PFS 6-04: Beacon Below (7-11) (Inactive)

Game Master Sior

"I could certainly use some help fighting those things if you don't mind. Does this mean your heart is no longer an option since we broke that thing? I think we may have shot ourselves in the foot. Can we ...fix... the guardian?"

Yeah, I'm thinkin' a minute has just about passed, so...

As you ponder this, the sound of broken glass can be heard from the guardian's previous location. Looking, you see the creature begin to reassemble itself. It still has a few seconds before it becomes operational again, but you can already tell it will start off as hostile if ye remain in the immediate vicinity when it is repaired.

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Well its now or never I guess. Are you sure this is what you want?

The sphinx nods. "Absolutely." With a smile to Grimnir, she adds playfully, "Would it help if I feigned attacking you?"

"Let's do this."

Following the instructions, Saruna bids you a final farewell before you extract the stone which is in the place of her heart. You feel a sort of power emanating from it, as though it is attempting to turn you into its next undead guardian.

You purify the stone in the temple in which you found Saruna in originally, so all that remains is imbuing it with mythic power.

Returning to the lower level, you see the glass guardian has fully reconstructed itself and returned to its previous position. As you approach, it recognizes the carrier of the stone but moves to attack the rest. Halting it, you present the stone to it. The guardian approaches it and touches it. As it transfers its power, its sheen seems to diminish some as its power is taken into the stone.

At this time, you may access the library through the portal in the center of the room. Any last preparations?

Before stepping through, Sareth invokes his Divine Presence.

Grimnir casts Communal Resist Fire(18 mins each) and Resist Energy(Elec).. He also reups his Shield of Faith.

"Lets get this overwith.." He leads the way into the portal when everyone is ready..

Also woulda healed to full while walking around..

Cure Light: 7d8 + 7 ⇒ (5, 1, 3, 2, 5, 6, 6) + 7 = 35 7 cure light charges

Radient shifts to his natural Kitsume form. The fox man in front of you snaps his teeth in explanation as he says. The better to bite you with. He now has a bite attack. He places his gloved hands against the door of the portal, seeming to to peer through the door. gloves of reconnaissance If there is light on the other side of the door, he looks around to try to understand the threat. Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

Before actually entering the room, if an immediate threat was visible he will cast shield on himself with his wand. If no other caster can provide it, be ready to cast Haste on himself and 4 others, also with a wand. As the door is opening he will vanish.

Whitwood will cast shield, summon eidelon and summon monster 4 for a hound archon. This means he has both My Friend and the Hound Archon up.

I guess there's no going back now....

Whitwood will also heal My Friend back to Full.

Restore Eidelon: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 81d10 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 91d10 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Radiant sees nothing beyond the portal. It must not be a physical place but one reached by some other means.

After the preparations, you activate the portal and are suddenly standing elsewhere.

A cool breeze swirls off the water of a vast underground lake surrounding this location, carrying the scent of old parchment from the vast library. To the north, three statues appear to support an immense crystal. Constellations shine in the darkness above, while a luminous solar disk drifts slowly north from just above your heads, brightening the library with golden light. A door to the south leads into a small building.

Most notably, it seems as though that solar disk is moving at an odd trajectory. It seems to be on a collision course with the immense crystal to the north!

Before you may react, a voice comes from the west. "Who are you? Have you come to help or hinder? Speak now!" The owner of the voice looks to be some sort of mechanical centaur.

Will have a map up tonight. Doesn't help that I've been on the horn with technical support all morning... Also, has anyone else been having difficulty pulling the map images from the PDFs for season 6 scenarios? My current methods result in naught but a black image.

Yes, the maps thing is a known issue. I've been cutting and pasting screenshots to do it.

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

Diplomacy (w/Touch of Glory): 1d20 + 9 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 8 = 31

"We are here to help, if by help you mean the preservation of the contents and honor of this hallowed ground." Sareth speaks with genuine concern. "Do you ask out of custom, or has some fell fate befallen your charge?"

Indignant at your questioning, they still seem to ease slightly at mention of preserving these contents. "You just look like those blasted criminals, the self-proclaimed 'Jeweled Sages'. But if you are here to preserve, we face another problem."

The nearest construct points to the glowing sphere in the other ceiling above you. "That is not right. It is going toward the crystal at the end of the hall. If it is not stopped, everything here is gone."

Clock starts. You have 20 rounds to halt the sphere before the whole place goes up in flames. The sphere is the red 4-point star on the map. It will move 2.5' each round until it collides with the crystal. How to intercept it is up to you. I will give you, this, however.

1) The crystal is the beacon you were sent down here to inspect. And 2)...

"Ironic, really," says the other mechanic. "Those Sage bastards likely could have stopped it as it was their treachery which set this up in the first place. Them and their damnable stones..."

"Can their stones stop what they've started?! Is there anything we can use in here to stop it?!" Sareth looks about frantically trying to find some means of stopping the sphere.

Unless there is an INSTANT reply from the creature (or a partymate.) Sareth casts Dismissal on the sphere.

