Ruins of Azlant IC 2

[u-b]

You descend down the well and then swim through the narrow tunnel underwater. Those without the ability to breathe water it is a somewhat unnerving experience. Doubly so for those unable to see in the dark. Eventually you all gather yourselves together where the tunnel emerges from the water. Unless you make some light, some of you will be unable to see anything, but otherwise, Lightburn is ready to lead the way. Or something...

Spoiler

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You are at the lower right, the rear guards being still some way in the water.

[DarkOne-Rob]

From his spot near the end Henri continues to prod and encourage everyone in front until everyone has their head above the water line. Once he's confident all can breath he whispers, "Can anyone make a light? Everything is wet, so no torches..."

[Farmerbink]

Jessica frowns, sheepishly. "Uh, not directly. I could summon a small being of fire, however. That would be... uhhh, short-lived, but bright. And it could surely dry out a torch enough to light it?" she offers, in a manner she hopes is helpful.

[DaOldeWolf]

From his spot near the end Henri continues to prod and encourage everyone in front until everyone has their head above the water line. Once he's confident all can breath he whispers, "Can anyone make a light? Everything is wet, so no torches..."

Hewitt remembers he can actually do something about it. He takes one of the gems that he received from Lightburn from his first travel. He then casts a spell on the crystal to make it glow with light. "This should last for 30 minutes. " He then passes it to Henri.

Spoiler: OOC

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Casting light on one of the crystals that Lightburn obtained.

[farothel]

Laurelata is glad there is some light. She can see quite well in low light, but low light still means some light. Now they were above the water, she took the bowstring she had packed in a watertight package and put it on her bow so she was ready to shoot again. Then she made the ok sign so they could move on, whoever was at the front.

[u-b]

And so, there was light. And there was an option to boldly go forth and shine it all around. And there were other options, which might or might not have crossed your minds.

Spoiler

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If you bunch just move forward shining the light, I want perception rolls from everyone.

[Farmerbink]

Jessica ponders briefly before turning to her companions. "Let's set up an ambush," she whispers. "Laurelata and maybe Henri can go in with torches, pretending to be explorers. When they get the choker's attention, they come back out where we can attack from multiple sides?"

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Don't chokers prefer ambushes, with prey spread out? They know these caves - we should stay close," says Henri as he gently disagrees with Jessica. "Everyone should light something, so we can all see. Then we go slowly with at least one of us watching everyone else..." It's more words at once than he usually prefers, but its clear Henri doesn't like the idea of one of the party suffering a surprising, choking attack from the long-limbed monstrous humanoids...

[DaOldeWolf]

Hewitt decides to hear from the experts about the situation. "I´ll gladly cast my spell again. Can each of you lend me an object? It will be faster that way." Hewitt whispers to the rest.

[u-b]

With lights up you move forward as one dense group. You turn left at the fork and then walk a twisty passage until you stop in a wider section of the cave. Its irregular walls open to dark spaces. Besides a couple of large boulders, a suspicious-looking pile of bones sits in the center of the floor, while the faint scent of blood and viscera has almost - but not quite - faded away. Two dead goats lie here still in recognizable shape, and there are fresh remains of, presumably, the rest. You don't see any chokers around, but there are shrieks coming from a passage to the south-south-west.

[Farmerbink]

"Well, if we had any doubts," Jessica murmurs, glancing awry at the goat carcasses. She glances around at her companions, uneasy despite her glaive and their own weapons bared. "Let's just be careful," she whispers, as she turns her attention to the ceiling.

Spoiler: OOC

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(1d20+2)[16] perception

[u-b]

The ceiling of the cave was... somewhat high, particularly uneven, and apparently devoid of any signs of sizeable life. But there were what seems to be crystal formations and enough moisture to sustain smaller lifeforms.

