Cosmic Hunters (IC)

[remetagross]

Ux Utanar answers Myriad.
"They've been enthusiastic to move to close combat range last time, there's no reason to think it'll be different this time. Besides, given your size, you two are much more mobile than they are, what with their bulk in these cramped spaces. I like the "three-way killbox" plan. What do you say, Delja?"

All the while, the dragonborn chooses a wand from his belt and waves it around at the attention of Ereshki and himself.

Spoiler: OOC

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That's a wand of Shield Other, which Ux Utanar will succeed in activating unless he rolls a nat 1 on his Use Magic Device check: (1d20)[13]

For 3 hours, Ereshki gains +1 deflection to AC and +1 resistance to saves, and half hit point damage she suffers goes to Ux Utanar. This ends if either moves more than 30ft away from the other.

[Metastachydium]

Delja stares at Myriad for a long moment. That was pretty clever actually. Bt the time Ux Utanar is all finished with presenting his own insight, she's likewise made up her mind and simply nods. Well, you're the noisy one. she tells the dragonborn, stepping to the side. Kick it in. We'll let them move first.

[chaincomplex]

At Myriad's coaxing—or after about half a minute of it, as it were—the summoned mule finally musters the strength to move. With a quiet hee-haw, the mule trots off into the western corridor, taking care to avoid the oozing corpses of the aberrations. The echoes of its hooves recede into the distance.

────────────────

When the party is ready, they open the heavy southern doors. Fortunately the doors appear well-greased, as they swing open with little friction or noise.

A large, well-lit chamber greets them. The room's granite floor is marred by thick scratches, not just from any recent battle but also from what must have been decades of use in storing heavy cargo. Brass plating covers the walls, and their veins run out across the ceiling and floor, conveying unseen currents to unknown purposes. Gas lamps line the walls, burning so brightly from every direction there is no shadow.

At first the party spots two of the aberrations at W33 and V39 respectively—three, counting the small sliver of P38 in their line of sight between the two columns S35 and S37—but upon a second glance they are clearly deceased, cleanly cloven apart by some great, but unseen, weapon. A trail of their ichor leads southwest to unseen corners of the room, promising the source of their deaths.

The place echoes. The sound of shifting chains, slow and plodding, can be heard from the unseen southwestern portion of the room.

[remetagross]

Ux Utanar closes in to inspect the cadavers.
"That must be the work of the marine among the crew, that has been able to slay two before being taken down. Except these kills seem fresh enough, and no one has hearh about Master Teru in months. And the logs say this fight happened dozens of hours ago. So... either the ship is equipped with some sort of preserving magic, or... it was not the marine. "

[Metastachydium]

Suppressing the powerful urge to bash her own head in, Delja follows the knight, tugging at his forearm to halt his progress. Pilot said three. The numbers match. she whispers rapidly. Don't overthink it and stop moving forward, for rot's sake. The obyrith's in here.

[Geeksthenewsexy]

Peeking around the corner through the door at the dead bodies, Myriad mutters, "Well...shyte." Glancing at her companions she nods towards the door and shrugs questioningly, deferring to them for a new suggestion.

Spoiler: Statblock

Show

Myriad
Female C/G Changeling Rogue 3 / Silver Key 10 / Invisible Blade 5 / Warlock 2, Level 20, Init 8, HP 222/202, Speed 30' Land
AC 34, Touch 24, Flat-footed 28, Fort 22, Ref 24, Will 22, Base Attack Bonus +16/+11/+6
+4 Steel Deadly Precision Vampiric Dagger of Parrying +27/+22/+17/+12 (1d4+10 (+1d6 vs Living), 18-20/x2)
Eldritch Blast (vs Touch AC) +20 (3d6, x2)
Sneak Attack Denied Dex or Flanked (+8d6, -1d6 to cause Bleed)
+5 Easy Travel Glamered Mithril Breastplate of Nimbleness (+10 Armor, +6 Dex, +2 Deflect, +6 Misc)
Abilities Str 22, Dex 22, Con 22, Int 26, Wis 18, Cha 26
Condition Awake, Alert, Unencumbered, Healthy, Disguised (Dwarven Locksmith/Explorer named Drucilla Kundarak)
Active Invocations & Effects Beguiling Influence, See The Unseen, Detect Magic
Other Defenses SR 25, Mettle

[Metastachydium]

Delja gestures towards the unseen reaches of the hall past the corner with her blade. The old-fashioned way? Ux and I close, you join in from behind once we have its attention? she breathes out and indeed, almost just mouths at Myriad, trusting the changeling's phenomenal ear to pick up the brunt of it.

[Geeksthenewsexy]

A cheerful dwarven thumbs-up greets Delja from across the doorway along with a grin and a waggle of eyebrows.

