DM Panic |
You are in Absalom, the mighty City at the Center of the World.
Like all the great Pathfinders before you, you have just spent many hard weeks training at the Grand Lodge and based on the outrageous tales regaling the ruins surrounding Absaloms, you’ve always longed to explore the remnants that litter the plains outside the city's walls.
Rcently, rumors abound that a minor earthquake has made a long forgotten siege castle accessible and whispers are that it's only a matter of time before the Pathfinders descend upon its now available secrets.
You recall back to earlier this morning when you met with Pathfinder venture captain Drendle Dreng and he detailed how he believed that one of your colleagues, a young bard named Balendar Forsend set out to explore this tower on his own. Dreng elaborated on how Balendar had not been seen for a few days, and that he was assembling a team - both tasked with exploring the tower and discovering what happened to Balendar. The venture captain had little by way of additional details to provide beyond Balendar's description, so he ordered a bottle of wine and bid you all good luck before departing.
You're now standing in a small park as a light breeze whips through the air, not far from the gates through which you would pass from Absalom and set out to "conquer" this ill-fated tower.
Tyranius Bel-Baator |
A gaunt man stands before the tower. A dark red and black cowl cover his entire body so that you can barely see his face. A raspy voice echoes from beneath the hood. I am Tyranius
Looking back at the town. One day I will bear witness to Mestopheles burning the flesh from these mortal's bones.
I am a Cleric of Mestopheles CNE so not a healer.
Valkyrja |
An Ulfen woman has been listening intently. Her beauty is primal and almost god-like, having the best features of her race and gender. She is in her early thirties, and has hair almost the color of burnished bronze.
She looks up in the sky as if looking for something, or perhaps she is listening.
One of her slender, bare arms is dominated by a realistic, bronze and black tattoo of a dragon. It seems almost too real, as if it were moving or watching.
She speaks to the others, and a small spark of electricity races across her teeth.
"I am Valkyrja," she says. "I am a master of the primal elements, and will use them against any adversaries we might encounter. I can also help with any diplomatic interactions, and am skilled in the use of magical devices. I am confident we will accomplish this mission."
Faren Ashwell |
A rider on a black destrier with large saddlebags and leather barding comes into view. The rider is wearing a green tabard over his scalemail and polished weaponry at his side. His hair is cut short and a small scar marks the corner of his mouth. His green eyes appear full of life as he trots up to the group. Hopping off his mount the knight brushes off the dust from the road.
"Greeting my friends, I trust the road and wilds have been kid to you all?" Faren grins as he looks over the compatriots who have arrived so far.
That man looks awfully sickly and a tad crazed. This woman on the hand is breathtaking.
"Now where are my manners, my name is Faren Ashwell. A wandering Knight of the Green and Pathfinder." Turning to Valkyrja he finishes "At your service, Milady" before politely bowing.
Brigid Half-Human |
While not as insanely beautiful as Valkyrja, Brigid is not bad looking herself, with worn but well-maintained lamellar armor, a heavy wooden shield -- and a dwarven waraxe riding upon her left hip?
The fact that she's marked with orcish tendencies might be part of the distraction, it might also be the exotic bit that rounds her appearance out.
She strolls up after a little bit, looking not the least bit winded for the travel.
"Greetings." The voice deep, resonant, and full of timbre as she speaks. "Name's Brigid Thundertone, and I am here for epic tales of battle and songs of war. Let's carve us some legends in the halls of valor!"
Those familiar with Dwarvish may catch a pretty strong hint of it in her accent, almost like Common is a second language to her, but she's still proficient with it.
Yes, she can use the axe one-handed. Adopted Weapon Training Boon, available on request for perusal.
Silas'ra Arymoro |
Seeming to come from out of nowhere a small Wayang man appears among the group overlooking the park. His dusky skin, elongated limbs, and dark clothing could cause some unease but standing opposite of the dark cleric he seems almost harmless.
"Greetings" he says quietly. "My name is Silas'Ra Arymoro. I have come to seek my fortune with you. May our time together be...profitable" he says after searching for words.
Valkyrja |
Valkyrja eyes her new companions with a noble mien.
Perhaps this one will prove of much use...
"Your manners and offer of service are noted and appreciated," she says in response to Faren. She offers Tyranius and Silas'ra very little of her interest.
