GM Woran's The Citadel of Flame (Inactive)

Game Master Woran

The Citadel of Flame

Venture Capten Dennel Hamshanks ignores all pretense of pleasantries as he pounds into the meeting room in the Grand Lodge in Absalom. “Never time to do it right, is there? Gorum see us through this, then.”
He grunts loudly and levels his glare at the entire room.
“Ever been to Qadira? Religion is almost a fad down there, with new cults springing up like weeds and getting crushed just as quickly. It has been that way for centuries.
“But some make a mark—on Qadira or in the Chronicles. Three centuries ago, the archdevil Moloch, preaching surrender to the desert heat, suddenly became the rage. Qadirans walked into the desert just to die just as if the heat was their paradise. The most devout sought out the hidden Citadel of Flame, where a fearsome bull-headed idol of Moloch judged them and sent the worthy to Malebolge, the sixth layer of Hell. No surprise that Sarenrae’s priests launched a mighty crusade to demolish the citadel. After two weeks, a great sandstorm swallowed the expedition—and, it seemed, the citadel and its idol. Nothing more was heard from either.
“Until ten days ago, that is. Sandstorms regularly scour the Qadiran highlands, and this time they emptied an entire valley of dunes. Poking out of that valley, visible only to those soaring above—such as a flying Pathfinder wizard—was the lofty spire of a fortress: the Citadel of Flame, presumably.
“Hopefully we are the first to learn about its reappearance and we need to act fast. The Decemvirate doesn’t expect any trouble, so they’re sending you. But I do expect trouble—who knows what’s infesting that citadel? Get in there fast and find that idol—it could be the key to the entire cult. It’s likely statue-sized, maybe as big as me, and should have a bull’s head on it. And for Gorum’s sake be careful.”

"How do we get there?"

"And how do we get the idol out?"

"If this idol has magical powers and is able to judge people, should we take any precautions? Would it be able to harm us?"

The Venture Captain shuffles trough some papers and hands you each a small stack. "You're going to Katheer, the capital of Quadira, by boat. From there its a few days travel trough the desert. As to how to get the idol out, Ill leave that up to your creativity. If you're strong enough you could carry it. Or you could buy a donkey or camel. I would advice against horses. They dont do well in the desert heat, unless its one of those special breeds, and I've been told they cost a fortune."

The Venture Captain turns to Malachai. "We dont know if the statue actually judges people, or that it was actually a priest using the statue as a proxy. After three centuries and several purges by the Dervishes, not a lot of information remains."

"The Decemvirate never suspects any trouble, but they're always wrong!" Setsuna puffs. First, they send you on tiny errand quests; go get a bottle of wine for me, fetch me this book from my friend, and so on. But it is NEVER that simple. The bottle of wine is actually a lever that conceals some hidden cave, and because our mascot hobo didn't get his fix, guess who may play in the dirt?!? And that book? Well of course the owner is kidnapped and put on execution row, and of course the book is in the hands of some bandits, AND OF COURSE IT CAN BRING FORTH THE APOCALYPSE!!!" Setsuna almost explodes.

"And last month, I finally get out of Absalom, away from errands. And I'm send towards Irrisen on an escort mission. GOBLINS! F*&@# GOBLINS!! They were the ones we had to escort. Do you know what happens if you don't constantly keep your eyes on them? They make a fire and perform a special ritual which is called: Who here is fireproof. How do those creatures even survive?!?" Setsuna shouts with a face of complete bewilderment.

"So I complained to the higher-ups, told them I would get the union on their ass. They laughed, because apparently they got rid of that faction a couple of years ago. But they told me I didn't have to go to the snowlands anymore, and now I hear I'm going to a desert... to a ruin which is completely safe and without trouble... THERE IS ALWAYS TROUBLE!"

She suddenly points to the rest of the group. "If any of you haven't put their name on a contract yet, take my advice and get out while you still can. There are safer ways to make yourself a sandwich."

She then turns towards Venture Captain Hamshanks. "Since it is too late for me, as I already signed that damn thing, how destructive are these sandstorms, and can we predict them? And how many days is it to reach the citadel on foot? I mean, desert heat and water supply and further such stuff."

VC Hamshanks's already low brow sinks a bit lower.
"I would appreciate if you dont take that tone with me young lady. If you dont like it, there," he points, "is the door. We do not keep our agents against their will, and your three years in basics should have prepared you for things not always being what they seem. So. Are you going to listen to what I tell you or am I going to get another agent for this mission?"

"Don't worry, I'll be quiet. I do not need another pay-cut..."

Damn you, levelheaded Venture Captain.

Hamshanks is one of the more level headed VC's. And he cares about his pathfinders

He gives Setsuna another look before adressing the party again. "You dont get pay-cuts for giving me lip. You get payed for the work you do. You can go on mission and get paid for the dangers you face. Or stay at the lodge and do paperwork, cataloging, restauration work or experiments and get paid depending on that work."

