Serpent's Skull [SMOOCH]

[lostsole31]

R4T30: Fronaldo is about to hold his breath against the plant spores, but doesn't feel the effects from them anymore. He gasps in terror, though, when his magic dagger turns into a snake! Fronaldo is terrified by the ordeal and instead of backing into a corner, he wants to escape the open-air courtyard. He tries to juke past the basidirond, but fails. It's okay, he is too fast to hit anyway as he zips by and out to the stairs.

R4T22: Xhanfaerd, you suddenly have shrunken to a very small height, and you stop moving, looking around so as not to get stepped on by bigger creatures!

R4T21: Book, you are still sinking in quicksand! Roll a Fort save!

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 30. Magic dagger dropped. Mutagen (30 min.).
* Affected by hallucination cloud until R9T30!!!
Xhanfaerd: 22. Blur for 5 min. 5' off map to south. Earthbreaker dropped.
* Affected by hallucination cloud until R7T22!!!
* Stance: Internal Dominion of the Sleeping Goddess ... using it at the first occasion to reroll, i.e. first failed save or first enemy attack that hits me.
Book: 21. Affected by hallucination cloud until he leaves area + 1d4 rounds thereafter. Whip dropped. PRONE!!! Must save vs. disease each round til R8T19!!!
* Basidirond Spores: Disease—inhaled; save Fort DC 16; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d2 Con damage; cure 1 save.
** CURRENT: Latent/ carrier.
Basidirond: 19. (60:77). Can't use hallucination cloud til R11T19. Current hallucination cloud will persist til R6T19. AOO used.
Aron: 9. Affected by hallucination cloud until he leaves area + 1d4 rounds thereafter. Short sword in hand.

[lostsole31]

R4T21: Book, you lead a charmed life, and for that you manage to fight off any further infection from the spores (which is minor and ineffective at this point). Unfortunately, you are still sinking in quicksand, so you spend your round flailing around trying to get out of it.

R4T19: The plant slams down at the prone Book, but there is a faint blue-white discharge of energy as the man's bracers protect him.

R4T9: Aron goes back to stabbing wildly all around her and at the ground.

End Round 4, Begin Round 5 ...

R5T30: Fronaldo, you're melting! You hold onto yourself very tightly to try to keep yourself together!

R5T22: Xhanfaerd, when you ran away from the snake, you ended up in quicksand!! You are sinking and desperately trying to get out of it!

R5T21: Book, the whip you dropped wasn't a whip! It was a SNAKE!!! You stand up out of the quicksand, but get hit in the neck with a crit for 15 and are off-balance, the snake whipping at you with its poisoned fangs, but you manage to get to your feet and bolt outside and down the stairs.

R5T19: ...?

R5T9: Aron grasps herself tightly, while she looks like she is slowly going downwards, and constantly making adjustments to not go all the way prone.

End Round 5, Begin Round 6 ...

R6T30: Fronaldo, it's bad enough being a goblin in a longshanks world, but now you've shrunk to 1/10th of your normal size! You stand completely still, worried a big predator might gobble you up!

R6T22: Xhanfaerd, you are still desperately trying to get out of the quicksand!

R6T21: Book, when the basidrond struck you in the neck, it must've closed off your airway. You are suffocating! You put your hands on your throat and try to force air through.

R6T19: ...?

R6T9: Aron screams and drops her sword, looking at it in terror. She runs - a tendril whipping after her briefly - and heads to the north.

End Round 6, Begin Round 7 ...

R7T30: Fronaldo, you hear predators coming to eat the Littler You! You run in terror, this time away from the stairs and to the north.

R7T22: Xhanfaerd, the hallucinations wear off. You are prone, your earthbreaker is nowhere to be seen. You are 5' off map to the south of the stairs, and you see a choking Book standing on the middle of the big stairs 30' north of you. You are no longer in stance. What do you do?

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 30. Magic dagger dropped. Mutagen (30 min.).
* Affected by hallucination cloud until R9T30!!!
Xhanfaerd: 22. Blur for 5 min. 5' off map to south. Earthbreaker dropped. PRONE!!!
Book: 21. Affected by hallucination cloud until he leaves area + 1d4 rounds thereafter. Whip dropped.
* Affected by hallucination cloud until R7T21!!!
Basidirond: 19. (60:77). Can't use hallucination cloud til R11T19. Current hallucination cloud will persist til R6T19.
Aron: 9. Affected by hallucination cloud until he leaves area + 1d4 rounds thereafter. Short sword dropped.
* Affected by hallucination cloud until R7T9!!!

