Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Jacob's Tower, Level 8: Planar


Jacob’s Tower, Level 8: Planar
60,000 xp, 42,000 gp, 4 - 5 Hours
 


Planar explores adventuring on the various planes: Material, Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Positive, and Negative, with a Wild Magic and Dead Magic plane thrown in. It encourages players to adapt to new situations and leverage the environment to their advantage.

The rooms are connected to each other with large purple portals, which shimmer and ripple with strong magical currents. These detect with extremely high conjuration (teleportation) auras, and they will lead the heroes into adjacent rooms. Note that the connections loop around the map (for example, the east portal in Room 3 connects to the west portal in Room 9, and the north portal in Room 2 connects to the south portal in Room 6).  Note also that each portal is labeled with the location it leads to in a different language.  See the individual rooms for specifics.

Each of these portals is labeled in a different language, as indicated in the room. A DC 15 Linguistics check will determine the language, though not the word.

Note that it is impossible to see, shoot, or shout through the portals.  Thus, a hero in one room cannot call for help from heroes in another room.  Channeling and area attacks do not work through the portals.

If your battle map is not large enough to draw the spaces between rooms, simply draw the rooms as adjacent with no space between them.

Enemies cannot travel between rooms, but any not-yet-killed enemy in a room with no heroes gains fast healing 20. Thus, if our heroes damage the golem in Room 4 and then leave to recuperate, the golem will heal 20 hp a round as long as they are away.  However, if the kill the golem and then leave, the golem will not return.


Room 1: Material Plane

Our heroes are deposited in the center (1a) of a large room with 30 foot high stone walls and a stone ceiling. A dozen torches on the walls bathe the room in flickering light. The floor has been painted and contoured to look like an immense, and incredibly detailed, map of Golarion. In half a dozen seemingly random spaces in the map, tiny trapdoors have been flung open to reveal empty compartments.

Large, shimmering purple portals stand in the center of each wall. Above each portal is a spherical socket about six inches wide. Similar spherical holes can be found in each corner of this room. A single Orb can be found in every other room and, once the Orbs are placed in their respective sockets, the boss fight will begin.

A lone and partially crumpled parchment can be found nearby without too much difficulty. The parchment lists 9 different, nearly nonsensical, clues. The first 6 of these have been checked off, and they correspond with the open trapdoors in the floor. The last 3 have question marks next to them. These clues lead to other, hidden locations on the map, and may be discerned through a relevant skill check. Each character may attempt each skill check once, and if any characters succeeds at the skill check he will find the location on the map, a hidden trap door, and the treasure. The trap doors are incredibly well hidden, and finding them without the clues is impossible short of a DC 40 perception check.

The last three items on the parchment read:

7: King Ulvass of Kalsgard set up this Ulfen Colony as the final resting place for the lords of the Lands of the Linnorm Kings.” A DC 18 Knowledge (Nobility) or DC 23 Knowledge (Geography) check will reveal that the location is Valenhall, a small settlement on the northeast coast of Arcadia. Opening the hidden trapdoor under this part of the map will reveal a Scroll of Lightning Bolt (CL 10) (750).

8: The mid-point of the Path of Aganhei.” A Knowledge (Geography) 18 check will reveal that the Path of Aganheil connects Tian Xia and Avistan across the Crown of the World, passing near the north pole. Opening the hidden trapdoor under this part of the map will reveal 3 Potions of Resist Energy 10 (Fire) (CL 6, lasts 1 hour). (900gp).

9: In 3828, after 74 years of the Shining Crusade, a terrible Tyrant was banished to this capital.” A Knowledge (History) 18 or Knowledge Geography (23) check will reveal that the Tyrant was the cursed lich “The Whispering Tyrant,” and that he was banished to the city of Gallowspire. Opening the hidden trapdoor under Gallowspire will reveal a Scroll of Stoneskin, (CL 10) (1250).

The word “Positive” in Celestial is written above the northern portal in this room.

The word “Order” in some long dead language once spoken in Utopia, the Lawfully Aligned Plane, is written above the eastern portal in this room.

The word “Negative” in Necril is written above the southern portal in this room.

The word “Chaos” in Protean is written above the western portal in this room.


