Shackled City (Pathfinder) - GM_Chris

Game Master Chris Shannon 719

The party manages to get eight hours of rest. There is no obvious sign of the scone thief.

1d100 ⇒ 45
1d100 ⇒ 95
1d100 ⇒ 37
1d100 ⇒ 27
1d100 ⇒ 79
1d100 ⇒ 24
1d100 ⇒ 85
1d100 ⇒ 28

Dyrant wakes up freshed and stretches his legs.

"Come along now, Aralynn, we have prayers to pray and Angels to rescue!" Dyrant begins to engage in his morning rituals, furiously working to enact St. Cuthbert's will even in the Abyss.

* * *

Upon passing through the acid bath, Dyrant will cast Prying Eyes, sending one to scout all the way to the end of the spiral and return, and two more (in succession) to watch and report on what happens to the first one.

Toffitt carries the rakshasa's body out of the tunnels, and examines it carefully somewhat removed from camp. Transmute... How does it..? Ah there. Aqua vita di felidae sapiens. He collects certain materials and places them in his bag.

In the morning, he prepares his extracts, drinks his new, bitter variant of his 'moon tea,' and does a vigorous regimen of exercises and stretches.

He waits until stepping out of the acid bath to drink his various extracts.

Upon passing through the acid bath, Dyrant will cast Prying Eyes, sending one to scout all the way to the end of the spiral and return, and two more (in succession) to watch and report on what happens to the first one.

One of the eyes returns shortly.

1d4 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12 Eyes - 2 used
2d10 + 11 ⇒ (10, 3) + 11 = 24 Temp HP

Dyrant will explain to the party what the eyes saw.

1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 18 + 2 = 28 Know (Arcana) - Golem
1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 15 + 2 = 28 Know (Nature) - Bat

Dyrant rubs his chin, trying to remember how to best defeat what his angel eyes revealed to him.

"Uh...uhm...golem, eh? Uh..."

Glimmil's pacing throughout the camp is punctuated by a hop every time he pivots and changes directiom.

"Golems and bat-men! Something new for our heroic do-derring! Do you think they're the last part of the test?"

Glimmil unstraps Claw-Whomper and gives it a few practice swings.

"I don't know if Garl's blessings will let me smite a golem. Are they evil? Are they cunning warriors? Dyrant? What do you know? What's taking you so long to respond? Dyrant?"

Glimmil tugs at the priest's robes as he continues to repeat Dyrant's name a total of three times, as if he were performing an oratory ritual to summon the man's ghost.

Atol casts create food and water for dinner, then wakes refreshed and prays to holy St. Cuthbert before preparing his spells.

He'll prepare for the day by casting Magic Vestment on Finneas' armor (+2 AC (enhancement) for 10 hours).

"Clay Golem? Isn't that a kind of construct? Pretty tough I'd say. Maybe he's there just like the lich - to tell us what to do next. Might not be a fight. Dunno about the dire bats though. I bet they're in need of a cudgeling."

Once Dyrant shares some insight, it's possible that Glimmil's prayers to Garl for spells the next day change slightly...

Dyrant snaps out his reverie to finally notice the brave gnome.

"Oh, there you are, Glim. Yes, a clay golem...no, we're not sure if either it or the bat are part of the test or just in our way, but we should be plan for defeating them. From what I recall about the golem, they...blah blah blah...tough magical resistance...blah blah...chalky flavor...blah blah blah...adamantine weapons, and blunt!...blah blah blah...and so, we should prepare accordingly."

Dyrant resists the urge to tussle the young child's, uhm, I mean, Glim's hair.

"If there are no further questions, let us move on."

* * *
Dyrant, using his memories from the angel eyes, will stop the party in safe, yet close place along the swirling path.

"If we have any preparations for battle that may or may not be necessary, let us do them now. The golem awaits not-to-far away."

Dyrant will cast See Invisibility and use his Pearl 2 to regain it.

Dyrant will beg Aralynn for the gift of flight as the party proceeds and trails a bit behind the lead (G/C).

Blessing of St. Cuthbert to Finn/Cog.

