GM Paladin's The Solstice Scar (C) - PbP Gameday VII (Tier 5-6 Standard) (Inactive)

Game Master Paladin of Baha-who?

Gameplay Thread open for dotting.

Weeks ago, as the Torchbearing came to an end at the Grand Lodge in Absalom, you and many other Pathfinders were called to assist at the Blakros Museum, which had been invaded by unknown forces. Arriving at the Museum, multiple pathfinder teams explored simultaneously, disabling malfunctioning wards and defeating exhibits animated by vengeful spirits before encountering the invaders themselves. These turned out to be a group of Kellid warriors from the Land of the Mammoth Lords, of the Twinhorn following who had come to recover a broken dagger that was actually a holy relic, vital to protecting Golarion from an incursion of an ancient undead horror. Their leader, a spiritualist named Medda and her phantom companion Anok, allied with the leaders of the Pathfinder society to make the dangerous journey back to their homeland to face the threat that the loss of the dagger had released.

On the road there, travelling through the Hold of Belkzen, the pathfinders negotiated safe passage from the orc chieftains who controlled the roadways, and faced raiders from renegade tribes. Successfully fighting these off, the travelers finally came to the Realm of the Mammoth Lords.

During the travel, new groups were formed by the leaders, in order to maximize effectiveness in battle. The caravans of Pathfinders have stopped, and in this brief moment of respite, you have the opportunity to speak among yourselves and introduce yourselves.

Part 3 (the first part of version C) will commence on the 13th. Please introduce yourselves and describe your characters.

A lithe taldan woman with long black hair covered with a red bandana enters the caravan. Her tanned complexion seems to suggest she has more than a few keleshite ancestors in her family tree. The woman wears a tanned leather, the same colour of her bandana and studies the rest of the group before speaking:"Well met everyone! I'm Vanya, your resident stabber, but also good at some minor spellcasting, if needed. I'm sure we'll get along great... considering the alternative is we end up dead!"

A lithe completely bald Kellid man with winged tattos on the side of his head leans on a spear as he rises from a kneeling position.

Releasing his gaze from the horizon he touches the inked stag on his headband drawing some attention to his slightly pointed ears.

"Greetings companions, I am known as Kronug, the Raven. May old Deadeye's blessing be upon us."

"A pleasure to meet you again, Vanya."

A hulking nagaji, scaled skin taught over bulging muscles, eyes the now familiar lands of the kellid people with a strange toothy smile. At least you think it's a smile... there seem to be a large number of sharp pointy teeth on display anyway.

He glances over at the others, and performs a strange formal-looking bow, bending at the waist, arms held at his side. Despite his size, he appears to carry himself with an unexpected grace, and when he speaks, his words come out with a faint Tien accent and flow with a strange lyrical cadence.

Again we are here
Another solstice arrived
To close it once more

He shakes his head in an exaggerated gesture, then tilts it to the side slightly, as he eyes his companions thoughtfully.

I greet you new friends.
They call me Five Seven Five
The pleasure is mine

A Kellid man wearing gleaming full plate armor and a tower shiled on his back, both emblazoned with the holy symbol of Vildeis, sits atop a wagon. "The land of my clan. It's good to be back!" he says as he climbs off the wagon to meetup with his team.

"Greetings friends, the name is Juxian Blakros, child of Vildeis as well as the Claw Scar clan and the Absalom Blakros'. If you're looking for a healer, you'll find none better than I. If you're looking for a guide or diplomat, you'll find none better suited to this mission." he says as he passes out platinum rings to the party. "Here, take these rings. While you wear them, I can easily protect you with a wound sharing spell if you stay within about 6 paces from my ring."

Passing out platinum rings for the Shield Other spell for a later casting.