Room 2: Positive

Every aspect of this room bursts with brightness, intensity, and overwhelming sensation. Every cell of our heroes’ bodies feels awake and alive. All individuals in the room gain fast healing 2, and undead creatures take d6 damage a round. Each time a character enters this room, he must make a DC 15 Fortitude save or be blinded for d4 rounds.

At the north end of this room is a Movanic Deva Angel (2a), flanked by four Cassian Angels (2b). The Movanic Deva is a prototypical Angelic figure, a muscular, bald humanoid with a white tunic, white pupil-less eyes and a flaming greatsword. The bright yellow Positive Orb hangs around the Angel's neck. The Cassian Angels are sentient, intricately designed golden helmets held aloft by dove like wings.

As soon as the first party member enters the room, the Movanic Deva raises his sword, points it at the party member and declares “Halt Evildoer, and prepare to meet your end! Have you anything to say before I release your soul to the Abyss?” That party member has one shot to convince the Deva that he is not an evildoer with a DC 12 Diplomacy Check. If the character speaking is good aligned, he gets a +5 bonus on the check. If the character speaking is evil, he must instead make a DC 17 Bluff check. Any character may remake this check during combat, but suffers a -10 penalty to the check as long as any party member has attacked any Angel. Once any angel is killed, the check becomes impossible.

If our heroes attack the Angels, or if they fail in convincing the Deva, then battle will commence. The Deva will lead with Holy Aura, buffing himself and the Cassians, then start swinging his sword.  Holy Aura provides a +4 deflection bonus to AC, +4 to saves, SR 25 against evil magic, protection from mental influences, and has the potential to blind any who melee attack the recipient of the Aura. The Cassian Angels will provide flanking for the Deva, and use aid another to add to his to-hit and AC instead of attacking or using their breath weapon.

All angels gain fast healing 2 from the room.

The Positive Orb may be retrieved from the Deva's body, along with his +1 Flaming Greatsword.  If the Deva is killed, then all Positive Energy aspects of the room dissipate and the room no longer heals or blinds.

If a party member succeeds on the diplomacy or bluff check, the Angel will apologize: “My sincere apologies, Jacob’s Tower is all too often traversed by the perverse and wicked. You may continue on your way.” He will then hand over the Positive Orb, resume his guard, and not attack any party member. Note that the Deva’s Detect Evil and Discern Lies do not function properly due to Jacob’s Tinkering.

If convinced, the Angel will cast Remove Curse, Remove Disease, Remove Fear, Dispel Evil, or Dispel Magic on the players if they wish. With a DC 27 Diplomacy check, the players may convince him to hand over his Greatsword.  Our heroes only have one shot at this diplomacy check.

The word “Negative” in Necril is written above the northern portal in this room.

The word “Air” in Auran is written above the eastern portal in this room.

The word “Material” in Common is written above the southern portal in this room.

The word “Fire” in Ignan is written above the western portal in this room. 


Room 3: Air

Spells and spell-like abilities with the Air descriptor operate at Caster Level +2. To cast spells and spell-like abilities with the Earth descriptor, the caster must make a concentration check DC 20 + spell level or the spell and slot are lost.

Room 3 is an empty 35x35x35 foot cube (you may use a d6 to visualize it). Each entrance is in the center of a wall, meaning there is a 15 foot drop to the base. The walls of this room are rough white marble, taking a DC 20 Climb check to scale. Light suffuses the area.

Our heroes will notice various items, dirt, and detritus floating throughout the room. A DC 18 Knowledge (Planes) check will reveal that this room has “subjective directional gravity,” meaning that characters may change their own gravity. As a standard action, a character may attempt to change his own personal gravity by passing a DC 20 Will save. Doing so may cause him to fall 35 feet, should he choose the opposite wall of the cube.

A human corpse floats in the middle of the room, 15 feet from any surface, a clear Orb dangling on a necklace around his neck. The corpse, apparently an adventurer in studded leather armor and a turban, looks withered and desiccated. If the corpse is touched or disturbed in any way, a Hellwasp Swarm explodes from his eye sockets, nose, mouth, and ears. Instead of taking up a 10x10 space, the Hellwasp Swarm inhabits the entire 35x35x35 foot room.

Once the corpse is brought within grasp, the Air Orb can be retrieved. The adventurer is also carrying a +1 Shock Scimitar and wearing masterwork Studded Leather Armor.

