The Wayfinders - The Wreck of the Archon
- Thread starter SelcSilverhand
- Start date
SelcSilverhand
First Post
OOC: I should have a new post up tomorrow. I'm sorry for the long wait over the holidays. I came back to work and found a bunch of stuff had broke from some upgrades a coworker performed. Been working on it three days now and finally got it under control.
SelcSilverhand
First Post
A terrible metallic screech sounds as the indentations in the ground begin to open. The ground splits into five blades of an iris that retract into the floor around it. It reveals huge gaping holes from which slowly rise massive bronze-colored metal contraptions. They rise until the top of the devices stand almost 15' off the ground when the elevating platform stops. The complicated devices seem to unfold from their compacted form. Four limbs bend at several joints until each has snapped into place. Legs unbend and limber up by flexing the entire machine up and down. Once the limbs have extended you can see they are connected to a thick armored torso. A large disc at the top rises up revealing a red crystalline contraption at the top. After the device finishes activating it pauses for a second before a loud, bellowing sound erupts from the two machines. The deep boom can be felt as well as heard as it echos throughout the dead city. From the crystals atop the torso a beam of red light spears outward like the light of the lighthouse and begins to sweep the area around it.
Careful to hide from their watchful gaze, you study their armaments. Each limb ends in a different weapon. One is a large spiked hammer the size of a sharpening wheel attached to a particularly thick limb. Opposite of it is a long tri bladed spear held with the elbow pulled back; poised to strike at an extended reach. The other two limbs are daintier by comparison and sport complicated looking mechanisms.
Ponderously, the machines begin to move. Each footstep vibrates the ground beneath your feet even from this distance. Each motion produces a sound of tortured metal long unserviced or greased. Occasional sparks fly from limbs as they move. They begin a circle around the perimeter of the field, each moving in opposite directions. One of the great red lights sweeps over a pile of rubble near the ruined tower, pauses, then sweeps back. It emits a low tone, a signal, for the other construct stops its patrol and swivels to observe the first. One of the smaller arms adjusts itself on the first machine. Parts of it glow blue then light flashes from the tip and a fast moving bolt of energy slams into the rubble turning it into a smoking ruin.
From the dust and debris a large mutated rat races forth. It dashes away along the edge of the field. The second machine seems to have difficulty tracking it as both of its shots go wide, obliterating chunks of nearby buildings. A shower of sparks fly from its limb each time it fires. The first one fires again and turns the escaping creature into a blackened red smear on the ground.
The machines return to their patrol and after nearly a minute they finish their circuit and return to the elevating platforms. The machines fold up and are slowly lowered back into storage with the sound of protesting gears. After another moment all is quiet again. A slight eddy in the air bring the smell of burnt hair and flesh to your noses.
Careful to hide from their watchful gaze, you study their armaments. Each limb ends in a different weapon. One is a large spiked hammer the size of a sharpening wheel attached to a particularly thick limb. Opposite of it is a long tri bladed spear held with the elbow pulled back; poised to strike at an extended reach. The other two limbs are daintier by comparison and sport complicated looking mechanisms.
Ponderously, the machines begin to move. Each footstep vibrates the ground beneath your feet even from this distance. Each motion produces a sound of tortured metal long unserviced or greased. Occasional sparks fly from limbs as they move. They begin a circle around the perimeter of the field, each moving in opposite directions. One of the great red lights sweeps over a pile of rubble near the ruined tower, pauses, then sweeps back. It emits a low tone, a signal, for the other construct stops its patrol and swivels to observe the first. One of the smaller arms adjusts itself on the first machine. Parts of it glow blue then light flashes from the tip and a fast moving bolt of energy slams into the rubble turning it into a smoking ruin.
From the dust and debris a large mutated rat races forth. It dashes away along the edge of the field. The second machine seems to have difficulty tracking it as both of its shots go wide, obliterating chunks of nearby buildings. A shower of sparks fly from its limb each time it fires. The first one fires again and turns the escaping creature into a blackened red smear on the ground.