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

Months ago, agents of the Blakros Museum in Absalom stole a holy dagger—a relic of the Kellid Twinhorn following and the Shining Crusade from centuries ago. What seemed a simple dagger was key to keeping a powerful villain at bay, and the Pathfinder Society has allied with the Twinhorn following and its bold spiritual leader Medda in order to return the relic, use it to perform a ritual before midnight on the winter solstice, and stem an undead invasion. “We are only hours away from the stone circle and our encampment,” Medda announces. “If we are going to make it there by midnight, we need to press on. Once there, we will use Ivvora’s hilt to perform our time-honored ritual and keep evil from our lands.” Medda produces the small hilt of a broken weapon with only a fragment of its black metal blade remaining. “Let us move. There are dangers in these ancient woods: orc raiders, bears that topple trees, and worse. Stay in groups and don’t get lost.”

As the Kellids and Pathfinders reach the top of the hill next to the Twinhorn encampment, they notice splashes of blood and the occasional corpse dotting the landscape. Medda raises her voice, calling, “My brethren, our families are under attack! Secure the camp and drive back any who oppose you. Pathfinder allies, join us in defense of our home!” The landscape opens into a burned hillside where blackened trees stand like lifeless sentinels. A crude blockade shields the entrance to a natural cavern.

Table GMs, area H is now open. Once you have completed area H, you may proceed to areas I or J. The Deepening Shadows condition on page 14 is in effect.

I've added a link at the top to a map, and added icons for your characters. If anyone has an animal companion or familiar, you'll need to add those yourself. The map is very big so you'll need to scroll down to find your characters. The charred trees don't impede movement, but of course the cliffs do.

Ahead of you, you see a barricade of stone, with several twisted creatures attempting to smash through it. It already looks almost ready to collapse.

Three creatures have clumsy bat-like wings, thick muscles, and massive claws and teeth. These are directing their strength against the rocks of the barrier, while a fourth creature stands back and appears to be directing them. This one is humanoid in shape, though desiccated and corpse-like, carrying a greatsword and wearing battered armor.

Though they are busy trying to get through the barrier, the leader appears to have noticed your approach. Anyone who wants to try to have been approaching unseen may make a stealth roll. She growls a command at the others and rushes through the mud and snow to meet your advance.

All PCs may act.

Juxian life links the party at some earlier occasion in the day, as long as we have a party of 5, everyone is life linked.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Juxian, sensing the evil emanating from these foul creatures, moves forwards to protect his group from harm. Double move "I don't know what these things are, but I'm not a fan. Anyone mind laying them to rest?"

With that check, you can tell they are undead, but nothing more.

"Well met Peribas! I'm glad to be working with you. I'm sure we will be once again victorious"

*********

"I don't know what those things are... but I don't like the way they look. Let's take them down first and discern their nature later, people" Vanya exclaims as the misshapen creatures advance.

Stealth check: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

Is terrain an issue in any of these squares? (the mud and snow description has me wondering)

Kronug peers out at the undead, unable to determine their specifics instead moves forward and casts adhesive spittle.

Meanwhile he commands his raven to bombard the nearest undead (green)

I've got +11 on handle animal for my companion, so no risk of failure for known tricks.

"Squawk"

Kronug's giant raven calls out as it diggs around in its small pouch for a red bubbly vial before taking flight and gaining a bit of elevation.

5ft up currently.

It is not difficult terrain. Kronug, the range on that spell is 15 feet. Do you want to double move instead, or ready an action to cast that spell if it comes within range?

It's a funny spell, I've got to cast it one round and then throw it within 1round/level, it doesn't come with the free attack upon casting like most similar spells. It does on the other hand give a tanglefoot bag that doesn't require an attack spell or 50gp.

575 eyes the undead creature with a certain resigned dread. Still he quickly moves up and takes a defensive potion beside Juxian, ready to strike the sword wielding one, should it close too quickly.

Again the dead rise
Eshimka feeding their wrath
Time for this to end

hrm... single move, then ready an action to attack defensively if it gets close enough

Current AC, 27

Oh so I see. Weird. I had always assumed it gave a free attack the round you cast it, but I guess that's true that it does not.

Botting Peribas:

Peribas, I don't know whether you're mounted or what; I do see you have two animal companions listed and I'm not sure which one you are intending to use as your combat pet this game.