[SanguinePenguin]

Taz frowns at the mutilated goats. She thought back to her previous encounter with the choker that nearly killed Marius. ”Sounds will carry easily along these natural stone walls. If they know we are here, they will like try to ambush us,” she whispers.

[DaOldeWolf]

Hewitt and Lightburn keep watching around. Lighburn being mostly centered on the front and Hewitt ocasionally checking behind the party. Both having darkvision allowed them to be able to see in the dark. They probably were the ones that were the most prepared for this kind of enviroment.

[farothel]

Laurelata let Hewitt cast light on her beltpouch. She had it on her belt, so she had light without needing her hands. And putting her shirt over it could block most of the light should it be needed.

She kept at the back, bow ready. In this environment the chance of man-made traps were very limited, so it wasn't needed for her to scout ahead. She did keep on the lookout, with the light now going. She did wonder what the shrieking was, but with elven patience she was sure that she would find out in due course.

Spoiler: OOC rolls

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perception: (1d20+9)[18]

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Alright - they'll try to surprise us. Let's keep looking. Follow me," says Henri purposefully as he glances up overhead briefly and then walks towards the sounds of the screams from a moment ago...

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Perception modifier is +9 - Henri will be moving slowly enough to make checks every round until he finds either a trap or an enemy. He'd like to lead the party to investigate whatever screamed, but he's not moving fast enough to get more than ten feet away from anyone else.

If you want a series of dice rolls for Henri's Perception checks: (1d20+9)[14], (1d20+9)[26], (1d20+9)[24], (1d20+9)[26], (1d20+9)[17], (1d20+9)[26], (1d20+9)[10], (1d20+9)[14], (1d20+9)[10]

[u-b]

The large sections of the cave that you are in seems to be unoccupied by anything alive that would be large enough to warrant interest. You follow the shrieks, which, actually, are not prolonged, so you walk into what is sure to be either an ambush or another deserted room. It turns out to be the former. Lightburn warns of that much. No side is in any way surprised, and everyboby is totally ready to fight, but still some blows will be dealt before the others...

Spoiler

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Young chokers: (1d20+8)[28]
Lightburn: (1d20+2)[22]
Henri: (1d20+1)[15]
Adult chokers: (1d20+6)[11]

=> Henri, Lightburn (any order) and then everyone who can beat an 11

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Henri's Status, Round 1

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Henri (no last name)
Male True Neutral Half-Orc Ranger (Wild Stalker), Level 3, Init 1, HP 30/30, Speed 20 ft
AC 18, Touch 11, Flat-footed 17, CMD 18, Fort 7, Ref 6, Will 5, CMB +7, Base Attack Bonus 3
Greataxe +6 (1d12+9, 20/x3)
Breastplate (+6 Armor, +1 Dex, +1 Natural)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 7
Condition Power Attack

"Found them! To arms!" says Henri, his voice booming in the caves as he speaks up to be heard by his allies. "Lots of them here
- little ones behind!"

Spoiler: Mechanics

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5-ft step to P29, activate Power Attack, and strike at the adult choker adjacent: Greataxe (1d20+6)[8] to hit, (1d20+6)[21] (20/x3), (1d12+9)[21] slashing damage, (2d12+18)[24] critical strike damage

[farothel]

As soon as Henri shouted out, Laurelata moved up to where he was and seeing the big ones, she shot the second one so as not to hit Henri by accident.

Spoiler: OOC round 1

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move to where Henri is on the map (he moved away)
shoot at the second choker: (1d20+6)[12] for damage: (1d8+1)[6] ((2d6)[4] extra holy damage if evil, and (2d6)[8] extra damage for sneak attack)

[DaOldeWolf]

Lightburn jumps into action. He attacks one of the bigger ones with its receiving jaws. Hewitt remians in the back keeping watch of any enemies that might try to ambush from behind.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Attack: (1d20+5)[23]
Bite Damage: (1d6+2)[6]

[SanguinePenguin]

Taz moves into to the room, pulls enough energy from her power source that she starts dripping, and then launches a jet of water at the nearest choker.