However, when Brigid arrives, the sorceress seems most interested in making friends with the half-orc. "Fascinating...are you proficient in the weaponry of the dwarves? I have seldom seen others able to use their implements of war. I am sure you will prove handy to have around!"
DM Panic |
The five Pathfinders continue to become acquainted on the hike outside of the city en route to the tower.
The ruined siege castle now being called the Fallen Fortress rises out of the churned earth of the Cairnlands. No doors or windows mar the otherwise smooth expanse of the tower’s walls. The tower is quatrefoil in plan; its eastern wing has largely collapsed, exposing the interior floors to the open air.
Only the topmost level seems whole, though its eastern portion hangs precariously over the mountain of rubble left by the collapse.
At ground level, the rubble frames a gaping hole in the side of the building that provides access to the tower’s darkened interior.
Faren barely takes a few steps ahead towards the rubble (consider this whole area difficult terrain) before he spots the heads of three snarling dogs approaching from the south - apparently ravenous, wild animals who had spotted the party closing the distance to the tower.
The three dogs growl and move in to attack.
Another post coming. Map updated.
DM Panic |
Initiative:
Brigid: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
Faren: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Silas: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Tyranius: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Valkyrja: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Dogs: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
The three mangy dogs are apparently starving, as despite their ability to approach undetected around the rubble, they are slow to close when they finally close in on their prey.
Round 1
21 Faren :
17 Valkyrja :
15 Tyranius :
13 Silas :
9 Brigid :
8 Dogs :
Now Up: Everyone!
Valkyrja |
Hoping to scare them away, Valkyrja sends a small spark of electricity racing toward the nearest one.
ranged touch, jolt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 181d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Faren Ashwell |
Faren whistles for his mount to stay back.
No need getting Midnight involved. They might be rabid
KnowledgeNature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
"Back! I wish not to harm you!" Faren shouts at the dogs loudly
Faren draws his Bardiche and readies to strike if they approach in reach.
Tyranius Bel-Baator |
Tyranius calmly walks forward as he pulls a medallion from his cloak.
Be gone from this world feral beasts
A wave of intense negative flame erupts from Tyranius enveloping all of the dogs but also arcs around each member of his party.
Channel Negative Energy: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Variant Channel (Fire); Selective Channel to negate 5 targets; DC 19 Will save for half damage. If fail the save they also catch on fire
Brigid Half-Human |
"Mom taught me how to swing it around without killing myself, yes. Said if I was gonna be helping to defend hearth an' home an' all, best to be prepared. And yes, all the typical ones, and a few non-typical, though I haven't really been able to afford any of them yet. It'll happen in time, I'm sure!"
The skald smiles toothily as she walks along with the party.
On the encounter with the dogs, she draws her axe and her shield and moves to a defensive stance, holding off for the singing for a moment.
"Ready if they come to us, then!"
And then Tyranius moves up.
"You bloody daft fool! You'll get yourself killed!"
She moves up to provide support for the cleric, fighting defensively as needed!
DM Panic |
d2 Will DC19: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
d3 Will DC19: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
d2 vs Tyranius: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
d3 vs Tyranius: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
The combined efforts of Valkyrja and Silas'Ra drop the first mangy mutt as Tyranius advances, flanked by Faen and Brigid. A wave of dark energy ripples across the field of battle as the two remaining dogs yelp in surprise.
Yelping, snarling and growling, they rush ahead to take bites out of the cleric, but he easily steps away.
My understanding is the variant channeling from the Fire domain only does the catch on fire/burning damage to creatures with the cold subtype. Let me know if I've overlooked something about your character that would cause this affect on all creatures and not just ones with the cold subtype.
Faren and Brigid both have their readied actions go off (and remember you can take a 5ft step with the readied action if you hadn't moved; but I believe you both have. This likely means Brigid's ready is moot but Faren should be able to attack with his reach weapon.
Round 1
21 Faren : Draws bardiche and readies
17 Valkyrja : Jolt at d1 for 2
15 Tyranius : Channels for 1
13 Silas : Crossbow at d1 for 5, drops it
9 Brigid : Moves up, readies to fight defensively
8+ Faren (ready triggers) :
8+ Brigid (ready triggers) : Not in melee range!
8 Dog # 2 (-1) : Advances and misses Tyranius
8 Dog # 3 (-1) : Advances and misses Tyranius
Round 2
21 Faren :
17 Valkyrja :
15 Tyranius :
13 Silas :
9 Brigid :
8 Dogs
Now Up: Everyone!