Peribas moves forward while readying his bow, then takes aim at the foremost undead creature and looses the arrow. It's a hit!

The three winged undead fly forward, catching up to their leader. Each is about 10 feet off the ground.

The creature on the ground closes the distance to approach 575. The raven tries to take a peck at her as she passes underneath, but it misses.

Now that she is closer, you can see she has the appearance of an ulfen warrior, but with emaciated, grey skin and an unholy glow in her shriveled eye sockets. She roars with rage and, when about 10 feet away from the nagaji, lunges forward with a furious attack. Fortunately for him, he sees it coming and is able to dodge. She used lunge to increase her reach.

All PCs are up.

cursed lunge! =)
Wow, how big is that bird?

575 barely dodges the undead creature's mighty swing, and realizes that such a weapon in that creatures hands is not ideal. He calls up some of his earlier training, back at the monastery, and steps inside its reach, hoping to take advantage of it momentarily overextending itself once his companions close.

Quickly surround it
Before it can recover!
Perhaps with no blade?

move action to gain Improved Disarm via Martial Flexibility
5' step
Ready an action to attempt a disarm once Vanya and Juxian move... (hopefully one of them into a flanking position!)

Kronug repositions slightly as he throws as tanglefoot gob at the nearby raging undead.

Entanged for rounds: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6 and Reflex DC 13 or be glued to the floor.

Kronug then points at the raging undead for his raven to bomb.

"caw!"

The raven flaps and drops the alchemist's fire on the undead's head.

drop vs touch AC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

scatter 1 is north: 1d8 ⇒ 5

1 fire in splash to undead, 575 and Juxian. Sorry :(

fly to hover: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

At least she stay aloft.

Juxian moves into flanking with 575 and charges up a burst of holy energy as he lay on hands the greatsword swinging creature. "Feel Vildeis' suffering on your soul!"

Touch attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Positive Energy Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10

When 575 steps forward, the creature unexpectedly uses a backswing to strike at him again. Unexpected strike rage power - allows an attack against a creature who enters a threatened square. Fortunately, the cagey brawler ducks under the swing, catches her wrist, and twists the huge blade out of her grasp.

She then shudders and screams with anger as the holy energy of Juxian's touch burns her, and barely avoids getting stuck to the ground by the glob of adhesive.

knowledge, religion, untrained, favored enemy, undead: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 2 = 20

knowledge, religion, untrained, favored enemy, undead: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 2 = 14

I wish those were reversed. Check out the first spoiler, team

"Necrografts! I hate those things." Peribras shouts in disgust as he looses a pair of arrows at the wraith and directs Darkpaw to do the same.

longbow, attack, deadly aim, favored event: 1d20 + 14 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 14 - 2 + 2 = 27 for piercing, magic, GHOST SALT: 1d6 + 4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 + 2 = 12

longbow, attack, deadly aim, favored enemy: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 9 - 2 + 2 = 25 for piercing, magic, GHOST SALT: 1d6 + 4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 + 2 = 11

he also has improved precise shot, and so ignores all cover and concealment

on second thought Peribras would have used the aid trick to get Darkpaw to help the paladin...

Darkpaw steps forward, trying to help the paladin land a good hit.

aid Juxian attack roll, favored enemy: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 2 = 23

They're not incorporeal, that's obvious to you just from looking at them if you want to save your ghost salted arrows. In any case, you would recall something else about the necrocrafts, but they don't really have anything special to note. You can see that they can fly, and it is apparent from looking at them that they have two claws and a bite as far as attacks go.

Two shots from Peribas sink into the ragewight's chest, piercing through her armor.

Vanya advances and tries to shank the monster with help of her kukri...

Attack roll: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 → Damage roll: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Move and attack, if someone can flank with Vanya she can apply sneak atatck and debilitating injury as well. Kukris are magical

edit:

crit confirmation check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 → Damage roll: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

thanks GM. Do you mind if I say I filled up on 40 cold iron arrows (my standard for this character) before we started? I always forget to do that kind of thing after a session ends.

