Secret of mana IC thread Part II

[Ridai]

"The entire cave being a gigantic construct, you mean? It would be the first I hear about such a thing on this scale, however I would not rule it out," Thaum says in response to Jahn's and Larimar's insights, before Coney tells them about her epiphany.

The healer smiles, saying "Coney, I am sure there is little you cannot do that would be possible if you had hands, if you put your mind to it. I would also like to mention that you are able to hold items without opposable thumbs or wrapping an ear around an object, and you are free of the complex finger motions required to weave magic, which took me longer to learn than I honestly would like to admit."

[Toliudar]

Coney

Unprepared when Thuam's kind words catch her full in the face, Coney would probably be blushing, if you could see her face.

"Well, shucks, Thaum. You surely do know how to turn an old fool's head."

[Alhallor]

When you round the corner you see the source of the light. It's a truly massive crystal that kinda looks like it has structures built into it. You see some of the tubes that led through the facility going directly to the crystal letting it shine in a bright light. Nearly dazzling enough to be blinding. You also see something that at first looks like a big pile of rust. Then it shifts, and moves you can make out a number of arms (definitely more than 2, but the true number eludes you at the moment) several light on the massive thing flash for a moment and then disappear again. Rusty flakes as big as you fall down from it and when they touch the ground they transform into smaller versions of that thing.

"ssss….I....I... Inssssuffffficccient…"

The crystal seems to glow a tiny bit brighter.

"Insssufficccient mana ca-ca-capability… A-A-Acquiring…"

The tiny versions suddenly rush forward, skittering along towards the ground, using they're multiple arms, kinda moving like spiders that scrape and scratch at the ground while moving, rushing towards Ken and Jahn.

Spoiler: Attack against Ken

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Attack: (1d20+13)[21]
Damage: (1d4+7)[10] [ROLL]1d6 Negative Energy Damage[/ROLL] If you're hit make a will save against 19, if you fail lose your lowest Level spell Slot or your lowest Level spell of your choice.

Spoiler: Attack against Jahn

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Attack: (1d20+13)[29]
Damage: (1d4+7)[11] [ROLL]1d6 Negative Energy Damage[/ROLL] If you're hit make a will save against 19, if you fail lose your lowest Level spell Slot or your lowest Level spell of your choice.

Spoiler: Thaum

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There is the interesting fact about golems that if you just make them bigger they're cost doesn't increase in a predictable way. If you build a human-sized golem it's "mana cost" are as expected, if you make it smaller the cost remains the same and doesn't get smaller. If you build a Golem that is double the size of a human-sized one the cost doesn't double it's way more than that. Theoretically musings about giant golems have been done, which would only function realistically with someone like a power-source on them or near them.

Also this golem doesn't seem to have any typical markings on them, definitely denoting it as a non-standard version even if you don't know in which times it would seen as practical to make such a humongous golem.

Spoiler: Larimar

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Yes that… Is definitely a big golem. If you don't have any adamantite you're sure you can't even scratch it. The smaller versions look way more frail though and easier to damage.

Spoiler: Jahn

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They are several questions floating in your head. If that golem doesn't have enough power and it normally has it, why would that be the case? Do the tubes have something to do with it? Could that crystal attack you? You're also sure that the rattling from the tubes have grown louder.

Spoiler: Ken

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You knew that golems are made in Altena and Valsena though most of them are around human-sized or smaller and build kinda like the ones you have seen in Ferolia. This one doesn't met your expectations at all, it's huge, probably nearly impenetrable by normal means (high DR) but it also looks to be in heavy disrepair and probably can't move that much. Also normally golems don't spawn smaller versions of themselves.

Spoiler: OOC all

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I don't know how clear it is but the lines are supposed to represent tubes on the left and Right side of the wall (three each) and two are supposed to be on the ceiling, creeping towards the crystal while rattling and humming.

Spoiler: Map

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some things are better left unturned.

[Ridai]

Any scholarly interest has to wait, given the immediate danger they are in. The usual opener is sent out to protect the group, as well as a quick heal to Jahn. "Such a gigantic golem requires massive amounts of mana. Perhaps it might shut down when deprived of its power source."

