DM CH-P's CoT: The Bastards of Erebus (Inactive)

Game Master Feral

"A good rallying cry—for Westcrown."

Before everyone begins opening new doors, Yahirma reviews a few tactical considerations. "Remember that greater devils are resistant to all but blessed and silver weapons, although for whatever reason, Appario, you've proven capable of overcoming that fact through your own means. If we find ourselves in combat with such a fiend, and your weapon seems ineffective, wave to me and point at the blade, and I might be able to correct the problem.

"There's a possibility that I might be able to project my spirit and take control of Liebdaga's body, though that would take some time. If I am preparing to do so, I will collapse suddenly." She holds up her hands in a mollifying way. "So long as my body is in danger, though, do not worry. If I should succeed, I will hold up my arms like this," she explains, holding her arms straight up before crossing them in front of her to make the letter 'X.' With a moment of thought, she adds, "And if Liebdaga is chained up, I'll just improvise."

"Speaking of preparations…" She casts a few spells.

Remove fear on everyone but Appario (+4 morale vs. fear—doesn't stack with heroism for a net +2); freedom of movement on Derek, Xerath, and Yahirma; and resist energy (fire) [30] on everyone.

Once the Xerath and Maddok cast shield, Yahirma casts align weapon (good) on the massive halberd. She keeps her lesser metamagic rod of reach and her prayer beads at hand.

"I have a plan for combating the devil when it comes down to it. But thank you."

Opening the massive door by uttering the four answers in Infernal, the group then enters a short hallway leading east and then north, where it ends in another massive door that immediately opens as you approach. Searing heat blasts towards you, as if the air itself is on fire within the large, circular chamber beyond. An immense, fiery pentagram is inlaid in the floor, while hanging suspended 15 ft above the center of the floor is a large, adamantine cage, fastened to the walls with eight thick, black chains. Within the cage, a pit fiend lies forced into fetal position, its body seemingly only partially real as it rapidly fluctuates between flesh, fire, and smoke.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: The PCs.

"Is that it? That's Libby? I was expecting...more..." Appario asks. "What should we be doing now?"

Smite evil. Just in case.

"If there was ever a time we would need Shu-Ak’eh-Di's strength, this is it", Maddok says. "Give me a minute to summon him."

Have we already shut down all the cooling chambers?

Have we already shut down all the cooling chambers?

Yes.

Smite evil. Just in case.

Attempting to smite the devil within the cage, Appario finds that he can't, as if something blocks his divine power from reaching within its bars.

"That…looks like him," Yahirma posits. "It seems clear that leaving him trapped will lead to Westcrown's doom, but I find I'm loath to throw stones at the hornets' nest nonetheless."

Were we clear on the final step(s) to free/destroy him?

Were we clear on the final step(s) to free/destroy him?

The kolyarut told us that Liebdaga would grow stronger each day and eventually open his cell on his own, which made it sound as though we could open the cell earlier to exploit his temporary weakness. Beyond that…no, I don't think we have a confirmed means of ending him permanently."

"Well it must be done."

Appario nods, activating his boots of flying (1/3 uses).

He then asks Abadar for more might for Extortion. Now, +3 Holy for next few minutes.

Just before his ritual's complete and the Beast's presence becomes overwhelming, Maddok glances at the Abadaran. "Appario, can you get the cage open?"

Appario enters the room and examines the cage.

1d20 + 20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 20 + 5 + 2 = 29 Perception (+1 traps)

"Hey there, Libby. Just here to check things out."

As soon as Appario steps foot into the chamber, the cage lurches into motion. Several chains uncurl from it, extending as if they were weapons, while it begins to swiftly move towards him by lengthening some and shortening others of the eight thick chains connected to the walls.

***

Which will start a combat unless Appario immediately leaves the chamber again.

Appario dances out of the chamber.

"What was that?"

Just as quickly as it lurched into motion, the cage snaps itself back into position in the center of the chamber, growing motionless once again.

As Appario steps into then backpedals out of the room, Yahirma's eyes snap up to the animate cage. "I think I understand why Liebdaga was unable to break out before now—other than just the magic that binds him. That cage is animate, made of adamantine, and set on guarding its captive. All of those chains will make it strike quickly, and the metal will be hard to scratch with anything but Appario's sword," she reports. "It is one more obstacle, and once Maddok is prepared, I see little reason to wait."