The machines return to their patrol and after nearly a minute they finish their circuit and return to the elevating platforms. The machines fold up and are slowly lowered back into storage with the sound of protesting gears. After another moment all is quiet again. A slight eddy in the air bring the smell of burnt hair and flesh to your noses.
Deuce Traveler
Adventurer
"That was disturbing. I can make another attempt at deactivating the sensors, unless one of you good people have a better idea on how to traverse the field." Doral says.
Deuce Traveler
Adventurer
Seeing that his companions are still speechless, Doral gives a shrug and gets back up, wiping the dust off his clothes as he does so. "I shall make another endeavor," he says simply as he returns to work on neutralizing the threat.
Disable Device
[roll0]
Disable Device
[roll0]
"What I know about traps and constructs you can fit in a thimble," Midian says, his tone tinged with futility. "If we can't disable it, I don't know a good way to bypass it. If any of you recognize the energy from that beam, I might be able to guard Kraken against it should we come to blows with those things.
"But since we might wind up having to fight our way through..."
As Doral approaches the apparatus again, Midian sweeps his arms in arcing patterns over his head, muttering incomprehensible phrases whose sounds are reminiscent of the low rumble of thunder.
Indeed, the sky overhead seems to darken slightly, and an answering rumble comes from above.
[sblock=ooc]Sorry I've been absent in this thread, folks. I thought I was on top of things, but not so much.
Since it's a full round cast, and he can recall it with his Eberron shard if he needs to, Midian's going to go ahead and cast Call Lightning now. He won't actually summon any bolts, but for the next 9 minutes, they'll be an option that's only a standard action if he wants them.
Also, I noticed mention of sparks, but were the beams actually electrical energy? Midian has Resist Energy (20) prepared, but I didn't know if we were able to identify the damage type of the beam.[/sblock]
[sblock=mini-stats]Full Sheet
Used: Scroll of Water Breathing[/sblock]
"But since we might wind up having to fight our way through..."
As Doral approaches the apparatus again, Midian sweeps his arms in arcing patterns over his head, muttering incomprehensible phrases whose sounds are reminiscent of the low rumble of thunder.
Indeed, the sky overhead seems to darken slightly, and an answering rumble comes from above.
[sblock=ooc]Sorry I've been absent in this thread, folks. I thought I was on top of things, but not so much.
Since it's a full round cast, and he can recall it with his Eberron shard if he needs to, Midian's going to go ahead and cast Call Lightning now. He won't actually summon any bolts, but for the next 9 minutes, they'll be an option that's only a standard action if he wants them.
Also, I noticed mention of sparks, but were the beams actually electrical energy? Midian has Resist Energy (20) prepared, but I didn't know if we were able to identify the damage type of the beam.[/sblock]
[sblock=mini-stats]Full Sheet
Code:
[b]HP:[/b] 66/66
[b]AC:[/b] 21 [b]AC(T):[/b] 14 [b]AC(FF):[/b] 18
Wildshape base AC: 15
Medium/Huge Animal AC: 17
Medium Magical Beast AC: 19
Medium Air Elemental AC: 20, Darkvision 60', fly 60 (perfect), from Ref +4 bump: Reflex save to +8, CMD to 24
Medium Water Elemental: AC 20, Fort save: +11, +2 HP / level (con bump), Darkvision 60', Swim 60'
Conditions:
Full Party: Negate Aroma & Pass Without Trace (both 8 hours)
Midian: Empowered Call Lightning (9 minutes)
[b]Init:[/b] +02
[b]BAB:[/b] +6/+1 [b]CMB/CMD:[/b] +8/22 [b]ACP:[/b] -3 (Wildshape: 0)
[b]Perception:[/b] +17
Saving Throw Base Mod Misc* Total
Fort: 06 1 +2 +9
Ref: 02 2 +2 +6
Will: 06 6 +2 +14
* Cloak +2
Conditional: +4 vs. spell-like fey & plant effects (Resist Nature's Lure)
Resist Cold 10
[b]Weapon Attack Damage Critical[/b]
Shortspear................+8.....1d6+2.........x2
Shortspear, full attack...+8/+3..1d6+2/1d6+2...x2
Shortspear, thrown........+8.....1d6+1.........x2, range 20'
Sling.....................+8.....1d4+2.........x2, range 50'
Sling, full attack........+8/+3..1d4+2/1d4+2...x2, range 50'
Special: +1d6 cold damage on slam attacks in Water Elemental form (shard exposure).
