#4–08: The Cultist's Kiss [PFS] (Inactive)

Game Master Mari Clock

Lissala. The beast says matter of fact.

I'm going to need a reply from everyone before I go on here.

Is there any way to stay in character that won't wreck the mission for everyone else? I was seen around town with them, but maybe there is a way I can just bolt PR something. I really don't care if I have to fight them all by myself and don't make it.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Realizing he is slow to understand and respond, Arn's face flushes. "Lissala"

Oswin, you are free to reply with anything you want.

"Lissala." Tal says as he continues to admire his new tattoo.

Well, I really hope this doesn't count as a jerk move. I will try to maintain the integrity of the success condition for those that choose/are able to press on.

Oswin flinches at first, then draws himself up to full height. He backs away from the leader, passing behind the circle if they do not bar him. He then speaks in a clear voice:

"I serve only one mistress: Iomedae the Inheritor! I will not kneel before your heathen god and I will smite any who dares attempt to prevent my departure!"

Oswin will move towards the exit, one hand on his sword hilt, the other clutching his holy symbol.

Oswin, I think this is one of those times where things play out better in RL than PBP. Don't worry about RPing your character in NO way is that "being a jerk". This part of the encounter is a trial by fire both literally and figuratively.

You are a brave soul Oswin for following your friends into this forge! Your loyalty will be your armor and your obedience your shield Awveyen says, loud enough so every one can hear. Again he places his hand on the cleric's shoulder trying reassure him and to keep him from leaving. Lissala holds loyalty and obedience in high regard! You shall be rewarded for your service!
Bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Awveyen then steps forward and declares Lissala! before waking into the furnace.

Shandor revels in the present moment, his tattooed runes flaring with the beating of his heart.

"I serve Lissala, body and soul!"

Shandor, after you reply, the gathered cultists reply ”May it please the goddess” and the woman cultist sends you in to the furnace.
Shandor Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Talhaern, after you reply, the gathered cultists reply ”May it please the goddess” and the woman cultist sends you in to the furnace.
Talhaern Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

Oswin, after you reply, the gathered cultists reply ”So be it” and the woman cultist sends you in to the furnace.
Oswin Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23
Round 1 3d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 2) = 7 Fire Damage
Round 2 3d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 6) = 9 Fire Damage
Round 3 3d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 6) = 13 Fire Damage
Round 4 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 4) = 9 Fire Damage
Round 5 3d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 4) = 8 Fire Damage
Please make 5 Fortitude (not Reflex) saves for half damage.

Awveyen, after you reply, the gathered cultists reply ”May it please the goddess” and the woman cultist sends you in to the furnace.
Awveyen Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (19) + 21 = 40

Arnthoth, after you reply, the gathered cultists reply ”May it please the goddess” and the woman cultist sends you in to the furnace.
Arnthoth Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Julian, after you reply, the gathered cultists reply ”May it please the goddess” and the woman cultist sends you in to the furnace.
Julian Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

After 5 rounds (for each of you) the rear door of the furnace opens.

The furnace’s secret exit opens to a twenty-foot-square room with two exits in the northeast corner. It is empty save for two large barrels in the southwest corner.

Fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Oswin gasps as the flames wrap around him, but he does not falter, his faith buoying him up, though he comes through the ordeal feeling worse off...

He then enters the secret room, eyes keen as he waits for the others to decide where to go next.

Oh, I forgot, the DC was 18. You made two of them.

Julian will point out the door with the runes. and move to the door and open it and proceed through.

A cultist that has been standing silently while you all come through the back door, greets you when you are all through, “I am Tesserick. You have shown yourselves to be worthy of what you are about to receive. You have been asked to wear the rune of the goddess on your flesh, and have put yourselves in mortal danger to obey the command of Lissala. The furnace has burned away your old life. Your fears, your weaknesses—those things are gone now. In the furnace, Lissala saw the strength of your dedication, and she was pleased. But now she must see the force of your will. You must decide among yourselves who is the most worthy of the goddess’s honor, and who’s the least. The most worthy will receive power beyond imagining. What happens to the weakest should be none of your concern. There are no rules save this: You have five minutes. In five minutes, you must present the greatest and the weakest among you, or you will all return to the furnace. And this time it will not be so kind.”

