several days. Where have you been?" replies Vershab critically.

[JWallyR]

Lehasti growls out her frustration as her swing fails to connect. She stares angrily at the sudden vacancy before the completeness of Vlarga's disappearance seems to break through to the forefront of her mind, in the sudden absence of things to attack. She barks roughly at Azkin, "Earth Elemental, quickly!" before darting in the general direction of Vershab's voice.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Move toward Vershab.
If possible, deliver Lay on Hands: (4d6)[20] healing. Doubt he's sickened or staggered.

Spoiler: Stats

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Lehasti Gesmeha
F LG Human Paladin, Level 8, Init 1, HP 98/98, Speed 20
AC 19, Touch 11, Flat-footed 18, CMD 24, Fort 13, Ref 7, Will 9, CMB +14, Base Attack Bonus 8
+1/Flaming/Flaming Burst, Continual Flame Flaming Puzzle Falchion +1 +15 (2d4+7, 18-20, x2)
Flail, Heavy +13 (1d10+7, 19-20, x2)
Spiked Gauntlet +13 (1d4+5, )
Breastplate +1 (+7 Armor, +1 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 20, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 7, Cha 17
Condition Falchion is +1 today
Bless (Morale): +1 atk, saves vs fear. ~6 minutes

The young cleric begins gesturing, the motions simultaneously frantic and deliberate...

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Begin casting Summon Monster 2, for a small Earth Elemental to pursue.
5ft step toward the chasm, if there's a safe place to do so.

Spoiler: Stats

Show

Azkin
M NG Human Cleric, Level 6, Init 2, HP 34/57, Speed 30
AC 19, Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, CMD 18, Fort 9, Ref 8, Will 10, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Keen Scimitar +1 7 (1d6+3, 15-20, x2)
Dagger +1 6 (1d4+3, 19-20, x2)
Chain Shirt, Shield, Heavy Wooden (+4 Armor, +2 Shield, +2 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 19, Cha 10
Condition Prone: -4 melee atk, AC vs melee, +4 AC vs ranged
Bless (Morale): +1 atk, saves vs fear. ~6 minutes

[Farmerbink]

Turi glances to his allies briefly, scowling in confusion and indecision. He glances down the gaping chasm where his new ally was just taken and back to the rest of the Relic Knights. When Lehasti orders Azkin to summon more magical assistants, the youngster seems to steel himself as well. "Keep 'em coming, too!"

With no further warning, he leaps into the hole, nimbly using his hands and feet to slow his descent on the sandy slopes as he scrambles after the fleeing monster.

Spoiler: Turi, round 3

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Turi Masakhet
Male N Human Fighter 1 / URogue 7 (Knife master), Level 8, Init 5, HP 88/88, Speed 30
AC 22, Touch 16, Flat-footed 17, CMD 22, Fort 9, Ref 11, Will 7, CMB +6/+1, Base Attack Bonus 6/1
+1 Kukri x2 +13 or +11/+11/+6 (1d4+6, 18-20, x2)
Cold iron dagger +11 (1d4, 19-20, x2)
Silver dagger +11 (1d4-1, 19-20, x2)
mist form- 20% concealment Mistmail, Amulet of natural armor (+5 Armor, +5 Dex, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect, +0 Misc)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 20, Con 16, Int 11, Wis 16, Cha 8
Condition +1 dmg when flanking
sneak stab: 4d8/4d4, DEBILITATING ATTACK
+2 AC (24) vs attack with light blades
Endurance, die hard // Resiliency: 1/1
Vanish: 2/2 (CL 6)
-2 skill checks after failure
ignore first 5' of difficult terrain
poisons, potions
Escape artist R's edge
Headband of Unshakeable Resolve: 3/3

So, unless the vertical drop is more than 20', I'm confident Turi will avoid lethal damage (and therefore will not land prone). Even if it *is* more than 30' straight down, I'd like to imagine the soft ground rules might convert an extra 10' to nonlethal. Finally, there's not really rules for using two opposing faces to turn it into more of a rapid climb, and I guess this thing would be too wide to make it plausible anyway.

Regardless, acrobatics to reduce falling damage: (1d20+13)[19]
If damage is taken, let's apply these d6 from the top down: (4d6)[4][6][6][3](19) (if it's farther than that, I'll edit and not have Turi dive to near certain death).