Faren Ashwell |
ReadyAttackD3: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 91d10 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Faren's ready misses
"What a shame." Faren laments as he swings again.
AttackD3: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 191d10 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Valkyrja |
Valkyrja scowls at the dogs before sending another spark of electricity at the remaining dog from range.
ranged touch: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 161d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Tyranius Bel-Baator |
Some variant channeling abilities are enhanced when used on particular creature types. Such channeling increases the normal healing or damage from channeled energy by 50% for that creature type, rather than the default half healing or damage for the alternative channeling. For example, a 7th-level cleric normally heals 4d6 points of damage with channeled positive energy; with the Nature alternative channeling, that cleric instead heals only half that amount (2d6) when channeling, but heals animals and fey an additional +50% over the unhalved value (4d6 + 50%).
DM Panic |
@Tyranius: Ah, thanks for elaborating. I'll need to look at those a little closer now.
As the dogs burst into flames, Faren and Valkyrja join forces to slash or zap the two remaining canines into oblivion.
Out of combat
As the party looks beyond the charred remains of their attackers, the tower looms in the distance, an entrance to the two lowest floors ripped along its side.
Brigid Half-Human |
The half-orc just sort of stares at the burning dogs.
"I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it. Good job!"
She'll take a look at the entrance that's been torn into the building warily.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Tyranius Bel-Baator |
Yup the only downside is that when I got to 2d6 channel I will actually stay at 1d6 instead as that is the lowest half that I can go. 4d6 will instead be 2d6.
Silas'ra Arymoro |
Once it is clear that the party is about the enter the tower Silas'Ra calls upon the mysteries of the Dark Tapestry to protect him. The shadows near him swirl and rise up to coalesce around his small body making him a little more difficult to see.
Faren Ashwell |
Assuming negative flame is sort of like black flame?
There is something not right about the gaunt one. Those fires seems unnatural
"They were but, hungry beasts. It's unfortunate that they had to perish, however is the will of nature that the strong survive." Faren place his hand over the crest on his tabard in silent reflection. "Tis time to get to the mission at hand."
Valkyrja |
Valkyrja doesn't give the remains of the dogs much thought, but instead looks up to the tower.
"There it is...quite inviting. Let us proceed, shall we?" she asks with an imperial mien. She assumes a position behind Brigid.
DM Panic |
Perception:
Brigid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Faren: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13
Silas: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Tyranius: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Valkyrja: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Initiative:
Brigid: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
Faren: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Silas: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Tyranius: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Valkyrja: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Spider: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Crunching through the rubble, the party begins to make its way into the lower level of the tower, recognizing it to be one continuous loop
The northern wing of the tower seems to have escaped the worst effects of the collapse, but rubble still litters the floor and everything is covered in a thick layer of stone dust.
Thick cobwebs cloak the ceiling and hang down the walls like gossamer tapestries. A single archway stands open in the southwest wall.
Valkryja and Tyranius catches sight of a lithe, eight-legged creature meandering through the webs, seemingly intent at malice towards Brigid.
Surprise Round
16 Valkryja :
9 Spider :
7 Tyranius :
Round 1
17 Silas :
16 Valkryja :
12 Brigid :
9 Spider :
8 Faren :
7 Tyranius :
Now Up: Valkryja only (surprise round actions!)
Valkyrja |
"Look out! A large spider!" Valkyrja yells. Not wanting to use her more powerful spells for the day, she sends a jolt of electricity at the enemy.
jolt, ranged touch: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 181d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
DM Panic |
Spider web vs Brigid FF touch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
The jolt hits the spider, which hisses and launches a ranged attack consisting of a sticky, gooey gob of its own. It hits Brigid, entangling her in its mess.
Surprise Round
16 Valkryja : Zaps spider for 3
9 Spider : Webs Brigid
7 Tyranius :
Round 1
17 Silas :
16 Valkryja :
12 Brigid (entangled) :
9 Spider :
8 Faren :
7 Tyranius :
Now Up: Tyranius (surprise round), Silas, Valkryja, Brigid
Brigid Half-Human |
Despite being all tangled up, the skald pushes herself backwards slowly, fighting the goopy strands as she attempts to put some of the party between her and the thing that wants her as a meal, at least until she can fight properly!