[lostsole31]

R7T22: Standing back up, Xhanfaerd takes his stance back, and walks back toward the trouble, looking for his weapon on the way. He gets to the bottom of the stairs, looking at Book holding his throat.

Spoiler: Xhanfaerd >>> Collective

Show

"Has anyone seen my hammer?"

R7T21: Book, maybe it was Xhanfaerd standing there and mentally prodding you with a question, but the hallucinations have worn off. What do you do?

Basidirond on deck, Aron in the hole ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 30. Magic dagger dropped. Mutagen (30 min.).
* Affected by hallucination cloud until R9T30!!!
Xhanfaerd: 22. Blur for 5 min. 5' off map to south. Earthbreaker dropped.
* Stance of the whatever Goddess: reroll the first failed save.
Book: 21. Affected by hallucination cloud until he leaves area + 1d4 rounds thereafter. Whip dropped.
Basidirond: 19. (60:77). Can't use hallucination cloud til R11T19. Current hallucination cloud will persist til R6T19.
Aron: 9. Affected by hallucination cloud until he leaves area + 1d4 rounds thereafter. Short sword dropped.
* Affected by hallucination cloud until R7T9!!!

[lostsole31]

R7T21: Realizing that proximity is this creature's advantage, Book draws his sidearm and heads back. With a single move action, he stops just shy of the doors, and is unable to get a line to it.

R7T19: And then it comes out of the doors, shuffling and ambulatory in the puddle of water. It whips a tendril at Book, but the archaeologist ducks out of the way.

R7T9: Tiny Fronaldo sees an amazingly colossal-sized Aron pass him by. Whew. She looks hungry, but luckily she didn't notice him. Book sees Aron appear to the north, hugging the area of the northern wall. She has her bow in hand now. She studies the scene, and then casts a spell on herself.

End Round 7, Begin Round 8 ...

R8T30: Fronaldo, when Aron-Giant left, she took the air with her! Suddenly there is a vacuum and you are clutching at your throat, fighting for breath!

R8T22: Xhanfaerd, your earthbreaker had been dropped. What do you do?

Book on deck, Basidirond in the hole ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 30. Magic dagger dropped. Mutagen (30 min.).
* Affected by hallucination cloud until R9T30!!!
Xhanfaerd: 22. Blur for 5 min. Earthbreaker dropped.
* Stance of the whatever Goddess: reroll the first failed save.
Book: 21. Whip dropped. Pepperbox in hand.
Basidirond: 19. (60:77). Can't use hallucination cloud til R11T19.
Aron: 9. Short sword dropped. Bow in hand. Heroism for 50 min (+2 morale to attack rolls, saves, & skills).

[lostsole31]

R8T22: Xhanfaerd keeps getting closer, gathering his thoughts about that kind of plant, looking for his hammer. He gets to the top of the stairs, and sees Book engaged with the basidirond (though Book has his pepperbox in hand now). At Book's feet in the puddle is his whip, but Xhanfaerd doesn't see his earthbreaker.

R8T21: Book steps away from the creature's reach and aims his sidearm and fires, getting a medium wound that hits the basidirond's ambulation fronds at the bottom for 15 + 3 DEX.

R8T19: The basidirond still gives chase to Book, but the blow is repelled by Book's force shield.

R8T9: Aron casts a spell on an empty hand, it is now glowing with energy. She moves forward, giving a wide berth to the plant while holding her breath.

End Round 8, Begin Round 9 ...

R9T30: Fronaldo, you realize you are not actually inches tall, but your normal height. The hallucinogen has worn off. What do you do?

Xhanfaerd on deck, Book in the hole ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 30. Magic dagger dropped. Mutagen (30 min.).
Xhanfaerd: 22. Blur for 5 min. Earthbreaker dropped. Holding Breath (26).
* Stance of the whatever Goddess: reroll the first failed save.
Book: 21. Whip dropped.
Basidirond: 19. (45:77, 10:13 DEX). Can't use hallucination cloud til R11T19. Speed reduced by half (10' speed).
Aron: 9. Short sword dropped. Bow in hand. Heroism for 50 min (+2 morale to attack rolls, saves, & skills). CSW held on hand. Breath held (25).

[lostsole31]

R9T30: Fronaldo shakes head to clear the last of the lingering effects of the plant creature’s drug. He hurries back to the main hall, pulling out a dagger as he goes. He moves 20'. He doesn't get to within 20', but he does see his companions.

R9T22: Xhanfaerd, you are right behind Book. No earthbreaker in sight. You are holding your breath. What do you do?

