GM Cwethan's The Cost of Enlightenment (Inactive)

Game Master Cwethan

Im terribly sorry if this is getting frustrating for people. im slightly confused by your damage roll though Eamon, do I not get to also roll the extra d6 for sneak attack too? ill do both anyway and can pick the correct outcome!

confirm crit: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 7
crit dmg without: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6
crit dmg with: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

ahh well easy come easy go!

Lynn saw her spell shrugged off the scales and knew that was a problem, her only offensive spell in her arsenal off the lizard like water. Just as well with everyone closing in to fight the beast she couldn't risk hitting them with it now, so she backed up putting Abraxi between her and the lizard and pulled our her wand from the belt at her waist, touching him with the end. "Tadpole."

Wand(ClW): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
free 5 foot step behind Abraxi, so that i don't provoke AOO, use my move to pull out the wand and a standard to use it on him, sadly this kind of retreat means i won't be able to use my free turn to continue my bardic performance meaning we'll lose it for a round.

The great beast collapses to the ground beneath the hail of blows.

A variety of bones lie scattered around the oasis, the remains of the monitor lizard’s victims. Most of their prey were animals, but there is one set of human bones as well, still wearing a pair of boots that seem to bear some sort of enchantment...

Eamon sees all the equipment of the Lizard's victims and decides to cast detect magic spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 the boots are magic but I've no idea what they do.. announces Eamon. Shall we fill our waterskins and move on or inspect these remains more closely? Eamon purses his lips in distastes at the thought of rummaging through bones.

As the lizard collapses from its wounds, Abraxi lowers his axe and, chest heaving, turns to Lynn. "Your healing is much appreciated. You have my thanks."

Wiping the blood from his arm, he sheathes his axe, then rummages through his pack. Producing a wand, he holds it out to Lynn. "If you be so kind to finish healing my wounds with this wand...."

Assuming Lynn complies: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1) + 2 = 5 Close enough

Once healed, he shows his gear and shoulders his pack. "I know nothing of magical boots, but I am ready when everyone else is."

Drorlud puts his weapon away and takes a second to compose himself, walks over to Abraxi and taps him on his (good) shoulder Sorry you took the brunt of that big fella, least we dealt with it quickly eh?

after filling his waterskin he takes a look at the magic boots... hmm.... not sure id want to burden myself with someone elses unknown magic..... ready whenever you guys are!

Lynn would first slide her blade and her wand back into their respective slots before using Abraxi's to finish sealing up his wounds.
"Are there any survivors? We should try to get those boots appraised when we return to town."

if you could get over 10 untrained i'd try to see the spell :/ but i dont.

better just have one more quick look around before we go
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Aside from the remains of the predator's victims, there doesn't seem to be anything else of note at the oasis.

So you guys are taking the boots, but currently no one's wearing them, correct? Sing out if you want to try 'em on.

The rest of the trip through the desert and into the jungle passes without incident, and thanks to your abjurations, without discomfort from the heat as well.

It is easy to tell when you approach the abandoned mine as you see neat stacks of abandoned equipment forming a perimeter a respectful distance from where the shrine is supposed to lie.
Almost as though these trappings of civilization are repelled by what lies on the other end.

A majestic statue of Roidira announces the shrine’s entrance, covered in vines. Roidira appears tall and cloaked, with thick curls of hair that are richly detailed in the stone. Her hand is outstretched to the distance as if pointing to some far off but attainable truth. A plaque at the base of the statue states, “Certainty and understanding cannot coexist,” with an inscription beneath it in Kelish.

Two supplicant Roidirans stand on either side of the statue, they take no notice of your approach, all but lost to the world.

Abraxi squints at the lower inscription, unable to read it. "Anyone know what the lower inscription says?" He says quietly, then nods to the two Roidirans. "And..what to do about those two? Just approach them?"

Nudge

You can hear a slight murmuring through the vines farther ahead.

Lynn coughs into her fist having been a bit spacy since the lizard, "oh yes, um we should approach without provocation."
She moved forward and tried to make her presence known with an introduction.
"Greetings followers of Roidira I am Lynn Kuro and these are my traveling companions." she motioned back to the others, "We have traveled here through perils to seek enlightenment the likes of which you and your fellow priests have. Would it be wise for us to venture into the mine to find that which has brought such grace to your kind."

diplo: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

The Roidirans continue staring hard at the statue, but one replies, There is no wisdom in this place for you. None for us. None for all.

From her new vantage point Lynn can see farther into the forest shrine. Scattered around the large pillars are relief sculptures carved into upright tablets. Each depicts Roidira leading the masses away from the domes and towers of Qadiran cities to a bright star on the horizon. Each bears a dual inscription in Kelish and Common; the Common reads, “There is no presence; there is absence,” and “There is no meaning; there is knowledge.”

