The Celestial Bureaucracy |
From what you can figure about your position, the dragon's direction and known landmarks, it doesn't seem to be heading anywhere you've heard of.
The ice towers rise all around the area, going from 20 to 150 feet. In their midst, a single basalt black monolith rises about 20 feet. It clearly contrasts with the spires, who look and feel natural, while the monolith has clean faces and sharp edges.
Akulayok |
Akulayok says in Elven, "Black stone calls frozen dead to guard it. That is what shamans say. Dragon lead us to trap."
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26 Add +2 if dragon
Survival1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29 Add +2 if dragon
Know-Geog1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Akulayok |
After Daeron translates, "Shaman say dead protect black stone tower. Dragon might kill bison to give to stone tower. Dragon can carry bison. We should look."
Move to the bison. Study what killed them.
Perception1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25 +2 dragon
Survival1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31 +2 dragon
Knowledge-Nature1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Daeron Lareththor |
Daeron looks at Akulayok appraisingly before saying, "A trap was my thought as well. Cautious investigation does seem to be the order of the day to me as well." The wizard follows his companions at a closer distance (10 feet behind or so), keeping a wary eye on the surrounding terrain. Daeron grows increasingly alarmed at the back and forth conversation that he translates for Akulayok and Pavel. "Friends, if these beasts were walking around and what the shaman says is true, they may not have wandered in, so much as simply wandered around as undead abomination. Proceed cautiously."
Daeron says quietly in an aside to Manulani, "Set the wand aside for now, if I'm right, I should think fire would be more effective." Manulani grins excitedly as he puts away his wand and instead draws a flask of alchemist's fire, starting to toss the flask back and forth in his hands before a stern glare from Daeron stops him.
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Knowledge(Religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 Any substance to my undead bison theory? Substitue other modifiers if they're more appropriate.
Daeron Lareththor |
Right, I'm a wizard. I can do things like that. :P
As the group closes on the monolith, Daeron snaps a few words in Draconic and his eyes begin to glow with an eerie white light. Having cast his spell, he says aloud, "Hold up about fifteen paces from the bison and allow me to investigate before we approach."
Detect magic and stop approaching when I'm close enough to see any auras around them.
Spellcraft to identify any magical auras: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29
If I see any auras around the bison, I'll do the following:
Eyes narrowing in suspicion, Daeron gestures for his companions to wait and says, "There's an unusual magical aura that I'm somewhat nervous about. Let me try something and ready weapons in case I'm right." Daeron pulls a lump of wax from his component pouch and, with a brief invocation, the sounds of the party continue from their current position right up to the corpses.
Cast Ghost Sound to produce the sound of 5 humanoids walking towards the bison.
Daeron Lareththor |
Not sure if it makes a difference but I meant 15 paces e.g. ~ 45 feet (1 pace ~= 3 feet). Meant to add that in the ooc stuff, but I must have forgot while I was busy. No big deal. Am I about level with Pavel and friends?
Daeron Lareththor |
Simultaneously alarmed by the appearance of the magical auras in his sight and the undead bison stirring, Daeron reflexively begins chanting in Draconic. The familiar words of conjuration feel comfortable to him as he continues the lengthy invocation. Feeling exposed, he weaves words of teleportation into his spell and instantly reappears behind his companions.
Meanwhile, Manulani gleefully takes to the air, flying up at a 45-degree angle with startling speed and tosses a flask of alchemist's fire at the nearest creature.
How many bison? Start casting Summon Monster IV but burn a quick action to shift behind my more sturdy companions.
Alchemist's Fire Ranged Touch attack: 1d20 + 6 - 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 - 6 = 10 Flew 60 feet up at a 45 degree angle so he's about 40 feet up.
Alchemist's Fire Ranged Touch damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Splash deviation: 1d8 ⇒ 5
Knowledge(Religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16 What kind of undead are these? Known weaknesses.
Akulayok |
Move action and Swift action to designate two bison farthest from group as Favored targets. This releases the dragon as a studied target. Standard action Total Defense: +6 Dodge bonus to raise AC to 26.
Akulayok quickly studies two of the bison farthest from Pavel and Théoden noting a rotted wound in a hide or a neck longer than usual leaving an open throat.