Book on deck, Basidirond in the hole ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 30. Magic dagger dropped. Mutagen (30 min.). Normal dagger in hand.
Xhanfaerd: 22. Blur for 5 min. Earthbreaker dropped. Holding Breath (26).
* Stance of the whatever Goddess: reroll the first failed save.
Book: 21. Whip dropped. Pepperbox in hand.
Basidirond: 19. (45:77, 10:13 DEX). Can't use hallucination cloud til R11T19. Speed reduced by half (10' speed).
Aron: 9. Short sword dropped. Bow in hand. Heroism for 50 min (+2 morale to attack rolls, saves, & skills). CSW held on hand. Breath held (25).

[lostsole31]

R9T22: Xhanfaerd circles around the plant, staying at range, trying to get to the place where he stood before dropping his hammer. He is now at the doorway. He doesn't readily see his earthbreaker, but there is standing water and vegetation. He may need to actually look for it (MA for Perception check next round).

R9T21: Book, what do you do?

Basidirond on deck, Aron in the hole ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 30. Magic dagger dropped. Mutagen (30 min.). Normal dagger in hand.
Xhanfaerd: 22. Blur for 5 min. Earthbreaker dropped. Holding Breath (24).
* Stance of the whatever Goddess: reroll the first failed save.
Book: 21. Whip dropped. Pepperbox in hand.
Basidirond: 19. (45:77, 10:13 DEX). Can't use hallucination cloud til R11T19. Speed reduced by half (10' speed).
Aron: 9. Short sword dropped. Bow in hand. Heroism for 50 min (+2 morale to attack rolls, saves, & skills). CSW held on hand. Breath held (25).

[lostsole31]

R9T21: Book once again moves away from the creature and takes aim with his sidearm and squeezes off a shot. The thing tries to smack at him, but fails as Book's perfect aim hits it square in the center of mass to have it reeling with a crit for 24 + [-2 penalty to AC for short duration]!

R9T19: The plant shuffles along, not that it needed to, and swings a frond at Book, who in turn easily dodges away and to the top of the stairs.

R9T9: Aron, still holding her breath, moves up to Book and touches him, discharging the spell into Book for 16 healing.

End Round 9, Begin Round 10 ...

R10T30: Fronaldo, what do you do?

Xhanfaerd on deck, Book in the hole ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 30. Magic dagger dropped. Mutagen (30 min.). Normal dagger in hand.
Xhanfaerd: 22. Blur for 5 min. Earthbreaker dropped. Holding Breath (24).
* Stance of the whatever Goddess: reroll the first failed save.
Book: 21. Whip dropped. Pepperbox in hand. No SwA this coming round.
Basidirond: 19. (21:77, 10:13 DEX). Can't use hallucination cloud til R11T19. Speed reduced by half (10' speed). -2 penalty til R12T21.
Aron: 9. Short sword dropped. Bow in hand. Heroism for 50 min (+2 morale to attack rolls, saves, & skills). Breath held (23).

[lostsole31]

R10T30: Fronaldo shuffles southward holding his breath. He tosses his dagger at the plant thing, hitting it for 13.

R10T22: Xhanfaerd, what do you do?

Book on deck, Basidirond in the hole ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 30. Magic dagger dropped. Mutagen (30 min.). Normal dagger in hand. Holding Breath (30).
Xhanfaerd: 22. Blur for 5 min. Earthbreaker dropped. Holding Breath (24).
* Stance of the whatever Goddess: reroll the first failed save.
Book: 21. Whip dropped. Pepperbox in hand. No SwA this coming round.
Basidirond: 19. (8:77, 10:13 DEX). Can't use hallucination cloud til R11T19. Speed reduced by half (10' speed). -2 penalty til R12T21.
Aron: 9. Short sword dropped. Bow in hand. Heroism for 50 min (+2 morale to attack rolls, saves, & skills). Breath held (23).

[lostsole31]

R10T22: Xhanfaerd looks around, and actually sees his earthbreaker in reach in a deep puddle and partially obscured by vegetation. He reaches down and picks it up.

R10T21: Book, what do you do? You have no SwA available this round.

Basidirond on deck, Aron in the hole ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 30. Magic dagger dropped. Mutagen (30 min.). Normal dagger in hand. Holding Breath (30).
Xhanfaerd: 22. Blur for 5 min. Earthbreaker in hand. Holding Breath (22).
* Stance of the whatever Goddess: reroll the first failed save.
Book: 21. Whip dropped. Pepperbox in hand. No SwA this coming round.
Basidirond: 19. (8:77, 10:13 DEX). Can't use hallucination cloud til R11T19. Speed reduced by half (10' speed). -2 penalty til R12T21.
Aron: 9. Short sword dropped. Bow in hand. Heroism for 50 min (+2 morale to attack rolls, saves, & skills). Breath held (23).

