Tetra Disaster, part 2

Log Info

• Title: Tetra Disaster, part 2
• Emitter: Thurid
• Characters: Ashes, Faranmidahn, MAC-B1G
• Place: A14: Artificer's Hall
• Time: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 2:01 PM
• Summary: Combat continues in the pocket dimension. Ash's web is holding back some of the mephits, but the party is becoming overwhelmed. Especially troubling is one which turns into a lava pool and burns the feet. They try fighting on the ice, to no benefit, and suffer breath weapons of various elements. Only MAC-B1G seems hardened against these particular attacks. The gnome's protective prison finally shatters, and Dimwest abandons his rescuers. With his departure the pocket plane starts to collapse, and the adventurers scramble to activate their own recall tokens, barely managing to in time. They all arrive, safe, sound and unattached to each other, in the Artificer's hall.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  Appearing, in Order  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Ashes        5'11"    177 Lb     Hobgoblin         Female    A somber arvec in grey clothes with a skull face
Faranmidahn  3'3"     35 Lb      Halfling          Female    Albino Lucht woman. Knight of Spiders. So, SO Fluffy.
MAC-B1G      6'6"     303 Lb     War Golem         Neuter    Drab gray primarily metal humanoid with cyan-lit optical receptors.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  As the GM  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Thurid       7'1"     249 Lb     Giantborn         Female    Bright-eyed, muscular, blond Giantborn woman.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

The boistrous group of mephits have been causing trouble for the adventurers, tossing out clouds of stinking vapor and boiling rain. Sabina, fara and Ashes are in the thick of it near the southwestern crystal- the one aligned with air. MAC, on the other hand, has been largely left alone- although a number of fiery mephits have been angling around his nearest pillar in the northwest and look prepared to attack.

The steam mephit has retreated to the cloud of steam, while a magma mephit splashes and bathes in the liquid-hot flow of boiling lava that flows from the confluence of the earth and fire planes. Ashes web spell has done a good job of binding up the earth mephits in the southeastern corner, and they are only now beginning to break free of their binds.

<OOC> Thurid says, "Water mephit melees Faran."
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (15)+5: 20
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (17)+5: 22
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d3+1: (1)+1: 2
<OOC> Thurid says, "Ice Mephit casts Chill Metal on Ashes"
<OOC> Thurid says, "Will"
GAME: Ashes rolls will: (17)+11: 28
<OOC> Thurid says, "The fire mephits think this is a grand idea, and both of them cast Heat Metal on MAC"
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls will: (10)+4: 14
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls will: (18)+4: 22
<OOC> Thurid says, "Dust Mephit who freed itself last turn will move and use their cone attack on Sabina and Ashes."
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (2)+3: 5
<OOC> Thurid says, "Earth Mephit will use its breath weapon on MAC. Reflex for half."
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls reflex: (9)+9: 18
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d8: (1): 1
<OOC> Thurid says, "Oh, almost forgot, the other ones which are still grappled will try to break free"
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (3)+3: 6
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (15)+3: 18
<OOC> Thurid says, "And one succeeds."

The mephits close in- first off the water Mephit already close to Faran. it rears back tiny hands with sharp claws and scrabbles at the spider knight, managing to deal a few scratches and draw blood- although not much. The aloof icy Mephit has had enough of watching, and raises its hands- speaking a few words in strangely accented Auran, a gust of icy wind blows from it and washes over Ashes- but to no effect. The fire elementals, not to be outdone, try the same trick with Mac- though the gust of wind they project is searing hot. Still, nothing untoward comes of it, and they shove one another and bicker about it.

Meanwhile, the Mephits caught in Ashes' web continue to struggle and pull at their restraints. One manages to break free, just as another- who had just broken free a moment ago, swears profusely as its wing is caught once again. Last, but not least, the earthen mephit which is so far the sole individual who has managed to free themselves from the web sneaks around to behind MAC, inhaling deeply, it exhales a cloud of high velocity gravel which scrapes and pounds against the War Golem's plating, but aside from sand in awkward joints, manages to do little harm.

<OOC> Faranmidahn says, "gonna try to get the mephit out of my face with my sword"
<OOC> Faranmidahn says, "swift action for arcane strike"
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls weapon1: (14)+8: 22
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls 1d6+3: (5)+3: 8

Faran, in the wake of her past failure with the short blade, gets clawed by the outsider with a tiny yelp of pain. Undeterred, she jukes past the other swing and, with an instant of willwork to infuse her blade with some of her arcane essence, she slashes the mephit with her longsword, causing it to vanish with a cry.

<OOC> MAC-B1G wishes to activate armor as swift and utilize Death Ray upon one or more of the assaulting fire mephits.
GAME: MAC-B1G activates its Titan Armor, gaining: +4 Dex
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls ranged: (1)+11: 12 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls ranged-5: (7)+11+-5: 13

"Engaging countermeasures," the construct notes, the cylinder on its scapular plate cantilevering over top and telescoping to be caught in both manipulators. Two rapid cyan bursts of energy are released, though fly wide to either side of the small, darting creature. "Recalibrating..."