Spoiler: Statblock

Show

Myriad
Female C/G Changeling Rogue 3 / Silver Key 10 / Invisible Blade 5 / Warlock 2, Level 20, Init 8, HP 222/202, Speed 30' Land
AC 34, Touch 24, Flat-footed 28, Fort 22, Ref 24, Will 22, Base Attack Bonus +16/+11/+6
+4 Steel Deadly Precision Vampiric Dagger of Parrying +27/+22/+17/+12 (1d4+10 (+1d6 vs Living), 18-20/x2)
Eldritch Blast (vs Touch AC) +20 (3d6, x2)
Sneak Attack Denied Dex or Flanked (+8d6, -1d6 to cause Bleed)
+5 Easy Travel Glamered Mithril Breastplate of Nimbleness (+10 Armor, +6 Dex, +2 Deflect, +6 Misc)
Abilities Str 22, Dex 22, Con 22, Int 26, Wis 18, Cha 26
Condition Awake, Alert, Unencumbered, Healthy, Disguised (Dwarven Locksmith/Explorer named Drucilla Kundarak)
Active Invocations & Effects Beguiling Influence, See The Unseen, Detect Magic
Other Defenses SR 25, Mettle

[Metastachydium]

Though suddenly not so sure it's a good idea, the nixie gives the knight's arm another tug. Change of plans. she tells him softly. Let's get in there an make some noise.

Spoiler: OOC

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Initiative for whenever we'll need it: (1d20+14)[15]

[chaincomplex]

As Ux and Delja move forward, more of the chamber comes into view around the corner. The duo pass a dead aberration, its stale rot assaulting their senses, though so thoroughly desensitized to filth at this point they cannot be compelled to sickness.

At this time two humanoids come into view, or rather what used to be humanoids: they appear to have been violently ripped apart. Their lifeless bodies are slumped over at O43 and P43 respectively, torn into gory chunks and stewing in their own rotting viscera. One has the vague features of a human woman—this one has patches of mail remaining on her body as well as a shattered fullblade readily as large as her on her corpse—and the other roughly humanoid but possessing an otherworldly tinge to his skin and hair, or what is left of them anyways; they are pallid from decay and difficult to assess with any precision.

The one with the fullblade is also caked in the gore of the aberrations, and sits at the end of the trail of ichor.

────────────────

Then as Ux and Delja move a little further, the unmistakable form of the spider-like demon they saw before comes into view (as O₂). It is very much alive and moving, though at moments it is so still it may as well have been a lifelike statue. There is no mark of any prior damage upon it.

As neither the dragonborn nor nixie attempted to conceal themselves, the demon senses their presence instantly and turns to face them. There is no emotion of hatred or disdain upon its many void eyes: it moves like a hunter after a deer, with intent to kill and little feelings to spare.

The other, tumor-ridden demon is nowhere to be seen.

Roll initiative (except for Delja)!

[remetagross]

"Alright", speaks Ux Utanar softly to Delja.
"Let's make some noise."

The dragonborn unsheathes his lance Ascalon and taps the haft with a finger. This triggers the wand stored in the hollow chamber inside it. Dosing himself with it, he stores it back before doing the same maneuver with the wand in his shield. This one is for Ereshki. Rider and mount immediately swell to bulky proportions. Ux Utanar then slowly proceeds to ride up Ereshki, lets his floating shield loose, and prepares to...

Spoiler: When his initiative is up...

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...bellow at the monster with a thunderous voice. "You ! We have defeated your pathetic minions. Are you there to own up to your massacres ? Or to flee one more time like a coward insect ? By the Platinum, I will avenge the crew you have killed. Now show a shed of honor and face me here !"

Spoiler: OOC

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Move action: retrieve a wand of Enlarge Person with the power of Heward's Handy Haversack.
Standard action: Use Magic Device to use the wand on himself.
Then again with the wand of Animal Growth, all during the surprise round.

When initiative begins:

Swift action: Test of Mettle on 02 (Will save DC 37 negates).
Free action: 5-ft step to the south.
Free action: designate O2 as target for the Shield Block class feature, increasing the AC by 3.

[chaincomplex]

Turn Order. Obyrith 2, then Player Party.

Obyrith 2. The spider-thing closes in to attack.

• Move Action. Half-leaps, half-glides from M40 to U37 in a motion utterly unnatural and swift as quicksilver.
• Standard Action. Uses a supernatural ability. An intense psychic assault besieges the party—their thoughts descend into a infernal cloud! The entire party (including Ereshki) is stunned for 4 rounds and takes 3 Wisdom damage. A Will save (DC 27) negates the effect totally. This is a mind-affecting gaze attack.

It does not speak—by its focus, it evidently appreciates the party for the threats they are. In proximity it smells of acrid ash, not a terribly unpleasant smell considering the prior hall. Yet the smell of rot is ever present in this chamber as well, from the party (coated in gore as they are), the rotting corpses, and perhaps from other unseen sources.

It is the party's turn.

────────────────

Ux Utanar. Results:

• Test of Mettle succeeds against Obyrith 2.
• Unable to take a 5-foot step south; Delja is in the way.

Ux still has most of his turn remaining.

[Metastachydium]

Gritting her teeth and feeling her shoulders sag for a heartbeat, Delja powers through whatever the Spider hit them with. South past the second! she calls out to Myriad, currently unseen to her, as she dances around the obyrith to try and test her blade against it.