[lostsole31]

R10T21: Book moves to the east so he doesn't accidentally hit the lil green guy and then lines up and fires again, hitting the thing for 8, it seems to be moving really slowly now.

R10T19: The plant stumbles towards Book, swinging wildly before flopping forward. Some type of sap slowly oozing from its wounds.

Aron moves forward, stabbing it, and likely the rest of you will likewise make sure the thing will cause no more problems.

Combat Ends ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 30. Magic dagger dropped. Mutagen (30 min.). Normal dagger in hand. Holding Breath (30).
Xhanfaerd: 22. Blur for 5 min. Earthbreaker in hand. Holding Breath (22).
* Stance of the whatever Goddess: reroll the first failed save.
Book: 21. Whip dropped. Pepperbox in hand. No SwA this coming round.
Basidirond: 19. (0:77, 10:13 DEX). Can't use hallucination cloud til R11T19. Speed reduced by half (10' speed). -2 penalty til R12T21.
Aron: 9. Short sword dropped. Bow in hand. Heroism for 50 min (+2 morale to attack rolls, saves, & skills). Breath held (23).

[lostsole31]

Administrative Tracking ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 30. Magic dagger in hand.
Xhanfaerd: 22. Earthbreaker in hand.
Book: 21.
Aron: 9.

[lostsole31]

As Fronaldo is standing in front of the idol that is second from the east...

Book, you feel something odd from that easternmost statue, almost like it moved faintly. What do you do?

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 26. Magic dagger in hand. SURPRISED!!!
Book: 25. Only notices eastern idol moving.
Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (36:36). Stealth 22.
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand. SURPRISED!!!
Azlanti Idol (Blue): 13. (36:36). Stealth 29.
Aron: 12. She noticed Brown and Green idols moving.
Azlanti Idol (Red): 9. (36:36). Stealth 27.
Azlanti Idol (Brown): 8. (36:36). Stealth 18.

[lostsole31]

Surprise Round ...

S25: Book draws his whip, hops down the edge of the steps, and moves cautiously towards the eastern statue. "I got a bad feeling about this... I think that statue on the east end moved..."

S16: The lights coming from the second from the east glow and strobe and send out colors that spread out to a riot of kaleidoscopic visual noise above Book and Fronaldo.

Book, and Fronaldo .... roll Will saves. I will look at your sheets to determine if anything applies.

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 26. Magic dagger in hand.
Book: 25. Dodging panache if needed!
Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (36:36).
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand. SURPRISED!!!
Azlanti Idol (Blue): 13. (36:36). Stealth 29.
Aron: 12. She noticed Brown and Green idols moving.
Azlanti Idol (Red): 9. (36:36). Stealth 27.
Azlanti Idol (Brown): 8. (36:36). Stealth 18.

[lostsole31]

The lights strobe and flicker and change color and pulse ...

it is quite a bit of mental effort, but Book is too damn charming to be fascinated by anyone or anything else. He's the one that fascinates others!

Meanwhile, Fronaldo goes completely slack-jawed with a "wow" expression at the pretty-pretty ancient idol.

S13: The idol that is second from the west turns slightly and pulses lights like the other one did, with colors and a clamorous lighting now filling the upper landing and stairs where Xhanfaerd and Aron are standing, but low enough of a medium airburst to catch Book again.

Xhanfaerd, roll a Will save. You are surprised and all stances dropped at initiative, so you are unable to use any type of stopgap or counter...

Book, roll a Will save...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 26. Magic dagger in hand. FASCINATED by hypnotic pattern!!!
Book: 25. Dodging panache if needed!
Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern (max 15 HD)!!!
* Book saved, Fronaldo failed.
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand. SURPRISED!!!
Azlanti Idol (Blue): 13. (36:36). Stealth 29.
Aron: 12. She noticed Brown and Green idols moving.
Azlanti Idol (Red): 9. (36:36). Stealth 27.
Azlanti Idol (Brown): 8. (36:36). Stealth 18.

[lostsole31]

S13: Book and Xhanfaerd (and Aron) all manage to resist the pretty, pretty lights.

S12: Aron moves down farther on the stairs. Through Xhanfaer's collective, she states...