Black-clad Roidirans pray mutely before the tablets, shrines, and statues. Whispering between them all are phantoms who seem heedless of the humans in their midst.

Eamon says a quick prayer to Iomedea and ask for guidance, He observes closely as he can, what the Roidirians are up to. perception: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6 I can’t tell what those fools are up too. Eamon mumbles about the Roidirians.

know:arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
know:planes: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Being the resident book worm had its perks though it seemed she needed some brushing up on her arcane studies, as well as perhaps wearing some reading glasses of sorts. "Those spectres are not quite what they seem off. They have a hue that reminds me of a special phenomena i read about. They likely arent really ghosts so much as ethereal emotion made manifest. Should we find a source or reason behind the departed's strong emotion perhaps we can send them from this place.

Given Lynn's kitsune nature she felt especially strong towards these spirits of emotion almost drawn to their presence. She hadn't really read about any sort of glow that betrayed their true making but actually felt the strong emotional ties. "We must help in anyway we can."

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Eamon, look a little closer, have they been crying? A very odd thing for a group of people who seem to bare no emotion!

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
KN:planes: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Abraxi peers at the Roidirans then nods in agreement with Lynn and Drorlud. "Seems odd, to have tears, I agree."

Pointing, he says. "Maybe we could circle around to the south and see what is down those steps."

As no dissent or other ideas were posted I'm going with Abraxi's suggestion.

As the pathfinders draw near, the Roidirans continue to pay them no heed, but one of the phantoms red slides closer, fixing you all with her gaze.

There is nothing, the phantom begins in Common, nothing for you here; nothing for us; nothing for all.
She holds up a hand and points back the way you came, as if in warning.

Eamon purses his lips in irritation at the Roidirans. Crying, what non-sense is this? Eamon steps forward to get a clear view of the phantoms. You said they're not undead, Lynn? Just powerful emotions? Eamon's face is screwed up in puzzlement. Well...I for one don't have time for this!

Eamon begins to circle around south as Abraxi suggested.

There is nothing, the phantom begins in Common, nothing for you here; nothing for us; nothing for all.

She holds up a hand and points back the way you came, as if in warning.

Eamon explodes in a violent tantrum as, the phantom holds up her hand to stop his progress, Well isn't that the point of your lot?! Nothingness!!! You should be ecstatic, I'm joining you and your nothingness! Eamon kicks some dirt at the translucent apparition. Now stand aside or I'll call down the power's of heaven to blot your nothing existence, into a world of divine light and pain! Eamon lowers his voice to a growl... Move creature of nothing or suffer Iomedea's version of Something... intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

The phantom's mouth stretches wide as Eamon's outburst continues on, showing row after row of viciously pointed teeth.

The living Roidirans continue their silent observances, but the other phantoms have a frightful look in their eyes as they begin to drift closer...

Bold may go!
Drorlud
Stonelance
Abraxi
Lynn
Phantoms
???
Eamon

Well done big mouth, hope your god can back it up!

Whilst drawing his rappier, unable to see a decent position to use as cover (and under the assumption that cover will be mostly useless against these foes anyway) he moves round to the side of Eamon, ready for a frontal assault

New Years being what it is/can be I'll forgo delaying everyone for now, but please do post sometime today!

I wont add anything to my turn, was hoping to see what everyone else decided to do first!

22 hours of driving and 1500 miles later and i'm finally back home to my computer, so proper sized posts from now on, thanks for the wait folks hope you all had a good set of holidays.

Lynn didn't think that the specter would immediately attack but thanks to Eamon's sudden outburst she pursed her lips instead of speaking out towards it as she had planned. "These beings be they emotion or ghost shall not impede our journey. Draw steel and ready your spirit we must press onward."

Lynn thought against pulling her rapier free she didn't know what it would do against ethereal beings like this so instead she looked around for some kind of clue that might dispel the strong emotions.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Standard to start my bardic performance, can't remember if looking around like this would be a standard or a move but Lynn isn't sure if she can actually 'hit' ghost-like creatures.

Stonlance's crossbow instinctively comes tot he nook of his shoulder aimed at the spirit, he however holds of from pulling the trigger waiting for the creature to do more than show some pointy teeth.

Just waiting on the GM to call on Eamon..btw does Stonelance have a readied action or held action...ie: if the creatures attack does he fire? If so might be best to put your attack roll beneath a spoiler Stonelance (just trying to be helpful and speed things along)

Abraxi glances at his companions, wondering of any of them know what sort of foe this phantom is. "Anyone know what these things are? Do normal weapon hurt them?"

KN: dungeoneering?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Drawing his axe, he studies the phantom.

