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

Game Master Feral

"Hah! Don't butter him up m'lady Yahirma, we'll be here all day.
So, do we have all we need or do we need to find something else? I think we may be a little pressed for time."

Maddok remains mostly silent while the rest of the party marvels at the Grand Bank's most coveted vaults.

"Are you prepared little brother? This may be the most important performance of your lifetime. Fool our foe and you will be compared to the most devious of coyote spirits", he finally adds.

If one is satisfied, Appario closes the Vaults and re-prepares for battle.

"Come now, Derek. To your stage...a more grand stage you could not imagine but within the shadow of a dead god and with actual souls in the balance."

Appario rushes on, stopping when they are a safe distance.

As the party traverses Westcrown they get a solid look at the state of the city and full damage caused by Leibdaga's near escape. Plumes of otherworldly smoke fill the sky blocking out the noonday sun and buildings lie in rubble but her people look to be handling the chaos well. Thanks, largely, to the work of the Garderners and their allies - including a few Hellknights. Everywhere one looks Gardeners can be seen searching rubble for survivors, escorting the wounded to safety, and subduing would-be looters.

Finally the party arrives at the location Chammady noted as the stage for Eccardian's grand finale - the area surrounding the Arodennama known as the Vacant Throne. This large plaza is built around the 90-foot tall statue of the dead god Aroden and at its edges stand several abandoned buildings. Before the statue sits a 20-foot-wide reflecting pool whose waters are thick with algae. Six stone benches sit along the southern side of the pool, and several oak trees grow from earthen areas where the plaza’s flagstones are missing. The entire plaza has a feel of ancient but abandoned majesty.

The area is eerily quiet.

What's the plan?

"Heh, Appario my friend, you don't really know how a thespian think, despite being my good friend for so long.
But you are right, the stage waits for no man."

"Heh, Appario my friend, you don't really know how a thespian think, despite being my good friend for so long. But you are right, the stage waits for no man."

Appario smiles, agreeing.

"That is true...so all I can do is wish you good luck," Appario cheerfully deigns.

Are we ready for the set up for Aroden's Stat?

Yahirma surveys Derek's "stage" and mulls over some of the details. "The statue is quite large," she notes sadly while rolling her prayer beads in her hands. "It may be too large for me to affect properly, but I'll leave that as a flexible part of the plan." She pulls out a few pieces of chalk and begins sketching on Westcrown's flagstones.

"So if we were flying over the plaza, this is how it would look. Here's us now," she observes while making a few small exes on one end of the plaza, "and here is the statue, which is Eccardian's landmark of choice. I believe the plan is to disguise ourselves as devils with Derek as our lord, then we approach the statue, cackle, and cavort while Derek hurls every insult imaginable. If needed, I shall create illusory flames to make our anger more real.

"My divinations suggest that Eccardian and any of his most steadfast allies are nearby and ready to strike once Liebdaga arrives, so we should not need to wait long. Once he has arrive and is close enough for us to strike properly, we can abandon the disguise and neutralize him. Be warned that I intend to call the city itself to strike down the villain."

She gives the prayer beads another contemplative toss and then wraps them around her wrist. "Xerath, I believe you are the most capable with scrolls of this nature, and even if Derek were to invoke its magic, I believe his attention is better directed at his art."

"You are correct."

"Then it's all yours," she says, handing Xerath the scroll of veil.

Once people are arrayed, Yahirma casts the following spells:

Appario
Fickle Winds deflects most ranged attacks and gases

Derek
Fickle Winds deflects most ranged attacks and gases
Freedom of Movement
Remove Fear +4 morale bonus vs. fear; doesn't stack with Appario's aura of courage

Maddok
Fickle Winds deflects most ranged attacks and gases
Remove Fear +4 morale bonus vs. fear; doesn't stack with Appario's aura of courage

Xerath
Fickle Winds deflects most ranged attacks and gases
Remove Fear +4 morale bonus vs. fear; doesn't stack with Appario's aura of courage
Freedom of Movement

Yahirma
Fickle Winds deflects most ranged attacks and gases
Freedom of Movement
Remove Fear +4 morale bonus vs. fear; doesn't stack with Appario's aura of courage

Also, if anyone needs align weapon (good), let me know. Yahirma keeps her strand of prayer beads and a scroll of dimensional anchor in hand.

