Gearing Up Part 1

-=--=--=--=--=--=--<* Roleplay Nexus: Ruins of Merkabah *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Merkabah lies here in a graveyard miles in size with some portions of the city scattered throughout the mountains and others still intact upon what parts of the floating fortress survived the impact of its crash landing without  breaking apart. By and large, the ruins are spread out for miles in every direction. Its great monuments and towers and buildings and palaces of ancient mien and majestic glory now little more then burnt out hulks and shattered walls  blackened from the firepower of the Planar Disjunction Cannon.

Even in this cataclysm, spread across this area of the mountain range, indicates of the remnants of ancient Kulthian architecture and artistry can be found evident. Enormous structures hewn out of obsidian and patterend with Kulthian  script meant to channel arcane energy through the intricate workings of the built in artifice of the city. The presence of technomagic is seamless with the construction and quality of buildings. Even the toppled statues and ripped  apart walls and fallen towers give notion that the presence of magic would have once been a common thing here as the delicate intertwining of mana-conduits is literally razor thin as opposed to the oppressive great copper tubings and  steam boilers more common in places like Alexandria itself. Black and silver contrasted with the green hue of mana seems to be the prevelant theme here. Numerous broken streets wend their way throughout the area. Enormous pyramids   dominate the landscape. Many of them still intact despite the crash of the city.

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The prevailing landmark in this area of the ruins is a massive hexagonal shaped structure tilted onto its sides and partially buried into the mountains. An enormous tower still intact, albeit leaning slightly, and still flickering with signs of life: Saluven's Tower.

<OOC> Mel says, "OK. I would like to purchase 2 cure lights, then, for the log and when staff finishes everything."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Also, please note that I have been unable to contact the owner of the current logger to get it removed, so I have paused it and am using client-side logging."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Mel, two potions of CLW, you have it."

The Guild representative you met with back in Alexandria seemed puzzled by the request, peering at the scrolls on the desk in front of him with little piggy-like eyes. "Your client bids you venture into the ruins of Merkabah, while it is still accessible. He is looking for an intact example of a something called a clockwork. Why he doesn't just buy a clock, I don't know, but that's what he wanted. That's all he gave me, but I'm sure I can count on you to figure out what he wants. Sounds like the sort of thing the High Artificers might have tried. No, I didn't ask what he wants it for."

So now you find yourselves venturing into the crumbling but still-magnificent city of the High Artificers. It's easy to see how magnificent it might have been when it was shiny and new, and even now, covered in blood, dust, and soot, and scarred and its streets and buildings scarred and torn by blasts, magic, and swords alike, it's still quite impressive. The skyscrapers close in above you, nearly blotting out the sun, although there are thin strips of blue sky above, and a cool breeze whistles down the narrow street you walk down.

<OOC> Seldan says, "If you have it: Knowledge/Artifice."
<OOC> Tarragon can roll craft/artifice
<OOC> Tarragon doesn't think there's a knowledge artifice skill
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls craft/artifice: (19)+15: 34
GAME: Tarragon rolls craft/artifice: (2)+10: 12
<OOC> Seldan says, "Craft/artifice, then."

Mel is walking down the streets, his eyes peeled for clocks. Well, that's what we were asked to find. "It's probably some sort of mechanical golem, going to attack us," he posits. Not from any sort of knowledge, but more from a that's-the-way-things-go perspective.

Sargon strides along, head twisting this way and that as he does his best to scan their surroundings. "You aren't wrong," he asides to Mel. Then after a moment he adds. "How 'intact' do you think he was he talking about? 'Mostly intact'? Or intact intact?"

"More than likely it means 'as intact as we can manage'. I'd PLAN on bringing pieces back, but I wouldn't turn down a fully intact one." Tara says as she floats along with the group.

The surroundings are a source of keen interest for the artifice user of artifice that is the large, drab metal golem. Cyan optics scan as cranial unit rotates. The rotation pauses as it regiaters the voclized concerns of unite designate: Mel. "This unit will not harm biological units assigned to common task."

You paged MAC-B1G with 'You know exactly what he is talking about. Some of the High Artificers experimented with a combination of many incredibly precise mechanical workings, given life with magic of an unknown sort. It's perfectly possible to bring one back intact, you just have to find one and then find its key.'
You paged MAC-B1G with 'And then get close enough to turn it counter-clockwise.'

Sargon spares a quick glance of surprise at the golem in the party's midst - or more precisely the words he's saying. Then he glances at Mel to see if the human's as surprised at the response. Is MAC-B1G that literal? Sargon doesn't know. But he lets it go and instead persists along his earlier line of conversation. "If we do want to capture one unharmed, that changes things. I know how to hit normal living things in a way that doesn't cause them lasting harm. Does that work against clockwork things?"

Mel looks up at the war golem. He -is- a bit surprised, it seems, and he can only say, "Uh, thanks. That's good." Sadly, that just makes him more nervous. What if our golem changes his mind? He's sort of edging away from the golem now, but still with the party, and he concentrates more on being an alert lookout, that's part of what he's here for. As far as knocking one out, he says, "He didn't say we had to bring it back in one piece, or put any stipulations on it other than intact, so I think taking it back however we can will have to be enough. It can be intact in several pieces, right?"

"Let's try to bring it back in one piece. Otherwise, pieces. You know...give it a chance to come back peacefully." Tara says softly. "Who knows...might work."