Spoiler: Actions

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Standard Recitation. Thaum's allies gain +3 luck to attacks, saves, AC

Move 5ft step to Q29

Swift Close Wounds on Jahn for (1d4+29)[33] HP (excess becomes THP)

[Aegis013]

Jahn creates some space before belting out an inspirational war cry.

Spoiler: Actions

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Will save (1d20+11)[29] vs dc 19 or lose lowest level spell slot, also (1d6)[5] negative energy damage regardless of save

5ft step to R28
Swift and Immediate: Badge of Valor and Inspirational Boost
Standard: Dragonfire Inspiration +4d6

Spoiler: Status and buffs

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Current HP: 79+27 THP, 5/5 Steeley
DFI +4d6 fire damage on attacks, count down starts when Jahn stops "singing" next round.

[Toliudar]

Coney

Fearing that her magic would only feed the crystal, or rust-guys, Coney takes Thaum's suggestion and runs with it.

"Right. If the tubes are supplying the mana to the crystal, melt the tubes. I'm on it."

Rolling to her left a bit, Coney aims another blast of flame, but this time, is careful NOT to hit anyone in the room. Instead, she aims in between Rusty and the Big Shiny Crystal, trying to damage the tubes on the wall and ceiling to the left.

Spoiler: OOC

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Move action: move 15' west.
Standard action: fireball, aiming to strike the area above and south west of the crystal, avoiding hitting both it and the Big Rusty Guy. Hoping to deal (10d6)[40] fire damage to all of those tubes.

[kinem]

OOC: Since we were flat-footed, Ken was hit.
(1d6)[4] negative energy damage; Will (1d20+11)[29] vs DC 19

Well, I have to admit, I did not expect this ...

Ken steps forward 5' and swings at the things with his greatsword. If the first one drops, this lets him attack the other.

OOC: Swift: Cast Extended Wraithstrike; PA -3/+6
Touch Attack (1d20+11)[21], damage (2d6+12)[21] + (4d6)[16] fire
Touch Attack (1d20+6)[13], damage (2d6+12)[22] + (4d6)[12] fire

Edit: I made an error above, having debated between PA -5 and -3. Those attack rolls should be 2 higher.

[WindStruck]

"Uh. So how do we know this giant golem thing is a bad thing? Aside from the fact that miniature ones seem to want to kill us?"

For once, Larimar was somewhat at a loss of what to do.

He shouts at the big thing. "Hey! Didn't your mom ever tell you it's rude to take other people's mana?!"

Spoiler: ooc

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I dunno I guess I'll just cast mirror image via wand for now.

[Alhallor]

Jahn's war cry seems to be even more intense than usual with the metallic cave throwing back his voice in an acustically pleasing manner.

Coney aims her FIREBALL to incinerate as much of the tubes as possible and get's all three on the left side but only the farthest left on the ceiling. The effect however is immediate. Three of the tubes are melting dropping metal and... A massive number of swarming insects that seem to move as one towards the group. One however releases weird blue colored steam that immediately seems to get shut off with a *thunk* sound. The crystal get's a bit dimmer but the golem still seems to work.

Ken's blade buries itself deep in the golem and reduces it to rust and scrap metal, with a swift step he reaches the other and manages to achieve the same. Rust and metal parts however are not content in staying there and seem to get pulled back to the massive golem.

It shakes itself and it heaves up one arm with a sword, but Larimar's words seem to create a series of lights on the massive golem, it hesitates and instead of attacking 4 small golems rush from the rust towards Jahn and Ken, two each. It does answer Larimar's question though.

"Qu...Qu...Queens or… orders… Pro...tect… The Fa...Facility. Mana required."

Spoiler: Attack against Jahn

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It seems the two golems perfectly work together to annoy you as much as possible.
Attack 1: (1d20+17)[21]
Damage 1: (1d4+7)[10] and (3d6)[12] Negative Energy damage
Attack 2: (1d20+17)[23]
Damage 2: (1d4+7)[10] and (3d6)[6] Negative Energy damage
If you're hit make a will save against 21, if you fail lose your lowest Level spell Slot or your lowest Level spell of your choice.
If you see heightened numbers it's because they really work perfectly together and are able to flank you even if they shouldn't.
Almost like machines taught to emulate one of the 9 disciplines, though not true followers themselves.