Spoiler: Taz, Round 1

Show

Free: add one point of burn - +1/+2 to att/dam of blast, also +5 cold resist.
Move: to Q30
Standard: water blast on the choker
Attack: (1d20+6)[18]
Damage: (2d6+9)[13]

Spoiler: Taz stats

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Tazmara Stonesong
F NG Dwarf Kineticist (Aquakineticist), Level 3, Init 2, HP 33/33 (NL 3), DR Cold/pressure - 6 (1), Speed 20 / 20 (swim)
AC 15, Touch 12, Flat-footed 13, CMD 14, Fort 7, Ref 6, Will 2, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 2
PBS Water Blast +6 (2d6+9, x2)
Dagger +3 (+4 thrown) (1d4+2, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Pick +3 (1d6+1, x4)
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 14, Con 19, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8
Condition Burn 1
Having a swim speed grants a +8 bonus on some swim checks (most others are not needed)

[u-b]

Most of you rush in, trying to attack the nearest choker. That does not go too well: Henri hits the cave wall as he swings his greataxe and together with Lightburn they block the clear shot for Laurelata and Taz. Lightburn manages to get a solid chunk of the choker's leg for 6 damage, but by that time the blows start coming your way...

The wounded choker does his best to get the man with the axe. His best is, in fact, good enough, as he lands both hits on Henri's neck, for 7 and 5 damage, and holds onto the man. The other choker makes a bit of a detour to reach Tazmara and also gets a hold of the targeted neck after hitting it for 5 damage. The choker kids squeal with joy at their parents' success and rish forward before one another to get a hold on the "dog". One is able to both reach the "dog" and grab it, dealing just 3 damage in process, but right behind him there are more incoming...

Spoiler

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Choker vs Henri: (1d20+6)[25] for (1d4+3)[7] grab (1d20+8)[27]
Choker vs Henri: (1d20+6)[24] for (1d4+3)[5] grab (1d20+8)[9]
Choker vs Taz: (1d20+6)[15] for (1d4+3)[5] grab (1d20+8)[28]
Choker kid vs Lightburn: (1d20+5)[20] for (1d3+1)[3] grab (1d20+4)[18]
Choker kid vs Lightburn: (1d20+5)[9] for (1d3+1)[3] grab (1d20+4)[22]

Henri, Tazmara and Lightburn are grappled.

=> Party (everyone, any order)

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Henri's Status, Round 2

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Henri (no last name)
Male True Neutral Half-Orc Ranger (Wild Stalker), Level 3, Init -1, HP 18/30, Speed 20 ft
AC 16, Touch 9, Flat-footed 16, CMD 16, Fort 7, Ref 4, Will 5, CMB +7, Base Attack Bonus 3
Dagger +5 (1d4+4, 19-20/x2)
Breastplate (+6 Armor, -1 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 8, Con 15, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 7
Condition Grappled

"Urk!" grunts the half-orc scout as the choker's hands wrap around his throat in their signature attack style. Dropping his axe, Henri draws his dagger and slashes at the choker's body, attempting to gut it (and thus get free of the creature's grip)!

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Free action to drop the axe, draw dagger, and attack (includes -2 penalty from being grappled): Dagger (1d20+5)[10] to hit, (1d20+5)[24] (19-20/x2), (1d4+4)[6] slashing or piercing damage, (1d4+4)[6] critical strike damage.

[Farmerbink]

Jessica storms forward, already drawing upon Shelyn's power. "In the light of the Eternal Maiden, hold fast!" A subtle, warm pulse of energy radiates out from her, uncannily missing the injured choker(s).