Spoiler: OOC

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Delja swift Tumbles down to V38: (1d20+27)[31]; and
attacks the Spider defensively (for AC 71 T 62): (1d20+26)[39] for (1d6+20)[22] magical, cold iron piercing, (1d6)[6] precision and (1d4)[2] force.
She free action suggests Myriad flank with her from S38 to give Ux room for maneuvering. Bluff if needed to convey the message: (1d20+20)[38].

[chaincomplex]

Delja Utorak. As the nixie rounds the corner, the rest of the chamber comes into view—and with it, the massive obyrith from before (as O₁). Its huge, tumorous body pulsates nauseatingly as the chains that hook into it begin shifting, dragging along the floor, almost animated by their own force. The now-visible large arcane machine at J40 buzzes with energy along its runic circuits. Atop a lectern-like part of the machine, surrounded by brass instruments arrayed towards it, sits open a tome. At the foot of the machine are countless blood-soaked notes, strewn about in discord.

O₁ is cradling an orb in one of its larger hands, a black pearl as wide as a dinner plate, in a possessive manner like a mother their baby. The largest of its many faces wears a hideous, too-many-toothed smile.

Delja's attack hits O₂ and deals the full piercing, precision, and force damage. Even so, the damage seems to be glancing; the spider-thing shrugs it off with little concern.

[Geeksthenewsexy]

Slipping along the inner wall, Myriad's steps hitch slightly as the thing's psychic assault slams into her, but after a split second, she shudders and continues on her path, having shrugged the effect off. She then heeds Delja's call and flanks the spider-like abomination before laying into it from behind.

Spoiler: Statblock

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Myriad
Female C/G Changeling Rogue 3 / Silver Key 10 / Invisible Blade 5 / Warlock 2, Level 20, Init 8, HP 222/202, Speed 30' Land
AC 34, Touch 24, Flat-footed 28, Fort 22, Ref 24, Will 22, Base Attack Bonus +16/+11/+6
+4 Steel Deadly Precision Vampiric Dagger of Parrying +27/+22/+17/+12 (1d4+10 (+1d6 vs Living), 18-20/x2)
Eldritch Blast (vs Touch AC) +20 (3d6, x2)
Sneak Attack Denied Dex or Flanked (+8d6, -1d6 to cause Bleed)
+5 Easy Travel Glamered Mithril Breastplate of Nimbleness (+10 Armor, +6 Dex, +2 Deflect, +6 Misc)
Abilities Str 22, Dex 22, Con 22, Int 26, Wis 18, Cha 26
Condition Awake, Alert, Unencumbered, Healthy, Disguised (Dwarven Locksmith/Explorer named Drucilla Kundarak)
Active Invocations & Effects Beguiling Influence, See The Unseen, Detect Magic
Other Defenses SR 25, Mettle

Spoiler: Automatic Search Check

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If Myriad gets within 5' of a mechanical trap, she automatically makes a Search Check. I will simply include this roll in every post so as not to slow down the game pacing. As she has 'detect magic' active at all times, this can also be used if she detects anything that looks remotely like a magical trap as well.
Search For Traps:(1d20+37)[41]

Move Action - 25' Move from Q35 to S38

Free Action - Bluff Check to Faint (Sense Motive Check of higher value Negates) Base 55 - 4 for Nonhumanoid = 51 (Additional -8 of base/adjusted (47/43) if creature only has 1-2 Int) If the faint succeeds, the attack is against Flat-Footed AC

Standard (Flanked) Attack VS Target O2 -

1. (1d20+29)[31] for (1d4+10)[11] Piercing, (1d6)[5] Vampiric (Heals Myriad by same amount), (7d6)[25] Sneak Attack, & -1/Round Bleed Damage

Note: The Bleeding Wounds caused by the invisible blade's dagger bleeds for 1 point of damage per round. Multiple wounds from the weapon result in a cumulative bleeding loss (two wounds for 2 points of damage per round, and so on). The bleeding can only be stopped by a DC 15 Heal check or the application of any cure spell or other healing spell (heal, healing circle, and so on). Creatures immune to sneak attack damage are immune to bleeding wounds as well.

[remetagross]

Extending his elongated arms, Ux Utanar viciously stabs at the monster with greats swings of his lance. He winces as he sees the obyrith will probably try and attack his allies as well as himself. He barely gives an afterthought to the mental onslaught the creature is trying to submerge him with.

Spoiler: OOC

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Full-round action: full-round attack. Power attack of 2. Attack rolls: (1d20+23)[29], (1d20+18)[25], (1d20+13)[17], (1d20+8)[27]. Damage rolls: (2d6+14)[16], (2d6+14)[21], (2d6+14)[16], (2d6+14)[23].

In case Ereshki gets attacked during the next round for HP damage, Ux Utanar will use him immediate action to use the Shield Ally class feature and take all the damage for himself for the first blow, and half the damage for himself for all remaining blows. Since half of the damage suffered by Ereshki already goes to him, that means 3 quarters of the damage would go to him.

[chaincomplex]

Turn Order. Obyrith 2, Player Party, then Obyrith 1.

Myriad. Her feint succeeds and she manages a hit by catching the spider-thing off-guard. No piercing damage penetrates its damage resistance, only some precision damage and all the vampiric damage gets through, the latter also healing Myriad for hp. The thing's wounds drip near-black blood smelling like burnt ash.