The Celestial Bureaucracy |
As you step within 15 feet of them, studying the auras, you notice the frozen carcasses of the bisons stir. Suddenly, their eyes get lit by an eldritch blue flame.
You have one round before they get up. Daeron, you haven't had enough time to concentrate beyond detecting the presence of magic.
Pavel, Theoden and Garand are up.
Garand Stone-of-the-Moon |
"Undead, it seems. A waste of good meat, in these harsh and unforgiving climes, making it doubly a crime."
Garand makes sure that he is standing among his companions, moving as necessary to do so, and places a hand upon his holy symbol, waiting for the undead bison to come within range of his channeled energy.
Delay action to channel energy when bison enter a 30 ft. range of the party, preferably before they actually get within 5 ft. of the closest party member. DC 14 Will save for half, 4d6 damage. 4d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 5, 5) = 16
The Celestial Bureaucracy |
Initiatives
A: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
D: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
G: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
P: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
T: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
FB: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
The bisons, with the sound of cracking ice, get to their feet as you prepare for them. With eyes lit up by blue flames, their carcasses' wooly hide entirely covered by an eerie blue ice, they slowly move to face you.
A moment passes, and wind rushes through the spire all around you, singing a howling melody of death...
Map
You are up for round 1.
Pavel |
Pavel maintains his position, mentally asking the sword to spend some of it's attention on defending him.
I don't want to get surrounded, so I'll stay where I am. Taking a +1 from the katana to add one to my AC and entering full defense until one of the bison enters melee range. AC is 26 (22 w/o full defense).
Daeron Lareththor |
Sorry, misread and didn't realize there were new posts. Reference pic for my summons linked below.
Daeron concludes his chanting as the undead abominations finish rising from the ground. With a final gesture, he points to the area just in front of the closest bison. A shining doorway opens and a canine-headed humanoid, wielding a finely crafted blade and wearing fine robes steps from the doorway. Glancing around, his ears perk up as Daeron calls, "Xian, bāngzhù wǒmen zài wǒmen dǎjí zhèxiē kězēng de dòuzhēng."
The creatures nods its head and with a sudden glow surrounding it, it attacks the nearest bison, swinging relentlessly with its heavy blade. On its backswing, it steps near Pavel and Theoden and its glow encompasses them as well.
Power Attack greatsword 1st attack at bison 3: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 2 = 26
Power Attack greatsword 1st damage at bison 3: 2d6 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 6) + 6 + 6 = 19
Power Attack greatsword 2nd attack at bison 3: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 - 2 = 10
Power Attack greatsword 2nd damage at bison 3: 2d6 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 4) + 6 + 6 = 18
AC 19 or 21 vs. evil (has magic circle against evil up constantly within 10 foot radius). He also has DR 10/evil and Aura of Menace with DC 16 will. I accounted for Augment Summons in the above.
Daeron, meanwhile, chews his lip for a moment, thinking before stepping forward and chanting a few brief words in draconic. The small cloth bag he recovered from his component pouch bursts into flame with the wafting stench of gunpowder. Almost immediately after, a streak of light bursts from Daeron's outstretched hand and strikes the same bison before bursting into flame with dazzling light.
Snapdragon Fireworks fire damage with DC 16 reflex half damage or be dazzled: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Manulani, frustrated by the failure of his last attempt, draws another alchemist's fire and tosses it at the unengaged bison after managing some fantastic acrobatics as he descends closer to his victim. Now 20 feet up above the bison assuming that keeps him out of reach.
Fly: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37
Alchemist's fire ranged touch in 2nd increment: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 - 2 = 16
Alchemist's fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Summon the hound archon into K13 where he full attacks undead 3 then he 5 foot steps back to L12. Daeron casts snapdragon fireworks with standard action, 5 foot step to M8 and move action to fire a firework at undead 3. Anyone within a 10 feet radius of the archon gets +2 deflection bonus against evil (Akulayok, Theoden and Pavel?).
Snapdragon Fireworks - 7 rounds
Summon Monster IV - 10 rounds
Theoden Orrick |
"Undead? Well that is most definitely not nearly as exciting. First I lose my finest hour moment and now we are dealing with long dead bison. Boy this day is turning out to be quite dull." Shrugging it off, he braces himself. "C'mon you undead lot!" he yells. Then unable to refrain from making an obvious comment, "You know, those beasts are quite large. Let's hope my taunting means nothing to them. Otherwise...," Theoden grins as he refocuses on the task at hand.