Spoiler: Attack against Ken

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It seems the two golems perfectly work together to annoy you as much as possible.
Attack 1: (1d20+17)[25]
Damage 1: (1d4+7)[9] and (3d6)[10] Negative Energy damage
Attack 2: (1d20+17)[27]
Damage 2: (1d4+7)[8] and (3d6)[10] Negative Energy damage
If you're hit make a will save against 21, if you fail lose your lowest Level spell Slot or your lowest Level spell of your choice.
If you see heightened numbers it's because they really work perfectly together and are able to flank you even if they shouldn't.

Spoiler: Updated map

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Queens orders

[Ridai]

Thaum sends healing to Ken, while calling out to the golem.

"Construct, output the full identity of the individual who issued your orders. Output and re-evaluate targeting parameters of mana acquisition for possible friendly fire."

Spoiler: Actions

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Cure Light Wounds on Ken for (1d8+27)[32] HP. Excess healing is converted to THP.

[kinem]

OOC: Will saves vs DC 21: (1d20+14)[15], (1d20+14)[30]

"That's not good. Usually when I put down enemies, they don't come back stronger" Ken observes.

OOC: hp now 52/83
swift: Blademage's Edge; PA -3/+6

Touch Attack (1d20+17)[29], damage (2d6+22)[26] + (4d6)[10] fire
Touch Attack (1d20+8)[10], damage (2d6+12)[14] + (4d6)[17] fire

[Toliudar]

Coney

At once intrigued and panicked by the sudden burst of swarming bug-things from the tubes, Coney nonetheless considers herself committed. No point in wiping out HALF of the mana supply, right? Assuming that it's the bugs and weird steam that are in fact mana carriers. All of this is well beyond her understanding, really. But in the meantime, she knows that the tubes sure melt good.

Aiming another blast of flame in between the diamond and the golem, she tries to melt the remaining tubes.

"Fire in the hole!"

Spoiler: OOC

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Standard action fireball, trying to take out the side and middle tubes. (10d6)[41] fire damage, possibly Reflex 19 for half damage.

[Aegis013]

After Jahn's war cry gets interrupted by the strangely coordinated golems, he shifts his position slightly and spins, swinging his sword in a brilliant wide arc in an attempt to reflect the flash of Coney's fireball with his blade to obfuscate the movement of his nearby allies. If the attack hits (26 to hit), Ken and Thaum can take a free 5ft step.

"These things fight almost like they've been trained in the martial arts of the sublime way."

Spoiler: Actions

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5ft step to P28
Free; snowflake wardance
Standard: Tactical Strike against golem in Q27
(1d20+20)[26] dealing (1d8+4)[10] plus (4d6)[15] plus (4d6)[18] fire (43 damage)
(1d6)[3] reciprocal damage

Spoiler: Status and Buffs

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Jahn has 75/79 HP, 5/5 Steeley
DFI has 5 rounds remaining

[WindStruck]

Larimar is still a bit confused. Oddly enough it seemed they could communicate with the big golem. "Hey, we're just looking for Shade! You know, the sprite Shade," he calls back.

Still, Coney was being awfully destructive with her fireballs, and they were being attacked by little mini golems. Larimar felt he had to defend his allies.

Spoiler: pew pew pew

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disabling the nonlethal damage effect. They're constructs!

attack1: (1d20+21)[31]
damage1: (1d6+5)[8] + (4d6)[9] fire damage.

attack2: (1d20+21)[36]
damage2: (1d6+5)[7] + (4d6)[13] fire damage.

attack3: (1d20+16)[36]
damage3: (1d6+5)[6] + (4d6)[16] fire damage.

"Hey Thaum, any chance you can talk this thing into just letting us by?"

[Alhallor]

Some of the lights on the massive golem have stopped flickering and seem to be a bit more stable now.

"Ordeeers are from the fiiirst Queeeen of Altenaaaa Opheeeliana Ashaaatana the 1st." Then a totally different voice blurts out, like from a spell that has kept it in.