Glimmil stops his bouncing as he listens to Atol.

"Lich?! What lich? Kaurophon? I thought he was a demon or a devil? Did I miss something?"

The gnome radiates both eagerness and anxiety in considering what adversaries await them in their next battle.

Prep as you will and then we'll proceed.

Initiative
Atol1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Dyrant 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Finneas 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Finneas Bonus roll 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Glimmil1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Toffitt 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Golem 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

Round 1
Toffitt = 28
Finneas = 27
Glimmil = 19
Golem = 15
Dyrant = 11 +
Atol = 11-

Round 1 Map

Couldn't find anything for the golem, but Glimmil picks up some new spells and casts them as they near the top of the tubes.

Glimmil casts the following on himself/the party:

1. Veil of Positive Energy : +2 sacred AC/saves vs undead (Glim only)
2. Aura of Greater Courage : allies near Glimmil are immune to fear
3. Magic Circle Vs Evil : usual +2 goodness vs evil within 10ft of Glimmil

Round 1, Init 19

Reaching the top of their ascent, Glimmil rubs Cog's neck with much enthusiasm, both at the promise of battling even greater do-badders, but also because it harkens that their time in the Abyss will hopefully be coming to an end soon.

The gnome doesn't hesitate to follow his companions (presumably Finneas and Toffitt are engaging), Glimmil enters the room (to I,13 with lance and shield) and begins to glow with the glittery glamers of Garl while aiming the point of his lance at the clay-giant.

"Holy throne rooms! Where's the bat-man?"

Swift action to Smite Evil. It won't add any +hit or +damage since the golem is likely not evil, but it'll at least allow bypassing the DR/adamantite.

Round 1, Init 28 {>O16}

Thanks for using your 20s on my Init!

Toffitt consumes a couple of additional extracts as the party gathers (echolocation, shield, expeditious retreat if Atol doesn't do Blessings of Fervor). "Finneas, Atol: if it makes sense to do so, fog or mist will allow me to, er, operate on the golem or other creatures with some ease. But I wouldn't want to get in the way of your fun."

Toffitt speeds into the room and strikes at the golem with a degree of caution.

Dueling blade, heroism, fight defensively, rage: 1d20 + 16 + 2 - 4 - 3 ⇒ (14) + 16 + 2 - 4 - 3 = 25
1d8 + 7 + 9 + 5d6 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 9 + (4, 2, 2, 5, 5) = 42

LOL@Glim & Holy direbatmanz. However, there's a clause in Smite that reads 'If the paladin targets a creature that is not evil, the smite is wasted with no effect.' Though it's awkwardly placed in the text...

Round 1 Init 27

Will cast Prot. Evil, Magic Vestment, Divine Favor, and Enlarge on myself before we march up to the golem. I'll need to get home to finalize my stats and make sure I have all the bonuses correctly, need to run right now I'm late for an appointment.

Waiting for Finneas's final positioning and any pre-initiative buffs from Atol.

Dyrant would be another 10' back of the clump and 5' up. Aralynn is nearby. I don't think that will change much, however.

Sorry - I'd have cast Bless (not from the Cassock, but the actual spell so it'd last a while) before going in, but I'd save Blessings of Fervor for round one. Atol is still not sure what to make of the golem before combat actually begins.

Finneas will move up and strike the golem.

"It's very large! For Kord!"

Greatsword Power Attack Divine Favor Bless: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 243d6 + 19 ⇒ (6, 5, 3) + 19 = 33

I'm not sure how Finneas is moving that far and attacking. Did I miss a haste? I see the expeditious retreat for Toffitt

Some of the party rushes into the room. Toffitt strikes the first blow. The golem pounds at Toffitt.

37? Really? Ha. It's only 36. You can't stack your enhancement bonuses from the amulet and barkskin.

1d20 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 22
1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 29

Round 1 continued
Dyrant = 11 +
Atol = 11-
Round 2
Toffitt = 28
Finneas = 27 - Can keep his hit.
Glimmil = 19
Golem (-32) = 15

Round 1/2

Round 1, Init 11+

Dyrant delays.