Sali, after hearing the speech, declares, I am sure I am the weakest.

So 34 damage overall?

Oswin takes a moment to heal himself.

Converting one Holy Smite into a cure critical wounds.

CCW: 4d8 + 9 ⇒ (2, 8, 6, 5) + 9 = 30

"If one must be deemed weak, and suffer some unknown fate, then let it be me. I walk with my goddess, and into her hands I place my fate."

When I ran a special at TotalCon recently, one of my players actually asked me, "You don't work at a bank, do you?" because my math was so bad. I have no idea what damage you take. As far as I'm concerned this is on an honor system.

Shandor grins, literally bathing in the glory of this very instant. "I am the most worthy, there's no doubt about that." says the "nobleman".

That is a very noble sacrifice. The irony is that through your acts you are proving to be the strongest among us. Awveyen says in a hushed tone to to Oswin. Turning to Shandor he whispers, Do not forget this is a ruse. I wouldn't want you to get too carried away.

I think no more than half hour has passed since you entered the Foundry.

Julian will wait a few minutes before drinking some extracts:

Haste, Heroism, Aid, Barkskin, Bull's Strength, False Life, and Enlarge Person.

Seeing Julian start to buff up Awveyen will cast some spells as well.

[ooc]Are you going to oallow Oswin to claimm the weakest?[ooc]

Awveyen is waiting to see what happens when he is offered up. He wan'ts to find out as much as possible but will not let Oswin be killed or left along with any of the cultists.

I'll look over some buffs for myself too. My best are short duration, but some could be powerful.

-Posted with Wayfinder

On hearing your decisions, Tesserick congratulates you, The final stage of your initiation is about to begin. Soon, you will feast upon the heart.

He hands you all black bags, Place these on your heads.

As I need to separate you when you've placed the bags on your heads, I need to know if Oswin is the weakest or if Sali will be allowed to be the weakest as he volunteered first.

Shandor puts on the black bag, wondering if Kaer Magan customs have taken root here. He does not intervene on the weakest link question, one way or another.

Oswin will cast Protection from Evil upon himself and insist on taking the place of the weakest.

Yes, I envision Iomedaens as a bit Catholic, so the self-sacrifice would be something Oswin is into.

Okay.
Shandor and Oswin are taken in to H6 (north door). Charito Menas removes Shandor's blindfold, and you recognize her as the missing Pathfinder, while another cultist forces Oswin to his knees.

Charito speaks to Shandor, “The greatest gift Lissala has to offer is eternal life. It shall be yours. But there is one last rite you must undergo, to show us that you are dedicated to the goddess above all else. Take this knife, and with it, remove the heart of the wretch before you. Feast upon that heart, for those who are unworthy to serve in life should feed those who rule with their blood. The blood will baptize you, and the hour of your glorious transformation will be at hand.”

The rest of the party, and Sali, are taken in to H5 (east door). Tesserick and additional cultists inform you are ready to serve Lissala. While you are blindfolded, they attempt to drain your blood.

Grapple/Blood Drain on Talhearn: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 dealing ConDmg: 1d2 ⇒ 1 if grappled.

Grapple/Blood Drain on Arnthoth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 dealing ConDmg: 1d2 ⇒ 2 if grappled.

Grapple/Blood Drain on Julian: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 dealing ConDmg: 1d2 ⇒ 2 if grappled.

Please correct me if I am using this ability wrong. PRD says: Blood Drain (Ex) The creature drains blood at the end of its turn if it grapples a foe, inflicting Constitution damage. Format: blood drain (1d2 Constitution); Location: Special Attacks.

Thats as far as we are going, Pathfinders! Time to end this cult the convetional way! Awveyen says taking off his blindfold.