Ux Utanar. All of the dragonborn's attacks do not hit through the spider-thing's natural armor. Alas, the supernatural ability the thing used is not an enchantment effect, and Ereshki suffers the full brunt of its effects.

The dire bat is forced still by the psychic assault. She cannot act, and from her dark eyes, Ux senses she is suffering internally.

────────────────

Obyrith 1. The huge creature O₁ pulsates as it begins to act. Chains shift under its powerful form and its many arms begin moving around in crude mimicry of magic. At the same time one of its maws open to reveal bubbling acid within.

• Standard Action. Uses spell-like ability. Its voice resonates in the minds of the party! "Drop... weapons..." it rasps in Abyssal, its very presence in their minds alien. The party is affected as if by greater command (DC 24) with the drop instruction. This is a compulsion, language-dependent, mind-affecting ability. (Thus, being Delja is the only speaker of Abyssal, she should be the only affected party.)
• Swift Action. A line of acidic bile erupts from its mouth towards Myriad. It hits the changeling true, dealing 41 acid damage and causing 1 round of the nauseated condition. A DC 27 Fortitude save negates the nausea.

Obyrith 2. The creature O₂ goes all in on the dragonborn. It makes a full attack with three stingers and five tentacles. Only one stinger hits, dealing 14 piercing damage and 3 Strength drain, and two of five tentacles hit, dealing 7 bludgeoning and 9 acid, and 14 bludgeoning and 17 acid damage respectively.

Ux's retributive protection kicks in. A flash of backlash energy hits the spider-thing, though none penetrate its damage reduction. The creature's injuries rapidly begin stitching up on their own.

Players' turn.

[Metastachydium]

Delja feels her fingers twitch as the command begins to resonate inside her skull; still, the obyrith doesn't get waht it wants. It gets what looks like it could almost be a smug half-grin instead. You're quite the jokester, Chains, do you know that? she quips, the words dripping with scorn. Spreading her magical cloak-wings, she calls out to Myriad with a quick Druce, with me if able! as she springs into the air and begins to maneuver towards Chains at speed, touching ground a mere 10 feet away from… Whatever the book's placed upon, but only so as to spring forward again, trying to get within stabbing distance of the demon and, once there, stab it, hard.

Spoiler: OOC

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Delja move action uses her Wings of Flying to fly 60' towards O1 at low altitude, touching ground at L42; Tumble to get past O2: (1d20+27)[43]; if that fails, she has AC 75 T 66 against the AoO;
from L42 she swift action Sudden Leaps to G42; Jump: (1d20+17)[28]; she designates O1 as the target of her Dodge and she has AC 76 T 67 against the AoO, as well as concealment from her stance;
lastly, if still alive, unhindered and in one piece, she standard action attacks O1 defensively: (1d20+26)[39] for (1d6+20)[22] cold iron magical piercing, (1d6)[3] precision and (1d4)[3] force.

[Geeksthenewsexy]

"Counting on you, Ux! Yell for us if it gets hairy!" Making a final lightning-fast faint before once again stabbing the abomination in front of her, she quickly spins around and darts off after the much faster Delja, curving her path around a large decomposing coprse. She shouts after her companion as she struggles to keep up, "Ack! I'm using dwarf legs, Delja - they are made for sneaking, and not for speeeed!" Stubby dwarf arms pump as she mumbles under her breath.

Spoiler: Statblock

Show

Myriad
Female C/G Changeling Rogue 3 / Silver Key 10 / Invisible Blade 5 / Warlock 2, Level 20, Init 8, HP 222/166, Speed 30' Land
AC 34, Touch 24, Flat-footed 28, Fort 22, Ref 24, Will 22, Base Attack Bonus +16/+11/+6
+4 Steel Deadly Precision Vampiric Dagger of Parrying +27/+22/+17/+12 (1d4+10 (+1d6 vs Living), 18-20/x2)
Eldritch Blast (vs Touch AC) +20 (3d6, x2)
Sneak Attack Denied Dex or Flanked (+8d6, -1d6 to cause Bleed)
+5 Easy Travel Glamered Mithril Breastplate of Nimbleness (+10 Armor, +6 Dex, +2 Deflect, +6 Misc)
Abilities Str 22, Dex 22, Con 22, Int 26, Wis 18, Cha 26
Condition Awake, Alert, Unencumbered, Healthy, Disguised (Dwarven Locksmith/Explorer named Drucilla Kundarak)
Active Invocations & Effects Beguiling Influence, See The Unseen, Detect Magic
Other Defenses SR 25, Mettle

Spoiler: Automatic Search Check

Show

If Myriad gets within 5' of a mechanical trap, she automatically makes a Search Check. I will simply include this roll in every post so as not to slow down the game pacing. As she has 'detect magic' active at all times, this can also be used if she detects anything that looks remotely like a magical trap as well.
Search For Traps:(1d20+37)[42]

Move Action: 30' Move from S38 to M39

Free Action - Bluff Check to Faint (Sense Motive Check of higher value Negates) Base 55 - 4 for Nonhumanoid = 51 (Additional -8 of base/adjusted (47/43) if creature only has 1-2 Int) If the faint succeeds, the attack is against Flat-Footed AC