Spoiler: Jessica, round 1

Show

Jessica Cooper
F NG Aasimar (Angel-blooded) Cleric, Level 3, Init 2, HP 20/20, DR Acid, Cold, Elec resist 5, Speed
AC 11, Touch 11, Flat-footed 10, CMD 15, Fort 4, Ref 2, Will 5, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 2
Glaive +4 (1d10+3, x3)
Dagger +4/+3 (1d4+1, 19-20,x2)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 15, Cha 16
Condition +2 CL for divination spells
Augery 2/2 (weekly)
Inner beauty: 1/1
Alter self: 1/1
Channel energy: 8/9, 2d6
Caravan Bond: (5/5) active on all allies
Touch of good: 5/5
Bit of Luck: 5/5
Talisman of good fortune: reroll natural 1 (once, then it crumbles)
See sheet for spells: https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1453959

Channel to heal, avoiding up to 3 injured chokers: (2d6)[10]

10 HP channeled to allies

[SanguinePenguin]

“Hurk! Mmhurgh!” Taz struggles against the choker’s writhing limb. She then frees her hand, draws in some extra energy, and launches a jet of water at the choker’s belly.

Spoiler: Taz, Round 1

Show

Free: maintain one point of burn - +1/+2 to att/dam of blast, also +5 cold resist.
Move: channel 1
Standard: pushing infusion water blast on the choker
Attack: (1d20+2)[13] (Choker should have dex -4)
Damage: (2d6+9)[19]
Bull rush: (1d20+8)[18]

Spoiler: Taz stats

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Tazmara Stonesong
F NG Dwarf Kineticist (Aquakineticist), Level 3, Init 2, HP 28/33 (NL 3), DR Cold/pressure - 6 (1), Speed 20 / 20 (swim)
AC 15, Touch 12, Flat-footed 13, CMD 14, Fort 7, Ref 6, Will 2, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 2
PBS Water Blast +6 (2d6+9, x2)
Dagger +3 (+4 thrown) (1d4+2, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Pick +3 (1d6+1, x4)
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 14, Con 19, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8
Condition Burn 1
Having a swim speed grants a +8 bonus on some swim checks (most others are not needed)

[farothel]

Laurelata stays where she is, takes aim and shoots at the choker holding Henri, now it's distracted by the grapple.

Spoiler: OOC round 2

Show

attack: (1d20+2)[15] (+1 point blank shot, -4 shooting in melee) for damage: (1d8+1)[4] ((2d6)[5] extra damage vs evil) (choker has -2 AC)

Laurelata
F CG Elf Rogue (unchained), Level 3, Init 9, HP 18/18, Speed 30
AC 18, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 15, Fort 1, Ref 6, Will 2, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 2
Rapier +5 (1d6+3, 18-20/x2)
holy, reliquary, Str+1 composite longbow +1 (20 arrows) +5 (1d8+1 (+2d6), x3)
dagger +5 (1d4, 19-20/x2)
masterwork, magical chainshirt +1 (+5 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 14
Condition None

[DaOldeWolf]

Lightburn roars anoyed by the annoying creature and tries to bite it to get it off.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Attack (1d20+3)[17]
Damage: (1d6+2)[8]

[u-b]

Henri attempts to stab the choker with a dagger, targeting (reasonably, as he had initially thought) something like the liver or just stomach in general. It turns out not particularly easy as the creature is able to maintain both the hold and the distance. Well, not a lot of distence, but getting out of the way of a stab is clearly what it is able to do. Jessica heals those needing it, inspiring some confidence in people's ability to hold on in their literal choke holds. Tazmara narrowly misses "her" choker and Laurelata misses the one having a hold on Henri. Lightburn, on the other hand, does quite well, biting an arm holding him for solid 8 damage and nearly off. The little choker breaks his hold and runs away while his siblings all attack the eidolon... they score four hits for 4, 3, 6 and 2 damage, and two solid grabs. Their parents have some mixed success. The one holding Henri is unable to crush the neck held as the half-orc forces his left hand into the hold and keeps it there. The one having a hold of Tazmara has some noticiable success as she is too busy with the adverse effects of her blasting to properly take care of defending herself, namely crushing the heck held in two hands for quite noticiable 11 damage.

