DaWay's PFS Rats of Round Mountain (Inactive)

Game Master DaWay

If the Empress is in allied with the Aspis then our course of action is clear. I am Awveyen Thillvahna and we are members of the Pathfinder Society, an organization of explorers and chroniclers. What can you tell us of the Empress and any guards she will have?

I am Krella, and this, she pats the dire rat next to her, it closes its eyes as she scratches behind the ear, is Darkeyes. She pauses a moment to compose herself, sighs deeply and then says. Sad if you were willing to ally with me I would help you take out Durriya as for now I can only wish you the best against her and the 2 Emissaries from you consortium.

She changes back into a rat and heads for the herds where she and Darkeyes disappear.

Wait what just happened? I thought we were allying with her?

I thought the same..or at least we are negotiating about the possibility/opening lines of communication with her..if the empress is with the aspis we are against the empress, so for this shapechanger

Yes you have but you said only if the deal with the empress falls through. She was asking you to make a decision. To me it appeared that you wished to wait and see which was not an option for her.

Its not that she has not allied with you, its just that she is not going to aid you in battle.

So, do we continue to explore or do we continue to follow the Empress tracks ?

Asked Ragnar after seeing Krella going away

That's what Junichiro said. We want to see by ourself if the Empress is allying with the aspis before making any decision to officialy ally with Krella.

Got it, makes sense. I'm not sure Awveyen would have trusted the shape-shifter anyway.

Let us continue to the Empress. We must see for ourselves what treachery the Aspis has sown. Awveyen said as he flies towards the secret door.

Braziers burning with green flames keep this cavern well lit. In one corner, a fine carpet leads to an opulent throne. In the other, a curtain blocks off a portion of the cave. A ladder vanishes through a hole in the ceiling, the only visible means of egress. Not far from the ladder, chairs surround a modest table; one chair is larger and grander than the rest. A thick leather book and the remains of a meal sit atop the table. A number of clay jars stand against the wall.

You see Durriya sitting on the large, grand chair. She looks much larger than the other ratfolk (Medium sized). She wears thick flowing robes concealing much of her glorious form. When you enter she looks at you the two humans meeting her turn to you. There chain shirts clinging as they move upon seeing the wayfinders at your waist they draw their battle axes. One of them speaks, I thought we were going to have privacy

Durriya Init: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Aspis Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Initiative Ragnar: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

In Celestial: We do not know what lies the Aspis have spun. Do no harm to the Empress, just eliminate the agents.

In Common: Empress we are members of the Pathfinder Society. Despite what these men might have said we do not seek you undermine your rule or bring harm to you or your people. We are here merely to put an end to their sinister plot.
Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

IF you haven't guessed already Awveyen is LN and as such not a big fan of regime changes. In the name of the mission though he is willing to 'mix things up' though.

Ceric nods at Ragnar

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Junichiro walks to the front of the party, blocking charge lines to the mages as much as possible. While leaving his weapons sheathed, but mentally preparing himself for combat, he says:

When we presented ourselves at the gates, as diplomats do, we were told we could seek audience with the empress, which we are doing.

We were also told that it was not polite to draw weapons without provocation, and I will keep to that unless I have to defend myself or my companions. Others here seem to forget their manners. The samurai says with a sideways glance to the hostile Aspis agents.

I am Junichiro Goemoto of the Pathfinder Society. We represent the legal owners of the Hao-Jin tapestry, the only proper way in and out of this realm. We can offer an alliance of cooperation to the Ratfolk of the Round Mountain, and wish to keep them save from the interference of outsiders and intruders. When saying "outsiders" he locks eyes with the empress, looking for a reaction, or change of emotion.

Coming negotiations could however become ...difficult, if you wish to ally with the Aspis Consortium. My honesty demands to inform you that they are our rivals, and have intruded into this plane illegally.

The samurai's tone is still quite polite, but he does not bow, as he would not like to take his eyes of the agent's axes

Junichiro is itching for the coming fight, both to oppose the Aspis agents, and because he believes a shape-shifted Rakshasha is not a proper ruler for the Ratfolk. As he came as a diplomat, he waits for the Aspis agents and the empress to strike first.

Wait. What? She is a Rakshasha? Did I know this?

The Undying Empress merely sits there her leg crossed over inside the heavy robs kicking but never revealing any skin.

The Aspis Consortium agents approach Junchiro, their eyes glazed over as they raise their axes and bring them down on the Samurai.