Remain Total Defense. AC 24
Akulayok |
Akulayok waits no longer. With deft swiftness born of years of use, he draws, nocks, and unleashes arrows at the bison.
Favored Target would have been 4 and 1. Fires at 4 first. If it dies, any remaining arrows at 1.
Manyshot with Point Blank Shot and Deadly Aim:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33 (Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18 and 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15)
Manyshot Crit: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24 (2d8 + 22 ⇒ (3, 2) + 22 = 27)
2nd Shot:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 (1d8 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Rapid Shot:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30 (1d8 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Did not add Sneak Attack Dice because I'm assuming they went. If they are flat-footed add the sneak attack dice
Shot 12d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9 Shot 2 2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7-Shot 3 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8
The Celestial Bureaucracy |
The Monolith Trap
Round 1 - The Dragon Hunters
Pavel maintains his position, mentally asking the sword to spend some of it's attention on defending him.
Garand steps forward another pace, to remain within touch range of Pavel and Akulayok, at least, and continues to wait for the bison to approach.
Daeron concludes his chanting as the undead abominations finish rising from the ground. With a final gesture, he points to the area just in front of the closest bison. A shining doorway opens and a canine-headed humanoid, wielding a finely crafted blade and wearing fine robes steps from the doorway. Glancing around, his ears perk up as Daeron calls, "Xian, bāngzhù wǒmen zài wǒmen dǎjí zhèxiē kězēng de dòuzhēng."
The creatures nods its head and with a sudden glow surrounding it, it attacks the nearest bison, swinging relentlessly with its heavy blade. On its backswing, it steps near Pavel and Theoden and its glow encompasses them as well.
Forgot its bite: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 - 2 = 81d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
//Though its icy hide seems to protect the bison from the blade, the archon manages to cut a deep slice, and its aura makes the other three cringe.
Daeron, meanwhile, chews his lip for a moment, thinking before stepping forward and chanting a few brief words in draconic. The small cloth bag he recovered from his component pouch bursts into flame with the wafting stench of gunpowder. Almost immediately after, a streak of light bursts from Daeron's outstretched hand and strikes the same bison before bursting into flame with dazzling light.
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
//The undead seems unphased by the spell.
Manulani, frustrated by the failure of his last attempt, draws another alchemist's fire and tosses it at the unengaged bison after managing some fantastic acrobatics as he descends closer to his victim.
//The projectile hits its target, and you see the ice of the bison’s hide smoke and melt slightly.
"Undead? Well that is most definitely not nearly as exciting. First I lose my finest hour moment and now we are dealing with long dead bison. Boy this day is turning out to be quite dull." Shrugging it off, he braces himself. "C'mon you undead lot!" he yells. Then unable to refrain from making an obvious comment, "You know, those beasts are quite large. Let's hope my taunting means nothing to them. Otherwise...," Theoden grins as he refocuses on the task at hand.
Akulayok waits no longer. With deft swiftness born of years of use, he draws, nocks, and unleashes arrows at the bison.
You don’t have LoS on 4, so it will be bison 1.
Slayer question: do you need an action to choose each target, meaning a swift for the first, and a move for the second?
//Its first arrow sinks deep in the bison’s eye and it slumps to the ground with a deep sound of creaking ice.
Round 1 - The Frostfallen Bisons
Their eyes alight with evil intent, the bisons charge the line of hunters. As they approach, Garand releases holy energy around him. It incapacitates the first bison as it approaches, but the other two move through your ranks, trampling everyone on their path. As they do so, you feel the sting of their icy shell as it touches and burns you.
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Akulayok: 2d6 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 4) + 9 + (5) = 23
Pavel: 2d6 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 2) + 9 + (1) = 14
Pavel: 2d6 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 2) + 9 + (1) = 15
Hound: 2d6 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 9 + (2) = 17
Hound: 2d6 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 5) + 9 + (2) = 19
Theoden: 2d6 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 6) + 9 + (4) = 24
Garand: 2d6 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 6) + 9 + (5) = 24
All damage: save DC 21 for half, unless you wish to take an AoO (not possible if you were in total defense or shooting your bow). Most of you have resistance for cold.