[b]Surge:[/b] 9/9 remaining (CMB +14)
Magical Feats: Spell Focus (Conj), Augment Summoning, Natural Spell
[b]Spells:[/b]
0st Level / DC16/17 6 Day : Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Mending, Stabilize, Spark
1st Level / DC17/18 4+2+D Day : Detect Aberration, Liberating Command, [s]Negate Aroma[/s], [s]Pass Without Trace[/s], Ray of Sickening, Ant Haul, Obscuring Mist (D)
2nd Level / DC18/19 3+2+D Day : Delay Poison, Soften Earth and Stone, Stone Call, **Frigid Touch, Resist Energy, Slipstream (D)
3rd Level / DC19/20 3+1+D Day : Hide Campsite, Aqueous Orb, Spider Climb (Communal), **Call Lightning*, Water Walk (D)
4th Level / DC20/21 2+1+D Day : Freedom of Movement, Dispel Magic, **Ball Lightning, Control Water (D)
* attuned to empowered spell shard
** Eberron shard can recall evocation spells up to 4th level: 2/2 remaining
[b]Wand charges:[/b] 27/28 remaining.
[b]Wild Shape:[/b] 3/3 remainingUsed: Scroll of Water Breathing[/sblock]
SelcSilverhand
First Post
Doral moves forward and begins working once more on the intricate runes. It is difficult to break the lines engraved into the floor. His tools slip though and cuts across the wrong line. He holds his breath for a moment but luckily nothing happens. You take another moment to study the runes before beginning again. Given the partially magical effect of the runes you suspect you might be able to increase your chances by dispelling some of the magics in place.
OOC - Didn't make the DC, but didn't set it off either. If anyone can cast dispel magic you can reduce the difficulty by 5 for 1d4 rounds.
Midian and Whisper put their heads together while Kraken keeps an eye out for movement. They theorize that the sparks indicate damaged components rather than the magical effect. The beam seemed to be partially fire and partially some sort of pure energy, similar to a cleric's ability to call down divine fire to strike their foes. While fire protection will likely reduce some of the damage the rest may not be blocked by the spell.
OOC - Didn't make the DC, but didn't set it off either. If anyone can cast dispel magic you can reduce the difficulty by 5 for 1d4 rounds.
Midian and Whisper put their heads together while Kraken keeps an eye out for movement. They theorize that the sparks indicate damaged components rather than the magical effect. The beam seemed to be partially fire and partially some sort of pure energy, similar to a cleric's ability to call down divine fire to strike their foes. While fire protection will likely reduce some of the damage the rest may not be blocked by the spell.
Midian Rightson, human druid
"I don't know how well the energies I channel will effect technological magics, but it can't hurt..." Midian offers when Doral points out the magical runes.
The druid furrows his brow, hands spread toward the runes. He mutters under his breath as he traces the runes in the air, and there does seem to be a momentary quavering between the caster and the trap. Then the tension shatters, and Midian sighs.
"Not sure I can help, either, but give it a look."
[sblock=ooc]Dispel check, rounds (1d20+8=9, 1d4=3)
I don't imagine that caster level check did anything, I'm afraid.
[/sblock]
[sblock=mini-stats]Full Sheet
Used: Scroll of Water Breathing[/sblock]
"I don't know how well the energies I channel will effect technological magics, but it can't hurt..." Midian offers when Doral points out the magical runes.
The druid furrows his brow, hands spread toward the runes. He mutters under his breath as he traces the runes in the air, and there does seem to be a momentary quavering between the caster and the trap. Then the tension shatters, and Midian sighs.
"Not sure I can help, either, but give it a look."
[sblock=ooc]Dispel check, rounds (1d20+8=9, 1d4=3)
I don't imagine that caster level check did anything, I'm afraid.
