GM Sior's Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment (PFS #3-21, Table 1) (Inactive)

Game Master Sior

"Let's go back and speak with the monks. They, at least, seemed pleasant enough."

Speaking of finishing strong, any chance we will be done with this by June 15? I had signed up for another game a while back thinking we would be done with this by then. I just wanted to let someone else have the spot if we won't be finished. No hurry, just wanted to know if you thought we might be. :)

Should. Here, will speed things forward to get to that area.

You return to the temple proper and find that the people from the meditation room are heading into a larger chamber. "Oh! You are just in time!" they say. "It is time for Dakang's lesson! Won't you join us? Please? Please?"

Following them into the temple, you see a variety of other people, about a dozen in all.

The chapel ceiling is about 30 feet high. Tall windows look out into the freshly sheared greenery of the garden. Several evenly spaced prayer mats cover the floor here. An elaborate stone fountain stands at one end of the chapel, although the font is empty. In the chapel’s farthest corner, a balcony 15 feet above the floor contains a podium from which Dakang presents truths about Korada to his flock.

Once everyone is in place, an obese human man steps confidently to the podium on the high balcony in the chapel. He is draped in layers of cloth trimmed with small bells that jingle lightly as he moves. The man’s bald head is surrounded by a thin fringe of gray hair, but the lower half of his face is wrapped in a white silk scarf stitched with a line of unusual double-arrow symbols.

Additionally, three aasimar guards enter and stand at an eased attention along the west wall.

Dakang opens the service by welcoming you, the visiting adventurers, and leading his congregation in a few meditative stretches. Soon, Dakang launches into a lengthy sermon about Korada’s holy city of Vantian, City of Open Windows, whose sacred residents are eternally engaged in prayer and maintenance of the city.

Knowledge (planes)

After his sermon, Dakang instructs his worshipers to “assume the symbols of celestial silence and contemplation.” The worshipers produce vials of ink and begin marking each other’s faces with double-arrow symbols above and below the eyes and above and below the mouth. The worshipers attempt to do this in reverent silence.

They gesture to you, offering to decorate the your mouths and eyes as well, although they do not press anyone that refuse to participate. Neither the aasimars nor Dakang participate in this ritual, although Dakang bears the symbols on the scarf over his mouth).

Once the face-inking is complete, Dakang breaks the silence with the command, “Wash the symbols from your face and enjoy the beautiful day Korada has provided.” The worshipers cheerfully wash the symbols from each other’s faces and exit the chapel to return to their normal business.

It is now that you notice the gardener is not present.

Before retiring, Dakang requests that you see him in his office down the northern hallway so he may welcome you properly.

The aasimar guards gladly lead the way and allow you entrance to Dakang's room.

As he has done since entering this strange place, Insidion waves off any attempts to induce him to participate in the rituals. Despite a skeptical look in his eyes, he manages to bow out in a fairly diplomatic fashion. As the ritual proceeds, Insidion does not know much about Vantian or the other things discussed.

However, he does whisper "The markings make it look like the mouths and eyes have been stitched together...strange."

Once things wind down, he prepares for this meeting with Dakang.

knowledge planes: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
heal: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1
perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Thanks!

Heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

"Yah, that is odd. But I don't see anything that concerns me. I wish I knew more about religions."

Acel seems bored by Dakang's sermon and wonders if he will slip up. Maybe he'll mangle someone and claim it's what the Empyrean Warlords would want, or whatever.
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Acel refuses the ritual once Insidion mentions the stitching.

When Dakang mentions a proper greeting, Acel grins with delight. "Now we're talkin'."

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Acel stops short when she reaches the fountain. She examines it and turns to one of the Aasimar. "Hey, what does this fountain do? Besides spray water? At least I hope it's water..."

Acel looks at the fountain. It seems to be able to conjure water with the proper command. It might be difficult to coerce it to work, especially for one without celestial blood.

"Let's hear what the obese one wants to tell us. Be ready for anything" whispers Vanya while walking forward

"Aasimar are a good sign, right? OK, Vanya, let's do it."

Henrick carries his urgrosh ready, just in case.

Oh right, UMD is on my other Magus

"Hmpf. It's magical, but...well I can't turn it on."

Turning to the group, she nods at Vanya's advice. "Yeah, sure. I can't wait to hear how snapping people's fingers off leads to enlightenment."

Insidion leads the others to their appointment, a disconcerting smile on his face.

Kn Planes: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Kn Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

MEDIOCRE.

Shungur walks behind Insidion and Aeilín. He quietly taps them both for Guidance. "My own lesson," he says quietly. "Sometimes all the words in the world are no match for sheer force."

Please place yourselves in the room indicated on the map.