Round 1

"How do we stop the sphere? What is it? Is someone controlling it?"

The nearest inevitable responds to Sareth. "It is indeed likely one of their acursed stones could stop it. It is a trap set by them, after all." Still casting Dismissal or something else?

To Grimnir, "It is likely automated, a parting gift from the criminal who pompously calls himself the Amethyst Sage."

"And i suppose they already left.."

If its a trap perhaps I can disable it? Radiant will move to it and, using what tools he has try to do just that.

Disable Devise: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37

The centaurish constructs seem to swell with pride at Grimnir's comment. "Yes! We chased that criminal off!"

Radiant finds no mechanical nor magical way to disable the sphere. It continues its course towards the crystal.

Iacobus has a thought. "It's like it's falling... horizontally!" So he casts Feather Fall on it! It slows, but only for a moment before resuming its course.

Radiant and/or everyone else.

Were it mechanical in nature, or even a magical trap I believe i could have disabled it. If it is falling can it be pushed off course? Unsure of what it will do to him if it contacts his bodyRadiant will firs try to strike it with a weapon, and if that had not effect and does not harm him he will try to bull rush it.

Attack: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 231d6 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Bull Rush: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

I do in fact try dismissal.

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Dismissing does nothing to slow the orb.

Everyone up.

What about Radiant's attack and bull rush attempt? I am pretty confused on where everything is too. It this thing level with us? How big is it? Can we get a better description?

Ah, yes.

Radiant strikes at the orb, yet it does little to halt it. Trying to push it, he feels he slows it somewhat, but it still progresses forward.

As for the room. The ceiling is about 20 feet above you, but the orb is a mere 8 ft off the ground. There are only a few walls about, including those surrounding the small building to the immediate south, but otherwise the platform drops off to some sort of underground lake

What does the orb appear to be made of? Perhaps we have to use that Stone we charged up? Perhaps someone better at knowledge Arcana can check too?

Knowledge Arcana to know about the sphere and the stone: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

The sphere radiates a similar magic as the false sage jewel and the power between the two may be able to interact somehow, even if not physically (there appears to be no slot or anything for the stone).

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is it a UNDER check to try

"can one of us use that stone?""

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Whitwood turns to the centaur Can it be dissuaded physically? Has anything you've seen been able to move it?

Whit wood will then start casting enlarge person on My Friend, who will get into position to start pushing the stone back (to look dramatic, if nothing else)

The centaur responds that the orb had previously simulated the movements of the sun along the ceiling. It had never come down to this level before. Quite obviously so, as its current course can result in the total destruction of everything here.

Did my stellar arcana roll (nat 20) tell me anything about the nature of the sphere? Is it opaque?

[ooc]Sorry, I just noticed the auto-correct. I was asking if it's a UMD check to operate the crystal."[/b] In case it matters:

Arcana: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

I was wondering... No, it's not a check of any sort, just an action.

Radiant, it is a brightly glowing sphere (though not too bright to be blinding). Details beyond that are hard to tell.

Can it be reached?

I'd like to try to work the jewel to stop this bad boy.

Yes, it is just above your heads

Sareth pulls the jewel and shouts at the sphere to stop. It seems to slow.

Unfortunately, the two centaurs don't take kindly to this and move to attack.

Grimnir: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Iacobus: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 Is he even here? Not seen him around any of the forums
Radiant: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Sareth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Whitwood: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Z's: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

The two zelekhuts close in angrily, not liking being lied to by associates of the treacherous Jeweled Sages. The closest swipes its wings at My Friend, causing the chains adorning the end of the wings to flail at the summoned creature.

Chain+Vital Strike: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32
Damage: 4d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 3, 2, 6) + 7 = 20
Electricity: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Trip: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37

The other merely closes in with speed.

Party up!

...I'm a bit confused. It's the use of the jewel that is making them attack, not us striking, dismissing, etc?"

"We must stop this thing. Hold them off and I'll cast spells and push this back!"

Grimnir rages a free action, use jusdgement as a swift, moves and attacks.. He burns a Destructive smite as well..

Attack: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29
Dam: 2d6 + 22 ⇒ (5, 4) + 22 = 31 Dam is +3 this round for Dr purposes..

AC is 24

So the sphere is not transparent or translucent? And it is not a spell effect?

Holding is flag in his off hand, Radiant uses his swift action to Vanish (if he is not still invisible. I think he should be). He then Spring attacks into a flanking position with Grimnir and attacks using his sneak attack ability. After the attack he springs back 15'

+1 Scimitar: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 14 + 1 = 265d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 6, 1, 3, 6) + 9 = 31

My friend falls to the ground from that sudden assault.

Whitwood will wheel back from the enemies, casting haste on the party.

The archon will 5ft step up and full attack.

Great sword: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 202d6 + 12 ⇒ (1, 1) + 12 = 14

Great sword: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 122d6 + 12 ⇒ (1, 3) + 12 = 16

My Friend will attack from the ground

Bastard Sword: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 141d10 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

Bastard Sword: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 151d10 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

The sphere is definitely magical. It seems to glow of its own accord. There is also no physical means toward its movement.

