Nilus Romani |
Dungeons are the bane of PbP games...
Nilus doubles back and tries a door from earlier in the hallway. Drew a red arrow on the map and if that one is locked, then he tries another door Purple door
GM SpiderBeard |
Yeah absolutely. They require a million micro-decisions. You may find me pushing hard or making assumptions on some of those decisions. The question of how to open the door is an important one though.
Nilus quickly tries the doors further up the hallway. They are both locked in a similar fashion.
Sarkast |
Sorry, PAX weekend stealing time from me and Dejik.
Sarkast moves down the hall to check the other door from the earlier room.
Green arrow. If that one is unlocked, or easily unlockable, Sarkast will suggest the group follow that path. Failing that, he will agree that Ayesha's suggestion of using the adamantine sword is the only way to proceed.
Sarkast |
Looks like we have little choice at this point ... Nilus, will you do the honors?
Stymied by the heavy locks on all the doors, Sarkast sighs and motions toward the adamantine sword. He points Nilus to what he believes is the weakest point on the lock, then stands ready with his knives.
Nilus Romani |
Nilus shrugs, he'd rather not deface such a storied structure but it seems they have no other way, he places Radiance down and swings the Adamantine Greatsword at the locking mechanism
Greatsword: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 Power Attack: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (2, 5) + 12 = 19
GM SpiderBeard |
Nilus starts swinging away at the door. Three good chops are enough to finally break through the lock, the adamantine greatsword passing through even the insufferably well-made dwarven doors with ease. The door finally swings open, and the group is greeted with a strange sight.
Two rows of stone benches occupy face a raised dais to the north, on which stands a twelve-foot-tall statue of an armored woman with a sword and shield. Faded tapestries hang in tatters to either side, and a larger one on the south wall depicts the armored woman on bended knee before a man wearing green robes. Three smaller, human-sized statues of armored knights stand within small alcoves to the west, each holding a longsword
pointing downward.
Four crusaders, looking a little out of it, stand opposite the room, holding longswords in salute. And before you stands what is by all appearances the Inheritor, Iomedae, looking exactly like the various artwork and images you've seen of her and similar to the image that came to you so long ago after the barricade fell.
"Weary travellers, I send my vision forth to you to give you mine blessing as you fight against the rampaging hordes of evil."
Nilus Romani |
Huh. Nilus looks at the Goddess quizzically
Ayesha Jalal |
Ayesha looks between the image of the goddess and Nilus. "This strikes me as a trifle too convenient. Is there any way to tell if this is an illusion, or something along that nature? Nilus, Dejik, do sense any deception here?"
Ayesha squinted at the scene before her with her arcane sight, trying to figure out why she felt so sure that there was deception here.
will to disbelieve: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Casting detect magic
GM SpiderBeard |
Although Ayesha can't blink away the fact Iomedae is standing in front of her, her spell lets her know there are in fact magical auras in her field of vision. It will take a couple of seconds for the details to be apparent.
Dejik |
Refusing to believe her eyes, Dejik uses Detect Evil on the woman.
1) Dejik has Death Watch up: how healthy are the four knights?
2) Is this the same woman from the dreams we had back in this post?
If so, Dejik is a bit angry at her goddess abandoning her, and will probably say something along the lines of:
Why send us your vision now? After you told me you can't help me any longer? I've done nothing but serve you my entire life, and you left me when I needed you most!
GM SpiderBeard |
Dejik detects the presence of evil. The knights aren't injured but appear unwell, for lack of a better word.
Iomedae seems slightly taken aback by Dejik's outburst. She smiles benignly.
"My duties are vast and beyond your comprehension. But I am here now, and I am here for you. Come, accept my blessing."
She opens her arms wide, beckoning for Dejik to approach.
Nilus Romani |
Nilus says You are Iomedae, appeared before us? This is...astounding. But why here, in the middle of this wicked place? Nilus asks, truly humbled if indeed this is a god's projection.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Dejik |
You told me yourself that you could no longer help us, yet you don't seem to remember that. Were you lying then, or are you lying now?