Dakang welcomes you to his chambers. "Welcome to the temple or Korada. I understand you have been exploring. Have you found that which you came here to find?"

"That... and more..." mutters Vanya ominously

Sense motive check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

"Yes, I think we got everything we came for, thank you."

Henrick placed, up close and personal.

"Yeah, we sure did. Nice prank with the turtle statue there. I wonder how many people found 'enlightenment' when it snapped their fingers off." Acel giggles. "But I'm sure you didn't know anything about that, right?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Uhoh, maybe he doesn't?

Acel's Detect Magic spell is still up.

Insidion looks the man over, a sly sneer on his face.

"We found all kinds of...enlightening...things. Sinister texts, demons, undead, and turtles that snap your finger off. This is my kind of place!" the tiefling adds.

HAHAHAHAHAH! I like your style, tiefling!

sense motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1

Dakang smirks, which you see now that he's removed the decorative scarf of arrows. "Ah yes, the 'Kiss of Korada'. Yes, that was the gardner's idea. He took much joy from seeing the followers suffer, enjoyment from their pain. And who can blame him when people so willingly will do anything in the name of enlightenment? Ha! Foolish people. So easily misled. You, however... you have proven more difficult. I shall have to deal with you myself."

From somewhere in the room, epic final boss battle music starts playing!

As you watch, Dakang's head seems to split open and a long worm-like head emerges from his body! Knowledge (planes)

Party up

This could be over quickly... Everyone is before him. Please describe your weapons as you attack him (slashing, piercing, bludgeoning, magic, aligned, material, etc etc)

Seems like a trustworthy fellow, eh, Insidion? :)

Insidion smiles broadly, his over-sized teeth gleaming. "Now we're talking! My only question before I tear you apart, is whether it's just you, or everybody here?"

The tiefling doesn't wait for a response.

Once again he seems to lose control of himself, as if some other being is exercising a degree of control. The massive tiefling's claws and teeth rip into the man. RAGE

Enemy still flat-footed.

Maw attack: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 2 = 271d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14 B/P/S, magic
Claw attack1: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 2 = 261d4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 = 10 B/S, magic
Claw attack2: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 2 = 241d4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11 B/S, magic

Moving before Insidion's onslaught... XD

As The creature calling itself Dkang shows its true visage Vanya darts forward, scimitar in hand.

Attack roll: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26
Damage roll: 1d6 + 4 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (1) + 1 = 8

Vanya moves behind Dkang and attacks, draw weapon as part of the movement, gains flanking with Insidion, Vanya uses a MW scimitar so slashing normal damage for her

Edit

Critical confirmation roll: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26
Damage roll: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Looks at Insidion's rolls - Oh, this'll be good.

Acel springs into action and begins to cast Silent Image. A squad of Aasimar emerge from the corner surrounding Dakang, with swords drawn, ready to strike!. Will Save DC 14 to disbelieve.

"Now that's what I'm talking about! I guess Korada's here to bring the pain. Scared yet?" Acel begins laughing, reveling in the ensuing chaos.

Intimidate, -1 Size: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 4 = 12
Acel uses her Omen trait to Intimidate Dakang as a Swift Action.

Shungur casts Bless, this time not from a scroll, and stands his ground.

Kn Planes: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

"Ah, Dakang, I know what you truly are," says the Kellid gravely.

Uh, what is he? :D

Eyes alight with a ferocious intensity, bringing her oversized blade to bear on the impostor.

(L) MW Cold Iron Bastard Sword, RAGE, Elemental Strike: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage, RAGE, Elemental Strike: 2d8 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 1) + 10 + (4) = 17
4 elemental(Air/Electric) damage; 13 Slashing(Cold Iron)

Bloodrage 1/6
Elemental Strike 1/3

Shungur quickly identifies it as a vermlek, a demon which can inhabit the body of a humanoid host and wear their skin like armour.

He knows it has DR/cold iron or good, immune to electricity and poison, resists acid, cold, and fire, and has SR.

-Posted with Wayfinder

immune to electricity and poison...

Curses!

"Demon, eh? Ya, know... I don't really like demon's much..."

Henrick goes into full attack mode with his urgrosh, stabbing and slashing at the creature.

Spear-head Attack, Pierciing: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Axe-head Attack, Slashing: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Will: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 Really???

Insidion lashes out at Dakang, each attack striking, but all doing about half of the damage. Even Vanya's strike seems only to do as much as a normal strike would do.

Aeilin, however, slices a nice chunk of demon flesh, her blade leaving a smoking gash in the fiend's hide.

Henrick then follows up with a miss, but rectifies it with his axe! It still seems to meet some resistance with Dakang's armour.