Lynn's knowledge check earlier indicated that they had taken on corporeal form despite their spectral appearance

Stonelance's Shot (PBS, IC): 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 24
Piercing: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

The chatty phantom advances on Eamon with jaws wide, and Stonelance quickly resolves the question of whether or not weapons can hurt them as his bolt carves a furrow through the strange substance of the creature. It does seem as though the bolt's impact was lessened by the slightly springy ectoplasm, however.

Largely undeterred by the bolt, the phantom smashes violently into Eamon. In addition to the pain of his injury a wave of despair floods through him, as he tries to bring his shaken faith to bear against it.

Slam: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Bludgeoning: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Slam: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Bludgeoning: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Even the small pleasure your death will bring is meaningless in the face of the truth!

The corporeal nature of the phantoms is abruptly called into question as the other echoes of despair float towards the party. As they pick up speed, they grow more and more translucent, passing through pillars, debris, even the other Roidirans, though as they come to a halt they seem to resolidify. Purple provoked opportunity attacks on the way in from Eamon and Drorlud, but this was while it seemed insubstantial.

Slam at Eamon (Flank): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 = 11
Bludgeoning: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

As the phantoms surge forward, the living cultists refrain from joining the fray; one of them does speak, asking, Where does the Brotherhood lie?

Active Effects: Inspire Courage (+1)
Bold may go!
Drorlud
Stonelance
Abraxi
Lynn
Phantoms (Red -4)
???
Eamon -4 DC 11 Will Save or -2 on attacks and damage this turn

ok im going to try to strike with my sword then use acrobatics to move out of immediate contact with the phantom, it looks like I can move at half speed for this action and it is legal to do a move and attack in the same turn, if any of this isnt right then please feel free to move me back etc

As the (purple) phantom brushes past him Drorlud strikes with his rappier, then leaps backwards

Rappier: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

So i don't wanna kill anyone with friendly fire, but lynn is pretty useless in melee combat. I can use Chord of Shards and if Eamon makes a 5foot step west he won't provoke aoo and he won't get hit, however Abraxi will still take damage, since all turns are before mine(even my high initiative can't save my bad init rolls lol) I'd make a suggestion of tactical movement, just remember CoS is a 30ft cone, make sure to check the spell shape diagrams so no one is in the friendly fire zone.
Also DM can i roll like a know religion or something to know if they are undead or not?

Lynn dashes forward(2NW) until she is standing next to Drorlud. "Thy foe is solid when it has the resolve to stand and fight, be wary of movement if you still wish to fight!" Lynn continued her inspiring song and pulled her wand free as she moved.

Her voice began to raise towards a dangerous peak note and the air around her crackled and turned to shards of transparent glass that spun before turning and launching forward to devastate the area in front of her.

will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Oh so you wanna play rough huh? Well I'll call on Iomedea to heal me and then you'll feel the sharp end of her steel you stupid spirit!

Eamon steps to the side getting out of the flank of the two spirits. 5ft step...He then channels positive energy to heal himself channel: 1d6 ⇒ 6 Eamon has selective channel..he excludes the three spirits closest to him from the channel effect.

Eamon then shouts, Hit em' with all you got Lynn!

I begin to suspect that the earlier Knowledge (planes) that you passed was not the spoiler you guys read :p

Here's what Lynn determined earlier, "Despite their ghostly appearance, these Phantoms are not undead, but rather echoes of the powerful emotion of a person that has passed on to Pharasma's judgment that have created a corporeal form for themselves out of ectoplasm."

Drorlud, that turn works just fine, but for future reference, if you're only trying to move 5' you can actually do that as a special free action that doesn't provoke opportunity attacks as long as you don't move any other way that turn. (Often called a 5' step)

Lynn, I see Chord of Shards having a 15' cone, am I looking at the correct spell?

Drorlud's strike does more to keep the phantoms at bay than actually injure them, and he safely withdraws out of their immediate reach.

Active Effects: Inspire Courage (+1)
Bold may go!
Drorlud
Stonelance
Abraxi
Lynn (Casting Chord of Shards if Abraxi consents)
Phantoms (Red -4)
???
Eamon

yeah its 15ft sorry brain is still fried from the flu

Stonelance quickly reloads, aims and fires at the same phantom, adjust for his fellow pathfinders movements.

crossbow (pbs, ic): 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 28
damage (pbs, ic): 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 1 = 10

crit confirm: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 25
crit damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

Since I can't resolve Lynn's turn without Abraxi chiming in, I'll hold off on progressing til tonight. Do you have a backup action, Lynn?

i guess feeblely swiping at with my rapier if Abraxi doesnt chime in feel free to roll for me im so out of it from this flu nonsense im going straight to bed when i get home

Feel better!

Stonelance's bolt slams into where the creature's heart once lay. She flickers weakly, her face twisted with despair, but she continues to fight.