"Friendly fire is not possible as long as the necessary badges are worn."

The construct lifts a massive sword while still talking. The movement let's more flakes fall and two more of the small constructs are created from it.

"Targeting Parameters reevaluated, Neeeeed to acquire more mana. Mana-carrying individuals are prefeeered taaargets."

One of the small constructs hits Ken and rips a little bit of magic away from him that appears as a small blue glow that travels from the small construct back to the masses of rust that are still traveling back to the big construct. It kinda seems to hop very fast from scrap piece to scrap piece and embeds into the massive construct. Remaining as a glowing dot for a moment before growing dark again.

When Ken retaliates he turns one of the small constructs to scrap, the other one very narrowly evades his other strike.

Jahn's strike is succesfull and his attack too destroys one of the constructs.

Spoiler: Ken, Thaum

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You can make a free 5ft. step.

Coney's fireball let another 3 pipes burst, incinerating one of the insect swarms who crawled out of one, releasing even more insects. Though the still nearly intact half-melted pipe has just enough structural Integrity too still keep mana pumping towards the crystal. Though it's pretty clear that's the only pipe left.

Larimar's arrows puncture another construct and he basically shoots it in half, he has one arrow remaining and shots it at the last remaining pipe. With the melting from the fireball and Larimar's arrow it's enough to burst the last pipe. The crystal loses it's glow and it starts to turn dark.

Eliana has taken enough courage to run past Ken and stab the construct who is still functioning two times in the back.

Spoiler: Eliana's attacks.

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Attack1: (1d20+11)[21]
Damage1:(1d6+3)[5] Fire Damage (4d6)[8] Reduced Sneak attack (1d6)[3]
Attack2: (1d20+11)[28]
Damage2:(1d6+3)[4] Fire Damage (4d6)[12] Reduced Sneak attack (1d6)[1]

She must have hit some integral important part, because it loses cohesion and stops moving.

The two small constructs are skitting across the floor and run towards Larimar and Thaum but are not able to attack.

Spoiler: Jahn

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you can make a AoO.

The massive construct doesn't swing his sword… He hurls it towards you. While it soars through the air it still answers Larimar's question.

"Shaade isn't in thiiis faciiility."

The sword lands in between of you and with incredible force it just shatters on the floor. It explodes not unlike one of Coney's fireballs in a mass of metal pieces and rustflakes that try to impale you.

Spoiler: Everyone

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You gain (10d6)[39] half of that is Bashing/Slashing damage the other half is negative energy damage. Reflex save against 21 for half.

When the echoing sound of the exploding metal pieces have subsided they're already back on the way to the big construct.

The insects keep crawling towards you.

"Maanaa suuupply has beeen cuuut ooof. Criiitical staaatuuus. Criiitical staaatuuus."

Spoiler: Thaum

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Opheliana Ashatana has been the first official Queen of Altena. Something that has been hammered into your skull in all these school hours. Her Symbol is a traditional curved magic staff with an opened eye ontop of it. It has never been copied by any other magician out of respect.

Spoiler: Coney

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You nearly got this pipe! The others must have been in more disrepair because they burst easily you're pretty sure you can get the last one with a hearty bite or something.

Spoiler: Ken

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You heard from some elves that Opheliana Ashatana has been a mighty Altenan sorceress in her time, rivaling even some druids. She was mighty enough to make the icy Altena inhabitable and bring the warmth there.

Spoiler: Larimar

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You remember an odd story of a sorceress that was told by some bards. She weared a curved staff with a ciselized eye on top of it, shoving snow away to bring warmth to her people. You're pretty sure her name was Opheliana.

Spoiler: Jahn

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You remember some stories about the founder of altena, Opheliana Ashatana. It's told that she wasn't that good a spellcaster but her theoretical wisdom was so great that she layed the groundworks of modern golem construction (which eventually gave rise to the warforged). One of her achievements was to give the golems a simple intelligence instead of making it necessarry to instruct them regularly. Opheliana's symbol was a curved wodden magical staff with a stone eye on top of it.