If there's an enemy visible and he can attack at the bottom, we'll do it:
(1d20+13)[19] kukri (does not include flanking)
(1d20+13)[28] CC (31+, x2)
(1d6+4)[8] damage (does not include dirty fighting)
(1d6+4)[10] crit bonus
if applicable: (4d8)[20] sneak stab and hamper the Behir for 1/2 movement speed

[Gwynfrid]

The adventurers' attempts to hit the retreating behir all bounce off its sturdy scales, but Turi boldly jumps down in pursuit! The translucent crocodile-headed man solemnly takes to the air after him, leaving the others behind. Nothing is visible in the dark recesses of the cavern, and only huge trashing noises and roars from the beast provide any hints of the drama unfolding below.

Turi jumps and rolls with the fall, ending on his feet with just minor bruises. In the semi-darkness, he sees the huge form of the monster and moves to attack, to be met by one of its many claws! He can't see on the other side, but he hears heaving sounds and another roar of the beast howling in pain... It seems to be distracted, turning away from him to bite something, and then the former street urchin sees Vlarga, fighting to free herself from the maw of the monster yet again!

Spoiler: end of round 3

Show

Total damage sustained by the behir so far: 146, no longer shaken, and 5 negative levels. All attacks this round were misses (ecept Vlarga's below).

The cavern is in dim light (20% miss chance).

AoO on Turi with claw: (1d20+15)[32] damage (3d6+12)[25] cc(35) (1d20+15)[16] ed (3d6+12)[19] , and grab (1d20+1)[14] with immediate constrict damage (3d6+12)[23] (the grab attempt includes a -20 penalty for using the grab ability without becoming grappled)

Vlarga makes one attack, then moves to extract herself.
Claws: (1d20+12)[29] damage (2d6+15)[25] cc(32): (1d20+12)[25] ed (2d6+15)[24]

Behir
Bite on Vlarga: (1d20+15)[20] damage (3d6+12)[22] cc(35) (1d20+15)[18] ed (3d6+12)[26] , and grab (1d20+21)[39] with immediate constrict damage (3d6+12)[23]

Turi took 4 nonlethal damage from the fall and 25 damage from the behir, but isn't grappled.
Vlarga took 43 damage including her DR and is grappled.
The behir took another 25 damage.

[Farmerbink]

"Alright, you bastard! Let 'er go!" Grimacing in irritation, the young warrior lashes out with both blades in a savage, desperate attempt to free Vlarga and end the threat once and for all. He steps into the dim light, blades glinting sporadically.

Spoiler: Turi, round 4

Show

Turi Masakhet
Male N Human Fighter 1 / URogue 7 (Knife master), Level 8, Init 5, HP 63/88 (and 4 nonlethal), Speed 30
AC 22, Touch 16, Flat-footed 17, CMD 22, Fort 9, Ref 11, Will 7, CMB +6/+1, Base Attack Bonus 6/1
+1 Kukri x2 +13 or +11/+11/+6 (1d4+6, 18-20, x2)
Cold iron dagger +11 (1d4, 19-20, x2)
Silver dagger +11 (1d4-1, 19-20, x2)
mist form- 20% concealment Mistmail, Amulet of natural armor (+5 Armor, +5 Dex, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect, +0 Misc)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 20, Con 16, Int 11, Wis 16, Cha 8
Condition +1 dmg when flanking
sneak stab: 4d8/4d4, DEBILITATING ATTACK
+2 AC (24) vs attack with light blades
Endurance, die hard // Resiliency: 1/1
Vanish: 2/2 (CL 6)
-2 skill checks after failure
ignore first 5' of difficult terrain
poisons, potions
Escape artist R's edge
Headband of Unshakeable Resolve: 3/3

My read is that flanking is probable? Going to roll accordingly.

(1d20+13)[20] kukri, (1d100)[50] concealment (21+ succeeds)
(1d20+13)[31] CC (31+, x2)
(1d6+5)[6] damage
(1d6+5)[10] crit bonus
(4d8)[11] sneak stab and Bewilder the Behir for -2 AC , with an extra stacking -2 vs Turi's attacks.

(1d20+13)[19] kukri offhand, (1d100)[78] concealment (21+ succeeds)
(1d20+13)[22] CC (31+, x2)
(1d6+5)[11] damage
(1d6+5)[9] crit bonus
(4d8)[21] sneak stab and Bewilder the Behir for -2 AC , with an extra stacking -2 vs Turi's attacks.