Dejik draws her bow and aims at the woman.
I don't believe you are Iomedae. If you are, then take away your favor and I will beg your forgiveness later!
Smite evil--firing on her own goddess. If her smite fails because she loses her paladin powers, then we'll know for sure. :-)
Attack roll, smite evil, cold iron arrow: 1d20 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 5 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Remove the last pluses if she's not evil, add 2 additional damage if she's an evil outsider.
GM SpiderBeard |
The smite certainly works.
Dejik's arrow bursts into holy flame, but "Iomedae" manages to bend backwards to dodge it! Almost immediately the glamour fades away, and an unspeakably beautiful woman with claws, horns, bat wings, and cold, cold eyes stands in her place. She giggles.
"I didn't think that would work, but wasn't that fun? Darlings, attack! The first one of you to score a kill will spend another night with the goddess."
This is a succubus, a demon who preys on the lusts of mortals in order to advance her own agendas. Succubi can drain the life of their victims with a kiss.
The crusaders all smile at the party with somewhat deranged look on their faces and charge!
Crusaders: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Succubus: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Dejik: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Nilus: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Ayesha: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Ronan: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Jinxx: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Sarkast: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Sarkast
Dejik
Ronan
---
Succubus
---
Ayesha
Jinxx
---
Crusaders
---
Nilus
Sarkast, Dejik, and Ronan are up! Map is updated.
Sarkast |
Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Sarkast grins. "Cousin, you are wise and your goddess is truly with you. Die, hirviö!"
Is she considered flat footed? It will change Sarkast's attack pattern if so.
Dejik |
Knowledge planes: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Well, then, succubus, I suggest that you beg the Inheritor for mercy. You will find none from us!
A brilliant missile of light explodes from Dejik's holy symbol and explodes in the middle of the group.
Casting Burst of Radiance--she can catch all of them in the burst. All evil creatures take 5d4 points of "good/light" damage. Make a DC 17 Reflex save to avoid being blinded for 1d4 rounds. (Dazzled for 1d4 rounds if they make the save.)
Burst of Radiance damage: 5d4 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 3, 1) = 12
Blind/dazzled rounds: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Beware--she'll try to twist your minds--and don't let her touch you!
I don't remember if succubi have SR or not. In case they do....
SR check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Mythic surge: 1d6 ⇒ 6
GM SpiderBeard |
It's the start of initiative, so yes the baddies are flat-footed.
Reflex: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
The men in the back all scream as they are blinded, although they do not appear harmed by the spell. The succubus nimbly leaps out of the way of the worst of it, but is seared by the spell.
Sarkast
Dejik
Ronan
---
Succubus (12 dmg)
---
Ayesha
Jinxx
---
Crusaders (blind, 2 rnds remaining)
---
Nilus
Sarkast is up!
Sarkast |
Ronan often casts Haste at the start of combat; I'll post an extra attack and note the adjustments if he does so.
As Dejik's holy light bursts, Sarkast takes advantage of the moment to dart in and strike at the demon with everything he has.
Mythic point for Fleet charge to move in and attack, then full attack.
Not sure of Flagbearer is up, since Nilus just hacked the door open. If so, add +1 atk / +1 dig. If Haste is up, another +1/+1.
Fleet charge: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31 damage, bypasses all DR: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 Sneak attack: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 2, 6) = 17
Primary attack, +1 dagger: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15 damage, magic: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 Sneak attack: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 3, 5) = 10
Secondary attack, mwk cold iron dagger: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29 damage, cold iron: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Sneak attack: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 4, 5) = 16
Haste attack, +1 dagger: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 damage, magic: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 Sneak attack: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 1, 5) = 9
Confirm crit on Secondary attack, mwk cold iron dagger: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20 damage, cold iron: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
If any sneak attack hits, target is Hampered (all movement speeds reduced by half and no 5' step allowed) for 1 round, extend by another round for each additional sneak attack that hits.
GM SpiderBeard |
Yeah, take the haste spell.