Spoiler: Map

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The plot thickens.

---

* post roll count doesn't match database

[Ridai]

Thaum sees the opportunity to retreat, but looking behind him, he sees Coney, who would be drawn into the melee in his stead. Thus, once more, Thaum decides not to retreat.

In response to Larimar's words, the healer inclines his head as if to say "I will attempt to do so", looking back at the golem, whether or not it might soon run out of energy. He weathers its attack barely, leaving him heavily wounded, but he still gives a piercing gaze to the golem.

"I am Thaum, magician of Altena, studied in the mana tradition founded by Queen Opheliana Ashatana, journeying for the protection and good of the Kingdom of Magic. Your attack is in direct violation of your charge to serve the Queen and thus an act of treason against the kingdom and the Queen Herself. Cease your aggression at once!" As he speaks, he sends out healing waters to protect his companions.

Spoiler: Actions

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Thaum casts mass cure light wounds, healing (1d8+39)[40] HP (excess becomes THP) of the whole party.

[Toliudar]

Coney

Buffeted and drained by the explosion, Coney's intense pain is almost immediately cut short by a wave of healing from Thaum.

She is considering different ways to sever the last pipe, but then realizes that Larimar's brilliant shot has done just that. Instead, she focuses on the hopefully-winding-down-soon mechanical man. She didn't want to risk feeding him the mana he needed by targeting him with a spell, but instead focuses her fiery attention on the hordes of small insects that she has inadvertently unleashed.

Spoiler: OOC

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Reflex save: (1d20+9)[11]

If the brown patches on the map are crawling bugs, then Coney will take a move action to go 20' east, and then a standard action to (surprise surprise) cast fireball, pleaced to hit the swarms at M25 and H27, and if possible the small construct at M30. Deals (10d6)[27] fire damage, Reflex DC 19 for half.

If the brown patches are NOT bugs, and there's no way to hit the swarms without also striking the big construct, then Coney will instead cast Grease under the big guy's feet. No SR, Reflex DC 17 or fall, Balance check DC 10 to maintain footing.

[kinem]

Ken manages to dodge some of the rusty debris from the sword, and the Thaum's healing helps, but he is still feeling a bit of pain and a bit of confusion at all that is happening.

He steps away from the others (N27) and casts empowered Ring of Blades, hoping to keep the bugs and golems away while the situation becomes more clear.

OOC: possible bug damage (1d6+10)[13] * 1.5

[Aegis013]

Reflex DC 21 (1d20+7)[19]

Battered and buffeted by the metal flakes from the exploding sword, Jahn attempts to slash the passing golem.

Spoiler: AoO

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AoO: (1d20+20)[33] to hit, dealing
(1d8+4)[5] plus (2d6)[4] plus (4d6)[15] fire (24 total damage)
(1d6)[5] reciprocal

"These things have rudimentary intelligence, the legacy of the founder of Altena, Opheliana Ashatana. We either need to cut off their supply of mana and destroy them or convince them we're not intruders somehow. They may be useful if we can get the big one on our side."

Jahn follows up his previous attack with a pirouette and a powerful strike in an attempt to bisect one of the small golems.

Spoiler: Action

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Standard: Divine Surge against the little golem between Jahn and Thaum. If it's already dead, move to the one at M30 and attack it instead.
Move action: only if the original target is dead

(1d20+20)[25] to hit, dealing
(1d8+4)[11] plus (2d6)[4] plus (8d8)[37] plus (4d6)[15] fire (67 total damage)
(1d6)[6] reciprocal

Spoiler: Jahn's status and buffs

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HP: 60/79, Steeley: 5/5
DFI (+4d6 fire): 4 more rounds

[WindStruck]

Larimar frowns as the fight goes on, strangely enough with words shared between friend and foe, but it seemed for now he would be dishing out more of the same. You get an arrow, you get an arrow, everyone gets an arrow!

Spoiler: ooc

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attack1: (1d20+21)[23]
damage: (1d6+5)[6] + (4d6)[15] fire

attack1: (1d20+21)[32]
damage: (1d6+5)[11] + (4d6)[12] fire

attack1: (1d20+16)[32]
damage: (1d6+5)[7] + (4d6)[14] fire

Prioritizing the little construct to the left of Larimar first, and then the swarms of insects near Eliana.