(1d20+8)[21] kukri iterative, (1d100)[10] concealment (21+ succeeds)
(1d20+8)[23] CC (26+, x2)
(1d6+5)[8] damage
(1d6+5)[10] crit bonus
(4d8)[18] sneak stab and Bewilder the Behir for -2 AC , with an extra stacking -2 vs Turi's attacks.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Round 4, Vershab's Status

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Vershab Fethi
Male True Neutral Human Blood Arcanist, Level 8, Init 12, HP 8/57, DR 5/- (vs. Nonlethal), Speed 30 ft.
AC 15, Touch 11, Flat-footed 14, CMD 14, Fort 4, Ref 4, Will 7, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Mage Armor (Extended, 16 Hours), Shield (+4 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 9, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 22, Wis 10, Cha 14
Condition 6/11 Arcane Reservoir Available
0/5 Grave Touch Used
Draak 25/25 HPs
Extended Mage Armor
Invisible (Round 3/5)
Dimensional Slide (25 out of 80 ft used today)
Earth Elemental Round 1/8

"The enemy should be obvious," says Vershab as a mound of pebbles and rocks takes on the form of a vaguely humanoid shape. A convenient roar from the behir sounds and demands the earth elemental's attention and the outsider dives into the earth to make its way to melee the enormous creature. As it disappears from sight he calls out to Lehasti. "Shall I summon another one or two? I can only do that many, and if I do then I won't be able to conjure the phantasmal chariot today!" Then he begins casting another summons, just in case... Then the invisible mage walks towards the hole carefully, trying to get the behir back into his sights...

Spoiler: Mechanics

Show

Earth Elemental will charge (if allowed and the behir is in range: (1d20+11)[12] to hit, (1d20+11)[27] (20/x2), (1d8+7)[11] bludgeoning damage, (1d8+7)[12] critical strike damage.

To hit rolls do not include flanking, if that's possible. I suspect the behir cannot see it coming, as it is earth gliding, so it should be attacking the enemy's flat-footed AC.

Vershab will take a 5-ft step closer to the hole and begin casting another Summon Monster IV. Vershab will move so that he is both not at risk of falling and able to see the enemy (P10?). If he cannot do both, he will stop before risking a fall.

If he can see the Behir and has the actions he will use his wand of Enervation again:

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

Frowning for a moment at the word gnoll, Natala pushed her hesitations aside. With a smile to the austere mage, Natala shrugged at his question. "A woman goes for a swim and suddenly her companions replace her." Before she could say more, Turi ignored the banter and Natala's arrival with barely a glance over as he jumped into the pit. Azkin summoned a rocky creature and sent that in after his brother.

Looking to Vershab for a moment, Natala shrugged and hopped down into the pit as well, attempting to catch herself properly and come up firing in support of her battle brothers. Unfortunately, she landed amid several loose rocks and her knee buckled as she fell back. Glancing up, she saw the beast engaged with a large gnoll and Turi. She couldn't raise her bow into a firing position yet, so she thought fast and came up with a plan ... that need one piece of information. "VERSHAB? What are the natural enemies of these beasts?"

"Enemies? Certainly that is a social construct, typically associated with humanoid perceptions of threat and aggression. However, if you mean predators and/or prey, the most significant would be the almost inherent enmity the behir show towards dragons - ninety-two percent of the time, interactions between the two species results in immediate violence."

The oracle nearly rolled her eyes, but shouted out a quick thanks then called upon the powers bestowed by the ancient ones. With shower of sparks and flying rocks, a dark blue dragon emerged from the rubble of the cavern, some 30' from the behir, roaring a challenge at the beast. The dragon readied itself to pounce, obviously intent on showing the beast who was the alpha predator.

Below, the crocodile warrior flew around to ensure a flanking attack and lashed out twice.

---

Spoiler: Actions - Rnd 4

Show

As a swift action, Nat will direct the ally to maneuver to flanking and attack. Natala will jump down and shoot at the beast case a spell.

Spiritual ally Attack 1 - (1d20+11)[30], Damage - (1d10+2)[12]
Attack 2 - (1d20+6)[21], Damage - (1d10+2)[9]

EDIT: Each attack should have +2 more, presuming flanking

Natala Acrobatics vs DC15 - (1d20+4)[11] to take (2d6)[3][6](9) (first one if check is successful, two if I fail). Presuming she can attack ...
Attack - (1d20+12)[17], Damage - (1d6+4)[5]
EDIT: Natala will case minor illusion, creating a dragon challenging the behir, attempting to draw it away from Vlarga.