The word “Water” in Aquan is written above the northern portal in this room. 

The word “Fire” in Ignan is written above the eastern portal in this room.

The word “Order” in some long dead language once spoken in Utopia, the Lawfully Aligned Plane, is written above the southern portal in this room.

The word “Positive” in Celestial is written above the western portal in this room.


Room 4: Dead Magic

The floor of this room is black obsidian, but the walls and ceiling are comprised of thousands of black interlocking gears. The sound of machinery is almost overwhelming. Sparks, falling embers, and a dull, reddish glow casts the room into low-light.

This room is under the effects of a permanent anti magic field. Spells cannot be cast, and all magic items revert temporarily to mundane items.

Standing in the approximate center of the room is a large black Clockwork Titan, made of the same material as the floors and gears. He will attack immediately.  Once he is killed, the grey Dead Magic Orb is easily found in his remains.

An Insanity Mist Trap is hidden in the ground at 4b. A Flame Strike Trap is hidden in the ground at 4c. A Sound Burst Trap is hidden in the ground at 4d. A Hand Chopper Trap is hidden in the ground at 4e. The golem does not set off these traps even if he steps on them. Note that the magical aspects of these traps have been replaced with non-magical mechanisms.

After the fight, the party notices a Deep Red Sphere Ioun Stone jamming a gear in the wall at 4f. The stone is a foot back through sharp and moving gears. A DC 20 Sleight of Hand check may retrieve it safety, though each failure will deal 3d6+3 damage from the gears and yields no item.

The party also notices a Dusty Rose Prism Ioun Stone partially hidden behind a complex mechanism in the wall. The stone is barely visible behind a subset of gears, and cannot be reached. A DC 20 Knowledge (Engineering) check will cause the stone to pop out, though two failures will set off a chain reaction that grinds the stone to dust.

The word “Air” in Auran is written above the northern portal in this room. 

The word “Chaos” in Protean is written above the eastern portal in this room.

The word “Water” in Aquan is written above the southern portal in this room.

The word “Material” in Common is written above the western portal in this room.


Room 5: Water

Spells and spell-like abilities with the Water descriptor operate at Caster Level +2. To cast spells and spell-like abilities with the Fire descriptor, the caster must make a concentration check DC 20 + spell level or the spell and slot are lost.

Room 5 appears to be part of an immense expanse of ocean floor complete with kelp growing from the mud and thousands of brightly colored fish swimming about. Nearly invisible walls separate the heroes from miles and miles of undersea wonderland. Although the surface is not visible, light suffuses the 20 foot tall room.

Heroes may swim at quarter speed as a move action, or at half speed as a full round action. Doing so requires a DC 10 swim check, or the hero does not move.

Characters may hold their breath for a number of rounds equal to twice their Constitution score, but taking standard or full round actions reduces this time by one additional round. After that time has elapsed, they may continue to hold their breath every round with a DC 10 Constitution check that increases by one every round.

If a character fails this Constitution check, he begins to drown. In the first round, he hits 0 hp and falls unconscious. The second round, he drops to -1 hit points. The third round, he dies.

At the center of the level (5a), among the kelp and reeds, the blue Water Orb sits partially obscured in mud. The first time it is touched or moved, all heroes within the room must make a DC 21 Reflex Save to avoid a sudden growth of underwater vegetation. If any character fails this save he is grappled by grasping kelp, which deal him d4+2 damage a turn and prevent him from moving. He may escape this kelp with a DC 18 Escape Artist check, or by dealing the kelp 25 damage with a slashing weapon.

Just outside the room, an open chest with 5 golden bars lies partially submerged in the mud. Regardless of what our heroes do, they cannot get to it or directly effect it. However, a small pod of dolphins swims nearby, watching our heroes with some interest. A character may attempt a Handle Animal Check to convince to Dolphins to retrieve the golden bars. This check may only be attempted once. A DC 10 check will convince the Dolphins to retrieve one golden bar, and each 5 after that will convince them to retrieve an additional golden bar (2 at 15, 3 at 20, 4 at 25, and all 5 at 30). Each golden bar is worth 500gp. After moving the correct number of bars, the dolphins get bored and swim away.