"As to how long it will take, it will depend on how fast you can travel. If you hire camels, you'll most likely be there in two days. But I know not everyone is comfortable around them. If you decide to walk, it will take you about 5 days. You can get food and water at the lodge in Katheer for the journey."

"Alright, I guess we'll get us some camels there, then. The ruin was discovered 10 days ago by the flying wizard, so we need to get there as fast as possible. That wizard is probably not the only one who has seen the spire. So we better get there as fast as possible, to either be there earlier than anyone else, or fast enough that someone who did beat us there cannot fortify the place."

She turns towards the party. "Anyone here afraid of camels? Just remember, do not loiter in front of them, they can spit."

A statue-like being starts talking.
SALUTATIONS. I AM IUSTITIUS, A L4W-BT TYPE INEVITABLE. MY DESIGNATION IS TO OVERSEE THIS MAN'S PUNISHMENT.

The man who spoke earlier cuts him off. "Shut up, Justin, not everyone needs to know that." He sighs. "Yes, this is my community service. I got caught embezzling some funds. My family bought me out of prison, but I still have to serve time under the Society's employ. Justin here has agreed to look over me while I'm out of prison and fight for me, but I have to keep him safe. He can't technically die, so he's the ideal bodyguard. I have no idea if he's even capable of feeling pain."

"Anyway, I'm a fairly good talker, and I have a fair bit of knowledge. And if Justin's not around, I can call for backup as well. I'm not of much use in a fight, however, but I can try to throw rocks at enemies."

When Araklifest learns their destination, he sighs: he can't stand the heat very well. But there is an opportunity to search a long lost citadel and that gives him a thrill!

Somewhat bewildered he listens to the diatribe of the monk, curious why she is still member of the Society and not a freelancer.

As he is not a man of many words, he introduces himself just briefly: "Hi, I'm Araklifest. I can hold my own fairly well with my rapier and try to combine that with some arcana for good effect. This is my first assignment outside one of the major cities and I'm curious about our goal."

In the corner of the room stands a figure you almost took for a statue until he spoke. Perched on his shoulder you see a translucent Hawk.

He seems to ignore the outbursts of both the Viskanya and the human with his walking statue.

Seeing how everyone introduced himself he speaks up "Greetings. I am Samrok."

The hawk waits a second and then starts picking at the dwarfs ear.
Samrok scolds " If you are so smart as think you are, do your own introduction and leave my ear alone."

He focuses on the rest of the room. "This annoying pest would like to be called Ferdinand Algernon Nebuchadnezzar the Wise, but Bird will also do." The hawk stares angrily at the dwarf and starts screaming in protest or anger. This is what you hear.

"Setsuna, sounds like you need a lawyer. I know a guy..."

DON'T. THAT MAN IS A SNAKE IN DISGUISE AND AS MUCH A MISCREANT AS YOU. THE FACT TAT YOU WALK FREE IS A BLEMISH ON THE JUSTICE SYSTEM.

Malachai shrugs, then whispers, "No seriously, he's really good."

Also, updating information in my bio now. I have armour and a few weapons and some potions for healing. Would we need Endure Elements, or not?

"Miscreant, huh? I have the idea that the two of us are not going to get along... Just my luck..."

Setsuna then turns towards Malachai.
"I might eventually take you up on that offer, though. As of now, I'm finally dispatched on a mission that doesn't involve me running an errand, so maybe I do not need one anymore."

She crosses her arms and gives a disgruntled look towards the Iustitius. She then turns back to the Venture Captain.
"So this Moloch Cult, is it still active?"

Setsuna is a female Vishkanya Monk and as most of you might already have noticed, she has quite a short temper and a big mouth. She can be polite if she wants, but that temper tends to get in the way.

Also might have to do some shopping first.

"Gorum see me trough this..."

"Moloch is always active. As to this particular cult... If they managed to hold on trough 3 centuries of being buried... You beter just run back as not even I am going to touch that with a 10 foot pole."

You can roll knowledge religion to see what you know about Moloch

Bird Knowledge: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Good news, in 4 levels the bird can tell me what he knows about Moloch

"How hot is it in the desert?" Hot weather clothes or endure elements

[dice=Knowledge Religion "Moloch"]1d20+7[/dice]
Whelp, better get that one out of the way now, I guess.

Also Samrok, welcome to Jack's first 4 levels ;).

I might know something by research in the library, if the allmighty GM allows Profession (librarian)?

Profession (librarian) on Moloch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Araklifest recalls there is a particular book in the library about Moloch. He'll take it with him on the boat journey so he can study it.