Spoiler: Status - Rnd 4

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AC 21 HP 63/72 Init +8 Move 30
Abilities Str 14 Dex 18 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 20
Fort +6 Reflex +8 Will +9
Weapon: +1 longspear (+9/+4, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon; Shortbow +11/+6 )

Spoiler: Spells

Show

0: guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand, enhanced diplomacy (Unlimited)
1st: cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil (8/8)
2nd: cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity (6/7)
3rd: cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster III (6/6)
4th: cure critical wounds, spiritual ally, blessings of fervor (3/4)

Martial flexibility: 7/7 (gain 1 combat feat as swift, or two as move; lasts 1 min)
Ancestral Weapon: 8/8 (gain +1 weapon of choice, Lasts 1 min/charge)
Spirit shield: 6/7 (summon +6 mystic armor; lasts 1 hr per charge)
Blessings: 2/2 (War and Good)
Key skills: Diplomacy +13; KS History/Religion +10; Sense Motive +9; Spellcraft +9; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Featherstep Slippers : Ignore difficult terrain, take 5’ step in difficult terrain
Conditions/Effects: minor illusion; Ally (4 of 10 rnds); Spirit shield (+6 AC, 1 hr); Ancestral weapon (Bow, 4 of X rnds); Darkvision

[JWallyR]

Azkin completes his spell, and a... somewhat less intimidating pile of rocks and sand assembles itself into something vaguely approximating a humanoid figure, sans legs. "Well," sputters the flustered young cleric, "you heard the wizard," he finishes lamely, with a gesture toward the roars of the continued combat below.

Sparing a concerned gaze toward the pit into which his older brother has just dived, Azkin hastily moves along with his mistress to stand, shoulder-to-shoulder, at its edge, visibly steeling himself in anticipation of the reemergence of the great beast.

Spoiler: Actions

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Hoping the Earth elemental can charge and attack. I'm assuming that Earth Mastery applies.

Attack: (1d20+7)[12], CC: (1d20+7)[15]
Damage: (1d6+5)[8], crit: (1d6+5)[11]

Azkin will move to a square adjacent to Lehasti that doesn't require acrobatics or anything to avoid falling into the pit.

If possible, I'd like him to ready an action to Touch of Good Lehasti for +3.

Spoiler: Stats

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Azkin
M NG Human Cleric, Level 6, Init 2, HP 34/57, Speed 30
AC 19, Touch 12, Flat-footed 17, CMD 18, Fort 9, Ref 8, Will 10, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Keen Scimitar +1 7 (1d6+3, 15-20, x2)
Dagger +1 6 (1d4+3, 19-20, x2)
Chain Shirt, Shield, Heavy Wooden (+4 Armor, +2 Shield, +2 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 19, Cha 10
Condition Prone: -4 melee atk, AC vs melee, +4 AC vs ranged
Bless (Morale): +1 atk, saves vs fear. ~6 minutes

[JWallyR]

The ringing call of a familiar, but very much unexpected voice breaks through Lehasti's fixation on the combat in her immediate vicinity, and she turns to squint into the distance. A sudden, joyful grin bursts onto the paladin's face, and she very nearly laughs as the apparition of a dragon appears in midair over the pit. In the beast's momentary absence, she digs her boots into the shallow coating of sand and dirt on the rocky ground, and readies her blade for a savage sweep, looking more as a woodcutter preparing to lay into a tree than the skilled swordswoman she is.

Spoiler: Actions

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Move back to her original position and ready an attack for when (if?) the beast reemerges. Rolls include Power Attack.

Attack: (1d20+13)[14]; CC for 2x on 31+: (1d20+13)[25]
Damage: 2d4+17[/roll] slashing, crit: (2d4+17)[23]

Spoiler: AoO?

Show

Attack: (1d20+13)[24]; CC for 2x on 31+: (1d20+13)[23]
Damage: 2d4+17[/roll] slashing, crit: (2d4+17)[20]

Spoiler: Stats

Show

Lehasti Gesmeha
F LG Human Paladin, Level 8, Init 1, HP 98/98, Speed 20
AC 19, Touch 11, Flat-footed 18, CMD 24, Fort 13, Ref 7, Will 9, CMB +14, Base Attack Bonus 8
+1/Flaming/Flaming Burst, Continual Flame Flaming Puzzle Falchion +1 +15 (2d4+7, 18-20, x2)
Flail, Heavy +13 (1d10+7, 19-20, x2)
Spiked Gauntlet +13 (1d4+5, )
Breastplate +1 (+7 Armor, +1 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 20, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 7, Cha 17
Condition Falchion is +1 today
Bless (Morale): +1 atk, saves vs fear. ~6 minutes
Power Attack: -3 melee attack, +6 (+9 2h) melee damage this rd

[Gwynfrid]

Vershab thinks he got a glimpse of the creature trashing below, but that's not enough for a shot with his enervating wand, so he uses the other one, granting flight to himself. Lehasti readies an attack, but the action is now entirely below ground.