One 1st-level spell cast
Two 4th-level spells cast
One 5th-level spell cast

Xerath will also begin casting spells on various people to follow suite.

Xerath
Shield
Mage Armor
False Life

1d10 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Heroism
Veil

Appario
Heroism
Communal Protection From Evil, Split
Veil

Derek
Heroism
Communal Protection From Evil, Split
Veil

Maddok
Heroism
Communal Protection From Evil, Split
Veil

Yahirma
Heroism
Communal Protection From Evil, Split
Veil

2 first levels spells, 2 second level spells, 5 third level spells and the scroll of veil when asked to.

Maddok chants and gestures, bidding the spirits to offer their blessings.

+4 barkskins for everyone. Stoneskin for Maddok, Xerath, and Derek. Mage armor for Maddok.

Appario moves forward slowly, using cover to move closer.

1d20 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 20 + 2 = 26 Stealth (heroism, thanks Xerath)
1d20 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 20 + 2 = 39 Perception

He tries to get about 20' from the plaza, unseen and waiting for Derek's show.

Garbed in hamatula spikes, Yahirma performs a few experimental stretches and admires the magic's handiwork. "For all the evils devils inflict on the world, they do get rather flashy costumes." Turning to Derek, she performs an ineligant stage bow and announces, "The stage is yours."

Derek, trying to think not just as an actor but also as a demon lord would do, adopts a sneering mien full of contempt and arrogance, before striding forth boldly and openly, daring anyone to oppose him or stand in his way.

As he walks, with a slow deliberate gait, he allows a slow rumbling laugh to build in his massive chest, a low deep sound, something between two large rocks grinding together and the very first thunderclap, heralding a storm brewing on the horizon.

Xerath looks uncomfortably at his wicked new beard, though he does admire the Barbazu's muscled frame. Judgement now has the look of an infernal glaive as he grips it with his new clawed hands. "Indeed."

When illusion-bound Derek enters the square, there's no immediate reaction save screams of terror for a few Westcrowners at its most extreme edges seeking refuge.

"What in the Nine Hells is that?!"

"We're doomed!"

But a handful of minutes later something does happen - shimmering oil begins to pour from the eyes of the enormous statue overhead and it quickly catches fire. The imagery is powerful and seems to accomplish its goal as more and more citizens stop in their tracks to point and witness the "Burning Tears of God".

A powerful voice fills the air.

"Take heart people of Westcrown. The Golden Scion will defend you fromt his monster."

Accompanying the booming declaration is a much quieter one that drifts through Derek's mind.

Appario looks at Devilrek, waiting for him to take the stage.

Usually it's a pain to get him to leave the stage...

Appario shifts silently, reaching for a potion of fly.

...oh, dramatic entrance. I'd settle for any time now.

Derek is a bit unsure of how to handle the situation, being very careful not to think of anything for a moment.
The fact that he is contacted telepathically means that he is expected to answer, but he does not know how to do that so he simply settles for a sneer on his face and thinking forcefully.

Mortal...I was never the forgiving kind, less so now after my...absence.
Do not delay, for I grow weary of this infantile game.

"BOW! BOW WESTCROWN! BOW YOUR PATHETIC MORTAL HEADS BEFORE YOUR NEW GOD! YOUR ONE AND ONLY GOD!
YOUR GOLDEN IDOL WILL NOT SAVE YOU FROM MY WRATH....OR MY POWER!"

Appario waits to see what happens.

I understand. We'll begin right away your greatness.

The growing number of Westcrowners forming an audiance recoils from Devil-Derek's fearsome display. A few break and make a run for it.

Seconds later well-hidden panels within the statue's base slide aside and a small army's worth of soldiers clad in gleaming gilded armor pour out. They march with weapons held high but make no move to engage 'Leibdaga'. From near the statue's head Eccardian finally makes his appearance, an athletic tiefling in regal gold and purple armor. A pair of long curved horns jut from his forehead almost matching the shape of the smirk he wears on his devilishly handsome features.