Standard Attack VS Target O2 -

1. (1d20+27)[42] for (1d4+10)[12] Piercing, (1d6)[1] Vampiric (Heals Myriad by same amount), (7d6)[23] Sneak Attack, & -1/Round Bleed Damage
2. -1HP to O2 for existing Bleed

Note: The Bleeding Wounds caused by the invisible blade's dagger bleeds for 1 point of damage per round. Multiple wounds from the weapon result in a cumulative bleeding loss (two wounds for 2 points of damage per round, and so on). The bleeding can only be stopped by a DC 15 Heal check or the application of any cure spell or other healing spell (heal, healing circle, and so on). Creatures immune to sneak attack damage are immune to bleeding wounds as well.

[remetagross]

The poor Ereshki is a petrified statue under his legs. Ux Utanar lets the acid wash over it, protected by his natural resistance to this effect. However, he is powerless to prevent his strength being sapped from him. And his allies have snapped the monster out of his challenge. He frowns, while mentally wishing them good luck.
"You are a worthier foe than the babbling things from the previous room, mutters Ux Utanar between gritted teeth. You should better face the worthiest foe you have in that room, and that is me."

That said, if Ereshki were mobile, I could get out of reach...hmmm...Ux Utanar displays an impressive riding mastery as he suddenly stands up in his stirrups, kicks hard, and propels himself sideways and completely over the back of Ereshki. The size of his weapon still allows him to jab at the obyrith before him past the dire bat's immobile frame, though in a much more cautious manner. A final step back sees a pillar between himself and the creature.

"Come now."

Spoiler: OOC

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Swift action: Renew the Test of Mettle, Will save DC 37 negates.
Free action: Fast dismount. This requires a DC 26 Ride skill check that Ux Utanar auto-passes by taking 10 on it, 39 total. Ux Utanar lands in R33-S34.
Full-round action: defensive full-round attack. This is made possible by Ux Utanar's reach of 20ft with a reach weapon and being of Large size. Ux Utanar's AC is now 39 against O2 (36 against anyone else). Attack rolls: (1d20+20)[32], (1d20+15)[31], (1d20+10)[29], (1d20+5)[16]. Damage roll: (2d6+7)[16], (2d6+7)[11], (2d6+7)[15], (2d6+7)[17].
Free action: 5ft-step to the left. Ux hopes that between the unmoving Ereshki and the pillar, O2 will have a hard time maneuvering itself close enough, all the while being forced to attack him.

If, for whatever reason, an AoO is allowed at some point: (1d20+20)[38], (2d6+7)[13].

[chaincomplex]

Turn Order. Obyrith 2, Player Party, then Obyrith 1.

Delja Utorak. Results:

• As she moves, O₂ makes an attack of opportunity against her with a stinger. It misses.
• Mid-flight, she is subjected to an intense psychic assault from the huge obyrith. Visions of twisting blood and flesh assail her thoughts. She takes 3 Charisma drain and is subject to other unknown horrible effects (DC 24 Will save to negate).
• Her attack hits, dealing the full magical piercing, precision, and force damage.

Myriad. Results:

• Her feint succeeds in catching O₂ off-guard.
• Her attack hits, dealing no magical piercing damage, partial precision damage, and full vampiric damage. Myriad heals for 1 hp. The bleed continues to stack on her target.
• As she moves, O₂ makes an attack of opportunity against her with a stinger. It hits, and deals 12 piercing damage and drains Dexterity by 1.
• As the changeling approaches O₁ she is subjected to an intense psychic assault from the huge obyrith. Visions of twisting blood and flesh assail her thoughts. She takes 2 Charisma drain and is subject to other unknown horrible effects (DC 24 Will save to negate).

Ux Utanar. Results:

• Test of Mettle against O₂ succeeds.
• All his attacks do not hit; the creature's natural armor is too thick.

────────────────

Obyrith 1. The tumorous creature cradles the massive black orb in its arms even tighter as the nixie and "dwarf" approach. "Die... now..." it rasps, out loud, in Abyssal.

• Standard Action. The creature defensively uses a spell-like ability. Delja is struck by a powerful psychic assault! She is affected as if by feeblemind (DC 24 Will save to negate).
• Free Action. The chains attached to the creature animate and strike with sudden speed! There are four independently moving chain segments, each making one attack against Delja. Each one attempts to grapple but they do not succeed in touching the nixie. (This provokes four attacks of opportunity against the individual chains specifically, and not the creature itself, if Delja wishes make use of them.)

Obyrith 2. The creature darts around the columns with dramatic speed, and closes in to attack. It draws itself directly next to Ux.

• Free Action. Its injuries begin to stitch up on their own right before Ux's eyes (to the tune of 8 hp).
• Move Action. Goes from T37 to Q48, then from Q48 to Q35. This provokes an attack of opportunity from Ux, who hits—but then, as his lance is about to land its blow, the spider-thing's form suddenly shifts out of the way. (It is under a displacement effect.)
• Standard Action. Its stinger strikes Ux, dealing 9 piercing damage and draining 4 Strength. It is hit by backlash from Ux's retributive amulet, but none of the backlash gets through the creature's damage reduction.