Ronan quickly chants a haste spell and Sarkast leaves a blur behind him as he leaps for the succubus. He attacks twice with brutal strikes, badly injuring the succubus and hammering a spear into her hamstring for good measure. She lets out a ghastly scream before staggering back and throwing out a hand at Sarkast.
"You are MINE! You will always be mine! Protect me my minion!"
Sarkast must make a DC 23 will save or be dominated! (that's bad). We're now onto Ayesha and Jinxx! Everyone in the group is hasted.
Haste active
Sarkast
Dejik
Ronan
---
Succubus (58 dmg)
---
Ayesha
Jinxx
---
Crusaders (blind, 2 rnds remaining)
---
Nilus
Ayesha Jalal |
Ayesha decided that blinding the crusaders was likely the best option, if it could allow them to deal directly with the succubus. She cast a simple spell and a brilliant burst of glittering motes exploded among them.
Casting Glitterdust, DC17 Will to resist. see map for AOE
GM SpiderBeard |
Ayesha sends forth an explosion of sparkling dust. THe crusaders are already blinded by Dejik, and thus immune but Sarkast and the succubus are certainly not.
Sarkast's Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Succubus' Will: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Poor Sarkast becomes dominated and blinded while the succubus merely shields her eyes. Jinxx then rushes out, pouncing at the succubus but not managing to score a hit.
Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Gore: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
"Don't attack the one in front of you, he's mine now! The ones in the hall!"
The crusaders stumble forwards blindly towards the group, slashing away.
1 Misses on Blind:
Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Blind: 1d2 ⇒ 2
Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 Blind: 1d2 ⇒ 1
Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16 Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 Blind: 1d2 ⇒ 2
Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17 Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Blind: 1d2 ⇒ 2
One of them manages to move in and score a hit on Jinxx while the rest swing around wildly.
Jinxx takes 9 damage. Nilus gets an attack of opportunity. Nilus, Dejik, and Ronan are all up! Reminder - Sarkast is currently dominated. He's holding until the succubus' turn for my sanity.
Haste active
Nilus
Dejik
Ronan
---
Sarkast (dominated, blind)
Succubus (58 dmg)
---
Ayesha
Jinxx
---
Crusaders (blind, 1 rnd remaining)
Nilus Romani |
The picture is coming true!
Nilus Romani |
AoO Nonlethal: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 Nonlethal Damage: 1d10 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
Nilus avoids using lethal attacks against the Crusaders...he'd rather not kill his once allies.
Nilus drops Radiance as he is pressed on both sides...he draws the new weapon, a Greatsword.
Adamantine Greatsword nonlethal, Power Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 but he is not used to wielding such a blade and his attack is useless.
GM SpiderBeard |
Nilus cracks one of the men across the jaw with radiance, but is unable to knock him out completely. Although he manages to draw his greatsword, his attack is fouled in the close quarters.
Nilus
Dejik
Ronan
---
Sarkast (dominated, blind)
Succubus (58 dmg)
---
Ayesha
Jinxx
---
Square (blind)
Circle (blind) (20 nl dmg)
Triangle (blind)
Plain (blind)
Dejik is up!
Sarkast |
She lets out a ghastly scream before staggering back and throwing out a hand at Sarkast.
Dejik just pointed out to me -- isn't that dominate a spell-like ability? She can't take 5' steps, so either moving or casting should have provoked from Sarkast. It may be too late, but I wanted to bring it up ...
Dejik |
Dejik steps back from the battle and takes her holy symbol in her hand. Iomedae, free my cousin and your faithful servants from the hold of this blasphemous fiend.
Five-foot step, Using Inspired Spell to cast Suppress Charms and Compulsions on Sarkast, square, and plain. Any charm or compulsion effect is suppressed for 10 minutes, and they get +4 on any saves against new attempts.
Dejik smiles at the succubus. You're right--this is fun!
GM SpiderBeard |
Good catch - I forgot she's hampered and can't take the 5' step. To keep things going I'll roll for you. Also Dejik where did you FIND that spell?