The venture captain looks as if he's ready to crawl under his desk and call it a day. "How hot is it in the desert? Hot during the day, cold during the night. Not one of you looks like you come from that climate, so you'll probably experience it as way too hot. Katheer has many places where you can buy appropriate clothes. And if you do not feel confident enough to travel by night, you might need magical protection too."

"Now if you dont have any more questions, I suggest you get packing. The ship leaves this afternoon."

Araklifest buys an hot weather outfit and 4 or 5 scrolls of endure elements (if the price allows).

Scroll of endure elements is 25 gold each. I can use that one with no problem on you.

Samrok buys a hot weather outfit, and during the travel has both endure elements and nature's path active. The last one to make sure we don't get lost, and evade the most dangerous parts of the route.

The voyage to Sedeq is uneventful.
The desert heat is intense after Absalom's balmy sea climate.

During the voyage, araklifest has the time to study his book.

Moloch is an archdevil and ruler of the infernal layer of Malebolge. It is said that all who burn join the armies of Moloch. A being of seething wrath, the Lord of the Sixth embodies both absolute discipline and directed destructive force. General of Hell's armies, Moloch endlessly trains his infernal legions to be the greatest martial force in the multiverse, and ultimately defeat the hosts of Heaven and goodness throughout the Great Beyond. His unholy symbol is a yellow flame surrounded by the head of a bull.
Moloch was originally an angel, a mighty general under the command of Baalzebul, who in turn served Asmodeus. When Asmodeus led his hosts into Hell during the Exodus, Moloch followed his masters and was rewarded for his loyalty with the status of archdevil.

Sorry for the late response, I have some Computer problems.

Setsuna buys a Pathfinder Chronicle for Know. Religion, and a Cold Iron Kama (I did not even have another melee weapon next to my fists... Bad idea with things you do not want to touch, like oozes and anything that is on fire... We were going to a desert, right?)

I also use 2pp to acquire a Wand of Endure Elements, and I'm willing to share with all of you. So people do not need to buy any scrolls of this spell, you can just take a couple of charges from my wand. I could UMD, but Samrok an Malachai can just use it, so that is easy. If the GM would tell me how many charges I have used at the moment we get to the Ruins, then I will note that in my equipment.

Renting a camel is 15GP each. If you go by camel, you arrive in the morning of the third day. If now, it will take you six days.

Camel it is. A single charge from the wand is already 15 gp, so it is cheaper and faster

Spells prepared on the third day: Level 0: Create Water, Stabilize, Flare and Guidance.
Level 1: Faerie Fire, Snowball, Thunderstomp, and from domain: Aspect of the Falcon.

A camel it is indeed; first a ship, then the ship of the desert.

Spells prepared on the third day:
Level 0: detect magic, light, ray of frost, prestidigitation
Level 1: shield, shocking grasp, chill touch

I am going to assume everyone is OK with 15 GP a person. You get enough food and water. Carrying it is not a problem as it can be lashed to the camel.

The trek trough the desert is tiring, even on camelback. During the second day, the endless Qadiran dunes gives way to red stone crags. Continuing your yourney, the sun beats down on a maze of red slickstone, with delicate arches and towering columns called hoodoos dotting the landscape. Somewhere within this expanse lies the Citadel of Flame and within, the idol of Moloch.

You took your precautions, going on to the next part

You leave early on the morning of the third day to take advantage of the cooler temperatures.
The path descends through a maze of cliffs, opening into a slot canyon of smooth red stone surrounded by towering hoodoos. At the far side, two hoodoos carved into enormous bull-headed men leer down on the canyon, while those nearby look like stylized flames. To either side, the canyon walls rise steeply in a series of rough ledges to the clifftops above.
Brass doors on a massive wall of baked gray mud can be seen through an arch at the far side of the canyon.

Canyon map

I've placed your images on the map, but not in order, you can do that yourself. I've also left off the hawk as I assume its in Samrok's square

Ok, we arive on the third day. Meaning, 15gp for a Camel and 1 Endure Elements charge per person per day = 1*6*3= 18 charges (I counted the Hawk and the Eidolon). So we start this day with Endure Elements up. My Mage Armor is not up yet, as we haven't entered the ruin yet.

Please establish a marching order and tell me what you would like to do. The map is up.

If you have trouble with moving your icon (it doesnt work smoothly on all phones), please let me know and I can move you for me.

If something is unclear, or if you are waiting for someone/something, also make a post, either here or in the discussion thread. I have a feeling everyone is waiting for someone else to make a move.

Araklifest's eyes search the canyon to their left and to their right for any danger, before crossing the open to the doors.

As Araklifest crosses the open space, two creatures rise up from behind the hoodoos and come racing towards him.

Initiative

Round 1

Araklifest
Zola
Elementals
Justin
Mlachai
Samrok

Araklifest and Zola can act.
Its a knowledge planes to identify.