Initiatives
Shandor: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Talhaern: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Oswin: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Awveyen: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Arnthoth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Julian: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Feaster Blue: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Feaster Red: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Feaster Yellow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Feaster Pink: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Charito Purple: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

(sorted)
Charito Purple: 27
Shandor: 25
Feaster Red: 24
Awveyen: 23
Talhaern: 21
Oswin: 19
Feaster Blue: 13
Feaster Pink: 13
Feaster Yellow: 12
Julian: 12
Arnthoth: 7

Even though the fighting will occur in separate rooms, they are happening at the same time, so everyone has an initiative order.

Charito is going to delay to see if Shandor is going to kill Oswin or not.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (19) + 22 = 41

Tal deftly maneuvers into a flanking position with Arnthoth and strikes at one of the assailants.

Attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33, Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10, Sneak Attack: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 5) = 13

Shandor hesitates a second, before he drops the knife, steps aside and starts chanting the foundings of an arcane spell in Thassilonian. His flesh turns green, the runes covering his body flare to life. Prying a tiny red dragon scale out of his component pouch, Shandor finishes casting his spell, with a final, guttural word full of anger. A split-second later, a cone of searing flames engulfs the two cultists.

Casting dragon breath (as a spell-like ability) on both cultists, using the 60-foot cone fire version.

Fire damage, Ref DC 22 halves: 12d6 + 12 ⇒ (6, 2, 3, 3, 1, 3, 3, 1, 1, 3, 4, 5) + 12 = 47

Then Shandor touches his Sihedron medallion to enhance his vitality.
False Life CL5: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

By the way, what kind of action is required to activate the blessing of Lissala?

Awveyen takes a step back as fires a point blank shot right into the face of the closest, flatfooted, cultists (pink).

Knowledge: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19 (+7 for Arcana)
+1 Longbow w/ Point Blank Shot, Arcane Strike, Deadly Aim, Focused Shot, Gravity Bow, Flame Arrow, and Bulls Str
Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
Damage: 2d6 + 1d6 + 18 ⇒ (5, 2) + (2) + 18 = 27
If I can Identify the cultists and I have a bane arrow to match I'll use it
for +2 to hit and 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 5) + 2 = 13 extra damage
All my bane arrows have adamantine blanch and count as cold iron and silver due to the enhancement bonus, standard arrows are cold iron with silver blanch

Is there an action to remove the blindfold?

Much like drawing a weapon, it is probaly smething you can do while you take a regular move. I'm not sure if there is a specific rule about it, though. Anyone?

Attacking the vampire attempting to grapple me.

Raging, Buffed
bite: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 16 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 332d6 + 11 + 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5, 3) + 11 + 2 + 3 + 1 = 25
claw: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 16 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 391d8 + 11 + 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 2 + 3 + 1 = 25
claw: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 16 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 431d8 + 11 + 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 2 + 3 + 1 = 18

bite: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 16 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 452d6 + 11 + 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5, 3) + 11 + 2 + 3 + 1 = 25

if both claws hit
bleed: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6

Forgot the AoO for it attacking me, trying to grapple, since i am a large creature
bite: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 16 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 272d6 + 11 + 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2, 5) + 11 + 2 + 3 + 1 = 24

A move action sounds about right. That being said, I assumed they removed the blindfolds before making their request?

Ripping the blindfold from his face, Arnthoth takes a step backward, working himself into a rage, and swings his hammer at the south of him.

Attack, Flank, Power Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (2) + 17 + 2 - 3 = 18
Vital Strike: 2d12 + 13 + 12 ⇒ (3, 2) + 13 + 12 = 30
Elemental Rage (acid): 1d6 ⇒ 4

Shandor is the only one who had his mask removed. Everyone else's stayed on them. I'm not really sure how to activate the mark, my guess is just touch it, like Voldemort's dark mark.
Reflex Charito: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Reflex Vampire Pink: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

After Shandor attacks with his Fire, Charito will five foot up and strike Oswin with her ShockRapier: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 for 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 as well as 1d6 ⇒ 5 electricity damage and 3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 4) = 11 for sneak attack damage because he is flat footed.

Feaster Red takes will 5 foot over to flank with Feaster Blue against Arnthoth and will Slam: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 = 10 for 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 plus energy drain.

