DM Rah's "Fortress of the Nail" (Inactive)

Game Master Kobash

::gulp::

-Posted with Wayfinder

Quiven waits to see what the beast does after seeing Omrax in the armor of the enemy. Maybe I shoulda used that invisible stuff before I got here.

Quiven, there was a whole discussion about everyone except Omrax using the oils of invisibility before entering the portal. Before I make perception checks, is there anyone else that isn't invisible?

I sort of thought that was the plan as well, DM. I think the rest of us were to be invisible.

I thoughts so too. Since there was not enough invis for everyone, Omrax dressed up

Omrax stops as he sees the beast, looks glaringly at it (through the helmet) and points to the corner motioning for it to sit.

Omrax is intentionally not speaking, but not sure if a handle animal or some other roll would be needed.

Not sure what I was thinking when I posted that. Makes much more sense that way also. Sometimes when I try to post during lunch I can't pay as much attention and I likely didn't recall. Just ignore that and stick to the plan.

Ok, game on...

The hound stares at Omrax, a hint of more intelligence in its eyes then one might expect from an animal. It begins to sniff at the air, its head angling left then right.

Intimidation would be more appropriate then handle animal. Also, bluff.

Omrax moves up to the hound while continuing to point and puts his hand on the
longsword at his belt.

Intimidate : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Bluff : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Probably not as threatening as the dead man, but the intent to hurt the evil creature is genuine.

Wizzy moves out of the potential breath waepon path and starts to inspire courage..

Stealth: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (1) + 34 = 35

Just granting the +2 hit/dam, saves vs fear atm because the flag cannot be seen with me invis..

"Slay him quickly so that we may leave this place! It's vulnerable to cold!"

figured this was inevitable, might as well go first..

As soon as Wizzy starts to sing/chant, Omrax will move to smite and attack the creature...the gig is up!

I'll give Wizzy the surprise round (bardic courage is up). Not sure we need the map for this. Everyone give me an approximate position. Only Omrax is currently at melee (and unarmed until he draws a weapon). Everyone else is either short range 10-30' or mid range 35'+.)

At the sound of Wizzy's voice, the hound begins growling and barking.

INITIATIVE
Effects Active: bardic courage +2
Quiven <=UP
Omrax <=UP
Hound
Wizzy
Kyra
Tessara
Haris

DM, put Tess in the short range area, please.

Haris at 40' from hound

-Posted with Wayfinder

As a move, Omrax will draw the flaming longsword (not really worried about the flame) and will strike at the hound.

"Vile creature, you should have obeyed! But now I smite thee with the power of the Inheritor!"

Omrax +1 flame Longsword, PA, smite, bard: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 12 - 2 + 5 + 2 = 30
for pa, smite x2, bard: 1d8 + 5 + 4 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 4 + 14 + 2 = 28
Smite bypasses DR and double for evil outsiders.

AC29 vs Hound

Quiven would have weapons ready and would also naturally want to be able to get into a flanking position once the fight started, preferably with Omrax. If that can't happen he'll simply attack the easiest target as they are flat-footed and then try to flank next round.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 2 = 21 for Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 3d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + (1, 2, 1) = 11

I'm assuming I can't simply 5' step and full attack.

I updated the map above.

Omrax slashes the hound across the chest and Quiven stabs it in the flank, but the wounds are not yet significant to the giant beast.

It roars in rage, flames bursting from its mouth and nostrils as it bites viciously into Omrax.

Bite on Omrax: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35
Damage: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (4, 5) + 12 = 21
Fire Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3

INITIATIVE - All PCs are up!
Effects Active: bardic courage +2
Wizzy <=UP
Tessara <=UP
Haris <=UP
Quiven <=UP
Omrax <=UP
Hound

Tess throws a magical snowball at the hell hound, becoming visible after it leaves her hand.

Ranged touch Attack 1d20 + 5 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 - 4 + 2 = 15

Damage 5d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 3, 5, 3) = 20

Fort save 16 toavoid being staggered for a round.

"You're my little puppy dog now!", Haris charges at the hound with a stealthy strike then calls out to Darlneen, "I'm coming sweetheart!".

+1 adamantine shortsword,inspired,charge,flank: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 30 >>sneak,dirty,bleed: 1d6 + 2 + 3d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + (1, 5, 2) + 1 = 14

forgot +2 more for damage from inspire, 16 total

Wizzy moves up and out of the way, continueing his song as he goes..

Omrax grunts at the pain from the hound's bite, but is not deterred.

"It will take more than that to stop us. Thy doom is nigh, hound!"

Omrax switches to a 2 handed grip on the borrowed longsword and swings again at the large creature.

Omrax +1 flame Longsword,PA, smite, bard, flank: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 - 2 + 5 + 2 + 2 = 33
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 6 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 2 + 6 + 7 + 2 = 29

Omrax +1 flame Longsword,PA, smite, bard, flank: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 2 + 5 + 2 + 2 = 15
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 6 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 2 + 6 + 7 + 2 = 27

Omrax layhands, mercy: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 2, 4) = 18

AC28, HP 36+18= 54

Quiven continues to attack the beast!

Attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24 for Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 3d6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + (4, 1, 3) = 16

Attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22 for Damage: 1d4 + 3 + 3d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (5, 3, 5) = 19

Assuming I hit my AC is 26 vs the hound

Tessara's ice sizzles on the hounds scalding hide. Haris stabs it in a vulnerable spot in its neck, spraying the area with hot blood. Quiven stabs into its back.