A giant open clam sits peacefully at 5b, a giant pearl worth 2,000gp inside his gaping mouth. If a character reaches for the pearl, the clam’s mouth slams shut, dealing 3d12 bludgeoning damage unless the character can make a DC 24 Reflex save (he comes up empty handed either way). After a few rounds, the clam cautiously opens his mouth again. The pearl is firmly attached to the mouth of the clam, and cannot be pushed, prodded, or pulled out through magical or non-magical means.  The clam will snap most attempts to hold his mouth open. The clam itself has DR 20, 50 hit points, and regeneration 5. A DC 18 survival check will determine that this is a “Orbury Clam,” and that by pressing on a certain spot on its back it can be convinced to give up the pearl without a fight. Each character can make this check only once. If the players come up with another creative way of getting the pearl, feel free to give it to them.

The word “Order” in some long dead language once spoken in Utopia, the Lawfully Aligned Plane, is written above the northern portal in this room.

The word “Earth” in Terran is written above the eastern portal in this room. 

The word “Air” in Auran is written above the southern portal in this room.

The word “Negative” in Necril is written above the western portal in this room.


Room 6: Negative

This room thrums with dark energy, lending an unnaturally hot and stifling feeling to the area. The black wooden walls are distant and hazy, a dull pain suffuses the bodies of our adventurers, and smoke seem to sting their eyes. Living creatures take d6 points of negative damage per round, and undead creatures gain fast healing 2.

The room is pitch black except for two sets of red eyes, which belong to two Wraiths (6a). These Wraiths gain fast healing 2 from the negative energy coursing through the level, and will immediately attack.

The black, Negative Orb may be found lying in the center of the level. However, until the Wraiths are killed it is impossibly heavy, taking a DC 25 Strength check to roll one square, a DC 30 Strength check to pick up and move at half speed, and a DC 35 Strength check to move full speed.

The word “Material” in Common is written above the northern portal in this room.

The word “Water” in Aquan is written above the eastern portal in this room. 

The word “Positive” in Celestial is written above the southern portal in this room.

The word “Earth” in Terran is written above the western portal in this room. 


Room 7: Earth

Spells and spell-like abilities with the Earth descriptor operate at Caster Level +2. To cast spells and spell-like abilities with the Air descriptor, the caster must make a concentration check DC 20 + spell level or the spell and slot are lost.

When characters enter this room, they may arrive through a different portal than they entered. Roll a d4 for each character who enters the room to randomly determine through which portal he enters.

The earthen walls of this room are shrouded in an oppressive darkness, and the range of all light sources is divided by four. A torch, common lamp, or light spell provides normal light for 5 feet and dim light for 5 more feet. A Sunrod provides normal light for 5 feet and dim light for 10 more feet. The Daylight spell or a Bulls Eye lantern provides normal light for 15 feet and dim light for 15 more feet.  Characters with darkvision can see through this darkness without any trouble.

A Bogeyman (7a) stalks our heroes through this level. He can see through the darkness without any trouble, and he can both see and walk through walls (but can’t attack through them).

His Aura of Fear goes through walls (though not to other rooms), meaning that most characters will have to make their save as soon as they enter the room. If a character is fearful when he leaves the aura, he will become fearful again when he re-enters it.

The Bogeyman also gains the feat “Shatter Defenses” meaning that any shaken, frightened, or panicked enemies are flatfooted to him and thus susceptible to his sneak attack. However, he loses all of his spells.

The Bogeyman will employ cat and mouse tactics, seeking out fearful enemies, attacking them, and then slipping away. He will make use of his Terrible Rejuvenation to heal while behind walls.

The brown Earth Orb may be found on the ground at 7a. To any shaken, frightened, or panicked heroes it seems to radiate overwhelming foreboding, and a DC 20, 23, or 26 (for shaken, frightened, or panicked) Will Save must be made to pick it up. However, it may be retrieved and secured without killing the Bogeyman.

The word “Chaos” in Protean is written above the northern portal in this room. 

The word “Negative” in Necril is written above the eastern portal in this room. 

The word “Fire” in Ignan is written above the southern portal in this room. 

The word “Water” in Aquan is written above the western portal in this room. 


Room 8: Wild Magic

To cast spells normally, casters must make a caster level check (DC 15 + the level of the spell or spell-like ability). If the caster fails, the wild magic of the room takes over and something bizarre takes place. Roll a d% and consult the Wild Magic Effects Table.