[Alhallor]

Coney's mighty fireball incinerates more of the crawling insects, singing the construct.

Jahns sudden attack and Ken's spell rip the other small construct into pieces, with Jahn's last attack shredding the last of the small constructs.

Larimar's arrows *sclorch* into the swarms, but thanks to Jahn's enchantment they do enough Damage to incinerate even the last of them.

The massive golem reacts to Thaum's words, a blue light enveloping him.

Spoiler: Thaum

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Almost as an afterthough it strips away your Greater Resistance.

It's whole body jerks and shudders.

"LIELIELIE! Manaaa signature noooon-Altenan. AAaaquire Maanaa froooom moooo…"

The construct stretches an arm, it's not able to really reach Thaum, but while it stretches it seems too acquire more mass of itself, the arm becomes longer, stretches reaching over the battlefield… But then it stops some feet from Thaum away. The construct has stopped blinking and moving at all. It lies perfectly still.

Eliana flumps down and has to catch her breath.

The rust flakes and metal scrap also have stopped moving.

Spoiler: Golems

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Normally the golems you fought had an energy core that were usable/sellable. This thing still might have one, though you'd kinda have to dig it out.

Spoiler: Updated map

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Guard's end

[Toliudar]

Coney

Coney waits for a tense moment until it becomes clear that all of the varius bugs and bots and bears oh my had either died or had the good manners to stop menacing them.

"Terrific! Another moment of not-being dead. Well done, everyone."

Leaving the examination of the metal men and crystal to those more mechanically inclined, Coney roll-hops forward, avoding the metal monstrosity and slipping behind the crystal to see what's behind. Her eyes somehow flare darkly, and she uses her augmented sight to look around in the narrow space behind the crystal.

Spoiler: OOC

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Coney is making use of Naberius' See in Darkness ability, to help understand what's behind the crystal.

[Ridai]

Honestly, Thaum seems a little cross with the conclusion the golem comes to ("Excuse me?"), with the removal of his protective spell adding to the affront. But the threat is over soon after, and the healer decides to focus on recovering the wounds of his companions. If anything needs to be identified, he will provide.

"Sadly, these constructs appear quite single-minded in the set of instructions given to them, for better or for worse."

Spoiler: OOC

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Using Healing Hands to heal everyone's wounds.

[Aegis013]

Jahn's whirling dance decelerates until the dizziness hits him and he slumps down onto his rump, huffing and trying to catch his breath as he returns his trusty longsword to its sheath.

"We're still not totally safe. These passages are supposed to be home to trolls as well, keep your wits about you." Jahn declares as he gets back to his feat, just in time for Thaum's healing hands to mend the scars of battle.

"Thank you."

While Coney explores the dark recesses of the area, Jahn places his ear against whichever pipe seems to be most intact. Perhaps it will carry vibrations and give him a hint if any more danger lurks around the next metaphorical corner.

Listen (1d20+12)[24]

[Alhallor]

When Eliana has catched her breath enough she's Standing up and furiously Points at the massive pile of scrap metal formerly known as a Golem. "Do you regularly fight things like that? That's crazy! I have never even heard of something massive like this!" She ponders for a moment. "I mean look at all that junk! I bet someone somewhere would be really happy to have that many scrap metal. I can't even imagine how many bags of Holding I could fill with that. I try to salvage some interesting pieces."

Spoiler: Actions, Eliana

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Appraise: (1d20+10)[30]
Disable Device: (1d20+20)[32]
Search: (1d20+10)[20]

Eliana procures some interesting parts from the golem that themselves are not magical but could be interesting parts for a collector or could still be used in some other constructions.