Akulayok: -18 hp, -5 cold
Pavel: trampled twice -13 and -14 hp, -1 and -1 hp cold
Hound Archon: trampled twice: -15 and -17 hp, -2 and -2 cold
Theoden: -20 hp, -4 from cold
Garand: -19 hp, -5 from cold
Status
Summoned Round Archon round 1/7
Circle of Protection from Evil with Archon
Other spells are still active?
Wow, that was a long round to compile! All are up!
Akulayok |
Yes. You need an action for each target. It takes a bit to choose targets as you can have more. Took the actions the first round.
I would have moved 5 feet to gain line of sight or chosen Bison 2. He wouldn't have wasted arrows if he didn't have line of slight. He will fire on another bison he can see.
I don't think they have an unimpeded path to me for charging. I'll go with it.
Ref Save:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Daeron Lareththor |
Archon lasts total of 10 rounds due to my teleportation specialization. Are the weapons evil aligned? Also, are they evil (presumably)? The archon has DR 10/evil and a +2 resistance to saves against evil due to magic circle that I forgot to include in my post.. If anyone in the aura doesn't have a +2 resistance bonus, you'll get that bonus due to the magic circle against evil.
Archon reflex DC 21: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 = 9
So that's 17 and 19 for each trample reduced to 7 and 9 by the DR or 16 total damage on the archon. Correct me if I'm wrong. :)
Snarling angrily, the archon pursues the bison, dodging nimbly around the ice spires and moving into a position to protect its summoner. With an angry yell, it swings forcefully at the undead abomination as its blade is reduced to a glittering arc.
Acrobatics to move through a threatened square O-10: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Archon power attack greatsword attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 2 = 22
Archon power attack greatsword damage: 2d6 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 4) + 6 + 6 = 20
Alarmed by the speed at which the bison had moved through his companions, Daeron steps backword, shouting towards his familiar, "Manulani, prepare to assist the others with healing!" Without waiting any longer, Daeron begins chanting in draconic, the sounds guttural and unusually deep. Without warning, he disappears from view before a sudden concussive pop indicates that he has teleported to a nearby location.
5 foot step to O-6, cast Vanish (defensively if needed) before burning a swift action to shift the heck outta dodge by moving away from the bison (Q5 or so?).
Casting defensively target DC 17: 1d20 + 7 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 5 + 2 = 18
Manulani rolls his eyes and grumps about "Annoying wizardses and bossy elfs...", but complies by drawing his curative wand and flying nearer to Pavel, still reluctant to get closer to the ground then 15 feet.
Fly to hover over Pavel: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19
Snapdragon Fireworks - 6 rounds
Summon Monster IV - 9 rounds
Vanish (Daeron) - 5 rounds
Mage armor (Daeron) - 14 hours from when we left camp this morning
Mage armor (Manulani) - 7 hours from encountering dragon
Theoden Orrick |
Ref: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 2 = 27
Theoden moves toward the bison carefully, remembering the last time he fought a creature larger than him. Need to be more careful moving within their range; I will get clobbered. Or possibly eaten. Best to approach with a bit more caution this time. The large woman taught me that.
5' step to M 11. Or a 10' step I guess if we're walking on ice(Which is a move). Remain total defense(standard).
AC 24; Hp's 47(46?)/57. Okay, I can't remember again. Would half of 21 be 11 or 10?
The Celestial Bureaucracy |
[dice=Ref]1d20+7+2
Theoden moves toward the bison carefully, remembering the last time he fought a creature larger than him. Need to be more careful moving within their range; I will get clobbered. Or possibly eaten. Best to approach with a bit more caution this time. The large woman taught me that.
5' step to M 11. Or a 10' step I guess if we're walking on ice(Which is a move). Remain total defense(standard).
AC 24; Hp's 47(46?)/57. Okay, I can't remember again. Would half of 21 be 11 or 10?
Also, Theoden, having been around a fair bit, knows that large quadruped creatures don't have the same reach as bipeds.