<OOC> Ashes says, "okay I'd like to shoot the ice mephit with my crossbow"
GAME: Ashes rolls ranged3: (13)+8: 21
<OOC> Thurid says, "Fire damage will be increased by 50%"
<OOC> Ashes says, "Yes, it's a +1 Flaming Light crossbow, the 1d6 is the fire"
GAME: Ashes rolls damage3+1d6: aliased to 1d8+1+1d6: (2)+1+(2): 5

A chill breeze washes over the ashen Arvec. She's focused on her crossbow. It's been a long time since basic, and even her recent practice sessions were more about frustration than accuracy. While she has shot a crossbow in combat, it wasn't this one, and she's not sure she hit either, such are troop engagements. The coldness of her armour is a slight distraction, but not overwhelming.

She raises the weapon, stock to shoulder. Exhale, aim down the barrel. Line up and squeeze.

>P-tchk!<

The bolt fires and bursts into flame as it leaves the weapon. It strikes the Icy Mephit, continuing to burn as it penetrates. Shot taken, she lowers the weapon, and pulls on the lever to recock it.

<OOC> Thurid says, "Earth Mephit casts Enlarge Person on itself. 
                    Fire mephits will both use their breath attack on MAC. 
                    Ice Mephit will move through the stinking cloud, 
                               and use it's breath attack on Sabina, Ashes and Faran if it makes the save. 
                    Injured water mephit will retreat towards the water, and begin healing. 
                    Magma mephit will emerge from the pool and use Pyrotechnics on the fire crystal near MAC. 
                    Grappled mephits will attempt escape."
<OOC> Thurid says, "Two reflex saves, MAC."
<OOC> Thurid says, "And one will."

GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (4)+3: 7
<OOC> Thurid says, "ice Mephit is Nauseated."
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d8: (6): 6
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d8: (2): 2
<OOC> Ashes says, "this is why I left the cloud"
<OOC> Thurid says, "Those are the fire breaths."
<OOC> Thurid says, "Rolling MAC's saves"
GAME: Thurid rolls 11: (12)+11: 23 (MAC save)
GAME: Thurid rolls 11: (2)+11: 13 (MAC save)
GAME: Thurid rolls 4: (14)+4: 18 (MAC save)
<OOC> Thurid says, "Now the escape attempts."
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (12)+3: 15
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (16)+3: 19
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (13)+3: 16
<OOC> Thurid says, "Two escape, including the one who got caught last round."

The wounded water mephit who had been hiding out near his aligned crystal until now, spies that the rest of the mephits are doing a good job of distracting the adventurers, so it dives headfirst into the abyssal depths of the elemental plane of water- it's wounds bubble and fizz and begin to close up in the dark waters. The ice mephit lets out a pained yell as the fiery bolt strikes it, and it moves to get a better angle on its attacker- only to hack and retch as it gets a face full of the water mephit's noxious vapors- which are disappating, but not soon enough.

Over on MAC's side of the pocket dimension, aparrently having decided that a hot breeze is not enough, the fire mephits inhale deeply and then spray gouts of flames towards the war golem. Spying its opportunity for mischeif, the magma mephit leaps out of the pool of lava it had been doing the backstroke in, scattering globs of white-hot molten stone on the Onyx floor which sizzles and smokes as it cools. It snaps its fingers when the flames are at their peak, and they burst into a cascade of brilliant sparks- showring MAC, to no ill effect.

Meanwhile, the spider web seems to be losing its tack. The mephits trapped there manage to free themselves once more- glaring with murderous intent at the spell's caster.

GAME: Faranmidahn casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 8 DC: 15
<OOC> Faranmidahn says, "for ice"
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls 2d4+2: (5)+2: 7
<OOC> Faranmidahn says, "for water"
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls 2d4+2: (2)+2: 4

With so much going on, and the Mephits, especially that water one trying to recover, the little Knight snaps "Drat!" in her own language and calls, 'I'll try to drop those two! Can we do something about the rockies?' A few hasty trots, her fingers going through their figure eights the while and she chants, "By will in strife, I send might's shards, go forth and strike!" and two tandem arcs of force dart into the ice mephit, and water mephit respectively, doing further damage and hopefully setting them up for her allies. <halfling>

GAME: MAC-B1G casts Resist Energy. Caster Level: 10 DC: 14

MAC-B1G is now somewhat scorched. As hindsight has the highest visual acuity, it now notes, "Deploying thermal ablation." A device is attached to its chestplate and activated, emitting a soft red glow.

<OOC> Ashes says, "Shoot Ice Mephit again"
GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+8: (14)+8: 22
GAME: Ashes rolls 1d8+1+1d6: (8)+1+(2): 11

"We should concentrate fire." Ashes says, sounding exceedingly calm, her words flat and monotone. She raises her crossbow and sights along the length again, focusing on the Ice Mephit. It cast at her, and Faran's magic missiles seemed to almost do the trick. One more bolt should do it.

>F-twang!<

There's a streak of fire from the Arvek's crossbow, and the bolt blasts through the mephit. The Mourner dips the front again, release the lever, crank it all the way to the back, watch the catcher draw the wire to the back and latch it, reverse the lever to home, slot it in. Place bolt, raise, release safety. "I don't want to set the web on fire while it's holding them."