Players' turn.

[Metastachydium]

Delja flashes her blade towards one of the swinging chains, retorting with a Maybe later. through gritted teeth, in her best Abyssal. Ux! she calls out right afterwards. Stop it with the lance, they are demons! Use iron! Heeding her own advice, though she doesn't feel quite as nimble as she did mere moments before, her right juts forward in a blur of motion, seeking purchase on those ugly tumors four times in a row.

Spoiler: OOC

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Sadly, I had no space to squeeze in Combat Reflexes, so she only makes one measly AoO: (1d20+30)[34] for (1d6+20)[21] magical, cold iron piercing, (1d6)[6] cold, (1d6)[5] precision and (1d4)[3] force.
She then full-attacks defensively for AC 70 T 61: (1d20+26)[27] for (1d6+20)[21] magical, cold iron piercing, (1d6)[5] precision and (1d4)[2] force;
(1d20+21)[31] for (1d6+20)[21] magical, cold iron piercing, (1d6)[2] precision and (1d4)[2] force;
(1d20+16)[24] for (1d6+20)[26] magical, cold iron piercing, (1d6)[6] precision and (1d4)[1] force;
(1d20+11)[19] for (1d6+20)[25] magical, cold iron piercing, (1d6)[2] precision and (1d4)[4] force.

[remetagross]

Things are taking a dire turn. Ux Utanar feels weaker and weaker with each blow he takes. Time to focus on what is happening before him, and there's no mental space left to think about how the gals are handling themselves. Ux Utanar inhales, exhales, and whispers a quick prayer.
"Oh, Bahamut, lend strength and courage to your servant so that I can fight for the weak and your cause."
The hulking dragonborn clicks his ankles together. Suddenly, he has shifted in space, and reappeared on top of his still-paralyzed mount in a precarious position. Not stopping there, he cautiously proceeds to jump down Ereshki all the while avoiding the darting tentacles of the obyrith. He turns to prepare himself to fight it, completely warding himself off with his lance.

Spoiler: OOC

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Swift action: activate the Anklets of Translocation to teleport out to S33-T34.
Full-round action: withdraw to jump down from Ereshki without provoking an AoO from O2. Ux Utanar is now in W35-X36.
Ux Utanar enters the total defense mode, which means he is not allowed an AoO during his next turn. His AC against O2 now rises to 41.

Ereshki is still paralyzed.

[Geeksthenewsexy]

Skidding to a stop opposite Delja on the other side of the abomination, Myriad opens her mouth...and snaps it shut, too out of breath from her sudden sprint. Fainting once with her dagger, she misdirects her opponent and follows up by slamming her dagger hilt-deep into what she thinks is a vital spot.

Spoiler: Statblock

Show

Myriad
Female C/G Changeling Rogue 3 / Silver Key 10 / Invisible Blade 5 / Warlock 2, Level 20, Init 7, HP 155/222, Speed 30' Land
AC 33, Touch 23, Flat-footed 28, Fort 22, Ref 23, Will 20, Base Attack Bonus +16/+11/+6/+1
+4 Steel Deadly Precision Vampiric Dagger of Parrying +26/+21/+16/+11 (1d4+10 (+1d6 vs Living), 18-20/x2)
Eldritch Blast (vs Touch AC) +19 (3d6, x2)
Sneak Attack Denied Dex or Flanked (+8d6, -1d6 to cause Bleed)
+5 Easy Travel Glamered Mithril Breastplate of Nimbleness (+10 Armor, +5 Dex, +2 Deflect, +6 Misc)
Abilities Str 22, Dex 21, Con 22, Int 26, Wis 15, Cha 24
Condition Awake, Alert, Unencumbered, Healthy, Disguised (Dwarven Locksmith/Explorer named Drucilla Kundarak)
Active Invocations & Effects Beguiling Influence, See The Unseen, Detect Magic
Other Defenses SR 25, Mettle

Spoiler: Automatic Search Check

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If Myriad gets within 5' of a mechanical trap, she automatically makes a Search Check. I will simply include this roll in every post so as not to slow down the game pacing. As she has 'detect magic' active at all times, this can also be used if she detects anything that looks remotely like a magical trap as well.
Search For Traps:(1d20+29)[39]

Move Action: 30' Move from M39 to G38

Free Action - Bluff Check to Faint O1 (Sense Motive Check of higher value Negates) Base 54 - 4 for Nonhumanoid = 50 (Additional -8 of base/adjusted (46/42) if creature only has 1-2 Int) If the faint succeeds, the attack is against Flat-Footed AC

Standard (Flanked) Attack VS Target O1 -

1. (1d20+29)[39] for (1d4+10)[14] (Magical) Piercing, (1d6)[5] Vampiric (Heals Myriad by same amount), (7d6)[22] Sneak Attack, & -1/Round Bleed Damage
2. -2HP to O2 for preexisting Bleed

Note: The Bleeding Wounds caused by the invisible blade's dagger bleeds for 1 point of damage per round. Multiple wounds from the weapon result in a cumulative bleeding loss (two wounds for 2 points of damage per round, and so on). The bleeding can only be stopped by a DC 15 Heal check or the application of any cure spell or other healing spell (heal, healing circle, and so on). Creatures immune to sneak attack damage are immune to bleeding wounds as well.