[/sblock][sblock=mini-stats]Full Sheet
Code:
[b]HP:[/b] 66/66
[b]AC:[/b] 21 [b]AC(T):[/b] 14 [b]AC(FF):[/b] 18
Wildshape base AC: 15
Medium/Huge Animal AC: 17
Medium Magical Beast AC: 19
Medium Air Elemental AC: 20, Darkvision 60', fly 60 (perfect), from Ref +4 bump: Reflex save to +8, CMD to 24
Medium Water Elemental: AC 20, Fort save: +11, +2 HP / level (con bump), Darkvision 60', Swim 60'
Conditions:
Full Party: Negate Aroma & Pass Without Trace (both 8 hours)
Midian: Empowered Call Lightning (9 minutes)
[b]Init:[/b] +02
[b]BAB:[/b] +6/+1 [b]CMB/CMD:[/b] +8/22 [b]ACP:[/b] -3 (Wildshape: 0)
[b]Perception:[/b] +17
Saving Throw Base Mod Misc* Total
Fort: 06 1 +2 +9
Ref: 02 2 +2 +6
Will: 06 6 +2 +14
* Cloak +2
Conditional: +4 vs. spell-like fey & plant effects (Resist Nature's Lure)
Resist Cold 10
[b]Weapon Attack Damage Critical[/b]
Shortspear................+8.....1d6+2.........x2
Shortspear, full attack...+8/+3..1d6+2/1d6+2...x2
Shortspear, thrown........+8.....1d6+1.........x2, range 20'
Sling.....................+8.....1d4+2.........x2, range 50'
Sling, full attack........+8/+3..1d4+2/1d4+2...x2, range 50'
Special: +1d6 cold damage on slam attacks in Water Elemental form (shard exposure).
[b]Surge:[/b] 9/9 remaining (CMB +14)
Magical Feats: Spell Focus (Conj), Augment Summoning, Natural Spell
[b]Spells:[/b]
0st Level / DC16/17 6 Day : Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Mending, Stabilize, Spark
1st Level / DC17/18 4+2+D Day : Detect Aberration, Liberating Command, [s]Negate Aroma[/s], [s]Pass Without Trace[/s], Ray of Sickening, Ant Haul, Obscuring Mist (D)
2nd Level / DC18/19 3+2+D Day : Delay Poison, Soften Earth and Stone, Stone Call, **Frigid Touch, Resist Energy, Slipstream (D)
3rd Level / DC19/20 3+1+D Day : Hide Campsite, Aqueous Orb, Spider Climb (Communal), **[s]Call Lightning[/s]*, Water Walk (D)
4th Level / DC20/21 2+1+D Day : Freedom of Movement, [s]Dispel Magic[/s], **Ball Lightning, Control Water (D)
* attuned to empowered spell shard
** Eberron shard can recall evocation spells up to 4th level: 2/2 remaining
[b]Wand charges:[/b] 27/28 remaining.
[b]Wild Shape:[/b] 3/3 remainingUsed: Scroll of Water Breathing[/sblock]
"I wonder," Whisper muses as she gazes at the runes. "Maybe we're going about this the hard way. There must have been a way to get this system to grant access to authorized personnel. A password perhaps, or a token that the magic could recognize. I wonder if we might exploit that."
Deuce Traveler
Adventurer
Doral answers, "I too hope for an easier solution. Still, allow me one more chance. I am quite certain that I have ascertained certain properties which will allow me a greater chance of success." Doral waits for everyone to stand back, and with Midian's help tries once more.
Disable Device
[roll0]
Disable Device
[roll0]
SelcSilverhand
First Post
Doral carefully finishes interrupting the magical inscriptions in the road and senses a warm pulse that radiates outward from the runes. The energy fades from them leaving him certain that part has been disabled. He takes some time to jam the purely mechanical triggers that he can see to prevent the party from accidentally triggering the constructs while passing through. Finally he stands and waves to the party to signal it is safe to pass.