Spoiler

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attack: (1d20+2)[15] (+1 point blank shot, -4 shooting in melee) for damage: (1d8+1)[4] ((2d6)[5] extra damage vs evil) (choker has -2 AC)

An extra -4 for soft cover for shooting from behind people's backs (no space-sharing in Pathfinder grappling rules, as far as I know).

Choker kid vs Lightburn: (1d20+5)[9] for (1d3+1)[4] grab (1d20+4)[13]
Choker kid vs Lightburn: (1d20+5)[18] for (1d3+1)[4] grab (1d20+4)[18] - hit & grab
Choker kid vs Lightburn: (1d20+5)[16] for (1d3+1)[3] grab (1d20+4)[13] - hit
Choker kid vs Lightburn: (1d20+5)[25] for (1d3+1)[3] confirm (1d20+5)[13] for (1d3+1)[3] grab (1d20+4)[5] - crit hit
Choker kid vs Lightburn: (1d20+5)[11] for (1d3+1)[2] grab (1d20+4)[24]
Choker kid vs Lightburn: (1d20+5)[12] for (1d3+1)[2] grab (1d20+4)[21] - hit & grab
(the last of these succeed because the first hit also grabs, so Lightburn is at -4 dex; the confirm hits because of the same)

Choker vs Henri: (1d20+8)[11] for (2d4+6)[14]
Choker vs Tazmara: (1d20+8)[22] for (2d4+6)[11]

=> Party (everyone, any order)

[farothel]

Laurelata felt she wasn't getting somewhere with her bow, even though it was her best weapon. So she dropped it, drew her rapier and after a step against the wall of the cave, she tried to hit the one that was holding Henri

Spoiler: OOC round 3

Show

free: drop bow
move: draw rapier
free: 5ft step to P28
attack: (1d20+5)[11] for damage: (1d6+3)[7] ((2d6)[10] if the choker is flat-footed while grappling) (choker has -2 AC)

Laurelata
F CG Elf Rogue (unchained), Level 3, Init 9, HP 18/18, Speed 30
AC 18, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 15, Fort 1, Ref 6, Will 2, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 2
Rapier +5 (1d6+3, 18-20/x2)
holy, reliquary, Str+1 composite longbow +1 (20 arrows) +5 (1d8+1 (+2d6), x3)
dagger +5 (1d4, 19-20/x2)
masterwork, magical chainshirt +1 (+5 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 14
Condition None

[Farmerbink]

"The Light stands with you! Hold fast, friends!" Jessica calls upon Shelyn's power once more, this time casting a spell to help bolster her allies efforts.

Spoiler: Jessica, round 2

Show

Jessica Cooper
F NG Aasimar (Angel-blooded) Cleric, Level 3, Init 2, HP 20/20, DR Acid, Cold, Elec resist 5, Speed
AC 11, Touch 11, Flat-footed 10, CMD 15, Fort 4, Ref 2, Will 5, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 2
Glaive +4 (1d10+3, x3)
Dagger +4/+3 (1d4+1, 19-20,x2)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 15, Cha 16
Condition +2 CL for divination spells
Augery 2/2 (weekly)
Inner beauty: 1/1
Alter self: 1/1
Channel energy: 8/9, 2d6
Caravan Bond: (5/5) active on all allies
Touch of good: 5/5
Bit of Luck: 5/5
Talisman of good fortune: reroll natural 1 (once, then it crumbles)
See sheet for spells: https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1453959

Cast Bless
Move to R/33 to flank the adult choker (I think it's grappling so can't AoO? If not, I might learn today)

prepared to AOO if it triggers one:
(1d20+5)[7] glaive
(1d20+5)[24] CC (x3)
(1d10+3)[10] damage
(2d10+6)[11] crit bonus

Bless for +1 to-hit and saves vs fear