Waiting to see what Atol casts. I don't particularly think we'll need BoF here. Says the guy with 37 AC. Er, 36 AC.

Pah! You're right. Glimmil wouldn't have wasted a smite, then. He'll need to overcome DR the old-fashioned way

Round 2, Init 19

With the golem in sight, Glimmil lowers his lance and rushes ahead astride Cog.

"ChaaAaaarrge!"

Glimmil attack #1 (+1 lance, charge, power, bless) 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 17 + 2 + 1 = 26 for 2d6 + 2 + 12 + 18 ⇒ (1, 2) + 2 + 12 + 18 = 35

Not sure if a ride-by is possible through Toffitt and the rounded outer edge.

I'm not sure how Finneas is moving that far and attacking. Did I miss a haste? I see the expeditious retreat for Toffitt

Sorry, posted late and wanted to get my bonuses listed, didn't look at the map as closely as I should've.

Not sure if a ride-by is possible through Toffitt and the rounded outer edge.

Nope. Not enough space.

Round 1, Initiative 11-, Location: J6->M10

Atol will move into the room and cast Blessing of Fervor. It looks very large, and looks like it will really hurt Finneas when it attacks him. Everyone is affected I think, excepting Dyrant who is out of the area.

Atol will gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves from Blessings of Fervor.

Round 2, Init 28

Toffitt continues to chip away at Claypotman, anxious to permanently slow it down. He almost smiles for the joy of breaking earthenware.

Dueling blade, flank, heroism, power attack: 1d20 + 16 + 2 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (16) + 16 + 2 + 2 - 3 = 33
1d8 + 7 + 9 + 5d6 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 9 + (6, 1, 4, 5, 1) = 39

Iterative: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 2 + 2 - 3 = 28
1d8 + 7 + 9 + 5d6 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 9 + (6, 5, 3, 2, 1) = 36

Blessing of fervor: 1d20 + 16 + 2 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (5) + 16 + 2 + 2 - 3 = 22
1d8 + 7 + 9 + 5d6 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 9 + (2, 6, 5, 4, 1) = 41

And the clay golem falls.

We're staying in rounds though. To get everyone one the same track. Dyrant and Atol go in Round 2. Then everyone in Round 3.

Round 2
Toffitt = 28 - hit
Finneas = 27 - hit
Glimmil = 19 - kill
Atol = 11 - TBD
Dyrant = 10 - TBD
Round 3
Toffitt = 28 -
Finneas = 27 -
Glimmil = 19 -
Atol = 11 -
Dyrant = 10 -

Round 2, Init 11+

Dyrant will fly to L7 and command two eyes (one after the other) up the stairs.

"Go until you see danger or can't go no further."
"You there, follow that one and return if it is attacked."

Dyrant smiles as the fluttering eyes do Cuthbert's work.

Dyrant casts Detect Magic.

"What's the deal with the throne?"

GM Gristle, what's the deal with the throne?

Round 2, Initiative 11-, Location: M10

Atol looks carefully around the room. "Where are the bats? Isn't this bat country?"

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Atol will take out a pearl of power and replace his Bless spell.

Atol will gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves from Blessings of Fervor.

Toffitt drinks his extract of invisibility and sneaks up the stairs slowly (getting 10-15 up?)

1d20 + 6 + 2 + 20 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 2 + 20 = 42

Though quiet, the scree of his echolocation is audible to any bats or similarly acute listeners.

Round 3, Init 19

"And take that, clay-giant!"

Glimmil struggles to extract his lance from the gooey consistency of the clay-giant and begins to look about their room.

"A throne!? Was this the Clay King?"

The gnome looks to the doctor to share his jest, but realizes the doctor has already disappeared and left the room after just a few seconds of combat.

"We should try to find the batman, fast -- while we have Atol's blessing."

Glimmil begins looking around, particularly up at the ceiling.

"Where are you...?"

Round 3 Init 27

"Bats? Why would there be bats? Maybe they're hiding?"

Finneas quickly prays for Batvision.

See Invisibility.