Spells and spell-like abilities with the Chaos descriptor operate at Caster Level +2. To cast spells and spell-like abilities with the Law descriptor, the caster must make a concentration check DC 20 + spell level or the spell and slot are lost.

The stained glass walls, floor and ceiling of this room are a riotous explosion of color. Rainbows and flashes of light seem to dance in the corners of our heroes’ vision, the sounds of hysterical laughing and fireworks can be heard, and the smell of gunpowder, pepper, and hot molasses invades our heroes’ nostrils. The first time each character enters this room, he must make a DC 14 Will save or be confused for one round.

There are two Half-Orc Bloodfire Sorcerers in this room, each dressed in a wild, rainbow cloak. One laughs and the other cries hysterically throughout the entire fight. Whenever either Sorcerer casts a spell, he automatically fails his caster level check and some wild magic effect takes place.

When the first Sorcerer is killed, he explodes into a shower of sparklers and feathers. When the second Sorcerer is killed, his body shrinks and crumples into a Ring of Protection +2. This ring giggles as if being tickled whenever it is put on, but otherwise acts as a normal Ring of Protection +2.

Once the two Sorcerers are killed, the Wild Magic Orb crashes through the stained glass ceiling (which immediately re-forms) and lands in the center of the room. The Orb is a swirling, sparkling rainbow of color.

The word “Fire” in Ignan is written above the northern portal in this room. 

The word “Material” in Common is written above the eastern portal in this room.

The word “Earth” in Terran is written above the southern portal in this room.

The word “Order” in some long dead language once spoken in Utopia, the Lawfully Aligned Plane, is written above the western portal in this room.


Room 9: Fire

Spells and spell-like abilities with the Fire descriptor operate at Caster Level +2. To cast spells and spell-like abilities with the Water descriptor, the caster must make a concentration check DC 20 + spell level or the spell and slot are lost.

The outer walls, floors, and ceiling of this inferno are recently hardened magma, and small cracks and fissures still glow with heat. Any character who starts his turn in the room take 2d6+2 fire damage.

The room is a labyrinth of walls of fire, which deal 2d12+5 damage if crossed.

At the center of the labyrinth is a Fire Mephit playing with the Fire Orb. If he sees an enemy, he will swallow the Orb as a full round action, then attempt to flee. Once he is killed, the Orb may be looted from his body as a full round action.

The word “Earth” in Terran is written above the northern portal in this room. 

The word “Positive” in Celestial is written above the eastern portal in this room.

The word “Chaos” in Protean is written above the southern portal in this room.

The word “Air” in Auran is written above the western portal in this room.


Bosses: The Secondary Elementals

Once all Orbs are placed in their respective sockets in Room 1, the level undergoes a sudden and dramatic change. The walls between the rooms disappear, allowing our heroes and the bosses to simply walk from one room to another. All items and objects in each room disappear, but the planar features of the rooms remain: Elemental magic is enhanced or impeded depending on location, damage is dealt in the Negative and Fire area, magic is stopped in the Dead Magic area and made wild in the Wild Magic area, and health is gained in the Positive area. The Water area becomes a 35x35x35 cube of water, the Air area turns into a 20 foot pit, and the Earth area simply becomes a flat plot of dirt.

In the same moment, the bosses appear, four huge secondary elementals: A Lightning Elemental (10a), an Ice Elemental (10b), a Mud Elemental (10c), and a Magma Elemental (10d). They immediately attack.

Although the four elementals have similar plans (move up to just within reach and smash), their individual tactics vary somewhat.  The Lightning Elemental will use his spark leap to both disarm and trip opponents wearing metal.  When characters are hit by the Ice Elemental, they will contend with his numbing cold.  The Mud Elemental will entrap and, given the chance, coupe-de-gras his helpless opponents.  The Magma Elemental will burn his opponents after hitting them, and spew lava if the heroes are staying in the positive zone.

The elementals will use their reach to lure characters out of the positive zone and into more dangerous zones.

Once the four elementals are dead, a compartment in the ceiling opens up and a rope ladder leading to the next area falls down.

If our heroes are playing only in Jacob's Tower and ranking up to Level 9, then distribute 14,000gp among them evenly.