The beast suffers all these wounds but still stands. Opening its jaws wide, it begins to draw in air, the inside of its throat glowing yellow like a stoked forge.

Then Omrax shoves his borrowed sword, flaming with its own magic, up into the mouth and out the side of its face, and the hellish beast falls!

COMBAT OVER

"Who?" A weak voice calls from the cage. The paracountess looks down on the scene through dirty unkempt hair.

"Who, you ask? We are Pathfinders here to rescue you M'Lady.
Omrax at your service. Fear not, we will have you down momentarily.
Besides this hound, are there any others holding you captive?"

"Someoen use that crank and get her cage down now...we need to get out of this place as soon as possible. There might be others nearby!"

Haris rushes over to the release panel to being dowm Dralneen's cage.

DD: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Pathfinders? How... Haris? Is that you down there? Freed from bondage by the Hawk? Well this is interesting... and a bit... ironic..." The brief conversation seems almost more than she has the energy for.

Haris fiddles with the mechanism, but in his haste one of the cages drops to the ground with a startling clamor.

Tess keeps her eye out, worried all the noise would bring even more problems.

Perception 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

sorry, disable device was +14 if any difference

-Posted with Wayfinder

We'll say you had a circumstance penalty. Roll again. :)

"Yes Mistress! The Hawk of Absalom! I've crossed oceans and planes, to the very depths of Hell to find you!-", Haris furiously fumbles with the locks, Come on you idiot, "Any moment now!-...almost there!-...take you away from all this death!

DD: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20
if 20 is a fail, I'll use my folio reroll: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

Once Hawk has lowered the cage and released the Paracountess, Omrax will approach.

With your permission, M'Lady

If she does not object, he will lay healing hands on her twice.

hands+mercy: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 6) = 15

Mercy (Fatigued) (Su) When you use your lay on hands ability, it also removes the fatigued condition.

hands+mercy: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 4) = 13

Mercy (Sickened) (Su) When you use your lay on hands ability, it also removes the sickened condition.

Sir Haris, you seem to have history with the Paracountess, it seems best if you attend to her care. Can we find some suitable clothing for her as we should return immediately.

Yeah, I think we should leave, and quickly! I don't really want to hang around in this place anymore.

Haris finally manages to figure out his mechanism and bring the paracountess down safely, right into the waiting arms of Omrax.

"Oh my. Aren't you a tall and handsome flask of alchemist fire." She purrs, draping herself over the paladin, despite the fact that his healing touch has likely dispelled all injury, fatigue, and stomach distress she might have been suffering from.

Tess rolls her eyes. She'd heard all about the ParaCountess. "Let's get out of here, now!"

Omrax, who has not heard of the Paracountess reputation is quite uncomfortably surprised at her comment.

"Uh, well yes we best exit this locale before others arrive."

But- but- but-...

Omrax tries to quickly hand the Paracountess over to Haris as he readies to depart back through the portal.

"Why hello, my dear Hawk." Dralneen says as she takes his arm and holds tight, though still tosses the occasional glance at Omrax.

Leaving the dungeon behind, you are able to leave Citadel Vraid without further incident.

Making your way back to Korvosa with the Paracountess you meet Venture-Captain Heidmarch at Shoreline Drinkhall, where he has other Pathfinders ready to wish Dralneen away to a safe house. Before she departs, the paracountess thanks you for a job well done and offers a personal reward to each of her rescuers.

Later, Venture-Captain Heidmarch reveals further developments...

"According to the Society's most recent intelligence, Chelish Queen Abrogail II has placed a bounty on the head of Tancred Desimire. It's unclear to us yet whether his crime prompted this or if he angered the queen in another way."

The Venture Captain also thanks you for another task accomplished during your mission. "Another long missing Pathfinder by the name of Sascha Antif-Arah arrived on my doorstep not long ago. The Pathfinder Society will be helping her get back on her feet, including a relocation program designed to keep the Hellknights off her back. Before we send her off though she has told us about your role in freeing her, and has offered to direct the Society to an interesting cache of goods down in the sewers of Korvosa. We will be arranging for a group of Pathfinders to look into it soon."

Much later, back in Absalom...

You each receive a personalized letter from the paracountess mentioning details about each of yourselves that the paracountess wouldn't be expected to know. In addition to her profuse thanks and traditional innuendo, the letters also offer you a reward in thanks for your efforts, paid out of her personal wealth rather than the Cheliax faction's assets or the Society's pocketbook.

THE END

Thanks everyone! I had a lot of fun running this scenario. I'll try to report the session and put together chronicles tomorrow.

Yay us!

Great up job with a great group. Excellent.

~Epilogue~

One week later...

:thump! thump!::

Haris knocks upon Darlneen's quarters at a discretionless hour. When she opens, he delivers his most Hawkish line, "Ahh, Paracountess, I've come to return your favorite cloak... -if I may place it where it belongs?", he throws the cloak around her neck, hooks the clasp and adjusts the lapel. Then he pulls out from underneath his own jerkin a piece of silken red fabric, "I have also come to return this item which you have lost... -if I may place it where it belongs?..."

rimshot! great game!

LOL - nice, Haris

LOL. A joke about a year an a half in the making. Nice one!