[chaincomplex]

Delja Utorak. Results:

• Her attack of opportunity hits the creature and deals full piercing, precision, and force damage. It seems resistant to cold.
• Only the second attack of her full attack hits, dealing full piercing, precision, and force damage.

Ux Utanar. The dragonborn teleports atop Ereshki and dismounts with no issue.

Myriad. Results:

• As the "dwarf" moves through H38 she takes an attack of opportunity. The creature bites at her—it does not hit.
• She successfully feints.
• She lands her attack, dealing no piercing, full vampiric, and 21 precision damage. The attack induces bleed.

The creature's tumorous flesh is raked with deep gorges where the party's weapons cut into.

────────────────

Obyrith 1. The creature's bulk shudders as its arms begin waving to mimic a spell. Two of its arms however maintain their solid grip on the orb.

• Standard Action. It uses a spell-like ability defensively. Delja feels her muscles begin to tighten! She is affected as if by hold monster (DC 24) at CL 15th.
• Free Action. Two chains try to grapple Delja, provoking two attacks of opportunity. If not held, the nixie dodges them with ease. (The attempts attain a 34 and 39 on their melee touch attacks inclusive of all bonuses, I am unclear if they hit if a held Delja.) The other two chains whip around and try to grapple Myriad—both connect. (This causes two attacks of opportunity.) Otherwise the obyrith attains a 44 and 45 on its grapple checks respectively.

Obyrith 2. The spider-thing dashes out into the open to assess O₁'s situation. After it is satisfied, it magically assaults the dragonborn.

• Move Action. Moves from Q35 to R39.
• Standard Action. Uses a spell-like ability. Telekinesis! An unseen force whips around Ux's legs and attempts to pull them out from under him. The melee touch attack hits, and the creature attains a 17 on its ability check.

Turn Order. Obyrith 2, Player Party, then Obyrith 1.

Players' turn.

[Geeksthenewsexy]

"Ack!" Counterattacking quickly as the chains seek to bind her. Myriad gets a few stabs in before being nearly grappled, just barely avoiding the chains and then manages to stab some more in retaliation. "Why you so hung up on that orb, ****face? If I was you, I'd be voiding all the reflective surfaces so I didn't scare myself half to death with that carriage-wreck you call a face!"

Spoiler: Statblock

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Myriad
Female C/G Changeling Rogue 3 / Silver Key 10 / Invisible Blade 5 / Warlock 2, Level 20, Init 7, HP 160/222, Speed 30' Land
AC 33, Touch 23, Flat-footed 28, Fort 22, Ref 23, Will 20, Base Attack Bonus +16/+11/+6/+1
+4 Steel Deadly Precision Vampiric Dagger of Parrying +26/+21/+16/+11 (1d4+10 (+1d6 vs Living), 18-20/x2)
Eldritch Blast (vs Touch AC) +19 (3d6, x2)
Sneak Attack Denied Dex or Flanked (+8d6, -1d6 to cause Bleed)
+5 Easy Travel Glamered Mithril Breastplate of Nimbleness (+10 Armor, +5 Dex, +2 Deflect, +6 Misc)
Abilities Str 22, Dex 21, Con 22, Int 26, Wis 15, Cha 24
Condition Awake, Alert, Unencumbered, Healthy, Disguised (Dwarven Locksmith/Explorer named Drucilla Kundarak)
Active Invocations & Effects Beguiling Influence, See The Unseen, Detect Magic
Other Defenses SR 25, Mettle

Spoiler: Automatic Search Check

Show

If Myriad gets within 5' of a mechanical trap, she automatically makes a Search Check. I will simply include this roll in every post so as not to slow down the game pacing. As she has 'detect magic' active at all times, this can also be used if she detects anything that looks remotely like a magical trap as well.
Search For Traps:Already rolled.

Move Action: N/A

Spoiler: Borked rolls

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(1d4+10)[14](1d6)[6](7d6)[20](1d20+23)[28](1d4+10)[14](1d6)[3](7d6)[28](1d20+18)[29](1d4+10)[11](1d6)[1](7d6)[27](1d20+13)[19](1d4+10)[11](1d6)[4](7d6)[20]

Please see OOC Thread

Note: The Bleeding Wounds caused by the invisible blade's dagger bleeds for 1 point of damage per round. Multiple wounds from the weapon result in a cumulative bleeding loss (two wounds for 2 points of damage per round, and so on). The bleeding can only be stopped by a DC 15 Heal check or the application of any cure spell or other healing spell (heal, healing circle, and so on). Creatures immune to sneak attack damage are immune to bleeding wounds as well.