Appario looks at the Beast.

"You ready to take the You by the horns? Let's go," Appario asks, ready to go into combat.

A moment later, Maddok's ritual completes and the shadowy Beast envelops him crowding the otherwise wide hallway.

As his form becomes solid, he answers Appario with a thunderous roar.

Let's do it!

Yahirma retrieves Shu-Ak'eh-Di's weapon (new and improved, with patented, evil-cleansing Good-Tek (R) technology and lemon-fresh scent!) and holds it out for him.

Which is to say it benefits from aligned weapon (good)

The Beast accepts his weapons from the pale spirit-talker and snorts filling the air with star motes and wisps of smoke. He nods in approval at her enhancement.

I think we're good for the door opening and initiative rolling. =P

Might as well lead us off...nothing can possibly go wrong...

Appario spring attacks the cage/chains with Extortion, the adamantine blade.

1d20 + 19 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 19 + 2 + 2 = 40 to hit; (divine bond, heroism)
1d10 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 = 10 damage. (divine bond)

Oh hey, lookee there! Ninja'd by a bull in a cage shop. Cow embarrassing.

Unfortunately, adamantine weapons have no particular advantage against adamantine objects, since they only ignore hardness less than 20 (rather than "20 or lower"). I searched to see if others agreed, which they seemed to do.

***

Despite easily hitting, Appario's blade seems to not even make a dent in the chains connecting to the cage.

***

Since the cage is reactive rather than proactive, I'm going to assume you're going for a coordinated attack, with others delaying until Appario acted. So:

Up next: The PCs (except Appario) (round 1).

Shows what Yahirma understands about advanced metallurgy

Yahirma frowns and quickly reconsiders what she thought she knew about advanced metallurgy when Appario's blade fails to scratch the cage. With a short invocation, she plants an angry seed in the mind of each of her companions and waits to see who nurtures it into a quivering rage-plant.

Casting blood rage on everyone in the party. This affects only willing targets, so if you're not interested in the effect, you can opt out with no save necessary. Those affected gain a cumulative +2 morale bonus to Strength and a –1 penalty to AC for every 5 damage he takes (max +10 Strength, -5 AC). It lasts for 12 rounds. Note this would not stack with rage until Maddok takes at least 15 damage.

The immediate action priority is liberating command should Appario or Shu-Ak'eh–Di be grabbed.

Appario stares dumbly at his sword, unbelieving that it would prove completely ineffective. He wonders if he should ask for a refund from the hack who forged it.

The Beast roars as Yahirma's spell stirs his fury.

Holding out for Derek's actions.

Inspire now or wait?...No, I should be able to keep it up for awhile hopefully.

Derek allows his anger to be fed, then he lets out a loud warcry, allowing it to turn into one of the various Shoanti war chants that had learned from Maddok over the time spent together talking about culture.

Inspire courage +2, 5/21 rounds used.
I'm a little unsure if we have rested or not, if we have rested then I'll cast haste before inspiring.

Yeah, we rested.

Further enraged by Derek’s warcry, the bestial spirit thunders forward and cleaves into the animate cage with his mighty halberd.

Attack with Bloodrage, inspire, haste: 1d20 + 19 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 19 + 4 = 27
Damage: 3d8 + 33 + 3 ⇒ (5, 3, 6) + 33 + 3 = 50

Ok, I missed that, so that's 1/21 rounds used, and a haste casted as well.

The Beast hits the cage with ease, and the sheer power with which it wields its weapon allows it to tear a deep gash into the metal.

***

Up next: Xerath (round 1). The Beast has closed with the cage, otherwise the map is as above (assuming Appario spring attacked back to his original position).

Xerath will delay seeing as battling cages is not his strong suit.

Beset by forces intent on freeing its captive, the cage uncoils a host of chains with which to battle the rampaging Beast before it, seeking to both slam into and coil around its foe.

Slam attack #1: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28
Slam attack #2: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25
Slam attack #3: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33
Slam attack #4: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21
Slam attack #5: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24
Slam attack #6: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (14) + 20 = 34
Slam attack #7: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 20 = 40
Slam attack #8: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27

Slam damage #1: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Slam damage #2: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Slam damage #3: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Slam damage #4: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Slam damage #5: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Slam damage #6: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Slam damage #7: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Slam damage #8: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Misfortune reroll: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28

But all of its chains are repelled by The Beast's thick skin.