<OOC> Thurid says, "Two dust mephits attempt to move."
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (10)+3: 13
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (9)+3: 12
<OOC> Thurid says, "Dust mephits are once more grappled. They decide to cast Blur on themselves"
<OOC> Thurid says, "Earth Mephit tries to break free."
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (10)+3: 13
<OOC> Thurid says, "Enlarged earth and both fire mephits charge MAC"
GAME: Thurid rolls 5+2: (2)+5+2: 9
GAME: Thurid rolls 5+2: (5)+5+2: 12
GAME: Thurid rolls 5+2: (14)+5+2: 21

Apparently, it was a momentary blip- the web remains holding strong, drawing more swearing and flailing from the trapped Mephits. Their bodies become indistinct, difficult to make out, as they continue to thrash about. The mephits that had been attacking MAC close in, surrounding him- they lash out with claws, but find no purchase upon its plating. With a puff of steam, the Mephit thad had been hiding their emerges and swoops back towards the group- looking almost good as new. The magma mephit flies across the room towards Ashes, and then dives into the ground just before reaching her- splattering into a pool of bubbling magma.

The gnomes prison continues to crumble, the cracks spreading. He twitches his fingertips, as he begins to regain his ability to move- although it seems he is not free just yet.

<OOC> Faranmidahn says, "i'll do 2 missiles each at the fire mephits."
<OOC> Faranmidahn says, "arcane armor mastery"
GAME: Faranmidahn casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 8 DC: 15
<OOC> Faranmidahn says, "fire one"
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls 2d4+2: (8)+2: 10
<OOC> Faranmidahn says, "fire two"
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls 2d4+2: (3)+2: 5

'I hear you, let's see if we can get some of the heat off of MAC!' Faran replies, turning her attention to the beleagured golem. She repeats her infinity signs, repeating the Halfling incantation and unleases another pair of arcing bolts each into the two fire mephits.

<OOC> MAC-B1G says, "Now that this unit is surround, I will expend charges to empower titan fists and attempt to strike them."
GAME: MAC-B1G refreshes special ability pools.
GAME: MAC-B1G spends THREE uses of CHARGE POOL.
<OOC> MAC-B1G starts with the moderately wounded one.
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls weapon4+2: (1)+13+2: 16 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls weapon4+2: (11)+13+2: 26
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls weapon4+2: (1)+13+2: 16 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls damage4+2: aliased to 2d6+6+2: (5)+6+2: 13

MAC-B1G is suddenly swarmed by the various elemental units. It diverts power from its energy weapon into the reinforced manipulators. After closing the three 'fingers' into a pointed 'fist,' it rapidly rotates seven-hundred twenty degrees at the waist. The rotating limbs miss all... save for one, that slams the combusting thing away and down.

<OOC> Ashes says, "shoot at earth, say a few things, reload hopefully without provoking"
GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+8: (11)+8: 19
GAME: Ashes rolls 1d8+1+1d6: (7)+1+(5): 13

"Okay." Ashes says, taking a careful step back away from the Lava pool. She offers some sedate advice for the Tarienite, "Sabina, step with me."

Raising her crossbow, she takes aim at the mephits on MAC-B1G. One is fire, one is earth. Earth it is then.

>f-thoc!<

It's almost a perfect shot, the bolt of fire strikes dead centre of the mephit and buries itself, smoke pouring out around the shaft. She drops the front, takes the lever again and steps through the reloading procedure. "Only a little longer. Hold off until Dimwest gets free."

<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, the lava pool chases Ashes and tries to get under her feet. 
                    You get an AoO if you'd like to smack it with your crossbow as an improvised weapon, 
                    or try kicking it with an unarmed attack."
<OOC> Thurid says, "The steam mephit's breath attack has recovered, and it uses it on Faran. Reflex, Faran."
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls reflex: (6)+6: 12
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d8: (4): 4
<OOC> Thurid says, "remaining fire 5's up to box MAC in and full attacks. Earth also full attacks."
<OOC> Thurid says, "Fire first."
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (19)+5: 24
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (20)+5: 25
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (16)+5: 21
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d3+1: (1)+1: 2
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d3+1: (2)+1: 3
<OOC> Thurid says, "Earth"
GAME: Thurid rolls 6: (15)+6: 21
GAME: Thurid rolls 6: (13)+6: 19
<OOC> MAC-B1G belatedly notes that it has Fast Healing 4, DR 3/Adamantine, 25% critical negation, Negative Energy Resistance 10, currently.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, and now the web-bound ones try to break free again."
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (2)+3: 5
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (20)+3: 23
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (19)+3: 22
<OOC> Thurid says, "Both the dust mephits are free."
GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+8-4: (6)+8+-4: 10
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d6: (4): 4
GAME: Lava Pool damaged Ashes for 4 points. 37 HP remaining.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, now posing."

The mephits surrounding MAC thrash and claw at the war golem but they are unable to penetrate the sturdy artifice exoskeleton. Meanwhile, the newly recovered Steam Mephit casts its glance around- spieing Faran, she seems like a likely target, and so it inhales deeply and casts forth a plume of superheated steam that blisters the skin to envelop the spider knight. The puddle of magma chases after Ashes, and though she may swing at it, it gets under her feet. Thankfully, it is not very deep- but nevertheless, it heats her boots to red hot and begins to roast her feet inside them.