Vanya slashes the creature's neck with her kukri, striking a deep, telling blow.

Peribas: Arrows are cheap enough that it's fine. The twinhorns probably have tons of them available.

One of the winged creatures flies forward to attack the bird, while one circles around to dive towards 575, and another launches itself at Juxian, heedless of its own clumsy plummet towards the ground.

Green circles around, making 45 degree turns only, and attacks 575 with a flank. It misses.

Red attacks the bird in a flying charge, and misses.

Blue attacks Juxian with a full attack. One claw hits, for 5 damage.

The ragewight sees 575 holding her sword and roars in his face, the supernatural fury of the creature shaking him to his soul. 575 is shaken for 3 rounds.

She then leaps at him and tries to sink her jagged teeth into his flesh. Her bite tears away not just his body but also some of his life force itself. I have your AC as 24, so that should hit for 16 damage and 1 negative level.

Arching her back away from her victim, blood smeared down her face, she sees an opportunity to bite the flying bird just above and to the side of him. Using Cleave to the bird, which although 5 feet up, is still adjacent to 575. However, it manages to just barely dodge the foul teeth.

All PCs are up. 575, make sure to apply the shaken penalties and the penalties from a negative level.

Kronug points at the big undead and orders his raven to assault,

Kronug then draws forth his censor and conjures an earth elemental from the smoke beneath his raven and commands it to attack the horrid wight

Using the Servitor Conjuration power to SM2 as a standard action, duration 1 minute.

elemental smash: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 = 18
damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

"Caw!"

The Raven bites down at the foul wight.
bite: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 - 1 = 17
damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 6 = 11

hover DC 15: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

The raven stays aloft.

575's wounds close up a little automatically as new wounds appear on Juxian's body in the same place. "I suffer in Vildeis' name so that others can live." he says faithfully.

575, heal 5 automatically this turn from life link and I'll take 5 damage.

Juxian then attempts to cast Cure Light Wounds and touch the greatsword undead with it.

Touch attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Positive Energy Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 Will DC 16 for half

Let's see if I can actually make a post this time.

I'm interpreting this as you're not casting defensively, you're taking the AoO and hoping it will not stop you from casting.

As Juxian casts his spell, the creature turns and tries to sink her teeth into him as well. Fortunately, she just barely misses as he brings up his shield just in time.

He places his hand against her chest, a blaze of holy energy bursting from it. "Be at peace," he murmurs to her, and her body collapses, disintegrating into the dust of the grave.

In the interest of time, I'm going to call this fight, because these remaining creatures are no real threat to you at all. Most of you they cannot hit except with a natural 20. I have reported success in this encounter to the overseers.

Without a leader to command them, the scrambler necrocrafts are easily dispatched.

The Twinhorn following dismantles their barricade to allow you through to their camp. You can go to the camp and either enter the council of the elders to try to convince them to put their full might behind the push to defeat the undead, or help defend the camp against incursions by undead and denizens of the shadow plane. Alternatively, you can leave this to other members of the expedition, and, passing through the camp, make for the portal itself to fight the invaders there. Your choice -- what do you want to do? You can also seek out other members of the pathfinder society and get someone to cast a Restoration on 575 if desired, for either gold or prestige.

We have just received an Aid token! You guys can use this to heal or gain other benefits, or make some checks or expend resources to boost it and send it on to others. It is currently not boosted. Aid token sheet

Ah, dangit, was working up a post, but then had to go to lunch ... now its all moot! Shoulda posted first!

And I'm ok with a -1 on everything. Don't need to wheedle a restoration at this point. Coulda been a lot worse!

575 staggers backwards as the creature's teeth tear into his flesh, and into his soul!

cheesy goodness!

As the others finish off the rest of the undead, he tosses the large sword he stole aside with distaste, and takes a moment to catch his breath.

The chill touch of death
Destroying heart, mind, and soul
Does not feel very good

He attempts a toothy grin, to show he's alright, but his heart isn't quite in it just yet.