Though Thaum does see an interesting cube that he try's to identify which reveals…

Spoiler: Thaum

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an Energy Core! Interestingly it's smaller than you used too seeing and doesn't have enough to really power up this massive golem. It would still work on a regular-sized small or medium one. It's probably worth around 10.000 Gold or could be used in crafting. It could also be consumed to raise the caster level by 5 and break casting limits with 1 spell. However this one also hasÂ… A conscience. Not a simple set of instructions but a true intelligence that dutifully held watch to something that probably isn't there anymore. You also can't discern exactly how intelligent this conscience is but it probably isn't aware of it's surroundings as of right now. Theoretically it could just be placed in a regular golem form (you'd have to do a bit of finagling because you never really did that yourself, but as all Altenan mages you have the theoretical knowledge)

Coney has no problems getting around the massive golem and crystal and her eyes show her...

Spoiler: Coney

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You see inside a tunnel. The metallic look continues until it's aprubtly cut off and you just see normal earth that slightly slopes up. They're is some warm desert wind that even carries some sand with it. You also have the feeling that the area before you is a place you have already visited and you are very familiar with it indeed.

Most of the pipes have been burst but interestingly enough some seem to have shut themselves off (the ones who previously have released blue steam) when Jahn places his ear upon them he hears…

Spoiler: Jahn

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Nothing, no more rumbling no vibrations after the cacophony of battle it's eerily silent. The pipes are a bit warm (part of them got incinerated after all) but not enough to hurt you. Also with trolls not generally being known for they're intelligence it may be possible that they never found the illusionary wall that kept this part of the cave system shut off.

[Ridai]

Thaum examines the cube, seeing the evershifting complexity of a mind, not the rigid structure of a set script computation. Regardless of its level of intellect or disposition towards the group, whatever they may be, he feels pity for it, left to watch this place for centuries. Some Altenan schools of thought would disregard the well-being of artificial minds, or at least regard biological life more important, as debates part of the curriculum back home already went over. But the point of achieving an actual functioning mind, not merely a complex web of instructions, has been the point where the subject in question ceases to merely be a construct. They were only theoretical debates, and the subject discussed is a complex one, but he certainly remembers his stance in that.

Thus, the healer looks at the nearby smaller golems, and whether the cube can be installed in one, to give back senses and physical autonomy.

[Aegis013]

Jahn, having heard nothing announces "All's quiet, I think we're safe for the moment."

After Eliana's exclamation of disbelief at the foes they faced Jahn shows his big smile revealing teeth so white that even in the dark passage they seem to gleam and says "This thing? It's interesting, but I'm sure we'll face even stranger and more fascinating threats before our adventuring days are behind us. Did I tell you about the time I defeated a dozen ogres single-handed?"

Jahn's braggadocios inclinations finding ears that might be willing to listen to them, he recounts some of the adventures the group has shared. The group, having experienced some of the adventures, can easily see Jahn's hyperbolic additions to the tales.

[Ridai]

"Do tell," Thaum says in response to Jahn. He looks around, adding while holding the cube "Once we leave this place, I would like to set this into one of the smaller golems, should there be a sufficiently functional one around. It is a true construct mind, not merely a logic processor for instructions, and leaving it essentially trapped immobile and without senses seems far too cruel to me. I cannot say how intelligent this mind may be or what disposition towards us it may hold, however I would like to at least give it a chance. It would require between an hour or two of work."

[Aegis013]

Jahn agrees with Thaum "I wouldn't want to be in that situation. If we can disassemble one of the smaller golems into parts, I should be able to stow the components in my haversack until we've reached a place we can safely reassemble and activate it, though I don't think slicing it apart would be the best way to go about it so I don't know that I have much help to offer to the disembodied golem brain beyond carrying stuff. After all, intelligence is intelligence whether its rudimentary or advanced."

[Alhallor]

Eliana flashes Jahn a quick smile. "Yes, I think I would really like to hear some of your stories. And after what happened here I do believe that you could handle a handful of ogres." She tinkers around a bit more and the Golem discussion let her pique up.

"I'll say you could probably can't make one out of the stuff here. I don't know how that worked but these." Kinda kicking the rusty flakes that made up the smaller golems. "Have probably been controlled or something by the greater one. We can salvage some interesting stuff but even that is rusty and old. If you really want to give this thing a new body perhaps you can procure one in the market or in Valsena or Altena if you can't find one there."

"If you have a spare sack can I fill it up? I think I have some things that are at least sellable."