Now that you can move more freely you can examine the battle damage around the dome structure. There are fresh burn marks on the ground in a broken trail leading towards one of the smaller iris doors. It looks as if a group might have been running while being fired upon. Just outside the iris is a boot turned on its side with a pool of blood around it.
Now that you can move more freely you can examine the battle damage around the dome structure. There are fresh burn marks on the ground in a broken trail leading towards one of the smaller iris doors. It looks as if a group might have been running while being fired upon. Just outside the iris is a boot turned on its side with a pool of blood around it.
Deuce Traveler
Adventurer
Before attempting to open the portal, he first checks for traps or alarms and then to see if it is locked. If the iris does not have a simple mechanism for opening, Doral tries a different tactic. "I shall endeavor to employ magic before resorting to mechanical means," the beguiler says as he releases a spell and gestures towards the door.
OOC:
Find Traps w/ Perception check
[roll0]
If a trap is found, he'll stop further actions and alert the party. Else, he will attempt the iris. If unable to open, he will be casting knock on the iris.
OOC:
Find Traps w/ Perception check
[roll0]
If a trap is found, he'll stop further actions and alert the party. Else, he will attempt the iris. If unable to open, he will be casting knock on the iris.
SelcSilverhand
First Post
Doral carefully inspects the control console near the door. It looks similar to the one you discovered earlier near the security checkpoint that was opened with a badge. There are several warning symbols that indicate that the door is designed for rapid closure and can result in injury if it is not clear when the close control is used. Midian nudges the boot and sees that the owner left more than their footwear behind when the door sealed. The source of the blood is the severed foot still inside. Careful examinations of the blast marks shows two different types. One type from the constructs you just saw, but other larger blast marks that must have come from the tower.
After some fiddling with the door Doral is able to activate the portal using the badge. The door opens with a hissing sound as each blade of the iris slides smoothly into the wall. The inner room is lit by a length of copper pipe a foot long lying on the floor. You see numerous blood stains and boot prints tracking it all over the room. There are large shields hanging from the walls along with racks to hold weapons. There are some shelves holding some miscellaneous equipment such as rope, climbing gear, and repair parts. Some of the equipment has been tossed on the floor making it look like someone searched through the equipment for valuables recently. There are concrete pillars spaced out to slow invaders progress through this area. There is another side room with darkened glass and a door that looks untouched. There is another open door at the far side of the room about 40' away. From the signs of blood and scuffs on the floor it looks like the group before you stopped here to bind their wounds before moving onwards. There are no signs of bodies so either there was no fatalities or the creatures of the ship made it here before you...
After some fiddling with the door Doral is able to activate the portal using the badge. The door opens with a hissing sound as each blade of the iris slides smoothly into the wall. The inner room is lit by a length of copper pipe a foot long lying on the floor. You see numerous blood stains and boot prints tracking it all over the room. There are large shields hanging from the walls along with racks to hold weapons. There are some shelves holding some miscellaneous equipment such as rope, climbing gear, and repair parts. Some of the equipment has been tossed on the floor making it look like someone searched through the equipment for valuables recently. There are concrete pillars spaced out to slow invaders progress through this area. There is another side room with darkened glass and a door that looks untouched. There is another open door at the far side of the room about 40' away. From the signs of blood and scuffs on the floor it looks like the group before you stopped here to bind their wounds before moving onwards. There are no signs of bodies so either there was no fatalities or the creatures of the ship made it here before you...
"So far, so good?" Midian whispers as they pause. "At least there aren't any tentacles or dripping sacs or whatnot? That's one better than most of our rooms this far."
The druid points to the open door. "Just in case, though, maybe we should follow the open doors to clear things before we open anything new?"
The druid points to the open door. "Just in case, though, maybe we should follow the open doors to clear things before we open anything new?"
SelcSilverhand
First Post
Through the doorway you can see a long corridor with the right wall covered in darkened glass. The left side of the hallway has doorways at regular intervals. Some have been opened forcibly and show damage around the locks. At the far end of the hall is a set of double doors. They are slightly ajar. Everything in the hallway is dark save for your own light sources.
Similar Threads