The indistinct forms of the dust mephits manage to pry themselves free of yet another layer of webbing- very very slowly inching their way towards Ashes to exact revenge for their sticky prison.

GAME: Faranmidahn casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 8 DC: 15
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls 4d4+4: (7)+4: 11

There is a yelp as the little knight gets engulfed in steam, crossing her arms defensively to try and protect herself. Faran emerges from the disippating cloud, her hair standing in defiant fluffiness, though her skin is given a uniformly more rosy hue for her scalding. Ok, and there's a glitter in the corners of her eyes. That stings!

Once again, the lucht casts, unleashing four force darts that fly into the steam mephit's body, leaving it in rough shape.

GAME: MAC-B1G spends ONE use of CHARGE POOL.
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls weapon4+2: (9)+13+2: 24
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls weapon4+2: (12)+13+2: 27
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls weapon4+2: (11)+13+2: 26
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls damage4+2: aliased to 2d6+6+2: (12)+6+2: 20
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls damage4+2: aliased to 2d6+6+2: (8)+6+2: 16
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls damage4+2: aliased to 2d6+6+2: (11)+6+2: 19

MAC-B1G maintains the charge in its manipulators, though does not rotate its chassis this time. Instead, it focuses on the earthen unit and jabs the slightly-pointed 'fists' at the creature, knocking it away and to the ground as with the last. Possibly in more segments than it was before it was struck.

<OOC> Ashes says, "tell Sabina to Withdraw to the ice field"
<OOC> Thurid says, "Sabina discovers that the ice field is so cold it is painful, and stops short."
<OOC> Ashes says, "Rock and 2 dust in the web, right?"
<OOC> Thurid says, "20% concealment."
<OOC> Ashes says, "okay, I'll shoot at one of them and hopefully set the web on fire too"
GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+8: (8)+8: 16
<OOC> Thurid says, "High or low?"
<OOC> Ashes says, "low for catching"
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d100: (68): 68

"Withdraw to the ice field," Ash says as her boots get blisteringly hot. She's standing in lava, this is not advised, she is immediately backing up herself around the rock outcrop. She has no idea how fast a puddle of lava moves.

Her crossbow comes up, she has a plethora of targets, steam, fire, two dust, earth. Reluctantly she aims at one of the dust mephits.

If they're going to escape her web, she might as well set it on fire. She misses both her target and the webbing, the fire bolt bouncing harmless off the wall and falling through one of the gaps. "I'm not trained for melee."

<OOC> Thurid says, "Lets see if the dusty mephits manage to move."
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (15)+3: 18
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (3)+3: 6
<OOC> Thurid says, "One does."
<OOC> Thurid says, "And charges"
GAME: Thurid rolls 5+2: (19)+5+2: 26
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d3+1: (3)+1: 4
GAME: Dust Mephic damaged Ashes for 4 points. 33 HP remaining.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Earth tries to escape"
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (2)+3: 5
<OOC> Thurid says, "Fire full attacks MAC"
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (8)+5: 13
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (15)+5: 20
<OOC> Thurid says, "Steam charges Faran"
GAME: Thurid rolls 5+2: (19)+5+2: 26
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d3+1: (1)+1: 2
<OOC> Thurid says, "Water emerges and breath attacks Faran and Sabina"
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls reflex: (6)+6: 12
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d8: (8): 8
<OOC> Thurid says, "And the lava puddle chases Ashes"

The fiery mephit isn't going to give up just because two of its companions have been titan punched out of this pocket dimension, and so it continues to scrape and scrapple at armored plating to no avail, screeching and cursing in rage- waves of heat emenate from tis body as it loses its temper, and smoke literally begins to come from its ears. The pool of lava slithers slowly across the floor, leaving a smoking trail of partially melted Onyx in its wake as it chases slowly after Ashes. The finally freed dust mephit is not so slow- it dashes across the distance and slashes at Ashes with sharp claws, managing to fit slender fingers through the gaps in her faceplate and leave a bleeding scratch on her cheek.

Meanwhile, Faran's deluge is not over yet- the incensed steam mephit dives towards her, and scratches furiously at her face as well- while so distracted, the watermephit emerges once more from the depths and exhales a spray of acid droplets that coat Faran thoroughly, burning pea-sized holes through attire and skin alike.

<OOC> Faranmidahn says, "i'll swing at steamy with arcane strike, 
                         then pull back to x4 y12 in prep to shoot at the two mephits on ashes next round"
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls weapon1: (6)+8: 14
<OOC> Thurid says, "It gets an AoO as you withdraw"
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL)

Faranmidahn is not in a great place. Her skin, still angry at her for getting herself steamed, protests with renewed ire as the knight is doused in acid. She hasn't burned like this since Salina's plague, and she likes it no better now than she did then. She infuses her magic into the longsword and slashes at the Mephit in her face as she tries to withdraw to answer the Mourner's protest over her melee training with an, "I'm coming!" and nearly eats another claw swipe amidst the distraction, though she ends up in sight of Ashes's foes.