Garand Stone-of-the-Moon |
Reflex save 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Garand grunts in pain as the ice-covered brutes slams into him on the way by, before unleashing another burst of positive energy, to try and bring them down.
positive energy damage, will save DC 14 for half 4d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 6, 1) = 13
Daeron Lareththor |
With a quiet word, Daeron reappears from thin air as he dismisses his invisibility spell. He frowns down at the undead and absentmindedly scratches at his chin. That was over quickly. Akulayok's skills as an archer are... impressive, to say the least. Still, best to be sure there is no trickery going on. Daeron barks a command word in draconic and a faint glow emanates from his icy eyes. He studies the corpses of each for a moment, hoping to glean some idea of what the animating force for the creatures was. "Garand, what do you make of these beasts? I'm still drawing conclusions, or I'd share my thoughts." With a casual glance at the monument, Daeron frowns in frustration. [i]Is
Manulani flies down from his vantage point, striking a heroic pose as he lands and puffing out his chest, "Hey boss! I got em good, eh?" Daeron chuckles and nods, "Yes Manu, your contribution was invaluable, thank you. Perhaps you'd like to offer that wand to Garand so our companions wounds can be healed?" Manulani glances at the shaman and wanders over casually. With a stoic salute, he offers the curative wand to the Shoanti cleric and says, "Here ya go, magicman."
Spellcraft to identify aura/spell if I find one: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
Knowledge(Religon) to see if I know what kind of undead these are: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Akulayok |
Akulayok feels the positive energy wash over him. He looks at Garand with a wary eye. He says to Daeron, "He is shaman? Who does he pray to?"
Akulayok retrieves his arrows checking each one to ensure the shaft, fletching, and arrowhead for damage. He washes the heads and shafts with a bit of snow and places them in his quiver.
In Elvish he says, "Dragon try to kill us with dead bison."
Pavel |
Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Did I need two?
Reflex 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
15 damage total.
Pavel reels under the charge, reacting moments too late after Garand and Akulayok have already dealt with the things.
"Bluh'bloody waste. Well... seems like we're entering a deadly game of cat and mouse, eh? Though I think it's chuh'cheating to throw bison in there..."
Theoden Orrick |
Remaining in his stance for a moment longer, Theoden simply sighs. "Well that was not even close to being our finest hour. This battle - so far - truly has not been as exciting as I had envisioned, gentlemen. Of course, not fighting that magnificent dragon has everything to do with it. And I do believe our new friend is right; I think the dragon is using the dead animals to kill us." His eyes then narrow in thought as he ponders the situation to himself. "Set the trap to animate the undead things. Fly away. Let us use our resources to fight those instead of him. He comes back and fights us when we are at our most vulnerable. Hm. Well that's brilliant. Positively brilliant." A look of appreciation on such a plan forms. "This dragon is quite clever. A worthy foe, no doubt." Turning to Pavel, "And you are correct, my dour friend. He is cheating. But it is as they say: 'All's fair in love and war'," he says with a grin. "We just need to out-cheat the cheater. The question is: How?"
Daeron Lareththor |
Surprised, Daeron glances at Garand before replying to Akulayok, "He's a shaman of sorts I suppose. A worshipper of Erastil, a god I think you might appreciate, but I'm hardly the one to provide such details. He speaks our tongue if you wish to ask him." The last is said with a slight smile. Chuckling at Pavel and Theoden's back and forth, Daeron replies, "It is rather unfair, but as Theoden points out, we'll simply have to be 'unfair-er'. It has the advantage of being able to fly off, so I think a good first step would be to negate that advantage. What do you think of our odds if we can track it to its lair? The downside is that we'll be in its territory..." Looking contemplative, the wizard trails off. With a sudden flash of insight, Daeron grows animated, gesturing towards the area as he says, "Alternatively, could we attempt to ambush the creature? It will eventually have to return to check to see if its trap worked. We could ambush it then. If we have the time, I could even prepare a spell to aid our ruse. It should not take more than an hour and a half or so."
Memo to self: Get a wand of silent image. So my thought is spend an hour resting and 15 minutes preparing spell and then we lay an ambush. Ring of sustenance is a help here... though I really should have a few scrolls already.
Akulayok |
Akulayok in Elven, "How you trick dragon? You make us look dead near black stone? How long your magics last to keep cold breath from freezing bones? If dragon not return soon, we should look for cave to camp in."
Are you thinking illusion to make us look dead? Then hope the white dragon returns to see how the undead bison did against us? We could give it a shot. Might be hard with dragon's senses.