Even though they're surrounding the behir from three sides, the combatants find it quite difficult to pierce its scaly hide. Both elementals, even though they're very much in their natural terrain, fail to make any dent in it, as does Turi. Only Natala's crocodile-headed ally manages to land a solid blow. Meanwhile, Vlarga desperately lashes at the monster's tongue, mouth, teeth, anything she can reach... This isn't her first time being about to lose a fight to the death, and she's still alive, if barely!

Natala's exchange with Vershab can be heard by everyone, and one would think it should give the ruse away. The behir, however, isn't known for cleverness, and it falls for it. It spits Vlarga out on the rocky ground, and for the first time, it speaks, its eyes fixed on the hated draconic enemy.

"COWARD! You hide under cover of your damn magic! You bring a gang of enemies to do the dirty work! Recall them, that I can fight you like a warrior!"

The beast lifts a claw above the gnoll's enlarged, prone body.

"Back off, all of you! If you don't, I will crush this one like a dirty bug!"

Vlarga is covered in blood, several large pieces of fur hanging loose from the chest and back, an eye swollen shut and the other not much better. Natala can readily see that the proud bloodrager is on the verge of collapse.

Spoiler: end of round 4

Show

Vlarga attacks with both claws (includes power attack and -2 for grappled)
(1d20+11)[26] damage (2d6+15)[23]; cc(31) (1d20+11)[20] damage (2d6+15)[23]
(1d20+11)[20] damage (2d6+15)[19]; cc(31) (1d20+11)[22] damage (2d6+15)[24]

Total damage sustained by the behir so far: 206, no longer shaken, and 5 negative levels.

The cavern is in dim light (20% miss chance). The behir and Vlarga have darkvision, so it doesn't matter to them.

The behir readied an action to strike Vlarga if anyone attacks it.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Round 5, Vershab's Status

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Vershab Fethi
Male True Neutral Human Blood Arcanist, Level 8, Init 12, HP 8/57, DR 5/- (vs. Nonlethal), Speed 30 ft.
AC 15, Touch 11, Flat-footed 14, CMD 14, Fort 4, Ref 4, Will 7, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Mage Armor (Extended, 16 Hours), Shield (+4 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 9, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 22, Wis 10, Cha 14
Condition 6/11 Arcane Reservoir Available
0/5 Grave Touch Used
Draak 25/25 HPs
Extended Mage Armor
Fly
Invisible (Round 4/5)
Dimensional Slide (25 out of 80 ft used today)
Earth Elemental Round 2/8

Here goes nothing... mutters Vershab as he flies down adjacent to Vlarga. "Get out of here, anyway you can!" he directs the gnoll as he invokes magic and she vanishes from sight!

Meanwhile, the summoned earth elemental - being unable to understand the discussions - continues its attack on the Behir, striking at the beast from below...

Spoiler: Mechanics

Show

Vershab will fly to Vlarga, staying as far from the center-mass of the behir's claw as possible, and cast Vanish on her.

Earth Elemental will continue to attack the Behir. Slam: (1d20+10)[30] to hit, (1d20+10)[23] (20/x2), (1d8+8)[10] bludgeoning damage, (1d8+8)[16] critical strike damage.

[Farmerbink]

Turi blinks in surprise when the creature speaks. He had thought (assumed, perhaps) it to be of animal intelligence or less, so the sudden demand is entirely unexpected. Still, his has been a life of rolling punches, mostly metaphorical, so he regathers his wits quickly. "Fine," he grumbles.

Scowling in irritation, he takes a cautious step backwards, keeping his eyes firmly pinned on the Behir. His blades remain in his hands, though his hands for the moment remain still.