<OOC> MAC-B1G fends attempts to tenderize the last one.
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls weapon4: (11)+13: 24
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls weapon4: (15)+13: 28
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls weapon4: (14)+13: 27
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls damage4: aliased to 2d6+6: (10)+6: 16
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls damage4: aliased to 2d6+6: (3)+6: 9
GAME: MAC-B1G rolls damage4: aliased to 2d6+6: (4)+6: 10

While energy discharges did not seem especially effective, it appears that blunt-force trauma. "Cease and desist," it advises the hostile creatures in general. When they do not, it does not provide a countdown for compliance before slapping its manipulators together with the small creature between them.

<OOC> Ashes says, "I want to back up to x3, y12, beside Faran, and hmmm"
<OOC> Ashes says, "might be worth channeling"
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, it gets an AoO when you move."
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (17)+5: 22
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d3+1: (2)+1: 3
GAME: Dust Mephit damaged Ashes for 3 points. 30 HP remaining.
<OOC> Ashes says, "okay 2d6, 1 of 5 channeling"
GAME: Ashes rolls 2d6: (7): 7
GAME: Ashes damaged Ashes for -7 points. 37 HP remaining.
      2 nonlethal damage healed. 0 nonlethal total.

Ashes retreats away from the dust mephit as it gets in her face, further around the rocks and up beside Faranmidah and in front of Sabina. She's on the verge of the ice field, and might just attempt it if the lava keeps getting underfoot. Her boots, great cavalary boots from Braelnoir, are still warm in an unpleasant way.

"Feiu of the Tears, we need some healing." The Mourner says, brushing the large holy symbol on the front of her breastplate. A chill spreads out from her, of a different sort than temperature, one more final and lifeless, but in its passing some wounds feel less vibrant.

<OOC> Thurid says, "Dust Mephit moves up and breath attacks you three."
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls reflex: (9)+6: 15
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (4)+5: 9 (Ashes Save)
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d4: (1): 1
GAME: Thurid damaged you for 1 points. 36 HP remaining.
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d3: (1): 1
<OOC> Thurid says, "You are Sickened for 1 round."
<OOC> Thurid says, "Lava chases, it's right infront of Faran for now."
<OOC> Thurid says, "Water charges, steam 5's, both attack faran"
GAME: Thurid rolls 5+2: (14)+5+2: 21
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (8)+5: 13
<OOC> Thurid says, "And the webees try to escape once more"
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (4)+3: 7
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (3)+3: 6

It seems like being breathed at agressively is the order of the day, as the Dust Mephit gets in on the action. It exhales a cloud of biting sand and choking grit that stings more than it harms, but nevertheless, Ashes gets a lungful and is thrown into a violent coughing fit. The pool of lava schlorps along the ground, inching slowly but inexorably closer seeking tootsies to singe.

And it seems that neither water nor steam mephit is done with Faran after dousing her, as they chase after her as she withdraws, claws getting tangled up in frizzy hair and failing to find purchase.

Amids the web, the swearing has reached a fever pitch- and they are even throwing in a handful of choice words from more familiar languages they have likely picked up from summonings or visitors.

<OOC> Faranmidahn says, "i'll arcane strike and attack the steam mephit, if i drop him, i'll 5' to where he is"
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls weapon1: (9)+8: 17
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls 1d6+3: (4)+3: 7

Faranmidahn feels better physically after the infusion of Ashe's healing surge, though, still shuddering from the odd... particulars. The tactical situation keeps her optimism properly grounded, but, she once again infuses her blade and slashes at the steam Mephit, this time the blade bites deep, but the creature yet stands.

<OOC> Thurid says, "MAC will charge the steam mephit and try to finish it."
GAME: Thurid rolls 13+2: (17)+13+2: 32
GAME: Thurid rolls 2d6+6: (6)+6: 12

There's a 'whrrrrr'ing noise as the war-golem revs up and rushes across the battlefield. It zeroes in on the Steam Mephit, and states, "Deploying anti-entity countermeasures." PachuPOW! One massive titan fist blasts into the mephit shaped steam cloud and disperses it.

"Re-orienting. New target selected."

<OOC> Ashes says, "I'm going to 5' step to x2 y12, which is right on the edge of the ice, reload and shoot at the dust mephit"
<OOC> Ashes says, "sickened, so -2"
GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+8-2: (17)+8+-2: 23
GAME: Ashes rolls 1d8+1+1d6: (1)+1+(6): 8

"Thanks Mac Bee," Ashes says, as the war golem arrives and takes some of the steam pressure off. Faran is still surrounded, and the Mourner feels bad for leaving her to stand toe to flappy with the mephits. She's not set up for melee, and needs space with her crossbow.

She steps to the side, onto the edge of the ice field, cranks the lever on her crossbow and reloads it again, then raises it to aim at the dust mephit that came after her. She tells it, 'The war golem is the bigger threat."

>ff-thk!<

She makes that warning questionable. The bolt glances but the fire flames up as it passes the dust mephit, and sorches it badly.