MAC-B1G resumes its scanning of the structures and engineering in their vicinity. "Clockwork constructs operate via a complex system of mechanical energy conversion mechanisms. These mechanisms are powered by arcane energies infused at the time of final activation. Each unit is contructed with, and activated by, a matched key. This same key can render the clockwork inert when rotated three-hundred sixty degrees counter-clockwise.

Sargon seems struck by a new thought. He's about to respond when MAC explains. Sargon's eyes bulge in surprise now but then he seems to recover and nods slowly as he commits the seemingly important information to memory. Then he glances over at Tara. "But what you're saying...do you mean, trick it? -convince- it? Do we have any talkers?" He glances over the party quickly. His gaze hesitates when it comes across MAC. "Would a clockwork creation even -understand- us?" Sargon asks the golem.

Mel eyes Mac-B1G skeptically, but ... he'd know, right? Maybe? He nods to Tarragon, "Oh, I -can- fight it without breaking it. I broke up more fights in the ranks than I did actual fighting, in the war. I'll try. As you say, we probably won't die horribly. At least it's not more sewer work..."

"I imagine Clockworks are like Golems in all but name. Alive as their own race." Tara says gesturing to Mac. "Much like our friend here."

The destruction evident in the streets makes the streets rough going, and you pick your way around potholes, debris of metal of every type, and puddles of water that seem to be left from a recent rain, but all seems quiet. Some distance away, though, there's a rather nasty-looking puddle of some inky-black substance pooled up against the remains of a metal-and-stone structure that looks like it took a direct hit from - something.

<OOC> Seldan says, "Perception checks!"
GAME: Mel rolls perception: (7)+14: 21
GAME: Sargon rolls perception: (14)+9: 23
GAME: Tarragon rolls perception: (13)+9: 22
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls perception: (8)+12: 20
<OOC> Seldan says, "You all spot it - it moved. On its own."
<OOC> MAC-B1G says, "The structure or the puddle moved?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "The puddle."

Mel pauses, hefting his shield. "Uh, did any of you guys see that puddle move?" he asks hestitantly. He tugs at his collar, looks left and right, then squints ahead at the puddle. "I didn't bring anything for fighting puddles," he says nervously.

Sargon moves towards the puddle, drifting a few steps to the side so that if others approach they're no grouped together. "I saw it too," he confirms. "Is there something under the surface?"

"I saw it too. I hope it's not a slime. if it is, we'll just have to improvise, I guess." Tara says tilting her head.

<OOC> Sargon would like to take the opportunity to cast Mage Armor :D
<OOC> Seldan says, "Go ahead."
<OOC> Tarragon says, "Huh. I have mage armor as well. may I?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "Yes."

"Motion detected," MAC-B1G affirms, faceplate swiveling towards. "Threat probability: fifty-seven point nine nine nine percent."

GAME: Tarragon casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 9 DC: 19
<OOC> Sargon uses a ring of wizardry that he has 'taught' Mage Armor so he casts a different spell.
GAME: Sargon casts Thunderstomp. Caster Level: 5 DC: 11
<OOC> Seldan says, "All right."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Who moved closer to the puddle?"
<OOC> Tarragon says, "Not me."
<OOC> Mel says, "Not yet. How close are we now?"
<OOC> Sargon moved closer
<OOC> Seldan says, "About 20'."

Sargon sniffs as he approaches, then quickly sniffs again. He wrinkles his nose. "It stinks," he reports to the others. "It reminds me of machines. And of the city. It reminds me of..." he hesitates and then sighs. "Of something from Goblintown," he finally admits.

<OOC> Seldan says, "Another Perception check."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Everyone."
GAME: Tarragon rolls perception: (7)+9: 16
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls perception: (7)+12: 19
GAME: Mel rolls perception: (10)+14: 24
GAME: Sargon rolls perception: (10)+9: 19
You paged Mel with 'You catch it. As Sargon approaches, a pair of emaciated shadows appear within the ruined structure, looking like nothing so much as charred skeletons.'

Mel wrinkles his nose at the smell of something from Goblintown. "Machines from Goblintown?" he wonders. "I feel bad for them, then," he decides, glancing aside. That's when he sees it. "Hold," he calls to Sargon, and points out a pair of emaciated shadows inside the structure nearby. "Heads up!"

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  ATTENTION  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
        Seldan has dropped a TIMESTOP!
        Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Seldan to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.
        For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.
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GAME: Tarragon rolls initiative: 11 + 7 = 18
GAME: Mel rolls initiative: 9 + 4 = 13
GAME: You roll initiative for Roiling Oil: Roll: 4 + Bonus: -5 = Total: -1
GAME: You roll initiative for Blast Shadows: Roll: 14 + Bonus: +9 = Total: 23
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls initiative: 6 + 2 = 8
GAME: Sargon rolls initiative: 8 + 3 = 11
GAME: You roll initiative for Orange Humanoids: Roll: 15 + Bonus: +7 = Total: 22
GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round One - Init 23.
      It is now Blast Shadows' turn! Orange Humanoids is next!

Silent and eerie, the pair of emaciated skeletons that Mel pointed out immediately begin to move towards the party, circumventing the blasted shell of walls to emerge from the structure. Worse still, a few other hairless humanoid shapes, orange-tinted flesh blistered over bones that show black in places, begin to emerge from a side street behind the group, faster than their deceptively shattered remains would suggest.

GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round One - Init 22.
      It is now Orange Humanoids' turn! Tarragon is next!
GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round One - Init 18.
      It is now Tarragon's turn! Mel is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Tarragon ended.
<OOC> Seldan says, "Tarragon."
<OOC> Tarragon says, "hmm..."
<OOC> Tarragon says, "How close together is the group behind us?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "They are scattered. Three of them, two from the side street behind you, a third from one across the street."
<OOC> Tarragon says, "Liiiiike....20 ft?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "Within 20 feet, probably 15."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Oh, are they all three in 20 feet?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "No, you cna get two."
<OOC> Tarragon says, "of each other."
<OOC> Tarragon says, "OKie. Black tentacles on two then."
<OOC> Seldan says, "All right. Cast and pose."
GAME: Tarragon casts Black Tentacles. Caster Level: 9 DC: 22
<OOC> Tarragon says, "have to roll a CMB check"
GAME: Tarragon rolls 1d20+9+1+4: (5)+9+1+4: 19
<OOC> Seldan says, "Go ahead and pose."
<OOC> Seldan says, "It is still there, its edge is 10 feet behind you."
GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round One - Init 13.
      It is now Mel's turn! Sargon is next!
<OOC> Seldan says, "Mel."
<OOC> Mel says, "Ugh. So, do these even take sneak attacks? Or won't find out til I hit them?"

Seeing the skeletons, Tara looks behind them and spots more. "We've got ones behind us too." She says as she puts up a 'barrier' of sorts for the skeletons. Black tentacles rise up from the ground to try and grab them, but are unsuccessful. "Be careful everyone, we're surrounded."

<OOC> Mel says, "Can I move up to them and not get tentacled?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "The orange things, or the shadows?"
<OOC> Mel says, "Either?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "The orange things are still within the range of the tentacles, at least two of them are. The shadows are not, and you can move to meet the second shadow. The first shadow is on the other side of the oil puddle."
<OOC> Mel says, "Ugh. I think I'm going to delay. Rogue rushes out is too often followed by rogue dies."
<OOC> Seldan says, "All right. Hold action, then. Notify me when you want to move."
GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round One - Init 11.
      It is now Sargon's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
<OOC> Seldan says, "Sargon, whatcha gonna do when they come for you?"
<OOC> Mel says, "Hopefully I am not alone in melee, Will do. Delay, sorry, forgot the right word."
<OOC> Sargon says, "How far is the second shadow from me? The one on our side of the puddle?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "15'."
<OOC> Sargon will take a 5' step forward and then use Flying Kick to move 10' to end up beside it when I attack (leaving a juicy flanking spot :D ).
<OOC> Seldan says, "All right. Roll to hit."
GAME: Sargon rolls weapon0: (11)+9: 20
GAME: Sargon rolls weapon0: (20)+9: 29 (THREAT)
<OOC> Seldan says, "Confirm? Yes, you can crit these."
<OOC> Sargon says, "Are they crit-able?"
GAME: Sargon rolls weapon0: (11)+9: 20
<OOC> Seldan says, "Hit and a crit. Damage."
GAME: Sargon rolls 1d8+8+1d6: (5)+8+(4): 17
GAME: Sargon rolls 2d8+12+1d6: (13)+12+(3): 28
<OOC> Sargon says, "The extra +1d6's are fire damage."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Immune to fire, sorry. I will remove those from my tracking."
<OOC> Sargon nods and drats

Sargon whips his head back and forth as he tries to keep track of the unfolding situation. The sudden appearance of a mass of black tentacles gets a second glance. But then the Oruch's expression seems to relax. He turns to face the skeletal figures, his demeanor indicating he's chosen to focus on them. He steps forward and then suddenly leaps into the air, spinning in place to build up momentum with one foot outsretched in a kick. He ends up beside the shadow as his foot connects, and then adds a quick punch, puffs of fire flaring each time his blows connect.

GAME: Mel's initiative total changed to 10.
<OOC> Mel says, "The shadows he hit are dead?"
GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round One - Init 10.
      It is now Mel's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
<OOC> Seldan says, "No."
<OOC> Mel says, "I will move to flank, then, if I can."
<OOC> Seldan says, "He nailed it -good-, but it is still up. Were you back with the others?"
<OOC> Mel was
<OOC> Seldan says, "All right. You're going to need to use a double move to avoid both the tentacles and AoO from the shadow, but you can flank."
<OOC> Mel says, "How far can I get in a single move?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "30' will get you within 10'."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Mostly it's obstacles that are the problem."
<OOC> Mel says, "Yeah. I will single move and chuck a javenin. That way I'm doing something"
<OOC> Seldan says, "Understand, roll to hit."
GAME: Mel rolls 1d20+10: (15)+10: 25
<OOC> Seldan says, "At the second shadow? Hit. Roll damage."
GAME: Mel rolls 1d6+2: (3)+2: 5
<OOC> Seldan says, "You hit it, and that seemed to hurt."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Pose."
GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round One - Init 8.
      It is now MAC-B1G's turn! Roiling Oil is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on MAC-B1G ended.
<OOC> Seldan says, "MAC-B1G, it is your action."
<OOC> MAC-B1G will activate armor and draw Death Ray to fire a Force Ray at the shadow not kicked.
GAME: MAC-B1G activates its Titan Armor, gaining: +4 Str
<OOC> Seldan says, "Is there an element on the force ray?"
<OOC> MAC-B1G says, "Force"
<OOC> Seldan says, "And what is its range increment?"

Mel moves out when he sees Sargon take his position, but he can't quite make it to a useful flanking position. He moves as much as he can, though, hauling out a javelin as he approaches, and he heaves it right into the back of one. It did not like that, no, and Mel is pleased. The life of an auxiliary.