The throne is big enough for a large creature. It's covered on black spikes.

in case there was confusion, the bat was in the next room up the staircase.

Nothing else discovered with the see invisibility and echolocation.

Dyrant was confused.

Round 3, Init 11-

"Come along now. The bats are up the stairs, let us move quickly."

Dyrant will fly to O17 (20' up) and ready to fly up the stairs.

Assuming Atol doesn't do anything too odd. The party can move on to Round 4

Round 3, Initiative 11-, Location: M10

Atol pauses while something in him stirs. He does a quick jig in front of the throne, dancing to a king only he sees.

Er. I mean he climbs up the stairs with the others.

Atol will gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves from Blessings of Fervor.

Toffitt continues up the stairs and peaks into the room atop them. His hands are empty, ready to draw a weapon from his little arsenal.

Finneas will follow behind, sword out and ready for batnanigans.

Hmmm. Putting the party back on track, I'm going to move everyone for Round 4 and start Round 5. Double movement up the stairs. Squeezing also for Finneas unless he gets rid of enlarge.

At the top of the stairs a bonfire of utter blackness dominates the center of the room. It dances as if it were normal flame, but it's a slick glossy black rather than the orange-red of a fire. Surrounding the black flames is a pale yellow corona that casts light about the room. A sheaf of papers lies scattered near the base of the black-flame bonfire. Several passages orginate in this room, with at least some of them doubling back on themselves. Beyond the bonfire is another spiral staircase. The ceiling is 15' high.

Also, Glimmil still has his magic circle, but no one else has the protection as Glimmil went more than 10' away from everyone.

Round 5
Toffitt = 28 -
Finneas (englarge round 0)= 27 -
Glimmil (CoP Evil) = 19 -
Atol = 11 -
Dyrant (fly round 0)= 10 -
Party buffs
Round 1 - Blessing of Fervor

Round 5 Map

Round 5, Init 28 {>?}

Toffitt moves quietly into the room until his echolocation works (up to 11 squares with only -5 to stealth). He then attempts to detect any potential foe.. He draws his bow as he moves and gets ready to fire should any threats make their presence known. He does not consider dire bats and such a threat.

Comp bow, blessing, invisible, heroism: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 15 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 37
1d8 + 1 + 5d6 ⇒ (7) + 1 + (5, 3, 6, 3, 3) = 28'

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 20 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 + 20 - 5 = 29

If you saw the silence spell above before I edited it out, ignore it. I've replaced the book's creature with a Pathfinder equivalent to give the party a chance to deal with something aside from the core rulebook.

Round 5, Init 10

Dyrant will fly up to K21 at 15' up.

Unless otherwise noted, Dyrant and Aralynn will be sharing space.

Dyrant will look around (still under effects of extended See Invisibility).

1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 14 + 2 = 35 Perception

For that perception check combined with see invisibility, I'll have to give you this.

Dyrant sees a Clairaudience/Clairvoyance sensor abvoe the entrance to the room (M-21).

Hilarious and interesting.

Dyrant mimics an open eye and cupped ear to people while pointing to the sensor.

You're an idiot.
So are they.

Round 5, Init 19

Glimmil looks at Dyrant's mimery and smiles back at the priest.

It's as if he thinks we're back in Cauldron! He's trying to cheer us up with some pantomimes!

"You're a... a... wait, I know this. A one-eyed elephant? No, that can't be right."

Glimmil scratches his head and shrugs at Dyrant's glare, realizing he should advance into the room and deal with any likely do-badders.

Glimmil will defer to the others, then move into a location where the others can most benefit from his aura, and ready a standard action to attack with his lance with his remaining standard (if he still has it).

Presumably the doctor will run off invisibly somewhere and not be factored into the aura calculations.

Round 5, Initiative 11-, Location: M10

Atol will follow Glimmil into the room. Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16 Understanding the basics of what Dyrant is trying to show, he'll assume that combat is imminent (or at least close at hand) and cast Bull's Strength on Glimmil (+4 strength (enhancement) for 20 minutes).

Atol will extend Bulls Strength to twice the duration from Blessings of Fervor.