<OOC> Thurid says, "Lava Puddle spies unarmored feet, and crawls under Faran."
<OOC> Thurid says, "You can make an AoO"
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls weapon1: (18)+8: 26
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls 1d6+3: (6)+3: 9
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d6: (6): 6
<OOC> Thurid says, "Dust Mephit will 5' and attack Ashes."
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (18)+5: 23
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d3+1: (2)+1: 3
GAME: Dust Mephit damaged Ashes for 3 points. 33 HP remaining.
<OOC> Thurid says, "Water will attack Faran"
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Thurid says, "And webees try to escape"
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (11)+3: 14
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (9)+3: 12
<OOC> Thurid says, "And fail."
<OOC> Thurid says, "The magma also readies an action."

Though the lava had been chasing after Ashes- she is much too close to the ice for comfort, and besides, it has spotted a much more tempting target. And so it slithers underneath Faran's bare feet, blistering the soles and charring her fetlocks. The scent is unpleasant. The Dust mephit, however, is on the warpath- it spent too long in that web to consider giving up the chase, and so it lunges at Ashes once more- and its tiny, sharp claws draw blood again. Those still in the web, remain so. In fact, the summoned Dust mephit becomes so frustrated its flailing reaches a creschendo before it simply bursts in a cloud of fine sand.

<OOC> Faranmidahn says, "will 5' to x5 y 11, arcane strike and stab the magma again"
<OOC> Thurid says, "It uses its readied action to 5' with you."
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls weapon1-2: (7)+8+-2: 13

Faranmidahn screams as the magma Mephit sets her tootsies alight, searing her flesh and partially denuding her legs. She staggers in a frantic, agonized, funky chicken to try and get away from the hurtful puddle, but it moves along with her, and her hasty thrust only chips the stone of the floor.

"Providing Assistance." MAC-B1G announces, picking up Faranmidahn. The top part of its torso rotates and deposits her beside the magma pool. "Seek medical attention immediately."

<OOC> Ashes says, "I think I'll risk it AOO as I reload. Reload and shoot it. 
<OOC> Ashes says, "okay, 5' step back then onto the ice, see how bad it is."
<OOC> Thurid says, "Fort save, DC14"
GAME: Ashes rolls fortitude: (17)+7: 24
GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+8: (11)+8: 19
<OOC> Thurid says, "Hits, I'll roll miss chance this time. You want 21+"
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d100: (12): 12

The Mourner keeps backing up, no reaction to Faran's screams. She's suppressing a gasp of her own. Moving onto the Ice field is like falling into a cold lake. She's probably frozen her blisters now, and while she resists it like a stoic little hobgoblin she's not happy.

She works the lever on her crossbow, loads and raises it, pressing the stock to her shoulder. She fires, and the bolt flies through the blurry image of the Dust Mephit. Three of four times now she's missed because of that, it's effective concealment indeed.

Meanwhile, her armour seems useless, the Mephit keeps scratching her. Perhaps she should have chosen better spells.

<OOC> Thurid says, "Water mephit 5's and attacks MAC. Lava chases Faran (you get an AoO again). Dust chases Ashes."
GAME: Thurid rolls 2: (11)+2: 13
<OOC> Thurid says, "Dust mephit is Fatigued."
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls weapon1: (7)+8: 15
GAME: Thurid rolls 4: (16)+4: 20
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d3: (3): 3
GAME: Thurid damaged you for 3 points. 30 HP remaining.
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d6: (3): 3
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (10)+5: 15
<OOC> Thurid says, "And water misses MAC."
GAME: Thurid rolls 3: (2)+3: 5
<OOC> Thurid says, "Webee still webbed."

A flash of light and a resounding crack, followed by a soft-sounding thump and the clattering of gadgets flying out of pockets announces that the gnomish artificers prison is broken- he has landed in a heap in the center of the room. The whirling vortex of elemental chaos surrounding the room seems to shift. And everything feels as though it is falling. Hairline fractures begin to form in the Onyx floor, chalky spiderwebs spreading in stops and starts with ominous pings- like ice on a lake about to give.

The puddle of magma seems to enjoy tormenting poor Faran, and so even as MAC lifts her out of the magma and sets her down out of harms way, it continues chasing her- and continues burning her feet. Meanwhile the dust mephit is so focused on Ashes, that it almost doesn't seem to notice the ice at all- even as icicles begin to form on its outstretched fingers, it slashes at her once more. The water mephit decides to avenge the steamy one, but its claws fail to find purchase on the War Golems artifice armor.

<OOC> Faranmidahn says, "5' t x7 y 10, arcane armor, and chance the aoo to MM the magma"
GAME: Thurid rolls 5: (2)+5: 7
GAME: Faranmidahn casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 8 DC: 15
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls 4d4+4: (11)+4: 15

Faranmidahn, wafting smoke from her legs as she finally gets away, even for a moment, from the magma puddle, staggers on mincing tootsies when she starts her incantations again, eyes swimming in pain, she levels the infinity at the molten foe and unleashes a burst of light shards into it as her incantation ends in a defiant crescendo! The Mephit, apparantly having had enough, starts to cool into obsidian before phasing back to it's native dimension.