"Prepare to be defeated fiend! You will not defile another inch of this fine city!"

Appario, realizing it's about to get good, puts away the potion of fly and clicks his winged boots together...which he totally just remembered he was wearing.

He will move so he can begin flying up the back of the statue, unseen and off stage.

Edit: Do we have map? Do we need map?

Xerath unfurls his un-veiled wings as he takes flight, keeping close by the 'master'.

Redot

Appario stifles a cough on his way to flying up behind the statue.

The imperious "Liebdaga" sneers at the paltry troops assembled before him, merely crossing his arms over his chest, tilting his head to one side and spits in contempt.

"You will not talk that way to our master!!! He will break you!!" Xerath will take the first move.

Bluff to make it look like Liebdaga is doing it just by looking at him: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

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

With conflict building, Yahirma feels it's simply best to cackle rather than try to vocalize any threats in Taldane.

Yahirma's ready to use some magic to heave the tiefling off a statue once she gets the signal. Of course, Xerath's signal might be as good as any. If that seems to be starting trouble, Yahirma's first action will involve activating her prayer bead of karma

Fiddling with magical implements or reasonably subdued buffs are fine before combat but lightning bolts and such will be need to take place within initiative.

Appario: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Derek: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Maddok: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Xerath: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Yahirma: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Mooks: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Named Mooks: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Eccardian: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

There's a map up. In an effort to make things more visually coherent I bolded some of the dudes and made them different colors.

Derek's up.

Oh, this is simply too good to be true. This calls for drama, for the stoic spirit of a true hero to step forward.
...
Pity they only have me then.

Unable to contain his laughter at the sheer pomposity of Eccadian, Derek cannot help but think of Thesing, minus the talent for acting of course.

Simply unable to contain his act much longer, and reasonably sure that some of Eccadians posturing will lead to a real attack, something that the REAL Liebdaga would be unaffected by, Derek decides to drop the charade now that it has accomplished it's goal.

"Liebdaga" thusly performs an act that few people would ever expect from a mighty pitfiend.
Putting one talon under his eye, he pulls the skin down, while at the same time giving Eccadian a very loud and rude raspberry.

"Looks like you've been had sir "Champion".
When you try to climb to the top of the dunghill, you better be mindfull of your balance, or you might end up covered in...yeah, you get the idea."

Eccarian's brow furrows in confusion. He visibly concentrates for a moment while staring hard at the incredibly rude pit fiend.

Disbelieve: 1d20 ⇒ 19

The Golden Scion sucks in a breath as the ruse becomes clear to him.

"I am betrayed..." he mutters. "That's no fiend. Kill it! Kill them all!"

Xerath is up.

Mind if I use my natural divination on that initiative check (grants a +4 insight bonus, and it looks like I still have 3 more uses of it today)?

Xerath shaking his head at Derek's terrible acting will drop a ball of flame on Eccardian's troops.

Empowered Fireball: 10d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 1, 1, 6, 3, 3, 4, 3, 4) = 32 so 48, Reflex DC20 for half.I can get all of the troops on the right side.

Yeah, that's fine Yahirma.

The crowd gasps as the arm of the Arodennama reaches up to grab the Golden Scion perched on its shoulder and Eccardian howls in pain as he's painfully crushed.

Reflexes: 20d20 ⇒ (18, 19, 6, 18, 8, 10, 12, 19, 17, 12, 5, 4, 1, 6, 2, 3, 7, 13, 2, 16) = 198

Xerath's empowered spell explodes among a chunk of the Scion's army to tremendous effect. Most are lucky enough to be turned into fine ash. Others fall to the ground severely burned and rendered unconscious. A handful prove to be especially skilled and manage to tumble away, evading the flames entirely.

Suddenly, accompanied by the stink of brimstone and an audible *pop* in the air, hellish cavalry appears at the party's side. They stand poised to attack Eccardian and his army but a second later turn on the Garderners.