Meanwhile the vision of aasimars seems to startle Dakang, but his resolve is unshaken by the taunts of the small creature before him.

Shungur up! Then Dakang

My illusions did something! Yaaay!

I think Shungur cast bless this turn. Speaking of which, don't forget the +1 to bless, folks.

You are correct. Apologies for that!

Dakang looks about him quickly and, with a shrug, sloughs off the fleshy remains of the priest Dakang. The sight of a demon slithering out of a human's body is nearly enough to drive one insane. Thankfully, you're pathfinders and are used to this sort of thing.
2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 4) + 3 = 11

He then withdraws away from the group to the corner where he promptly crawls right up the wall with ease! There in the top corner of the 15' high room, he waits to see what you will do.

Swift to shed his skin, full-round to withdraw.

Party up!

Insidion comes to himself as Dakang retreats, the wild rage leaving him. ending rage

The tiefling looks tired and winded by his exertions, but summons a ball of pure force in each palm, which he sends flying unerringly at the demon.

magic missile: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 2) + 2 = 8

Hmpf, I should have saved grease for this.

Acel grabs her bow, imparts some of her arcane energy into it and fires.
Shortbow+1, bless: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 = 22 Piercing, Magical
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The arrow sticks but probably leaves no lasting mark due to Dakang's DR. Blast you, DR!

Acel moves her illusory Aasimar soldiers into the corner, hoping to threaten Dakang out of there so her allies can wail on it easily.

Would an acrobatic or jump check help getting an attack in? If so what kind of check would be needed and what kind of DC? I mean use the wall for leverage and then jump and strike

There are no rules saying you can take an attack action in the middle of a move action without a special feat or ability. Even readying an attack would be for an action outside of your turn. However, even if it were possible, it'd be a DC 20 with a running start, 40 from a stand still....

Insidion fires a bolt of force energy at Dakang, striking him unerringly.

Acel fires a shot, but does indeed do no damage.

Well then, Vanya will try to wound it with her bow... although I doubt it will do anything

Seeing how the false prophet has put itself out of range Vanya takes out her shortbow and fires at it!

Attack roll: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Damage roll: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Henrick loads his crossbow and fires.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

"Damned demons..."

Looks like Shungun and Aielin are up...

With no viable means of bringing the demon down, Aeilín lets the bowmen do their work, and instead guards the door, in case the thing attempts to escape.

move action

My acid flasks won't do much here, and I don't have any other ranged options, besides throwing weapons or furniture.

Shungur hustles to the corner, his shamanic beads and figurines jingling on his armor, and points a hand skyward, toward the demon, uttering gutteral words. His owl briefly opens its eyes, almost interested in the melee. His eyes turns black, and the color drains away from the area around him briefly, then shoots forth in a spray of mixed radiance at the demonic Dakang.

Color Spray, DC15 Will Save.

Will: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Dakang resists the spell entirely before moving along the ceiling and issuing one of his own!
1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 negative energy damage, Will save DC for half

Party up!

What's the DC?

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Acel gives a hearty "HA!" as the energy washes over her.

Shortbow+1: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Her cheer soon changes to a "Harumph" as an arrow misses.

Acel can't do much here, unfortunately. Maybe ask the Aasimar guards for help?

Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

"It will be a 1," said Shungur's player to himself. And thus it was.

Shungur takes the full brunt of the negative energy. Channel, I reckon. Dang.

Apologies. DC 16 for half. Anyone may spellcraft.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Will save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"Aaaargh! Damn you worm!" says Vanya as she feels her life force being burned out of herself.

Then, in retaliation the taldan swashbuckler lets another arrow loose!

Attack roll: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Damage roll: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 Nnnnnnope

Will Save vs DC 16: 1d20 ⇒ 13

"Argh!"

Henrick reloads his crossbow and fires.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

"I have a wand for healing me in my pack, if anyone can use it."

Insidion takes the full brunt of the enemy's negative energy attack, but responds with additional force missiles in return.

"I can do this all day, coward!" the tiefling exclaims.

"Come down so I can tear you up again!"

fort save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

magic missile: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 = 7

Dig deep here guys...hopefully everyone is starting to pick up cold iron arrows, etc. at this level. Check your sheets for things you might have forgotten about...

Has Aeilin thought of something?

Shungur isn't so fighty, but good point about cold iron something, just in case.

Shungur will spend the next round prepping Sleep. I'll be out and about today.

Aeilín cries own in pain and frustration as the dark energy washes over her. The sound dies on her lips as her eyes turn toward the fiend above her, and roars viscously.

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Demoralize: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25      Demoralize DC = 10 + Taget's HD + Target's Wis Mod

I'm disabled: 0hp