The artificer scrambles for something tied about his neck on a lanyard- a compass, like the ones the party were given by the elder artificer, "Cheers! Toodles!" he calls out to the party, and then promptly disappears.

"Detecting seismic instability." MAC-B1G states.

<OOC> Ashes says, "I want to 5' step to x3, y10, reload and shoot the dust mephit"
GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+8: (18)+8: 26
GAME: Ashes rolls fortitude: (11)+7: 18
GAME: Thurid rolls 1d100: (36): 36
GAME: Ashes rolls 1d8+1+1d6: (8)+1+(1): 10

"Sabina, circle around to..." Ash starts an explanation, which is interrupted by Dimwest's sudden disappearance. Well, that's gnomish gratitude for you. Her monotone instructions continue, "... somewhere safe, use your token."

For her part, she's taking another careful step back on the ice. Lever, cock, reverse lever, raise crossbow, bolt, de-activate safety, take aim. Recalling her earlier failure, she squints, exhales. Don't rush it.

>ffftt!<

Her sniper crossbow is right on target this time, and the troublesome dust mephit vanishes in a puff of powder. "We should..."

She's interrupted again by rumbling throughout the plane.

<OOC> Thurid says, "There are only two mephits left, and the dimension doesn't seem to healthy, 
                    so they decide to go right ahead and poof back to their home planes."
<OOC> Thurid says, "However, reflex save, DC14, for all."
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls reflex: (18)+6: 24
GAME: Thurid rolls 11: (1)+11: 12 (EPIC FAIL) (MAC-B1G's Save)
GAME: Ashes rolls reflex: (9)+4: 13

The remaining Mephits give up the ghost- looking around in mild panic as the pocket dimension begins to collapse. The elemental vortex surges, waves lap at the onyx, dissolving it into the abyss. Steam gushes forth at the confluence. Flames burn the onyx floor to vapors, bubbling magma spits boiling, smoking rocks. The bedrock creaks and rumbles and collapses into the plane. The dust storms, stirred up by rising sands, encroach further. And then suddenly gravity changes, and the floor is no longer flat- but inclined fourty five degrees.

Larger cracks chase the filigree webs through the floor, the earth crystal falls through one into a seemingly bottomless abyss. Fragments are lifted up through cracks in the ceiling carried off to unfathomable heights.

<OOC> Faranmidahn says, "will move toward the ice to try and help ashes."
<OOC> Thurid says, "Alright, fort DC14"
GAME: Faranmidahn rolls fortitude: (4)+7: 11
<OOC> Thurid says, "You are fatigued, but you are able to help Ashes. 
                    She can stand as a free action. 
                    The ice /almost/ feels good on your burns."

Faranmidahn, somehow managing to keep her feet as the dimension lurches with the gnomes departure, utters an exasperated, "What an asshole....!" and ow!-ow!-Ow!s her way into the ice field to try and help Ashes. The cold saps her energy, and the various weeping humours of her scorched legs leave discolored skins in the ice as the Lucht manages to help the Avek to her feet, "Ar-r-r-r-re you alrr-r-r-r-right-t-t-t-t?!"

"Instability inscreasing. Eighty-eight point seven-three-five-nine-three-five-nine repeating percentage of dimensional collapse in the next ten seconds. Activating recall token." MAC-B1G vodes. The unit produces its compass token, orients and vanishes.

<OOC> Ashes says, "hold onto Faran and use the token?"
<OOC> Thurid says, "Be careful of Grafting! But go for it ;)"

Ash is helped to her feet with Faran's assistance as gravity goes wild and the pocket plane continues to fracture and disintegrate. It would be fascinating to watch, but she's not sure there's enough time. Also, it's cold. She sounds unhurried as she answers in monotone, "Yes."

She is hurrying though, embracing the Lucht Knight in a hug as she pulls her token out. She won't leave her behind, and seconds might be critical. She's not leaving her crossbow behind either, and that causes some awkwardness as the Mourner has three things to hold and only two hands. If only she had a third!

Perhaps... best not to wish that. They were warned about grafting.

Instead Ash embraces her with one arm, crossbow tucked against her back as she takes out the token and spins them both so it aligns. As the compass point touches the correct line, she says, "Thanks."

And they find themselves dumped unceremoniously at the top of a growing pile of people. At the bottom is the artificer, presently trapped beneath MAC and receiving his just deserts for abandoning the party. Sabina managed to land sitting on MAC's shoulder. Ashe and Faranmidhan are the last to arrive, thoroughly tangled but at least not literally attached at the hip.

They have a bit of an audience, and the reason becomes apparent. The device is in midair, the two halves spinning dizzyingly fast in opposite directions, sparks flying from dissintegrating gears as they are driven much faster than intended. Its orientation changes sharply, and then again, and then again- each quicker than the last, until it is a blurred ball of motion in the air. One feels like it would not be pleasant to be inside of the pocket dimension while it's doing that.

And then all its motion stops, it freezes completely motionless in midair, and then shatters. Semi-precious gems and bronze shrapnel fly out, sending the watching artificers diving for cover.

The spinning explosion is fascinating. Ash stares as the device overloads with unexpected energies and flies to pieces. As everyone scrambles for cover she loosens her grip on Faranmidahn and works at extricating herself so she isn't on top of Sabina on MAC-B1G on Dimwest. In case it was missed, she tells Faranmidahn, "Thanks," again.