"The plan's changed", Eccardian manages to shout despite his difficult situation up above. "Kill them!"

Yahirma and Derek recognizes these new opponents as barbed devils mounted of deadly hellcats.

Appario's up.

Round 1

Appario grumbles as reinforcements appear, wondering why they didn't get their own.

In a way, illusions are like reinforcements, except that they aren't real.

Appario flies up 30', surveying all the foes about them. "Derek, where are our reinforcements? The actor's guild?" Appario quips, drawing Extortion.

He asks Abadar to bless his blade in this battle. Divine Bond, +2 more.

Cayden Caelian...
I have flowed you all my grown life, been true to your tenants not just out of obligation but because I truly believe in them.
I have fought the good fight, sacrificed much and tried to bring freedom and happiness to the people here.
Yes, fighting a battle for freedom in Westcrown, in the heart of Cheliax of all places.
I've asked nothing, but I ask one thing now, one thing only.
This is the very end, the climax of a story that has yet to be written.
I ask you, that the stage be set to truly make justice for what we do here.
You are my lord and master, in as much as you WANT to be, knowing that you, unlike many gods do not demand blind obedience.
The stage is set, this is the final battle, but something is missing.
I do not ask for a boon, or for something to help us, simply for something, ANYTHING to push the mood from major to epic...

Derek dismisses the illusion, it having served it's purpose by now.
"Westcrown! Behold, behold a lie cast down, behold the tyrant who would hold you under his boot.
Behold the madman who would have sent an army of devils upon you, merely so you would be broken and easier to rule.
The Gardeners stand against him, stand for you!
Today, we decide the fate of westcrown!"

Eccardian's soldier track Appario as he takes to the air as they advance and ready their bows.

One speaks the words to a spell filling the plaza with a cloud of dense mist. From the mist, a volley of arrows fly toward the Abadaran but Yahirma's spell sends them fluttering away harmlessly.

The group on the left double moves.

Maddok and Derek are up.

Derp, Derek just posted.

With her adjusted initiative, Yahirma's up too.

Knowledge (planes) for barbed devils: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 18 + 2 = 39
Knowledge (planes) for hellcats: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 18 + 2 = 35

Going for knowledge of spell resistance first

Such a concentration of infernal energy in one place! Even Liebdaga would be jealous! As mortals, it is merely our place to be concerned.

Hoping to protect the group's vulnerable west flank, Yahirma invokes the hag spirit (AB 36) to cut down the hellish mounts (Hellcat #2).

Spell Resistance: 1d20 + 14 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 14 + 4 = 29
Hag attack #1: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 16 + 2 = 35
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Hag attack #1: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 2 = 14
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Possible Attack of Opportunity
Spell Resistance: 1d20 + 14 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 14 + 4 = 25
Hag attack #1: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 16 + 2 = 22
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Maddok gestures and chants, calling on the spirits for aid. A moment later, the familiar sensation of magical speed comes across the party.

Haste!

Even though he’s nearly a hundred feet away from his trapped position atop the statue’s shoulder, Eccardian hisses in rage when the illusion dissolves and Derek’s true form is exposed.

”You?! You’re the fools interfering in my rise to greatness? You’re supposed to be dead!”

Yahirma’s conjured spirit hacks at a hellcat’s flank, bloodying it with a grazing wound.

The Golden Scion struggles briefly against the animate statue’s hand and then suddenly vanishes from sight.

Xerath is up.

"Coward!"

Xerath will fire another fireball into the cloud before ascending 40 feet into the air.

Regular Fireball: 10d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 1, 3, 5, 6, 3, 1, 1, 1) = 27

Reflexes: 8d20 ⇒ (2, 9, 10, 10, 5, 18, 9, 6) = 69

Xerath’s flames burn the conjured mist into a fine vapor revealing the burned victims within. Only the hardiest survive the blast.

Spellcrafts: 6d20 ⇒ (5, 4, 4, 2, 10, 2) = 27

Recognizing the hag spirit's deadly but insubstantial nature, the fiendish cavalry ignore it in favor of more vulnerable prey. The spirit's notched blade further bloodies one of the hellcats as it darts away.