Spoiler: Aron >>> Collective

Show

"These are ancient idols, probably Azlanti idols. They're constructs, but small. They usually follow upthat hypnotic pattern effect with some kind of suggestive powers on anyone fascinated. Even as teensy constructs, they are usually harder to destroy than most expect. Immune to cold, electricity, fire, & sonic."

S9-8: Both of the remaining idols do as the others, and wash over Aron ... and Book and Xhanfaerd ... with a riot of colors.

Book and Xhanfaerd ... another set of surprise round Will saves, please.

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 26. Magic dagger in hand. FASCINATED by hypnotic pattern!!!
Book: 25. Dodging panache if needed!
Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern (max 15 HD)!!!
* Book saved, Fronaldo failed.
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand. SURPRISED!!!
Azlanti Idol (Blue): 13. (36:36). Aron, Book, & Xhanfaerd saved.
Aron: 12.
Azlanti Idol (Red): 9. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern (max 15 HD)!!!
Azlanti Idol (Brown): 8. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern (max 15 HD)!!!

[lostsole31]

And now, Book is entranced by the pretty, pretty lights.

Round One Begins ...

R1T26-25: Fronaldo and Book are fascinated.

R1T16: The flashing lights affect Fronaldo, and it is almost as if he hears a voice saying something.

Spoiler: Fronaldo

Show

You hear a voice say to you in your mind, "Go back to your homeland."

Fronaldo, roll a Will save!

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Fronaldo: 26. Magic dagger in hand. FASCINATED by hypnotic pattern!!! DELAYING!!!
Book: 25. FASCINATED by hypnotic pattern!!! DELAYING!!!
Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern!!!
* Book saved, Fronaldo failed.
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand.
Azlanti Idol (Blue): 13. (36:36). Aron, Book, & Xhanfaerd saved.
Aron: 12.
Azlanti Idol (Red): 9. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern!!!
Azlanti Idol (Brown): 8. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern!!!

[lostsole31]

R1T16: “Pretty lights…”says Fronaldo vacuously before turning tail and zooming up the western set of stairs.

R1T14: Xhanfaerd, what do you do? It appears that Fronaldo is wisely opening datum from these "Azlanti idols." (Wisely, because you have assessed that Fronaldo is particularly prone to mental effects and suggestion.)

Blue idol on deck, Aron in the hole ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Book: 25. FASCINATED by hypnotic pattern!!! DELAYING!!!
Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern!!!
Fronaldo: 15. Magic dagger in hand. FASCINATED by hypnotic pattern!!! Following SUGGESTION to go home (lasts 1 hour).
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand.
Azlanti Idol (Blue): 13. (36:36). Aron, Book, & Xhanfaerd saved.
Aron: 12.
Azlanti Idol (Red): 9. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern!!!
Azlanti Idol (Brown): 8. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern!!!

[lostsole31]

R1T14: Taking his mental stance, Xhanfaerd advances, earthbreaker in hand, getting to the landing, and casts haste on himself.

R1T13: Mental energy of some sort hits Xhanfaerd, trying to lock down his body by way of his mind.

Xhanfaerd, roll a Will save ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Book: 25. FASCINATED by hypnotic pattern!!! DELAYING!!!
Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern (Fronaldo failed against it).
Fronaldo: 15. Magic dagger in hand. FASCINATED by hypnotic pattern!!! Following SUGGESTION to go home (lasts 1 hour).
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand. Haste til R7T14.
* IF/THEN: I'll redirect damage on allies to myself with Martyrdom, and I'll initiate body of delusion to halve the first damage of more than 15, spending focus if appropriate to apply it to an ally.
Azlanti Idol (Blue): 13. (36:36).
Aron: 12.
Azlanti Idol (Red): 9. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern!!!
Azlanti Idol (Brown): 8. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern (Book failed against it).

[lostsole31]

R1T13: Xhanfaerd has to really dig in, using the power of his stance to protect him, but he finally throws off the attempt to mentally paralyze him. An idol (blue) flies towards Xhanfaerd.

R1T12: Aron moves down past Xhanfaerd and onto the lower set of stairs, taking out her short sword. But instead of stabbing at stone with pointy metal (which in her case would be foolish), she begins dancing. It isn't an inspiring dance to help Xhanfaerd be sharper in battle. Rather it is, shall we say .... a bit .... distracting.

Book, roll a Will save. But instead of your normal Will save, use a total of a +16 modifier!