Brigid Half-Human |
Brigid can roll to break the entangle as normal.
Still Up: Valkryja (round 1)
Want to make sure I'm no longer the primary target of the bug's attention before I do that. Because failing has its own reward. *cough*
DM Panic |
Oh, it's definitely looking at Brigid and seems intent to scramble down and do something unpleasant to her... :)
Surprise Round
16 Valkryja : Zaps spider for 3
9 Spider : Webs Brigid
7 Tyranius : Draws sickle & shield
Round 1
17 Silas : Fires and misses w/crossbow
16 Valkryja : Jolt at spider and misses
12 Brigid (entangled) :
9 Spider :
8 Faren :
7 Tyranius :
Still Up: Brigid
Brigid Half-Human |
Given the arachnid's focus, Brigid forces it to come to the glob of party death by backing up a bit more!
And then she attempts to break free!
Strength Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
DM Panic |
Spider vs Silas: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 for 1d6 ⇒ 5
Brigid wrestles herself free of the sticky mess, but the spider skitters down eager to secure itself a consolation prize for lunch.
Its dagger-sized fangs sink deep into Silas's arm (5 damage and pop spoiler below).
Bite—injury; save Fort DC 14; frequency 1/round for 4 rounds; effect 1d2 Strength damage; cure 1 save.
Strength damage (round 1, if failed save): 1d2 ⇒ 2
Round 1
17 Silas : Fires and misses w/crossbow
16 Valkryja : Jolt at spider and misses
12 Brigid (entangled) : Wrestles free and moves away
9 Spider : Climbs down to bite Silas for 5
8 Faren :
7 Tyranius :
Round 2
17 Silas :
16 Valkryja :
12 Brigid :
Now Up: Everyone!
Valkyrja |
Adjusting her aim to avoid Brigid, Valkyrja can't hit the spider. She furrows her brow as she watches the spider bite her companion.
ranged touch: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 2 - 4 = 61d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Faren Ashwell |
"Watch yourselves!" Faren shouts as he moves to the creatures flank as swings his Bardiche.
Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 2 = 141d10 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
DM Panic |
The spider appears almost distracted as Faren circles about it, but the cavalier's swing strikes two, sinking so deep into the arachnid that it nearly splits in two.
Out of combat with that 13 damage wallop!
@Silas'Ra: We still have those Fort saves to resolve. Roll them until you make one. Pop the spoiler below for damage if you fail more than the first.
Rd 2: 1d2 ⇒ 2
Rd 3: 1d2 ⇒ 1
Rd 4: 1d2 ⇒ 2
DM Panic |
A quick search of this lower level uncovers a small cocoon that hangs in the webs, holding the remains of an unfortunate dog that fell into the spider’s clutches. The desiccated carcass is still wearing its leather collar, which is studded with lapis lazuli stones and has a silver tag reading “Kita.”
A door in this level's center reveals a stone spiral staircase leading up, but it is so choked with rubble, you estimate it would take days or perhaps even a week to unearth it all and make your way up.
You all soon realize that you'll likely need to exit back to the front and scale up to exposed gap in the tower's second level.
Tyranius Bel-Baator |
In a raspy voice I have some rope
The frail hands take the time to knot the rope down the entire length leaving a loop at one end to hook onto a rock up above.
Coiling the rope the seemingly frail man heaves the end of it up to the next floor in an attempt to snag a solid rock so as to climb up.
Rope: 1d20 ⇒ 20
DM Panic |
I don't want us to lose a few days to Climb checks. Luckily Tyranius has rope. Through a combination of taking 10 and stowing weapons/removing armor, it's a simple skill challenge in person that could take a few days by PbP.
With Tyranius's rope in hand, you all cautiously ascend the rubble.
Two doors lead into this level of the tower. The southwestern door being somewhat ajar, Faren steps up and peeks within as the others complete their climbs.
This octagonal room is covered in a fine layer of dust. It’s clearly been abandoned for a long time. Another closed door leads from this room around the tower.
Faren Ashwell |
"Climb on up! This platform appears to be safe." Faren calls down the the others. As they climb he gets his armor back on and once the party is ready opens the door into the Octagonal room.
"It appears to be empty..." Faren says as he cautiously enters the room, Bardiche in hand.
PerceptionForThreats: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11