Lynn's Feeble Swipings (IC, Flank): 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 + 2 = 5 Well, you called that one
Piercing: 1d6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 + 1 = 5

Lynn doesn't do her best work as a duelist, but makes an attempt at it nonetheless.

The pair of phantoms that assailed Eamon earlier continue to do so, battering the bold cleric with a terrible emptiness.

Abraxi similarly finds himself surrounded as the phantoms splatter through the columns around him, leaving a filmy residue, but no opportunities for him to strike as they encircle him.

The battle-hardened tiefling, however, is able to ward off their strikes.

Slam: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Bludgeoning: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Slam: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Bludgeoning: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Slam (Flank): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6
Bludgeoning: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Bludgeoning: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Slam (Flank): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 2 = 16
Bludgeoning: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Active Effects: Inspire Courage (+1)
Bold may go!
Drorlud
Stonelance
Abraxi (May post twice)
Lynn
Phantoms (Red -16)
Eamon -3 DC 11 Will Save or -2 on attacks and damage this turn

Unable to get to a phantoms flank Drorlud strikes again (purple) hoping to make the best of the situation and moved 5ft hoping to be able to position himself better next turn

Rappier: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

Crit comfirm: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6
Crit Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Eamon lashes out with his sword at the spirit between himself and Lynn the takes a step back hoping the column prevents the creatures from flanking him again.
sword: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 17 dmg: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8note: if Lynn doesn't have a weapon or gauntlet in hand..she's not threatening and I won't get flanking bonus bringing down my attack roll to '15'; also I took a 5ft step back..

Eamon and Drorlud dispatch the phantom. It scarcely seems to avoid the strikes as it dissolves into oblivion. Unlike the talkative phantom, the corposant that held its material form didn't seem to particularly resist either blow.

Active Effects: Inspire Courage (+1)
Bold may go!
Drorlud
Stonelance
Abraxi (May post twice)
Lynn
Phantoms (Red -16)
Eamon -3 DC 11 Will Save or -2 on attacks and damage this turn

Lynn saw her opportunity to shine finally arrive, when the phantom disipated. "Focus your strikes and the day will be ours." She moved forward into the fray, and started her raising cacophonous blast.

Again assuming no one is in the way, lynn moves 1 NE and then starts to cast CoS on her north tile, should hit Red/orange while leaving everyone else out of the blast zone.

Piercing Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6
Red Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Orange Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

The phantoms manage to dodge out of the way of the hail of shards, the leader crying out, So shall all things fail. Sound and fury, signifying nothing!

Active Effects: Inspire Courage (+1)
Bold may go!
Drorlud
Stonelance
Abraxi (May post twice)
Lynn
Phantoms (Red -16)
Eamon -3 DC 11 Will Save or -2 on attacks and damage this turn

Throwing in a bot for Abraxi and a delay for Stonelance

Abraxi sizes up the phantom before him Studying Orange, but the blasted creature swerves out of the way of his mighty blade.
mwk greataxe (PA, IC, Study): 1d20 + 8 - 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 - 1 + 1 + 1 = 10
Slashing: 1d12 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 20

The leader of the phantoms continues to pursue Eamon, harrying him with blows and words, I taste the despair in you, the knowledge of your own ignorance eats away at your supposed faith! But this time the priest is able to parry her strikes.

Abraxi catches a glancing blow from one of the phantoms that encircle him, but fights off the wave of despair that seeks to overwhelm him.

Slam: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Bludgeoning: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Slam: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Bludgeoning: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Slam: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 2 = 20
Bludgeoning: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Slam: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 2 = 16
Bludgeoning: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Active Effects: Inspire Courage (+1)
Bold may go!
Drorlud
Stonelance (May post twice)
Abraxi -5
Lynn
Phantoms (Red -16)
Eamon -3

Stonelance hands become a blur of repeated motion, loading, aiming and firing his favorite weapon with out pause.

crossbow (pbs)(ic): 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 20
damage (pbs)(ic): 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

crossbow (pbs)(ic): 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 28
damage (pbs)(ic): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

crit confirm: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 20
extra damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7

What's your target priority, Stonelance?

red --> orange --> blue

Each quarrel fells a phantom as Stonelance strikes true!

Active Effects: Inspire Courage (+1)
Bold may go!
Drorlud
Stonelance
Abraxi -5
Lynn
Phantom
Eamon -3

using his full movement to get round the back of the blue phantom and assist Abraxi Drorlud strikes with his rappier

Rappier flank: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 8
Damage sneak: 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6, 1) + 1 + 1 = 9

Lynn stays back from the fight, her singing stops as well as she reaches out to touch Abraxi with her wand. His wounds stitch themselves shut at an alarming rate.

clw(wand): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

[ood]ending bardic performance to conserve some rounds.... actually i'm all out for the day.. oh no i can't cast any offensive magic!!![/ooc]