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Book: 25. FASCINATED by hypnotic pattern!!! DELAYING!!!
Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern (Fronaldo failed against it).
Fronaldo: 15. Magic dagger in hand. FASCINATED by hypnotic pattern!!! Following SUGGESTION to go home (lasts 1 hour).
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand. Haste til R7T14.
* IF/THEN: I'll redirect damage on allies to myself with Martyrdom, and I'll initiate body of delusion to halve the first damage of more than 15, spending focus if appropriate to apply it to an ally.
Azlanti Idol (Blue): 13. (36:36).
Aron: 12. Using Distraction to bring Book out of fascination.
Azlanti Idol (Red): 9. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern!!!
Azlanti Idol (Brown): 8. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern (Book failed against it).

[lostsole31]

R1T11: Book, you were effectively delaying while fascinated. Aron's dance has, uh, made you sweat some and if you have a collar, you're pulling at it. But it is enough to knock you out of your fascination. What do you do?

Red and Brown idols on deck/in the hole ....

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern (Fronaldo failed against it).
Fronaldo: 15. Magic dagger in hand. FASCINATED by hypnotic pattern!!! Following SUGGESTION to go home (lasts 1 hour).
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand. Haste til R7T14.
* IF/THEN: I'll redirect damage on allies to myself with Martyrdom, and I'll initiate body of delusion to halve the first damage of more than 15, spending focus if appropriate to apply it to an ally.
Azlanti Idol (Blue): 13. (36:36).
Aron: 12. Using Distraction to bring Book out of fascination.
Book: 11.
Azlanti Idol (Red): 9. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern!!!
Azlanti Idol (Brown): 8. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern (Book failed against it).

[lostsole31]

R1T11: Book swings back with his arm. His whip lashes out towards the idol in front of him. While his aim is perfect, he realizes this tactic just won't work on these things.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

These things are size "Diminutive" .... smaller than Tiny. So, basically a few inches high ... significantly smaller than even a housecat, so there's no real means to wrap around.

Second, the thing is animate .... it is a "creature" ... not an "object."

R1T9-8: Red doesn't really seem to move much at all but to turn towards Aron and Xhanfaerd. Brown, on the other hand, seems to turn towards Book.

Book, roll a Will save!

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (36:36).
Fronaldo: 15. Magic dagger in hand. FASCINATED by hypnotic pattern!!! Following SUGGESTION to go home (lasts 1 hour).
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand. Haste til R7T14.
* IF/THEN: I'll redirect damage on allies to myself with Martyrdom, and I'll initiate body of delusion to halve the first damage of more than 15, spending focus if appropriate to apply it to an ally.
Azlanti Idol (Blue): 13. (36:36).
Aron: 12. HELD by hold person (DC 14) til R6T9!!!
Book: 11. Use Dodging Panache if attacked!
Azlanti Idol (Red): 9. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern!!!
Azlanti Idol (Brown): 8. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern (Book failed against it).

[lostsole31]

R1T8: It isn't an easy fight, but Book manages to barely throw off onerous attempt to shut his body down through his mind.

End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T16: The Green idol likewise tries to shut down Book.

Book, roll a Will save!

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (36:36).
Fronaldo: 15. Magic dagger in hand. FASCINATED by hypnotic pattern!!! Following SUGGESTION to go home (lasts 1 hour).
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand. Haste til R7T14.
* IF/THEN: I'll redirect damage on allies to myself with Martyrdom, and I'll initiate body of delusion to halve the first damage of more than 15, spending focus if appropriate to apply it to an ally.
Azlanti Idol (Blue): 13. (36:36).
Aron: 12. HELD by hold person (DC 14) til R6T9!!!
Book: 11. Use Dodging Panache if attacked!
Azlanti Idol (Red): 9. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern!!!
Azlanti Idol (Brown): 8. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern (Book failed against it).

[lostsole31]

R2T16: Once again, Book resists the mental paralysis, but far more easily this time as he knows what to expect.

R2T15: Fronaldo gets to the top of the western stairway and opens the door.

R2T14: Xhanfaerd, what do you do?

Blue on deck, Aron (held) in the hole ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (36:36).
Fronaldo: 15. Magic dagger in hand. FASCINATED by hypnotic pattern!!! Following SUGGESTION to go home (lasts 1 hour).
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand. Haste til R7T14.
* IF/THEN: I'll redirect damage on allies to myself with Martyrdom, and I'll initiate body of delusion to halve the first damage of more than 15, spending focus if appropriate to apply it to an ally.
Azlanti Idol (Blue): 13. (36:36).
Aron: 12. HELD by hold person (DC 14) til R6T9!!!
Book: 11. Use Dodging Panache if attacked!
Azlanti Idol (Red): 9. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern!!!
Azlanti Idol (Brown): 8. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern (Book failed against it).