<OOC> MAC-B1G says, "30'"
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls ranged+1: (18)+8+1: 27
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls 4d4+3: (16)+3: 19
<OOC> Seldan nods. The oil is 10' across, and the shadow is on the other side. That means that it's about 40' from you, and you'll take a single range penalty, but it doesn't matter, you'll hit anyway.
<OOC> Seldan nods. Pose it, that hurt it.
<OOC> MAC-B1G says, "It must Dex vs 16 or fall prone."
<OOC> MAC-B1G says, "Ref save, that is."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Dex, or reflex save?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "That. :)"
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+6: (8)+6: 14
<OOC> Seldan says, "It fails and falls prone."
GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round One - Init -1.
      It is now Roiling Oil's turn! Blast Shadows is next!

"Engaging threat." MAC lifts one manipulative appendage, supporting it with the other, as a barrel extends from its forelimb cowling. The tip glows cyan briefly before discharging a concussive blast at the unthreatened osseus creature, knocking it off of its phalanges.

<OOC> Seldan says, "It makes a double move to roll over to Sargon."
<OOC> Tarragon says, "hmm...."
<OOC> Seldan says, "It's not very fast."

The inky puddle begins to ... move. Undulate. Roll itself slowly, leaving a reeking black film behind it across the stone street as it organizes itself into an ambulatory ... ooze. Before long, it's in Sargon's face.

GAME: NEW ROUND!
      Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round Two - Init 23.
      It is now Blast Shadows' turn! Orange Humanoids is next!
<OOC> Seldan says, "The one MAC-B1G knocked down gets itself up and follows the oily ooze, starting to move around it to the rest of you. Similarly, the orange creatures work their way out of the area of tentacles that Tarragon created, and while it seems to slow them down, it doesn't appear to stop them."
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+12: (11)+12: 23
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+12: (17)+12: 29
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+12: (3)+12: 15
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d6+5: (3)+5: 8
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d6+5: (3)+5: 8
GAME: You damaged MAC-B1G for 8 points. 82 HP remaining.
GAME: You damaged Tarragon for 8 points. 43 HP remaining.
<OOC> Seldan says, "MAC-B1G and Tarragon, Fort saves."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Also...."
GAME: Tarragon rolls fortitude: (3)+7: 10
<OOC> MAC-B1G says, "Also has DR 3/Adamantine"
<OOC> MAC-B1G says, "If that is relevant."
GAME: You damaged MAC-B1G for -3 points. 85 HP remaining.
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls fortitude: (6)+10: 16
<OOC> Seldan says, "It is, thank you for mentioning."
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d4: (2): 2
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d4: (4): 4
GAME: MAC-B1G spends ONE use of CHARGE POOL.
GAME: You damaged MAC-B1G's Constitution for 2 points. 2 total damage.
GAME: You damaged Tarragon's Constitution for 4 points. 4 total damage.
You paged (MAC-B1G, Tarragon) with 'Also, that is a poison effect, anything help with poison?'
From afar, MAC-B1G ahs and has a +4 racial bonus to the save, if that helped enough.
You paged MAC-B1G with 'That's enough. That saves you. Sorry.'
GAME: You damaged MAC-B1G's Constitution for -2 points. 0 total damage.
You paged (MAC-B1G, Tarragon) with 'This is drain, not damage, guys. While it will be gone at the end of the PRP, I tell you this so that you can treat accordingly.'
<OOC> Tarragon says, "test"
<OOC> Seldan says, "I am swiftly deciding that I am not a fan of this keyboard. I apologize for the slowness."
<OOC> Seldan says, "As for Sargon...."
<OOC> Seldan says, "A cloud of smoke and fire goes up around the shadow in front of Sargon. It now has concealment and does fire damage. Sargon, any fire resistance?"
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d6: (1): 1
GAME: You damaged Sargon for 1 points. 73 HP remaining.
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+11: (12)+11: 23
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+11: (20)+11: 31
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+11: (14)+11: 25
<OOC> Seldan says, "...oh dear."
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d8+2+1d6: (1)+2+(4): 7
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d8+2+1d6: (4)+2+(3): 9
<OOC> Seldan says, "Doubling the second..."
GAME: You damaged Sargon for 25 points. 48 HP remaining.
<OOC> Seldan says, "All right. I think that's everything. Posing."
<OOC> Sargon's AC would be 24 from Mage Armor btw.
GAME: You damaged Sargon for -7 points. 55 HP remaining.
<OOC> Seldan says, "That gets you out of the one hit but not the crit."

The shadows are just a shade quicker than the orange-tinted things. MAC-B1G knocks one down with his death ray, but it simply stands and follows the ooze over towards Sargon. From the other bursts a cloud of smoke and fire, singing the oruch, but it is the claws that do the real damage, the first strike scraping off a suddenly-flashing force effect, but the other striking home with a searing slash that finds flesh and sinks in deeply.

The orange things, meanwhile, strike at Tarragon and MAC-B1G with orange-glowing fists that need no other introduction, leaving the witch rather sickened - and glowing a little orange herself.

GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round Two - Init 22.
      It is now Orange Humanoids' turn! Tarragon is next!
GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round Two - Init 18.
      It is now Tarragon's turn! Sargon is next!
<OOC> Seldan says, "Tarragon."
<OOC> Seldan says, "And Tarragon, make me another Fort save."
GAME: Tarragon rolls fortitude: (7)+5: 12
<OOC> Tarragon says, "well..this will be a short combat."
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d4: (4): 4
<OOC> Seldan says, "Oh no."
GAME: You damaged Tarragon's Constitution for 4 points. 8 total damage.
<OOC> Seldan says, "Remember, I am not allowed to kill you."
<OOC> Tarragon says, "no, but I can be KO-ed"
<OOC> Tarragon says, "so....I'm going to double move to fly out of reach."
<OOC> Seldan nods. That is very true. I also remind everybody that as this is for the Merkabah bonus, I was not bound by CR caps in constructing this encounter, and withdrawing is valid.
<OOC> Tarragon is gonna have to do that. I've got nothing to stop this poison
<OOC> MAC-B1G approves of Tarragon's tactical retrograde movement.
<OOC> Tarragon says, "So....I'll use flight as my withdrawal out of the scene."
<OOC> Seldan says, "So you take a withdraw action and fly, and leave?"
<OOC> Tarragon says, "I have fly as a hex, so I use it, and fly away to leave."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Okay. I'll treat as a withdraw action, so it does not provoke AOO."
GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round Two - Init 11.
      It is now Sargon's turn! Mel is next!
GAME: Tarragon removed from initiative list.
<OOC> Seldan says, "Sargon."

The poison makes her double over in pain....and she takes off into the sky. "I'm sorry guys...I can't stay." She says as she flies off....

<OOC> Sargon will back away 5' and try a thunderstomp to knock the shadow prone.
<OOC> Seldan says, "Go ahead, cast, and make your CMB check."
GAME: Sargon casts Thunderstomp. Caster Level: 5 DC: 11
GAME: Sargon rolls cmb: (17)+9: 26
<OOC> Seldan says, "You got it! Down it goes. It is now prone."
<OOC> Seldan says, "It has concealment, but that doesn't matter for purposes of this effect."

Sargon grunts loudly as he's clawed. He flings up a hand to protect himself from the fire but that doesn't protect him. Then he hears Tarragon's words. His eyes widen. Perhaps he was too hasty in thinking that portion of the battle was under control. Stumbling back to give himself some room, he bends at the waist and knees and punches the ground. A wave of power ripples out across the short distance to the skeletal figure and it stumbles and then falls. He's already reaching into a small compartment at his belt.

GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round Two - Init 10.
      It is now Mel's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
<OOC> Seldan says, "Mel."
<OOC> Seldan says, "The shadow, inside that cloud, has concealment."
<OOC> Mel says, "So, is anyone sneak attackable?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "Yes! Only the oily thing is not sneak-attackable."
<OOC> Seldan says, "It's an ooze."
<OOC> Mel says, "OK. The thing that Sargon wailed on before, I will finish moving to flank, it, draw my sword as I move, and stab it, if I can."
<OOC> Seldan says, "All right. ROll to hit."
GAME: Mel rolls 1d20+11: (15)+11: 26
<OOC> Seldan says, "That will hit, but it has concealment. Call high or low, then roll 1d100."
<OOC> Mel says, "High, I guess, and I was asking about concealment before, because that spoils sneak attack."
GAME: Mel rolls 1d100: (97): 97
<OOC> Seldan says, "Does it? All right, I did not realize, it has concealment."
<OOC> Mel says, "Does anything not have concealment?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "Yes, the orange things do not and the other shadow does not."
<OOC> Seldan says, "It's that cloud it generated."
<OOC> Mel says, "High, I guess, and I was asking about concealment before, because that spoils sneak attack."
GAME: Mel rolls 1d100: (97): 97
<OOC> Seldan says, "Does it? All right, I did not realize, it has concealment."
<OOC> Mel says, "Does anything not have concealment?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "Yes, the orange things do not and the other shadow does not."
<OOC> Seldan says, "It's that cloud it generated."
<OOC> Mel says, "But the other things aren't flanked/"
<OOC> Mel says, "?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "Right."
<OOC> Mel says, "So there was no chance of sneak on anything. OK. I'll do what I can on this one."
GAME: Mel rolls 1d6+3: (5)+3: 8
<OOC> Seldan says, "You connect, and hurt it, although it is hard to tell through the smoke, but you felt the knife hit."

Mel draws his sword and closes the distance with the strange enemy. The strange thing is hard to discern, he can't work out where to put his sword in to fight mist effectively. He sticks it in, but he's really not a swordman. He felt it strike true, but who can tell how much harm he's done. "I have a bad feeling," he mumbles.

GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
     Round Two - Init 8.
      It is now MAC-B1G's turn! Roiling Oil is next!
<OOC> MAC-B1G will redirect focus, swift action to empower Titan Fists and pummel the one attacking it.
<OOC> Seldan says, "There are two."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Choose, #1 or #2?"
<OOC> MAC-B1G says, "Two attacking me? I will focus upon #1"
<OOC> Seldan says, "ALl right. Go ahead."
GAME: MAC-B1G spends ONE use of CHARGE POOL.
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls weapon4+2: (7)+14+2: 23
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls weapon4+2: (2)+14+2: 18
<OOC> Seldan says, "You are using titanfists? Does this count as an unarmed strike, or-?"
<OOC> MAC-B1G says, "Slam natural attack."
<OOC> Seldan says, "First hits, second does not. Save vs. a poison effect. Touching them is enough to trigger this."
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls fortitude+4: (12)+10+4: 26
<OOC> Seldan says, "You're good."
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls damage4+2: aliased to 2D6+8+2: (8)+8+2: 18
<OOC> Seldan says, "And you hurt it!"