As he sees elemental looking critters coming from both sides, Araklifest casts Ray of Frost on the one north of him. The ray of ice particles misses the monster by a mile.

Found some time to use someone else's computer, so I can post.
Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
I do not know yet what they are at the time, but considering the avatar used, I assume it is fire related and that I do not want to touch it with my fists...

Setsuna grumbles. "Seriously? We haven't even entered the damn ruin yet!" She then moves up to Mystery Creature Red, pulls out a Cold Iron Kama, and strikes the creature with it.
Cold Iron Kama vs Flat-footed?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 for 1d6 ⇒ 5

These are fire elementals. At this size (small), they are nothing special. But you do not want to touch them with your bear hands. They are also immuun to all fire, but vulnerable to cold.

Araklifest: Shoots a ray at one of the elementals, but misses.

Setsuna: Takes a swing at the elemental, but misses. (they are nog flat footed, approaching you was their surpriseround)

Fire elementals

Not needing to move, Red slams itself against Setsuna.
slam: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Seeing Araklifest close, Blue charges.
slam: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 2 = 26
slam confirm?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

damage: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5

reflex save araklifest: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Luckily he does not catch fire.

Round 1

Araklifest 5 damage
Zola
Elementals
Justin
Mlachai
Samrok

Justin, Mlachai and Samrok can act.

Samrok moves forward and readies a Create water for if one of us catches fire.

Can someone move me two squares to the right, so I am the other side of the rock?

Done

Sorry for lateness, been a weird week. Also, new medication is making me terribly sleepy. I should be posting more now.

"Justin, go help Araklifest while I help out Setsuna!"
AFFIRMATIVE.

Justin walks up to the blue fire elemental and throws a punch at it.
Slam attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Reflex save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
OW OW OW OW. TO BE FRANK, THAT WAS A STUPID PLAN.
"It's the best I could come up with at the moment. For some reason, you're not proficient with weapons, so this is the best I have."

Malachai then walks close to Justin and taps him with Mage Armor.
1 of 2 spells of today used.

"Don't worry Setsuna, I'll help you out next, but I have to make sure my..." *sigh* "'guardian' stays around to protect me."

Samrok: Readies.

Justin: Punches the fire elemental. Its very effective and it burns a lot less bright.

you just touched a being of living flame damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

But he's not on fire.

Malachai: casts mage armor

Round 2

Araklifest 5 damage
Zola
Elementals 11 damage, blue
Justin
Malachai 2 damage
Samrok

Araklifest and Zola can act.

Setsuna misses the elemental, which then takes advantage of the fact that she had closed in on it. Although Setsuna dodged the fiery opponent, her short temper gets the better of her.

"You fiery maggot! I'll cut you down for lashing out at me!"
She then starts to swing around her Kama, showing that she clearly is not used to fight with manufactured weapons at all...

Kama Flurry 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 for 1d6 ⇒ 3
Kama Flurry 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 for 1d6 ⇒ 2
It's not my lucky day, is it...?

Araklifest uses his rapier to attack the elemental just besides him. He hits him square!

blue elemental

Setsuna: Letting her temper get the better of her, Setsuna is blinded by rage. She misses her target completely.

Araklifest: With precision, Araklifest strikes true on the elemental. Blue collapes in a heap of ash and embers.

Elemental: Red tries to slam Setsuna again.

slam: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

reflex Setsuna: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

She's not on fire

Round 2

Araklifest 5 damage
Setsuna 1 damage
Elemental
Justin
Malachai 2 damage
Samrok

Justin, Malachai and Samrok can act.

Araklifest, you can't crit elementals. Just so you know. Their anatomy is different, and they don't have any "weak spots."

"Justin, take out that last guy!"

"You've told me many times," Malachai smiles.

Attack roll versus red: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage roll: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Reflex save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

I'LL BE ASKING FOR A REPLACEMENT AFTER THIS.

That's what you get when you don't make your identify roll!

Still readying the create water for if someone catches fire.

The normal damage was still enough to kill the elemental

Justin: Slams into the other elemental. While still not on fire, it hurts as much as the first time.

damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Samrok: Is at the ready in case someone suffers an accidental immolation.

Round 3

Araklifest 5 damage
Setsuna 1 damage
Elemental 11 damage
Justin 5 damage
Malachai
Samrok

Araklifest and Setsuna can act.

"Au, you little CUR! You'll pay for that!"
She then continues to clumsily swing around the Kama at the elemental, completely ignoring the fact that Justin just joined the fight.

Kama Flurry 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 for 1d6 ⇒ 1
Kama Flurry 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 for 1d6 ⇒ 3

If it survives to my next turn (doubtful), Setsuna will toss her Kama aside and just start punching it. Seems like something she would do.

Araklifest turns away from the elemental he just had slain, to take on the second one. Partly because of this movement he misses the second one all together.