[lostsole31]

R2T14: Since one of the idols went close, Xhanfaerd attempts to hit it with his harmony breaking hammer, striking it soundly for 6 mod.

R2T13: Blue steps down into Aron's square, slamming her with its teensy fist for a surprising 7.

R2T12: Aron throws off the mental paralysis. She steps out of the color field to stand next to Xhanfaerd, and begins to dance again. This time, the dance is more energetic, filling Xhanfaerd and Book with courage.

R2T11: Book, now that you know these creatures are too squirrely to just snap up with your whip. What do you do?

Idols on deck and in the hole ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

INSPIRE COURAGE: +2 morale bonus saves vs charm and fear effects, and +2 competence on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (36:36).
Fronaldo: 15. Magic dagger in hand. FASCINATED by hypnotic pattern!!! Following SUGGESTION to go home (lasts 1 hour).
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand. Haste til R7T14.
* IF/THEN: I'll redirect damage on allies to myself with Martyrdom, and I'll initiate body of delusion to halve the first damage of more than 15, spending focus if appropriate to apply it to an ally.
Azlanti Idol (Blue): 13. (30:36). RS.
Aron: 12. Inspire Courage!
Book: 11. Use Dodging Panache if attacked!
Azlanti Idol (Red): 9. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern!!!
Azlanti Idol (Brown): 8. (36:36). Concentrating on hypnotic pattern (Book failed against it).

[lostsole31]

R2T11: "Alright, fine..." Book says, steps back and reaches out with his whip again... This time to hit. His whip snaps and a chunk of the idol is struck off for 9 mod.

R2T9-8: Some of the sparkly, distracting lights begin to wink out. Red flies off of its podium and up the stairs to go into Aron's space. Xhanfaerd hits it for 13 mod, but Aron doesn't land a solid enough blow. The idol's tiny fist hits Aron in her left shoulder, but she seems unharmed by it. Brown, meanwhile, doesn't follow Book. There is a feeling of dread that momentarily washes over Book, but he manages to ignore it.

End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T16: Green doesn't move, either, and Book feels the same feelings of dread, but this time, he just can't resist the onslaught. Book is now afraid. Perhaps not necessarily of the idols themselves, but that his trespass in this place does not go unnoticed ... and will not go unpunished.

R3T15: Fronaldo, realizing he is making poor time, pops an extract and then zooms into the hallway above.

R3T14: Xhanfaerd, what do you do?

Blue on deck, Aron in the hole ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

INSPIRE COURAGE: +2 morale bonus saves vs charm and fear effects, and +2 competence on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (36:36).
Fronaldo: 15. Magic dagger in hand. Following SUGGESTION to go home (lasts 1 hour). Expeditious retreat.
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand. Haste til R7T14.
* IF/THEN: I'll redirect damage on allies to myself with Martyrdom, and I'll initiate body of delusion to halve the first damage of more than 15, spending focus if appropriate to apply it to an ally.
Azlanti Idol (Blue): 13. (30:36). RS.
Aron: 12. Inspire Courage!
Book: 11. Use Dodging Panache if attacked! SHAKEN for 5 minutes!!!
Azlanti Idol (Red): 9. (23:36).
Azlanti Idol (Brown): 8. (27:36).

[lostsole31]

R3T14: Xhanfaerd keeps smashing the blue idol, his hammer shining this time, pounding the thing for 28 mod, and noticing that Aron doesn't need any healing.

R3T13: The blue idol closes on Xhanfaerd, but gets smashed into rubble in trying to do so. But as soon as that happens, lights are given off by the idol. The floating lights swirl around and split apart and flow into Xhanfaerd, Book, and Aronnahar ... giving each of them insight into how to open the Pillars of Light on the upper level of the ziggurat.

R3T12: Aron continues to dance for inspiration to self and others.

Spoiler: Aron >>> Collective

Show

"That's it! These idols are keepers of secrets. Destroying them release those secrets!"

She steps down the stairs and then thrusts up, her sword smacking against the idol.

R3T11: Book, you hear that brute force is the key not only to smashing the idols, but also to the Pillars of Light above that stymied the party a couple days ago. What do you do?