---

* post roll count doesn't match database

[Metastachydium]

Delja's face twitches again. She's not exactly accustomed to having her very mind assailed with a frequency of this sort. If the thing can keep this up… Hey, big one! she speaks up in Abyssal. In case you missed it, my friend thinks you're ugly. I She stabs forward as Chains exposes itself with two more swingsflying past her. tend to agree. she adds with scornful calm without unleashing another flurry of her own blade on the obyrith.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Attack of opportunity: (1d20+26)[28] for (1d6+20)[21] magical cold iron and piercing with (1d6)[2] precision and (1d4)[1] force.
And then a defensive full-attack for AC 70 T 61: (1d20+26)[37] for (1d6+20)[26] magical cold iron and piercing with (1d6)[1] precision and (1d4)[3] force;
(1d20+21)[38] for (1d6+20)[26] magical cold iron and piercing with (1d6)[2] precision and (1d4)[3] force;
(1d20+16)[21] for (1d6+20)[25] magical cold iron and piercing with (1d6)[6] precision and (1d4)[2] force; and
(1d20+11)[21] for (1d6+20)[22] magical cold iron and piercing with (1d6)[5] precision and (1d4)[2] force.

[remetagross]

Ux Utanar feels a magical sweep trying to put him on his rear. He achieves a great feat of combat legwork in remaining to stay standing. He can dimly hear the babble of Delja and Myriad exchanging quips with whatever lies further in the room...The ongoing effort starts to leave him panting...but he must keep that creature's attention on himself.
"Don't try to shy away, you savage monster! I'm still your foe, and will be as long as I still draw breath. This is a formal challenge between the two of us. May Bahamut assist me in defeating you!"

That said, the hulking dragonborn makes a sidestep and furiously jabs at the outsider creature. He still proceeds with caution, but his initiatiating a challenge reinvigorates his fighting spirit. At the same time, Ereshki starts to blink and rotate her head a little. Almost free!

Spoiler: OOC

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Free action: 5ft-step to V35-W36.
Swift action: Knight's Challenge to O2. Ux Utanar gains a +4 morale bonus to Will save, attack rolls and damage rolls for 17 rounds.
Full-round action: Full-round attack against O2, fighting defensively. The -4 to attack rolls is cancelled out by the +4 from the knight's challenge. Attack rolls:(1d20+22)[34], (1d20+17)[30], (1d20+12)[13], (1d20+7)[10]. Damage rolls: (2d6+8)[17], (2d6+8)[16], (2d6+8)[15], (2d6+8)[19]

Ereshki is spending her last turn as a Stunned creature.

[chaincomplex]

Myriad. Results:

• With her two attacks, Myriad manages to fight off the grappling chains. Both attacks hit and deal damage.
• Her first, second, and fourth attacks hit, and deal damage.

Myriad heals for the full vampiric damage dealt that round. As usual it seems some of the damage is shrugged off by the creature's damage resistance. Yet damage resistance or no, the obyrith O₁ appears to be gravely wounded, more gore than flesh at this juncture.

Delja Utorak. Her first two attacks hit and deal their full damage.

The creature O₁'s body shudders, spasms, tumors roiling under a lattice of deep cuts that spill blood freely with each tiny motion. Then it collapses to the ground, dead. Its giant yellow eyes lose focus and its many arms fall limp. The chains too pile upon the floor, no longer animate.

It releases the black orb, which strikes the ground with a great, sharp crack that reverberates in the chamber. The orb rolls only a short ways before coming to a full stop.

Ux Utanar. Only the dragonborn's first attack hits, and such as it is deals only a small fraction of its damage. The spider-thing's hide is too tough, and it darts about too fast.

────────────────

Obyrith 2. It is fair to say, if this creature's face could be said to have an expression, then that expression is surprise. As it watches O₁ fall dead, its many giant red eyes glitter with hidden thoughts. "Ohk anm," its voice rumbles, deep and powerful. Though still some archaic variant of Abyssal, this one is simple enough for Delja to guess its meaning—a meaning hard to translate precisely because it is rooted in what is uniquely a tanar'ri subculture, but if a translation had to be given, it would be a deadpan, "What."

• Standard Action. Suddenly fixated on dealing with the two threats on the far side of the room, the creature uses a spell-like ability on the nixie. Delja is affected as if by flesh to stone (DC 23).
• Move Action. It closes in on Ux, provoking an attack of opportunity. It moves from S39 to U37.
• Its flesh knits together as it continues to fast heal, which is only partially counteracted by its bleed.

Turn Order. Obyrith 2 then Player Party. It is now the players' turn.

[Metastachydium]

Elja exhales loudly as the heap of tumors hits the ground and goes all motionless. At last! And it even had the manners not to spray mucus all over the two of them. She turns to face the Spider with a rare, actual, triumphant smile on her face. Oh, yes, ugly. she tells the creature in Abyssal, shaking a sudden, unexplained bout of stiffness out of her right foot. Feeling up to the same? With that, she takes a mental note of the black orb (Master Teru, perhaps?) and springs into the air, in pursuit of the Spider, her blade hungry for more.

Spoiler: OOC

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Move action fly to S39; no Tumbling, but her AC is 78 T 69 against the AoO and she has concealment from her stance;
standard action attack the Spider defensively for AC 70 T 61 (incl. Dodge): (1d20+26)[37] for (1d6+20)[24] magical cold iron piercing, (1d6)[3] precision and (1d4)[2] force.