Awveyen takes aim and does 40 points of damage to (someone not Pink because there is a wall between you, I switched it to Blue).

Talhearn terribly sorry, but will be unable to flank Red now since Red moved, but if you can still get in to a Flank position now that he’s taken his turn, you can still get your sneak attack, but I’m not sure how you can do that. So, without Flank you do 10 damage to Red.

Yellow will attempt to Slam: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 = 10 for 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 plus energy drain on Julian, immediately afterward Julian tore Yellow to shreds.

Blue will also Slam: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 = 29 for 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 plus energy drain on Arnthoth (flanking with red)

Arnthoth I was working on this while you posted, but your attack missed. Oswin may change one of my posts, but I wanted to get them on here I had a horrible day I’m exhausted and grumpy. And it doesn't help now that all my attacks just failed :(

Charito Purple: 23 dmg
Shandor:
Feaster Red: 10 dmg
Awveyen:
Talhaern:
Oswin:
Feaster Blue: 40 dmg
Feaster Pink: dead
Feaster Yellow: dead
Julian:
Arnthoth:

Not all of them. You have a crit threat against Arny

Obviously I'm asleep already.
CritConfirm: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 2 = 14 It doesn't confirm.

Am I standing or kneeling?

If standing Oswin steps back, takes the bag off his head, and casts Divine Favor.

If kneeling he will take the bag off his head and draw his sword.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Arnthoth steps away and waiting for Talhearn to flank, swings at the southern cultist.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 17 - 3 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 17 - 3 + 2 - 1 = 35
Damage: 1d12 + 13 + 12 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 13 + 12 - 1 = 30
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Iterative, Power Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 2 - 3 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 2 - 3 - 1 = 22
Damage: 1d12 + 13 + 12 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 13 + 12 - 1 = 33
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 17 - 3 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 17 - 3 + 2 - 1 = 21
Damage: 1d12 + 13 + 12 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 12 - 1 = 34

If Red goes down on the first hit, switch to blue.

Not sure whether this is Shandor's turn or not. If it isn't, please only take the following into account when it's his turn.

Shandor takes a step back, then chants another Thassilonian spell. A magical force suddently attempts to wrest the magical rapier from Charito's grasp!

"You're not worthy of it. Give it to me and YIELD BEFORE I CRUSH YOU!"

Casting swipe, trying to wrest the rapier from Charito's grasp.
CMB: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

If successful: The wrathful scion then puts the rapier into his handy haversack.

If not: Shandor draws his metamagic rod of toppling spell.

Oswin, you were kneeling. The cultist put you on your knees in the first box of text when Shandor was instructed to kill you.

With Arnthoth's attacks, Red and Blue drop rather suddenly.

Shandor took Charito's rapier from her. Just.

She has taken 46 damage total and in her fury will now slam: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 Oswin since he is right there. 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 plus energy drain.

As she's the only one left standing, the rest of the party can take their turns.

Awveyen dashes around a corner and opens the door to the previous room. We must make sure the others are OK.
Move and move.

Well, we can assume my sheild is stowed. My regular AC is now 24. Kneeling is 20. So with her unarmed, I'll do this.

Full of righteous wrath, Oswin stands, gripping his sword in both hands. He takes two powerful swings at the cult's leader!

Two handed power attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Second attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

-Posted with Wayfinder

1d20 + 26 ⇒ (2) + 26 = 282d6 + 17 ⇒ (1, 1) + 17 = 19
1d20 + 26 ⇒ (19) + 26 = 452d6 + 17 ⇒ (4, 4) + 17 = 25
1d20 + 26 ⇒ (8) + 26 = 341d8 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
1d20 + 26 ⇒ (20) + 26 = 461d8 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22

It looks like theres one still on me.

Shandor conjures a rain of sparkling gold to blind the remaining cultist!

Casting glitterdust, Will DC 18 negates the blinding.

@Julian, that purple guy is Sali, he was the other initiate in there with you. He's cowering right now.

Oswin missed Charito Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 and Shandor does not succeed in blinding her.

I want to wait for everyone else to take their turns and move tokens before Charito continues.