"Reprioritizing..." The construct rotates its upper torso towards one of those striking it. The barrel-appendage is lowered while the other is energized and thrust at the orange creature repeatedly. One of the times it impacts with metal upon meat.

GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
     Round Two - Init -1.
     It is now Roiling Oil's turn! Blast Shadows is next!
<OOC> Seldan says, "For the oil."
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+15: (3)+15: 18
<OOC> Seldan says, "The burning cloud attempts to stand from prone. Take your AoO."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Both Mel and Sargon."
GAME: Mel rolls 1d20+11: (4)+11: 15
GAME: Sargon rolls weapon0: (3)+9: 12
<OOC> Seldan says, "Neither hit, sorry, and I got ahead of myself, but we'll hold those for the blast shadows initiative."
<OOC> Seldan says, "The first blast shadow comes around the ooze to attack Sargon as well."
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+11+2: (5)+11+2: 18
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+11+2: (15)+11+2: 28
<OOC> Seldan says, "Sargon, you are effectively AC 24?"
<OOC> Sargon says, "Nods"
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d8+2+1d6: (6)+2+(4): 12
GAME: You damaged Sargon for 12 points. 43 HP remaining.
<OOC> Seldan says, "I will pose once for all of the enemies, to simplify."
<OOC> Seldan says, "The second stands from prone and attacks Mel."
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+11: (18)+11: 29
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d8+2+1d6: (8)+2+(2): 12
<OOC> Mel says, "Hangon"
<OOC> Seldan says, "Did I msis something again? I am sorry."
<OOC> Mel has snake style, though.
<OOC> Seldan says, "Which is?"
<OOC> Mel says, "So I can replace my AC, though it's not likely to help with that roll."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Can you evade a 29?"
<OOC> Mel says, "I can try"
GAME: Mel rolls sense motive: (15)+14: 29
<OOC> Mel thinks that makes my AC 29. SO close.
<OOC> Sargon says, "Does it calculate the +2 to sense motive, from snake style? :D"
<OOC> Sargon (meaning Snake Style gives you a +2 to sense motive but I'm not sure if that gets added your skill automatically...)
<OOC> MAC-B1G checks. "It did not."
<OOC> Seldan says, "A good question. If it does not, it will miss. +breakdown sense motive"
<OOC> Mel says, "Ah, it does not."
<OOC> Mel just did that
<OOC> MAC-B1G says, "It should. I will correct that in the future."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Wow, man. You see it coming and duck."
GAME: NEW ROUND!
      Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round Three - Init 23.
      It is now Blast Shadows' turn! Orange Humanoids is next!
GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round Three - Init 22.
      It is now Orange Humanoids' turn! Sargon is next!
<OOC> Seldan says, "All right. MAC-B1G, you've now got three of these things after you."
<OOC> MAC-B1G says, "Corrected."
<OOC> Seldan says, "The orange things, since the one that hit Tarragon turned to you when she flew away ."
<OOC> MAC-B1G nods.
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+12: (13)+12: 25
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+12: (11)+12: 23
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+12: (18)+12: 30
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+12: (13)+12: 25
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+12: (16)+12: 28
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+12: (3)+12: 15

<OOC> MAC-B1G should have added defensive measures when others did, it appears.
<OOC> MAC-B1G also needs to remember that it has Fast Healing 1, regaining 1 HP each turn.
<OOC> Seldan makes a note of it
GAME: You damaged MAC-B1G for -1 points. 86 HP remaining.
<OOC> Seldan says, "That is for last turn."
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d6+5: (4)+5: 9
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d6+5: (3)+5: 8
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d6+5: (2)+5: 7
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d6+5: (1)+5: 6
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d6+5: (3)+5: 8
GAME: You damaged MAC-B1G for 38 points. 48 HP remaining.
<OOC> MAC-B1G notes that should be -3 per hit with DR?
GAME: You damaged MAC-B1G for -15 points. 63 HP remaining.
<OOC> Seldan says, "MAC - Fort save, please. Roll high."
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls fort: (15)+10: 25
<OOC> MAC-B1G adds 4 to the roll for poison.
<OOC> Seldan nods. That will save, with the +4.

The remaining members of the party appear to be leading something of a charmed life at the moment. The oily thing strikes out with a pseudopod, missing Sargon entirely, but the necessary dodge to avoid it takes the oruch into the path of another set of claws, this one from the second shadow that moved around the oil to attack. The first of the shadows, the one that started all of this, turns and aims a well-placed claw at Mel, but Mel, by grace, smarts, or sheer luck, sees it coming and dodges out of the way at the last possible moment, the claw coming so close that he can feel the heat of that flesh across his face.

Meanwhile, MAC-B1G is holding his own against all three of the orange creatures, and although the armor is beginning to show signs of battering, the orange has yet to make him ill like it overcame Tarragon so quickly. Who knows how long that will last.

GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round Three - Init 11.
      It is now Sargon's turn! Mel is next!
<OOC> Seldan says, "Sargon"
<OOC> Sargon is going to use a Ki point for an extra attack, flank with Mel and try to full attack using power attack. (same one we've been attacking)
<OOC> Seldan says, "All right, go ahead. Remember that it has concealment."
GAME: Sargon refreshes special ability pools.
GAME: Sargon spends ONE point of KI POOL.
GAME: Sargon rolls weapon0-2+2: (15)+9+-2+2: 24
GAME: Sargon rolls weapon0-2+2: (10)+9+-2+2: 19
GAME: Sargon rolls weapon0-2+2: (4)+9+-2+2: 13
<OOC> Seldan says, "The first two could hit, but you'll need to roll for concealment. Call it, high or low, and roll 1d100 for each attack."
<OOC> Sargon says, "High!"
GAME: Sargon rolls 1d100: (68): 68
GAME: Sargon rolls 1d100: (5): 5
<OOC> Seldan says, "The first one connects. Roll damage."
GAME: Sargon rolls 1d8+12: (5)+12: 17
<OOC> Seldan says, "All right. That will kill it, BUT. Sargon and Mel, make me two reflex saves."
GAME: Mel rolls reflex: (16)+10: 26
GAME: Mel rolls reflex: (11)+10: 21
GAME: Sargon rolls reflex: (14)+7: 21
GAME: Sargon rolls reflex: (10)+7: 17
<OOC> Seldan says, "Actually, MAC-B1G, I need you to make one reflex save."
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls reflex: (6)+8: 14
<OOC> Seldan says, "Hang on, Sargon, I have to explain what happens."
GAME: Seldan rolls 5d6: (24): 24
GAME: Seldan rolls 5d6: (13): 13
<OOC> Seldan says, "Sargon and Mel, MAC is out of range of the second effect."
<OOC> Seldan says, "All right. MAC, this is a fire blast, DR does not play."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Sargon, pose, and then I will, and then we'll continue."
GAME: You damaged Sargon for 25 points. 18 HP remaining.
GAME: You damaged MAC-B1G for 24 points. 39 HP remaining.
<OOC> MAC-B1G nods.
<OOC> Seldan says, "You're in the blast radius for the shadow but not the ooze, MAC, for your pose purposes."

Sargon watches the skeletal shadow he had toppled rise once more. The Oruch tries to punch it down again, but it shrugs off his blow. There are sounds of fighting behind him and he knows that they are in danger of being overwhelmed. Summoning his inner reserves he launches into a flurry of punches and elbows. Finally he seems to penetrate the shadowy enemy's defenses.

When Sargon's blow strikes the shadow, it -detonates- with an unearthly scream, filling the world within thirty feet of it with fire for a split second. That's enough, though, for the blast causes the oily ooze to ignite, showering the oruch with a secondary explosion - not quite as big, but big enough, and leaving it burning with an oily smoke and utterly putrid smell. How Mel escapes unharmed is unclear.

GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round Three - Init 10.
      It is now Mel's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
<OOC> Seldan says, "Mel."
<OOC> Mel says, "Is there one remaining I can get a flank on?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "Yes, you can go around Sargon and flank the second shadow."
<OOC> Mel says, "Is that one sneak attackable?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "Yes, it does not have concealment."
<OOC> Mel says, "OK. Will attack that one."
GAME: Mel rolls 1d20+13: (18)+13: 31
<OOC> Seldan says, "Bear in mind, though - you now know that these things detonate painfully when they die."
<OOC> Mel says, "Oh. Hrm."
<OOC> MAC-B1G readies Resist Energy subroutine.
<OOC> Mel says, "Well, I've rolled already. It's not like I can, or can I do subdual? They might not explode from that..."
GAME: Mel rolls 1d6+3+4d6: (5)+3+(16): 24
<OOC> Seldan says, "That will hit, but not kill it. You did a good chunk to it."
<OOC> Seldan nods, go ahead and pose.
GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round Three - Init 8.
      It is now MAC-B1G's turn! Roiling Oil is next!
<OOC> Seldan says, "MAC."
<OOC> MAC-B1G will 5' step back from his attackers, if possible, and activate a device.
<OOC> Seldan says, "You can do that."

Mel moves out of the way of an attack that seemed sure to hit him in a somewhat disturbing way. He finds his previous target down, and then there's an explosion. How he avoids that is .... pure skill. No, really. Pure skill. He returns the fight with another enemy, a slash with his sword that injures it badly. Seems on opponents he can see clearly, he's much more effective.

"Structural integrity degradation rate unacceptable. Initiating optical countermeasures." The construct activates projection and distortion modules, distorting and belying its true physical location.

GAME: MAC-B1G casts Displacement. Caster Level: 8 DC: 15
GAME: Note Displacement added to MAC-B1G with a duration of 8 rounds.
GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round Three - Init -1.
      It is now Roiling Oil's turn! Blast Shadows is next!
<OOC> Seldan says, "The oil will go after Mel."
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+15: (19)+15: 34
<OOC> Seldan says, "Mel, do you want to try to Snake Style that?"
<OOC> Mel says, "No, I can only snake one thing a round. I think I'll have to suck this one up."
GAME: Seldan rolls 3d6+15+2d6: (5)+15+(5): 25
<OOC> Seldan says, "Reflex save."
GAME: Mel rolls reflex: (1)+10: 11 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Seldan says, "Aaaand you're on fire."
<OOC> Mel sigh.
GAME: You damaged Mel for 25 points. 47 HP remaining.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
      Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round Four - Init 23.
      It is now Blast Shadows' turn! Orange Humanoids is next!
<OOC> Seldan says, "The remaining one turns its attention to Mel as well."
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+11: (10)+11: 21
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+11: (2)+11: 13
GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round Four - Init 22.
      It is now Orange Humanoids' turn! Sargon is next!
<OOC> Seldan says, "Two will take a 5'step and attack, but the second has to go around, so it ends up with flank, but only one attack."
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+12: (4)+12: 16
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+12: (15)+12: 27
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+12: (6)+12: 18
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+12: (1)+12: 13 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20+12: (8)+12: 20
<OOC> Seldan says, "Only one of those will hit. Fort save, MAC, and I remembered the DR this tim."
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d6+5-3: (4)+5+-3: 6
GAME: You damaged MAC-B1G for 6 points. 33 HP remaining.
<OOC> Seldan says, "And did NOT remember the displacement. One moment."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Low."
GAME: Seldan rolls 1d100: (21): 21
<OOC> Seldan says, "But that one does connect. Fort save."
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls fort+4: (4)+10+4: 18