Once on her feet, the Mourner touches her holy symbol and says one of her short, efficient prayers, "Feiu of the Tears, we could use some more healing." The unsettling, graveyard sensation spreads out from her. Injuries won't hurt in death, and they hurt a little less for everyone around her. A little less lustre in the nearby colours is an easy price to pay, and soon fades.

She looks around some more, examining everyone.

Faranmidahn is somewhat surprised that the Mourner hugs her, but manages not to accidentally stick her with her blades. There's time for her you chatter a quick, "Yer-r-r wel-l-c-c-om-me!" before they are returned to gravity's kind consideration in their home plane. Their transit to the pile is punctuated with her startled squeak, followed by the clatter of armor and ringing of her weapons skittering along the floor. She looks up toward the convulsing contrivance as it starts to go into what could be a Bad Thing(tm), then, like Ashes, disentangles herself as best as possible to try and scurry away on wounded limbs, leaving wet spots of various composition behind her. She flops to her side in the explosion and lays there a while, just breathing and trying not to cry. The healing infusions help in that regard, but the little Lucht kind of dreads looking down at herself, instead, shakily, "Is.... is everyone alright...?"

Sabina and MAC un-pile themselves, finally freeing the Gnome, who is laying face down on the floor. Dimwest remains like that for a few long moments, before his fingers twitch, and he finally pushes himself into a sitting position. Hoarsely, he says, "Almost... died..." though whether it's his failed experiment or being sat on by a war golem he is talking about, it's hard to say. The peanut gallery emerge from their hidey holes now they drama is over, and the Elder finally makes an appearance.

"Oh you're back?" he says, frowning deeply, as though surprised and confused by Dimwest and the party's reapearrance in the workshop. And then he snaps his fingers, "That's right, you're back! Where are those blasted notes, Dimwest!" he says, wispy beard flapping.

His assistant sneaks past him while he goes about admonishing Dimwest, to address the adventurers. "The hall- er... expresses its deepest gratitude for your efforts. Your erm- is that acid? Right. Your payment will be ready for collection shortly." he says, shaking his head and dismissing the thought.

He leans in a bit closer, casting a glance over his shoulder at Dimwest and the Elder, "And, uh, sorry about those two. Gnomish obsession, right?" he says and shrugs helplessly.

Ash stares at Faranmidahn. Unblinking and largely expressionless because of her facial markings, her thoughts aren't immediately clear. She takes her healing kit out of her satchel, returns her crossbow to it, and kneels down at the little Knight's feet. "Let me have a look."

She bandages the toasted and flash-frozen tootsies, applying a healing hex, a channel and a spell. The bandages are unnecessary for the healing, but they're meant to be more psychological. Faran won't have to look. Her words remain flat, "Keep these on for a day."

Ashes checks Sabina next, then checks MAC-B1G. She's not sure she can do much for the golem, her only real technical skill is basket-weaving, and MAC-B1G seems to lack that accessory and is unlikely to need a replacement.

She nods at the assistant, "I understand."

Faranmidahn has certainly felt better. She tries to shift to a somewhat more dignified position as the artificers have at each other. She regards the assistant as he speaks and answers his question with a soft, "Yes. Thank you." She even tries a smile. That done, she holds still and does her best patient impression as Ashes starts to treat her burns, "Thank you..." giving the woman a relieved smile.

"It's ok." Ashlee says, looking up from her work to stare at Faran some. She tends to do that, and it can get uncomfortably long at times. She doesn't smile, and there's no warmth in her voice, just the same flat words. There's an impression of sympathy somehow, perhaps from her streaked makeup, or her awkward joke. "Your hair is a mess."

She looks down to her bandaging, "Thanks for coming for me," she tells Faran's feet. After which she's silent, beyond a few more prayers and the unsettling way she channels Vardama's healing energy. One might almost believe she is stealing seconds off the end of a lifeline to use in the now. Probably not. Definitely, probably not.

And so, with the worst of their hurts tended to- as unsettling as it might be- the adventurers are free to collect their payment and get clear of the hall. As they are making their way out, Dimwest is still being dressed down by the elder Artificer- but the gnome doesn't even seem to notice, as he makes no attempt to defend himself, but rather excitedly regails the elder artificer with news of his discovereies, and his ideas for future attempts.

This can only end badly. But for now, it is not a concern for the Adventurers. Their obligation is fulfilled.

Combatty stuff

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 |     Name      |  CHP (T) |  HP  |
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 | Ashes.........|   33     |  47  |
 | Faranmidahn...|   20     |  41  |
 | (C) Torrent...|   33     |  33  |
 | MAC-B1G.......|  105     | 110  |
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 ==================== Current Initiative Order - Round 12 =====================
 ---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
  >> 21   Faranmidahn      1   <<
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     12   MAC-B1G          1  Titan Armor (9 rnds active)                  
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     7    Ashes            1  
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ==============================================================================

<OOC> Faranmidahn says, "faran in the aftermath of the steam breath
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/67/26/3a/67263a8ddf6efec999bf44b1028b970a.jpg"