Sleeping in Planar

If they party chooses to sleep, they have horrifying dreams of their enemies growing stronger. For each night they sleep, apply the Advanced Template to all remaining enemies (except the bosses): +2 on all rolls and special ability DCs, +4 to AC and CMD, and +2 hp per Hit Die.


Roll 20 Battlemap by Jamie "RedClaws" Bosmans:


You may purchase printable PDFs of the entire dungeon, including the secret final level not available online, here:
Jacob's Tower, Levels 1 - 13 ($9.99)




10 comments:

  1. Cool to see the next level. I can see that my party will breeze through the fire room, but that's fine.

    My main concern here is the free healing in the Positive Energy room. I feel like this should shut down once the orb is taken from the Deva, or PCs can just keep coming back to top themselves off before tackling each room.

    Also, is the darkness in the Earth room supernatural, or are Darkvision characters fine?

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    1. Yup, that's a feature, no a bug. Out-of-combat healing shouldn't be an issue by this level, and, even if it is, the positive room offers a respite from the other areas. It is intentional that the PCs can just keep going back to the top before tackling each room. They can even hang out there during the boss fight. I don't see this as being hugely unbalanced, but if I get enough concerns I'll consider it.

      I assume somebody in your party has immunity or resistance to fire? Yeah, the room is intended to be easy if the heroes can deal with the circumstances. Rewarding what they are good at and all.

      Darkvision characters can see just fine, I'll add a note. Darkvision hasn't been too useful in the tower so far since level 3, so I want to make it relevant again.

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  2. I think the fast healing is fine for the deva/boss fight. It bothers me a little as a pokecenter effect between combats. I don't expect the PCs to need a rest at all on this level, since the rooms don't strike me as especially damaging anyway.

    Noted about the Earth Room. It's semi-magical darkness because it messes with light sources, but not full on supernatural. I'm expecting this fight to be the toughest. Observation: This feels more like a Shadow Plane tribute, than Elemental Earth.

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  3. Finally remembered to update my log here. So, this one was quite an interesting challenge for the gang.

    After gaining all the treasure in the material plane room, they naturally decided to explore the positive energy plane (though with the fear that it might explode them). Had to work out how the eidolon would work when going from room to room (I ruled both the summoner and eidolon would need to go at the same time, which worked out fine). They managed to calm down the Deva, then the Arcanist attempted to get it come and help clear the floor. Didn't work out, but for good roleplaying and attempting to get plot, I left them the greatsword and a couple of scrolls (restoration and remove disease I believe?). Nothing too broken.

    Communal Fire Resistance took care of the Plane of fire easily enough, and then there was some fun in the Chaos/Wild Magic room. The rogue and inquisitor stepped in and immediately got blinded by a hail of rotten fruit. Then sorcerer/dragon disciple got confused upon walking in, and ended up critting the rogue in the back. No one died, but it was quite amusing for the rest of the party when they walked in and saw two half-orcs rolling around laughing and crying.

    They got super scared of the earth room, as they had no idea what was in there. The poor oracle entered and appeared right next to the Bogeyman and practically had a heart-attack. Needless to say, they ditched as soon as someone shouted about having the orb.

    The Anti-Magic room proved quite the challenge. The Oracle and Arcanist just sat outside upon realizing what the room was like, leaving the rest of the party to desperately poke at the clockwork soldier. The summoner nearly died to a trap, but they managed it well due to the eidolon (I don't think they could have cleared it without the thing).

    The room of air was solved with just taking the hits and running out with the body. The negative energy room was super scary; they buffed themselves quite a bit. Actually, they buffed themselves enough that the poor wraiths couldn't even touch them. And the water room was adorable; the summoner popped in a couple of sharks, and much fun was had.

    The boss fight was a bit of a slog. Honestly, I don't think they enjoyed it that much, though they did find the lightning elemental flying about and tripping people amusing. But it was mostly a slog-fest through and through.

    The rest of the floor was enjoyable however, so good job there. Unfortunately, one player had to drop, so the group lost both the inquisitor and the sorcerer. Painful, but they believe they can manage. I've thrown them a funky half-orc fighter with a flair for fire. So, hopefully all will go well on their camping trip.

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    1. I love the wild magic room. That table is just so much fun the play around with. Also glad that they got scared of the bogeyman room - it worked!