And yes, actually. They know that if the sphere goes unhindered, it will destroy everything down here in the library. However, the fact that you possess something which ties you to the villainous Sages, they really don't like you.

As Grimnir steps in, the inevitable strike comes from the inevitable, nearly knocking the dwarf to the ground!

AoO: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30 Hit!
2d6 + 7 ⇒ (4, 3) + 7 = 14
Electricity: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Trip: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27 Fail

Grimnir's attack strikes true, but does not do as much damage as he'd like.

Radiant strikes and barely manages to strike the construct (or, not-really-a-construct-that-is-but-isn't-a-construct), again not dealing as much damage as he'd like.

None of the summoned creatures hit the zelekhut.

Iacobus decides to start inspiring everyone

The two beasts attack again!

My Friend: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21 Hit!
2d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 4) + 7 = 13
Electricity: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Archon: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34 Hit!
2d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 3) + 7 = 12
Electricity: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Trip: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24

And from the one to the north.

Grimnir: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24 Miss! (Because Haste!)
2d6 + 7 ⇒ (1, 5) + 7 = 13
Electricity: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Trip: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33 Irrelevant!

Grimnir: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27 Hit!
2d6 + 7 ⇒ (5, 4) + 7 = 16
Electricity: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Counting 38 points damage to Grimnir.

Party up!

Bloody hell. I am remiss for not reminding the GM. 100% my bad, but Sareth is radiating a Divine Presence, which means any enemy within 30 of the cleric must make a DC 19 Will save to attack an ally.

"Back up is on its way!" 5' Step cast Summon Monster IV (Unless I think that our location would prevent it.

The dwarf grits his teeth at the return fire, but calls to the god of battle and lets loose 3 furious strikes.. Bane as a swift.. Is puts his weapon to +5, so will overcome alignment and material DR..

Attack 1: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (7) + 23 = 30
Attack 2: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31
Haste: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (8) + 23 = 31

Dam 1: 4d6 + 22 ⇒ (6, 2, 5, 3) + 22 = 38
Dam 2: 4d6 + 22 ⇒ (3, 4, 6, 5) + 22 = 40
Dam Haste: 4d6 + 22 ⇒ (5, 5, 5, 3) + 22 = 40

Grimnir has Elec Resist 20 btw so no damage from that..

W: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
N: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Only thing it have changes is it being unable to hit My Friend on that first round.

Sareth begins to cast a spell to bring an ally into the fray.

Grimnir connects with each swing of his weapon, inflicting full damage and reducing it to rubble on that last swing.

Radiant!

The Sphere - I am trying to figure this thing out but you are not giving me much help. I have tried to ask two times if you can see through the thing and do not have an answer from you yet on that. If its a force effect it is "normally" clear per the spell, so we should be able to see inside it. At least that is my take on it.

Everyone please remember Radiant's Banner - It adds +1 to hit and damage. We might need the bonus if a 26 just barely hits. And I think you know this GM Sior - constructs are fully sneak attackable. Do you agree? If they are not Radiant is wasting his time attacking since he has no way to bypass their DR. and I think he could tell as his attack did 15 without sneak and more than double with it.

Ready to fight to the end but confused why the creatures attacked, Radiant appeals to their sense of fairness. Wait! This is not a sage gem. It is from the Sphynx and only appears to be of the jeweled sages. We are not your enemies. It is not too late to work together.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

If his attempt at diplomacy fails to bring about any change in the attitudes of the constructs he spring attacks again, gaining flank and sneak attack. After his attack he moves back into the room.

Dancing Spring Attack, Hasted and Banner with flank: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 225d6 + 9 ⇒ (5, 4, 3, 1, 1) + 9 = 23

It is a solid sphere which glows brightly of its own accord. It is not a wall of force or anything of the like. Imagine more a model sun which glows with light.

Also, the banner does nothing when Radiant goes invisible.

Full update tonight when I'm not on mobile.

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And yes, constructs are sneak attackable. However, there are a lot of shenanigans going on behind the screen which alter the HP and damage totals.

Are you diplomacizing this round and spring attacking the next?

OK. Understand the sphere thing now. And now that he is spring attacking he does not need to go invisible any more. If diplomacy is a standard action then just consider it free talking as he attacks. Even though it looks like he missed, he would attack if they are attacking. If for some reason they are reasonable and stop attacking he would too. :)

Both attacking from the ground, My Friend and the Archon go down swinging.

Great sword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 272d6 + 12 ⇒ (5, 5) + 12 = 22

Great sword confirm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 102d6 + 12 ⇒ (3, 2) + 12 = 17

Great sword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 122d6 + 12 ⇒ (3, 6) + 12 = 21

Bastard Sword: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 111d10 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Bastard Sword: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 191d10 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Whitwood will begin casting enlarge person on Grimnir, to help his vertically challenged friend defeat their enemies, and reach the sphere.

Radiant, the construct to the north was destroyed by Grimnir. I apologize for not updating the map accordingly.

The archon manages to hit once from prone but is unable to make it count.