***

Up next: The PCs (round 2). Map unchanged apart from The Beast having closed with the cage.

And thankfully so. That’s a lot of potential damage!

The Beast roars again, pausing briefly to bat the flailing chains aside skillfully. When an opening presents it, the bestial spirit strikes three more times.

Attack with Bloodrage, inspire, haste: 1d20 + 19 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 19 + 4 = 35
Damage: 3d8 + 33 + 3 ⇒ (1, 4, 3) + 33 + 3 = 44

Iterative: 1d20 + 14 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 4 = 22
Damage: 3d8 + 33 + 3 ⇒ (8, 5, 1) + 33 + 3 = 50

Haste: 1d20 + 19 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 19 + 4 = 37
Damage: 3d8 + 33 + 3 ⇒ (4, 7, 3) + 33 + 3 = 50

The Beast hits twice more, and it looks like the cage might break apart should it suffer another similarly powerful halberd strike.

***

Up next: The PCs (except The Beast) (round 2). Map as before except The Beast has closed with the cage.

Round 2

Appario gets over his blade's failure and tries again, spring attacking while stepping to Derek's rhythm.

1d20 + 19 + 2 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 19 + 2 + 2 + 3 = 34 to hit; (heroism, bond, bard)
1d10 + 7 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 2 + 3 = 22 damage. (Bond, bard)

Appario hits again, and this time the cage does, in fact, show signs of damage where his blade struck.

Yahirma weaves together a chain of her own from glowing golden links to tangle with the dark skymetal tendrils. She tosses it toward the far end of the room.

Casting chain of perdition to entangle the cage, attacking from the north/far side about 10 feet away.

Dirty trick (entangle): 1d20 + 19 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 19 + 2 + 3 = 39 (includes heroism and bardic performance

Derek holds back, realizing that currently, he can do little good except as support, it is when the cage is cracked that the REAL fighting will begin.

Inspire courage +2, 2/21 rounds used

Yahirma's chain easily interferes with the cage's ability to move, inserting itself within the links of several of its movement-chains.

***

Assuming Xerath continues delaying:

The cage, robbed of its ability to flee The Beast's reach, does what it can to prevent its captive from being released.

Slam attack #1: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35
Slam attack #2: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24
Slam attack #3: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (17) + 20 = 37
Slam attack #4: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33
Slam attack #5: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (14) + 20 = 34
Slam attack #6: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 20 = 38
Slam attack #7: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25
Slam attack #8: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29

Slam damage #1: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Slam damage #2: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Slam damage #3: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Slam damage #4: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Slam damage #5: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Slam damage #6: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Slam damage #7: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Slam damage #8: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Again, though, The Beast easily swats away those chains that come close to hitting.

***

Up next: The PCs (round 3). Map as before except The Beast has closed with the cage and the existence of Yahirma's chain.

Without hesitation, the Beast strikes down the living cage.

Attack with Bloodrage, inspire, haste: 1d20 + 19 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 19 + 4 = 36
Damage: 3d8 + 33 + 3 ⇒ (8, 4, 2) + 33 + 3 = 50

Iterative: 1d20 + 14 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 14 + 4 = 31
Damage: 3d8 + 33 + 3 ⇒ (7, 2, 5) + 33 + 3 = 50

Haste: 1d20 + 19 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 19 + 4 = 34
Damage: 3d8 + 33 + 3 ⇒ (1, 4, 7) + 33 + 3 = 48

Appario delays, waiting to see what happens with the cage after that bull bashing.

The Beast's first strike cracks the adamantine cage, and the bars glow for an instant, after which the bars seem to transform into glass while the pit fiend within grows solid. Its second strike shatters the glass, sending razor-sharp shards flying throughout the chamber.

Reflex vs shards (The Beast): 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 2 = 22
Shard damage: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 5, 4, 1, 2) = 20

The Beast avoids many of the shards coming in its direction, taking only 10 damage.

The pit fiend falls to the ground, landing on its hands and feet. A telepathic roar of exultation fills all of your minds, followed by a single sentence. "THANK YOU FOR MY FREEDOM"

Will vs fear aura (The Beast): 1d20 + 14 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 14 + 4 = 37

The Beast easily resists being frightened by the devil's presence.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: Appario, Derek, Xerath, Yahirma (round 3).