Sarkast's AoO: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Sarkast's last swipe at the succubus stops as she begins to beckon him closer. As his feet begin to move of his own volition, despite his mind screaming in protest, Dejik chants a spell to her goddess. Suddenly, Sarkast stops as his mind is once again his own. Furthermore, the two crusaders adjacent to the succubus stop as well. One almost collapses to his knees.
"You... you MONSTER! The things you made me do!"
Seeing the fight going well, Ronan simply slaps a bolt into his crossbow and fires it off at the succubus, missing badly.
Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 4 = 8 Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6
As Sarkast was holding his action, he can now go! However, he is blind from Ayesha's glitterdust.
Square (blind)
Plain (blind)
Nilus
Dejik
Ronan
Sarkast (blind)
---
Succubus (58 dmg)
---
Ayesha
Jinxx
---
Circle (blind) (20 nl dmg)
Triangle (blind)
Nilus Romani |
It's a Shelyn spell! I have clarifying channel also....it does something similar.
Good show Mistress Dejik! Now we free the others from the Grip of the Abyss!
Sarkast |
Presumably Sarkast knows what square she's in, so he can attack with the 50% miss chance and no precision damage.
Feeling the control over his mind fade at Dejik's words, Sarkast lashes out despite the distraction of the shimmering golden light in his eyes.
Blinded, combat expertise, haste
Primary attack, magic dagger: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 Hit on 1: 1d2 ⇒ 2 damage, magic: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Secondary attack, cold iron dagger: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 Hit on 1: 1d2 ⇒ 1 damage, cold iron: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Haste attack, magic dagger: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 Hit on 1: 1d2 ⇒ 1 damage, magic: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
No hits, but the Hampered effect from last round continues one more round.
End of round, Will save to end Glitterdust blindness:
Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Mythic Surge: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Just made it!
Sarkast blinks his eyes as the magical light fades somewhat. Though none of his strikes hit, now that he can see the succubus again, he growls. "You will die for what you have done to the minds of these warriors, beast."
Yay, no more blind! With Combat Expertise, AC is currently 25/20/16. Succubus is still hampered and Sarkast can see to take AoO's.
GM SpiderBeard |
Sarkast swipes out at the succubus who quickly dodges to each side, real panic showing in her eyes.
Wary of Jinxx trying to rip her face off, the succubus quickly chants a spell. However, despite her supreme confidence in her casting, Jinxx manages to leap in, and foul her spellcasting attempt! She lets out a roar of rage.
Concentration: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21
Ayesha and Jinxx are up!
Square (blind)
Plain (blind)
Nilus
Dejik
Ronan
Sarkast (blind)
---
Succubus (58 dmg)
---
Ayesha
Jinxx
---
Circle (blind) (20 nl dmg)
Triangle (blind)
Ayesha Jalal |
attack, haste, banner, as: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 1 + 1 = 30
damage, banner: 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 12
sr: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 2 = 21
shocking grasp: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 6, 4, 3) = 23
Ayesha skipped through the blinded crusaders, leading with her scimitar for a lunging attack at the succubus. Once more sparks flew from the sword as she swung. Dars N'ssiar seemed to twist in the air, aiming for a weak spot Ayesha herself hadn't seen.
casting regular shocking grasp, attack
GM SpiderBeard |
Ayesha rushes past the blinded crusaders and slams her scimitar into the succubus, who lets out an ungodly shriek as she is blasted backwards.
Jinxx snarls, crouching before he pounces at the succubus, despreately attempting to get past her incredible toughness to do some damage to no avail.
Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Gore: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
The two blinded crusaders attack crazily in front of themselves but don't come anywhere near Nilus.
The succubus looks around wildly, her eyes wide with panic.
Everyone but Ayesha and Jinxx are up!
Nilus Romani |
Nilus channels the power of his Goddess Free those in the grip of the Abyss! Their love is not true! Their adoration is false!
Channeling to heal everyone within 30' Unfortunately that means the Succubus also.
Everyone heals Clarifying Channel: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 4) = 11 and if anyone is in the grip of a Charm or Compulsion spell they get an immediate save with an additional +5 Sacred Bonus
Sarkast |
Channeling to heal everyone within 30' Unfortunately that means the Succubus also.