Spoiler: Turi, round 5

Show

Turi Masakhet
Male N Human Fighter 1 / URogue 7 (Knife master), Level 8, Init 5, HP 63/88 (and 4 nonlethal), Speed 30
AC 22, Touch 16, Flat-footed 17, CMD 22, Fort 9, Ref 11, Will 7, CMB +6/+1, Base Attack Bonus 6/1
+1 Kukri x2 +13 or +11/+11/+6 (1d4+6, 18-20, x2)
Cold iron dagger +11 (1d4, 19-20, x2)
Silver dagger +11 (1d4-1, 19-20, x2)
mist form- 20% concealment Mistmail, Amulet of natural armor (+5 Armor, +5 Dex, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect, +0 Misc)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 20, Con 16, Int 11, Wis 16, Cha 8
Condition +1 dmg when flanking
sneak stab: 4d8/4d4, DEBILITATING ATTACK
+2 AC (24) vs attack with light blades
Endurance, die hard // Resiliency: 1/1
Vanish: 2/2 (CL 6)
-2 skill checks after failure
ignore first 5' of difficult terrain
poisons, potions
Escape artist R's edge
Headband of Unshakeable Resolve: 3/3

5-foot step away
readied attack to retaliate if the thing is lying:
(1d20+15)[20] (still counts flanking)
(1d20+15)[32] CC (33+)
(1d6+5)[6] damage
(1d6+5)[11] crit bonus
(4d8)[23] sneak stab- still going for AC reduction..... Watch, this is the confirmed crit, and never happens.

[SanguinePenguin]

Though in bad shape, Vlarga is hardly defenseless. Through her rage, she raises her clawed fists to her face and shifts her footing. Preparing to use the bony ridges and claws to deflect any incoming strikes she can't avoid. She steps back a few feet and shouts at the beast, "you attacked us!"

Spoiler: Vlarga actions, round 4

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I assume the "prone" was just for flair as she was never knocked down as far as I know.

Standard: Total defense
5ft step away from behir

Spoiler: Vlarga status, round 4

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Vlarga al-Lamashten
F TN Gnoll Bloodrager, Level 8, Init 1, HP (10)/100, DR 1/-, DR 5 fire,acid,cold, Speed 30 (40)
AC 23, Touch 12, Flat-footed 23, CMD 29, Fort 14, Ref 5, Will 5, CMB +16, Base Attack Bonus 8/3
PA included +2 Claws (while raging) (Bodywrap works on 2 attacks per round) +13/+13 (2d6+15 / 2d6+15, x2)
PA included Falchion +1 (while raging) +15/+7 (2d6+20, 18-20/x2)
Breastplate +3 (+9 Armor, +1 Dex, +2 Deflect, -3 Misc, +4 dodge)
Abilities Str 24, Dex 12, Con 22, Int 13, Wis 8, Cha 16
Bloodrage 17/21, Spells: 1st 2/2, 2nd 2/2
Condition Bloodraging - Claws, Enlarge person, DR, 10ft reach
bless
total defense

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

Natala watched the situation play out, frustrated the behir hadn't simply leapt at the figment. However, it did speak of a greater intelligence than she had anticipated.
She rose to her feet, wincing slightly before speaking aloud. "You ambushed this group, and claim grievance? If we intruded upon your domain, then we apologize. I suggest we call this battle a draw, least more bloodshed be spilt. Let us gather our wounded and retreat safely.

And should you required more battle, I am sure that creature can accommodate you." The dark dragon writhed and hissed, eyes fixated on the behir.

Natala kept her bow ready, but lowered as she eyed the beast. "What say you, mighty one?"

---

OOC - Okay, I'll give it a go. Diplomacy to get out of here! Diplomacy - (1d20+13)[28]

Spoiler: Actions - Rnd 5

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Spiritual ally will wait ... Natala will hold her action for now

Spoiler: Status - Rnd 5

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AC 21 HP 63/72 Init +8 Move 30
Abilities Str 14 Dex 18 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 20
Fort +6 Reflex +8 Will +9
Weapon: +1 longspear (+9/+4, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon; Shortbow +11/+6 )

Spoiler: Spells

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0: guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand, enhanced diplomacy (Unlimited)
1st: cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil (8/8)
2nd: cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity (6/7)
3rd: cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster III (6/6)
4th: cure critical wounds, spiritual ally, blessings of fervor (3/4)

Martial flexibility: 7/7 (gain 1 combat feat as swift, or two as move; lasts 1 min)
Ancestral Weapon: 8/8 (gain +1 weapon of choice, Lasts 1 min/charge)
Spirit shield: 6/7 (summon +6 mystic armor; lasts 1 hr per charge)
Blessings: 2/2 (War and Good)
Key skills: Diplomacy +13; KS History/Religion +10; Sense Motive +9; Spellcraft +9; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Featherstep Slippers : Ignore difficult terrain, take 5’ step in difficult terrain
Conditions/Effects: minor illusion (concentration +2 rounds); Ally (5 of 10 rnds); Spirit shield (+6 AC, 1 hr); Ancestral weapon (Bow, 5 of X rnds); Darkvision