Juxian, do you keep the lifelink up? Thus sucking away 10 more damage? Or do you cancel it and we can heal it on my end.

Kronug checks over his companions wounds as best he can and saying a prayer over the fallen undead, their souls hopefully finally at rest.

Need folks to express a preference, if any, for what option you want to go for.

slight preference for going and brining the fight to the portal, happy to do otherwise if desired though.

Juxian, do you keep the lifelink up? Thus sucking away 10 more damage? Or do you cancel it and we can heal it on my end.

It stays up forever as long as you remain within 140ft of me. So yes, I would suck 10 more damage away from you automatically.

Juxian would prefer to convince the elders to full force attack the undead. Second preference would be to head to the portal.

Am ok talking with the kellids. Give time for the deepending shadows condition to maybe lessen a bit.

but in the end, anywhere's fine! =)

"Let's destroy some more undead!" Suggests the serious-faced halfling, now mounted on his faithful wolf.

he usually starts fights on her back

OK so that's two for undead, two for the elders. With divided opinion, I need everyone to please express preferences.

happy to go elders instead.

Elders it is.

The group heads to the Twinhorn camp and reaches the elders' tent. The word of your defeat of a powerful, raging undead warrior has spread, and they allow you to enter with respect.

The thick hide walls of this large tent muffle the sounds of battle outside. Iron spikes pin down an enormous map in the center of the tent. Wooden carvings of warriors and monsters lie strewn about the map, marking the location of fighting warriors and the encroaching undead.

Medda is arguing with two other elders, a middle-aged man and an ancient woman.

I will post more of this later today.

Juxian, resplendent in his Vildeis emblazoned full-plate, strides into the tribe announcing himself, "I am Juxian Blakros, born of the Claw Scar clan and the chosen child of Vildeis. I am here to help my fellow Kellids, even if they are from another clan. When the undead walk amount the living, we must all work together to protect each other and put the abominations down." his voice is filled with zeal, but also of pride as he speaks of his Claw Scar clan's roots.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

Note: Skill checks are needed to find out the motivations of the speakers and influence the debate. Each PC can make a total of three skill checks to discover an advantage for influencing a council member, or to influence one of them. Please roleplay out your skill checks as best you can, and feel free to use creative uses of skills if you want. Particular persuasive strategies may result in bonuses. PCs can aid another if they want, but that counts as one of their skill checks. Juxian has made one check. Skill checks to read the spoilers below also count against these.

The other elders seem impressed that Medda has found another servant of Vildeis to join her in her plea.

"I am Kragr Bloodhand, Juxian of the Claw Scar. You are welcome among us, as word has already spread of the martial prowess of you and your fellows," the man says, with a nod at the other pathfinders. He stands a head taller than Medda, who is far from short herself, and wears a massive cloak of white bear fur, with the head of the bear on top of his own head as a totem. In the warm tent, he has stripped to the waist, his bare chest covered with scars testifying to a life of physical conflict and perseverance. "I believe you have come for no reason, however. This area is but one small corner of the great Realm of the Mammoth Lords. There are better places to spend winters, with more game and fewer orcs and undead. Let the ghosts have it, and they and the orcs can fight over barren rocks and dead trees. We should leave and keep our people alive while we can."

The crone speaks as well, "I am Jala, known to my people as the Patient. I was once the Twinhorn following's greatest hunter, but now I rely on my hunter’s instincts to guide my words instead of my arrows. Kragr's stance is clear, that we should leave and preserve our people's lives rather than risk them in an assault on the portal. Medda--"

Medda breaks in. "Grandmother, this Claw Scar speaks the truth. Vildeis will protect and guide us as we fight, and no foul undead can harm the righteous!"

"Yes, child, you have made your passion clear, but true leadership requires reason and logic, not emotional outbursts!" Jala replies.

Hmm... I can occasionally post in other threads at the moment... but still no luck here?

edit: or maybe there is hope!

And... we're back!

sense motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
sense motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
sense motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Kronug looks around, surprizingly clueless regarding their Twinhorn allies, except for Medda.