      Anti-magic room is definitely difficult, especially with two party members not participating (they could have flanked at least?). Yeah, I think the negative room is easier than people might imagine. Glad that they had fun with the water room!

      Sorry that the boss fight was a slog, that was bound to happen sooner or later. Also sorry that you guys lost a member! It'll be interesting to see the new party dynamics with a different makeup.

      Delete
  4. Wow.
    Today my group finished Planar after 3 sessions of 4, 6 an 4.5 hours. One dead animal companion and a few PCs close to -CON.
    I'm just to tired right now but a more complete log will follow!

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    1. My goodness! You have the most exciting time running these. I'm glad you've avoided a TPK so far, and am very eager to hear about what happened.

      14.5 hours for this is CRAZY! Do you have slower players, or do things feel like they are moving along at a decent clip? Maybe this would help: http://zenithgames.blogspot.com/2014/02/10-ways-to-speed-up-gameplay.html ?

      Delete
    2. It's been a while and we're in the middle of Resurrection, so I have some more to report.
      About your speed-up-tips:
      I already do nearly everything besides dividing GM dutys, which I wouldn't like.
      I think the biggest problem is having 6 players, plus 3 of my players are PnP newbies.
      We will see if we manage to become a little faster.

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    3. Session 1:
      The group finally learned to put some ranks into "useless" skills, so they managed to find all the treasure in room 1. After that they spent a good amount of time climbing through the room examining the holes for the crystals.
      The big plan was sending the Synthesist-Summoner alone into the negative room, waiting two rounds for him to come back and report what he found.
      Two rounds alone with 3(because 6 players) wraiths, AC ~35 but Touch AC of 15, casting invisibility for no effect ended with eidolons CON -1 an synthesist CON 12 (of 14). ( I must admit that I forgot to give him his FORT-Saves, so he was allowed to reroll them at the beginning of Session 2).
      Then the rest of the party entered and the cleric cast sunlight and the fight was over.

      They headed into Earth and I was disappointed to only roll 2's and 4's, so the group was only splitted into 2.
      The following fight lasted 2 hours before we had to stop and the Boogeyman was still at full HP.

      Session 2
      The group played cat and mouse with the boogeyman, half of them panicked. It was a veeeeeeery long fight. Another 2 hours this evening, even though the Alchemist insisted in leaving the room several times.
      The boogeyman took a chance to coup-de-grace the Animal Companion much to the Rangers frustration.
      Greatest moment was the boogeymann trying to bullrush the fighter into the Chaosroom, failing his CMB by only 2.

      They entered the positive room without killing the Angels for loot.

      Next room was fire.
      Everybody had at least fire resistance 10, so I just skipped the encounter.

      The waspswarm did wreak havoc on the group and forced the alchemist to drink his potion of breath of life (this one won't come back) and scared them a lot.

      Water was an easy one, after the aboleth fight they prepared for underwaterfights. The Ranger was happy to use handle animal again.

      Session 3:
      I changed the spelllists in the chaosroom because I didn't think they fit the topic chaos much.
      That was when I realised that Black Tentacles and Stinking cloud are a very nasty combination...
      I also combined mirror image and blur to give the sorcerers at least a little endurance.
      Also since one of my players bought monster codex and asked me for a steamhog as an animal companion I found it funny to let the sorcerers summon one at the beginning of the fight.

      The Lawful Room recieved a total revision.
      5 gearwheels on the ground, moving every turn and crushing characters who fell between them.
      Then there were 4 laser shooting CR 1/3 robotspiders at the ceiling. And last but not least there was a robotic arm, trying random combat maneuvers each round.
      The group lost a bunch of hitpoint from the traps, the gear-wheels and the clockworkguy.

      The final fight was pretty boring.
      An invisible, flying alchemist, a nearly unhittable fighter and synthesist and a rocket-turret ranger were all it needed. The rogue was pretty useless since he never managed to get into position for sneak attacks. The Cleric did cleric things I don't remember now ;-)

      It was a nice level, but my players didn't like the boogeyman and the bossfight.
      Not my favorit JT-Level, but still fun to play!

      Thanks
      Pascal

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    4. Woah, some very swingy stuff back and forth there. Crazy that the boogeyman fight lasted so long - I would have loved to be a fly on the wall for that fight.
      Hope the next level is more fun!

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