Idols on deck and in the hole ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

INSPIRE COURAGE: +2 morale bonus saves vs charm and fear effects, and +2 competence on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (36:36).
Fronaldo: 15. Magic dagger in hand. Following SUGGESTION to go home (lasts 1 hour). Expeditious retreat.
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand. Haste til R7T14.
* IF/THEN: I'll redirect damage on allies to myself with Martyrdom, and I'll initiate body of delusion to halve the first damage of more than 15, spending focus if appropriate to apply it to an ally.
Aron: 12. Inspire Courage!
Book: 11. Use Dodging Panache if attacked! SHAKEN for 5 minutes!!!
Azlanti Idol (Red): 9. (23:36).
Azlanti Idol (Brown): 8. (27:36).

DESTROYED
Azlanti idol (1).

[lostsole31]

R3T11: Book once again swipes out with his whip at the idol in front of him, cracking it soundly for 19 mod.

Spoiler: Crit Bonus, Hack & Slash

Show

All of your critical threats against that target gain a +3 bonus to Severity Checks for the next three rounds.

R3T9-8: The last of the phantasmagoric colors wink out of view. Red steps into Aron's square to swing at her, but they miss each other. Brown likewise flies towards Book, but Book catches his whip around the thing and using its momentum against it, swings it into the wall where it is then destroyed. Brown's destruction, like Blue's releases light that infuses the three heroes with more knowledge of the working of the Pillars of Light.

End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ...

R4T16: Green then flies towards Book, but Book is incredibly agile and cracks that one for 9 mod. It still gets close to Book, though and swings at him.

R4T14: Xhanfaerd, you are hasted. What do you do?

Aron on deck, Book in the hole ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

INSPIRE COURAGE: +2 morale bonus saves vs charm and fear effects, and +2 competence on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (27:36).
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand. Haste til R7T14.
* IF/THEN: I'll redirect damage on allies to myself with Martyrdom, and I'll initiate body of delusion to halve the first damage of more than 15, spending focus if appropriate to apply it to an ally.
Aron: 12. Inspire Courage!
Book: 11. Use Dodging Panache if attacked! SHAKEN for 5 minutes!!! AOO used.
Azlanti Idol (Red): 9. (23:36).

Fronaldo: 15. Magic dagger in hand. Following SUGGESTION to go home (lasts 1 hour). Expeditious retreat. Well off-map.

DESTROYED
Azlanti idol (2).

[lostsole31]

R4T14: Faced once again with creatures resilient to parts of his arsenal, Xhanfaerd attempts to smash it at full speed. The first hits for 14 mod, the second for 7 mod, and the final just barely tags it ... but that's enough to destroy it .... releasing another light show and infusing the three heroes with more intuitive information regarding the Pillars of Light.

R4T12: Aron continues her inspiring dance. She goes over to help Book, but her short sword doesn't penetrate the last idol's stone.

R4T11: Book, the thing is in your square with you. What do you do?

Green idol on deck, Xhanfaerd in the hole ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

INSPIRE COURAGE: +2 morale bonus saves vs charm and fear effects, and +2 competence on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (27:36).
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand. Haste til R7T14.
* IF/THEN: I'll redirect damage on allies to myself with Martyrdom, and I'll initiate body of delusion to halve the first damage of more than 15, spending focus if appropriate to apply it to an ally.
Aron: 12. Inspire Courage! RS.
Book: 11. Use Dodging Panache if attacked! SHAKEN for 5 minutes!!! AOO used.

Fronaldo: 15. Magic dagger in hand. Following SUGGESTION to go home (lasts 1 hour). Expeditious retreat. Well off-map.

DESTROYED
Azlanti idol (3).

[lostsole31]

R4T11: Book steps to the east and attacks the wee idol again with his whip, but despite Aron's performance, the overall existential dread that Book feels diminishes his power and he is unable to penetrate the creature's stony hide.

End Round 4, Begin Round 5 ...

R5T16: The idol stands there, seemingly doing nothing, though still in a guarded stance.

R5T14: Xhanfaerd, what do you do?

Aron on deck, Book in the hole ...

Spoiler: Battle Tracker

Show

INSPIRE COURAGE: +2 morale bonus saves vs charm and fear effects, and +2 competence on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Azlanti Idol (Green): 16. (27:36).
Xhanfaerd: 14. Earthbreaker in hand. Haste til R7T14.
* IF/THEN: I'll redirect damage on allies to myself with Martyrdom, and I'll initiate body of delusion to halve the first damage of more than 15, spending focus if appropriate to apply it to an ally.
Aron: 12. Inspire Courage! RS.
Book: 11. Use Dodging Panache if attacked! SHAKEN for 5 minutes!!! AOO used.

Fronaldo: 15. Magic dagger in hand. Following SUGGESTION to go home (lasts 1 hour). Expeditious retreat. Well off-map.

DESTROYED
Azlanti idol (3).