As they advance, the barbed devils fire off volleys of fiery rays with a focus on foes out of reach. Once they close, the hellcats attack with tooth and claw.

Ray vs Appario: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 4, 6) = 18
Ray vs Appario: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 5, 6) = 17
Ray vs Appario: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 1, 6) = 14
Ray vs Appario: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 4, 6) = 18

Ray vs Xerath: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 1, 5) = 9
Ray vs Xerath: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 2, 4) = 15
Ray vs Xerath: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 3, 5) = 19
Ray vs Xerath: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 2, 1) = 10

Ray vs Yahirma (minus cover): 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 18 - 4 = 23
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 5, 5) = 19
Ray vs Yahirma (minus cover): 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 18 - 4 = 16
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 1, 1) = 8
Ray vs Yahirma (minus cover): 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 18 - 4 = 18
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 3, 3) = 14
Ray vs Yahirma (minus cover): 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 18 - 4 = 16
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 1, 1) = 5

Hellcat vs Derek: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Hellcat vs Derek: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Hellcat vs Derek: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Hellcat vs Maddok: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Hellcat vs Maddok: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Appario's up.

Whoops, I forgot to activate the construct arm on my turn.

The statue's shoulder twists around to snatch one of the elite mercenaries.

Slam: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30
Damage: 3d6 + 21 ⇒ (1, 1, 5) + 21 = 28
Grapple: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (15) + 32 = 47
Constrict damage: 3d6 + 21 ⇒ (5, 2, 2) + 21 = 30

Also of note, Yahirma is able to see invisible creatures thanks to her spectral shroud. Did she spot anything amiss before Eccardian disappeared?

Round 2

Appario burns, saved only by luck from 4 hits. He grumbles as he calls for Abadar for aid.

5d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 2, 1, 1) = 15 healing

Appario spring attacks a barbed devil, choosing #6 to hopefully team with Maddok to take them down quickly.

As he spring flies, he ends his turn 15' from #6 and above Yahirma.

1d20 + 24 ⇒ (18) + 24 = 42 to hit;
1d10 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (8) + 9 + (6, 5) = 28 damage. (holy)

Pot Crit:

1d20 + 24 ⇒ (13) + 24 = 37 to hit;
1d10 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 moar damage. (holy)

1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 spike damage

Yahirma spots nothing hidden through her spectral shroud.

Yahirma's spirit-bound construct sweeps up one of the burned elite guards and violently crushes him into pulpy mess of bone and innards while Appario lands a telling blow on his target though he suffers a nasty scratch as he darts in to attack.

Eccardian's soldiers continue to fruitlessly fire on the airborne Gardeners.

Derek, Maddok, and Yahirma are up.

The grand statue smashes another elite soldier (T1, and I think it hit C8 last time), and Yahirma raises a rod to channel her magic.

Casting communal resist energy (fire) on everyone but Xerath, who is out of reach. That's resist fire 30.

Statue slam: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36
Damage: 3d6 + 21 ⇒ (2, 1, 4) + 21 = 28
Grab: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (10) + 32 = 42
Constrict: 3d6 + 21 ⇒ (1, 5, 4) + 21 = 31

Time to play the game then, but I am quite proficient with swordsplay by now.

Derek lays into the closest Hellcat, shifting to a defensive stance before engaging fully.

Attack With Combat expertise: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 2d6 + 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (3) + (1, 2) + (5) + 9 = 20
Attack Haste: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34
Damage: 1d8 + 2d6 + 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (2) + (5, 2) + (5) + 9 = 23
Attack #2: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33
Damage: 1d8 + 2d6 + 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (5) + (6, 4) + (4) + 9 = 28

Maddok's eyes widen as the fiends bear down on the party. The big shoanti retreats a step and begins a thundering chant.

"Hold them fast little brother. If there was ever a time to call on the Beast's power, it is now!"

With three graceful and still forceful blows Derek severely wounds the nearest of the fiery Hellcats while Yahirma's spirit-bound construct snatches up another victim.

Xerath is up.