Mel's injury of the remaining shadow appears to have attracted the burning ooze's attention, and it reaches out and touches someone - namely, the rogue, slapping him with a burning pseudopod that appears to harm it not at all, but strikes hard and leaves Mel afire. At least when the remaining blackened skeleton lashes out with fiery claws, both sets go sailing past him without effect?

Meanwhile, MAC-B1G's programming appears to have had a very salutary effect on his welfare, where these things are concerned. Only one fist connects, and that blow is more lucky than good, but although the poison in its touch stays out, the wargolem can clearly feel that if that takes hold, it will not go well for him.

GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round Four - Init 11.
      It is now Sargon's turn! Mel is next!
<OOC> Seldan says, "Sargon."
<OOC> Sargon will back 5' away from the skeleton and drink a potion of CMW
<OOC> Seldan says, "All right. You can 5' step away from the skeleton, but the ooze has reach. Do you want to withdraw fully to do that or take the AoO?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "I should note also that it is valid to run. There are buildings around here that it may be possible to hole up and heal up in."
<OOC> Sargon says, "Hmm, in that case I'd like to instead use 1 RPP for 'battle healing', which from what I can tell will heal 18 hp and won't risk an attack of opportunity. I'll still use a move action to retrieve the CMW potion so I have it in hand."
<OOC> Seldan says, "All right, noted. 1 RPP."
GAME: You damaged Sargon for -18 points. 36 HP remaining.
GAME: Seldan advances the initiative order.
      Round Four - Init 10.
      It is now Mel's turn! MAC-B1G is next!
<OOC> Seldan says, "Mel?"
<OOC> Mel says, "So, do I still have flanking? Or guys, should we GTFO?"
<OOC> Mel says, "Also, how many bad guys are still up?"
<OOC> Seldan says, "Cat just claws the crap out of me, AFK."
<OOC> Seldan says, "All right, that hurt."
<OOC> MAC-B1G says, "We are still outnumbered. Half of the threats are undamaged and poisonous."
<OOC> Sargon says, "I think we should indeed GTFO. I believe there's 5 enemies, but it includes that assortment of poisoning attacks, the 'set targets on fire' attacks, and the one more skeleton that will explode if killed."
<OOC> Seldan says, "The only one you have taken out is one of the shadows. All three of the orange guys are still up, one is hurt. The other black skeleton is living but hurt, and - what Sargon said."
<OOC> Seldan says, "The ooze thing is untouched and on fire."
<OOC> Mel says, "OK, I will run away. I have evasion, so withdrawl is a possibility, and if they come after me, you guys can break."
<OOC> MAC-B1G could potentially resist the firey opponents, but expects its peers would not do well against the poisonous ones.
<OOC> Mel says, "Er, acrobatics, rather."
<OOC> Seldan says, "There is also the concept of a withdraw action."
<OOC> Seldan says, "Since it is getting late, I will let you all GTFO, but you should decide whether you are leaving the fortress entirely, or holing up somewhere."
<OOC> Mel wasn't sure because the one thing had reach.
<OOC> Sargon says, "I'd say leave the fortress entirely. Even the puddles are deadly around here."
<OOC> MAC-B1G has no problem with a temporary respite, if just to re-include Tarragon.
<OOC> Mel says, "I, unfortunately, do not see any way to win this with our current party. The monsters are a bit too tough, I think. So I also vote for bailing entirely, sorry."

Sargon is swaying on his feet from the injuries he's received. Explosions and vicious claws - the rumors were true about how deadly it is here. He stumbles away again. Once more he calls upon inner reserves to recover some measure of strength. His hand pulls out a stopper vial - one that glows faintly with the telltale color of curative magic - and he holds it ready in case he spots anyone else that seems in dire need of it.

<OOC> MAC-B1G believes that Tarragon was the group healer, and was the first overwhelmed. "That had a large impact."
<OOC> Seldan says, "The issue is that your APL dropped like a stone when Tarragon left."
<OOC> Mel says, "Ahhhhhhh."
<OOC> MAC-B1G says, "CR also assumes a 4 person party"
<OOC> Seldan says, "It does, so you lost two off your APL, not just one."
<OOC> Sargon rubs his chin, I bet if more of us were able to make heavy duty ranged attacks it could also have been a different story.
<OOC> Mel says, "OK, I don't feel so bad about wimping out."
<OOC> Seldan says, "This is not a wimp-out. This was a nasty encounter. Remember that the gloves come off in Merkabah, and I took staff at their word."

In the end, the party finds itself overwhelmed, and nearly beaten when it finally manages to extricate itself from the burning wreckage of that street corner in Merkabah fortress. Getting out is tricky, but there is time to lose one's pursuers, get out, lick wounds, and ponder their next move.