"You will not thank us for what we are about to do." Xerath says as he cast a spell.

SR check with piercing rod: 1d20 + 11 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 4 + 5 = 25

Boneshatter DC21: 11d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 6, 5, 4, 3, 1, 2, 6, 6, 4) = 43

Derek moves into the room, filled with a terrible purpose, happily protected from the very real fear that radiates from this awesomely powerful foe.

Move to W13

"I think you need to have a look here..."
Derek then brandishes the talisman, seeking to fuddle Liebdagas mind further.

Move action to worsens Liebdagas sickened condition.

Round 5

Appario stands more upright as the devil is freed from the cage, briefly wondering if they had made a huge mistake.

Appario tries the Smite Evil again, this time hoping for better results.

If that is successful, Appario will 'spring' into combat. I believe Appario, with hasted movement, can spring all the way to R17 and attack with flank.

1d20 + 31 ⇒ (1) + 31 = 32 to hit;
1d10 + 9 + 14 + 14 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 14 + 14 + (5, 4) + (2) = 49 damage.

Ayep. Brilliant.

Yahirma motions for the chain to attack the newly released devil. She then casts a spell to attempt her "hail-Wendo" possession gambit.

Chain of perdition to entangle: 1d20 + 19 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 19 + 2 + 3 = 30
Casting magic jar and taking a look around for particularly strong life signals.

Xerath is unable to break through the fiend's resistance to magic, while Appario's concern of their current course of action, although brief, causes him to almost trip over his own sword as he springs forward. Yahirma's chain fares no better, as the pit fiend swats it aside with the same ease as The Beast swatted away those of the cage.

Derek, however, meets with more immediate success, as Liebdaga pales at the sight of the talisman. The devil shies away from it, almost like a vampire in the face of sunlight, virtually pleading with Derek to remove it. "No! Take that away! Give it to me! I'll grant your deepest desire!"

Falling limp as her soul is transferred into its jar, Yahirma senses one nearby lifeforce that's considerably stronger than all those surrounding it.

***

Rising to its full height, slowly spreading wings unused for decades, the pit fiend begins its defense by attempting to concentrate on uttering a single word of blasphemous power.

Concentration to cast defensively: 1d20 + 22 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 22 - 4 = 28 (DC 28)

Barely succeding in the face of the talisman's influence upon him, the unholy power surges through the chamber, threatening to weaken and daze those nearby.

Will vs blasphemy (Appario): 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 14 + 2 = 36
Will vs blasphemy (Derek): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 2 = 16
Will vs blasphemy (The Beast): 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 2 = 18
Will vs blasphemy (Xerath): 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 17 + 2 = 34

Strength decrease: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4
Strength decrease duration: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4 rounds.

Appario and Xerath easily withstand most of the blasphemous power, their Strength only decreasing by 2.

Derek and The Beast, however, not only find their Strength weakened by 4, but are also dazed for 1 round.

Only partly successful with his first effort, Liebdaga tries once more, this time to swiftly drop a ball of fire on top of his enemies.

Concentration to cast defensively #2: 1d20 + 22 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 22 - 4 = 28 (DC 28)

Reflex vs fireball (Appario): 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 18 + 2 = 37
Reflex vs fireball (Derek): 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 14 + 2 = 23
Reflex vs fireball (The Beast): 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 2 = 14
Reflex vs fireball (Xerath): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 2 = 19

Fire damage: 10d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 2, 4, 1, 1, 2, 6, 4, 5) = 29

Despite both The Beast and Xerath being caught by the full force of the blast, neither they nor the others suffer any damage from the raging fires.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Yahirma is within her magic jar. Derek and The Beast are dazed.

Up next: The PCs (round 4).

(By the way: Livia stays far away from this fight!)

Yahirma's body would probably still need to attempt the save against blasphemy, though it's unlikely to bother her until she returns to her body.

Will save: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 2 = 25

From within her spirit focus, Yahirma's virtually blind psyche turns toward the glowing sun of soul-stuff and launches a psychic attack.

Using a full-round action, Yahirma attempts to control what she presumes is Liebdaga (DC 23 Will save). If she succeeds, she throws up her hands in an "X" pattern then holds them up in the air to signal her success. Of course, inside the magic jar Yahrima is unable to use misfortune or other probability-altering effects.