Was anyone *but* the succubus hurt? Not sure that was necessary...
His eyes clear, Sarkast lashes out again, trying to end the demon.
Full attack, haste, flanking. Not using Combat Expertise this round.
Primary, magic dagger: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 Damage, magic: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 Sneak attack: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 3, 1) = 14
Secondary, cold iron dagger: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23 Damage, magic: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Sneak attack: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 5, 5) = 18
Haste, magic dagger: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19 Damage, magic: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Sneak attack: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 5, 6) = 18
If any sneak attack hits, target is Hampered (half movement, no 5' step) for one round, plus one for each additional sneak attack that hits. Loving not letting the caster take 5' steps!
Nilus Romani |
It's not about the healing, its about the Clarifying part.
GM SpiderBeard |
Moot point.
Despite being partially healed by Nilus, Sarkast's blades strike true as he slams his dagger into the succubus' stomach, swinging around to draw his second blade across her throat. She collapses to the floor.
End of Combat
The effect is immediate as the charmed crusaders regain their vision and take in the scene before them. Two of them begin talking at once. One, collapses to his knees, ashen-faced while another weeps hysterically. It doesn't take long to gather that the succubus had kept them charmed for weeks, and had been taking them through orgiastic rituals while in the guise of Iomedae.
Dejik |
Dejik comforts the crusaders as she assesses their health. Her magic was very strong--you can't blame yourself for not being able to resist it. And fortune might have used her against her own masters. There's an army outside these gates, and her toying with you kept you alive so you can join us.
Take 10 for a 22 heal check: other than the emotional damage, are they all right?
How much of this citadel have you seen? Can you tell us anything about the demons here--their number and type? And have you seen or heard anything about the Sword of Valor?
Sarkast |
It's not about the healing, its about the Clarifying part.
Fair enough. :)
Moot point.
Woot!
Sarkast spits on the demons' body as he finishes it off. "Ei koskaan enää sinua orjuuttaa mieli!"
He wipes his blades on its clothing, then searches its body for any valuables, documents, keys, or other useful items.
Following that, he gives the room a thorough search.
Ayesha Jalal |
Ayesha avoids eye contact with the crusaders as she joins Sarkast in searching the room for anything of value and/or use. She had firsthand knowledge of what it meant to be used beyond your control. In time, there would be opportunity to talk with these men, to share her experience and coping mechanisms. Not now, though. Now was time for vengeance.
Nilus Romani |
Nilus places his hands on the men, each in turn and prays over them. The Blessed Rose hears your plea. She will guard your minds and she will punish those that pervert love into something awful. Go, and seek out Sosiel. I will come and see you when we return. Victorious
Then Nilus will lead the men to the area that the party arrived in and show them the way down.
GM SpiderBeard |
"Thank you.. thank you so much, any favour you need. Anything, we are indebted to you for life, thank you."
Nilus leads the distraught crusaders out to the exit they found and points out the encamped army to the south. Although shaky and inconsolable, they manage to make their way down and up the ancient moat.
Meanwhile, Sarkast and Ayesha scour the room, which is astonishingly clean and although the altar has been tipped, it is not despoiled in the same manner as the other chapels. Using Aron's map as reference, they are both able to spot a secret door leading southwards. No objects of value are found in the room.
Irabeth of Iomedae |
A clanking sound alerts the group, but as they prepare for a battle, Irabeth returns, bathed in sweat from making her journey as quickly as possible, in plate mail.
"I met those crusaders you released. I... I can scarcely imagine," she shakes her head sadly as she looks over the chapel, and then takes a moment to set the altar right.
"That Kellid woman you spared, the only thing she says is she wants to talk to you lot. Claims she has information and will swear herself to your service. I can spot a liar better than most, and don't think she was lying."
Nilus Romani |
Should we postpone our attack to speak with the woman? I think for now we have the advantage and we should press it. Nilus asks
Dejik |
Any intelligence we could get would be a great advantage. I suggest we speak with her.