1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 4 = 231d8 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 4 = 12
1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 4 = 201d8 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 4 = 14

initiatives
Junchiro 22
Ceric 19
Durriya 18
Ragnar 15
Aspis 14 (Attacking Junchiro)
Avweyen 6

Awveyen it was revealed to you in the wall of text from the Ratfolk druid.

What knowledge would it be?

Awveyen will step to the side, line up a clear shot at one of the Agents an let fly his specially prepared arrow.

+1 Longbow w/ Point Blank Shot, Focused shot, Deadly Aim, Arcane Strike, Flame Arrow, Gravity Bow, Bull Strength, Human Bane Arrow, Named Bullet
Attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25 vs. Touch
Confirm crit: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29 vs. touch
Damage: 6d6 + 2d6 + 1d6 + 58 ⇒ (1, 1, 2, 1, 6, 1) + (4, 5) + (2) + 58 = 81 (2 is fire)
Yuck! Crappy damage roll!

no knowledge she told it all to you.

just so you all know she is not illusioned as a ratfolk she is a rakshasa with a rat head.

and Awveyen will drop one of the enemies on his turn.

I meant to identify strengths and weaknesses

Planes DC 20
Rakshasa

Know. Planes: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Ragnar looked confused with Junichiro's speach. He turned to the other and asked

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

In Celestial: The Aspis want a fight. Give them one Ragnar. A magical Circle against evil might be a good idea too.

Seeing the Aspis agents start to get aggressive Ceric will cast haste on the party and then move back so that Junichiro and Ragnar are between him and the enemies

Two axes bounce harmlessly of the samurai's armor. Being attacked, the samurai draws his blades, and looks one of the agents in the eyes and challenges him. He then notices the glazed over eyes and says:

There is something weird about these agents. Can anyone check them for magical effects? And please, also tell Ragnar.

I can't kill someone who might not know what he is doing

Junichiro strikes the agent he challenged with the pommel of his katana.

katana, to subdue: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 271d8 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17

In Celestial: Ragnar, Magic Circle Against Evil, and include the Agents. Junichiro thinks they might be mentally controlled.

Awveyen will hold his shot for now.

if 80mn have not yet passed, my circle is still on

80 minutes have not passed.

putting the round in order.

Junchiro whacks one of the men up side the head with the flat of his blade. (17 nonlethal damage)

Ceric Hastes the party.

Durriya merely sits on her throne. Her leg rocking beneath her robes.

Ragnar questions and delays.

Awveyen holds his shot for the moment.

Round 2.
Junchiro, Ceric you're up.

At Junichiro's question Ceric will cast detect magic and starts to look for traces of spells that might be effecting the Aspis agents (or anything else in the area)

Is there a Map? I believe Ragnar would have moved up to get the agents in the area of his Magic Circle against Evil so they would get a new Will save vs. any consumption from an evil creature. If they are still attacking after being in the area of the Magic Circle Awveyen would have let his arrow loose and eliminated one of the agents.

Ragnar casted a spell Divine Favor to enhance his fighting abilities before moving to include the aspis agent in his magic circle against evil.

In case it matters..If Ragnar moved Ceric (and I assume the others?) would have moved to stay near him

Map You are in H1.

Since I am imagining Ragnar And Junchiro standing pretty close.

Ranged Touch Junchiro 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 284d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 3, 3) = 13
Ranged Touch Ragnar 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 304d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 1, 1) = 11

At the end of the bolt of flame you see a medium sized ratfolk, her hands twisted backwards holding out a wand.

Well it seems it is time for a Regime change. Awveyen says with a sigh. Then in Celetial, Ragnar, it would seem the Queens has already chosen her side, her own. Let us put an end to this.

What round are we in? Who is up now?

Rd 2. The party may post.

Awveyen lines up a shot on the Empress and walks slowly towards her, We came to you in peace and you great us with violence. The Pathfinder society had no intention of interfering with your rule but you leave us little choice now. Surrender and you will be treated fairly, resist and you will eliminated. If she does not surrender immediately he fires a warning arrow past her ear.

+1 Longbow W/ Point Blank Shot, Arcane Strike, Deadly Aim, Gravity Bow, Flame Arrow, and Bull’s Strength
Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Damage: 2d6 + 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (3, 4) + (1) + 15 = 23

He then calls to his companions, Rakshasa resist all damage the does not come from a good aligned piercing weapon.

Said Ragnar when a fire ray touch him. He responded to Awveyen

Then Ragnar called for Gorum for a burst of speed immediate action: Surprising Charge and moved near the empress and strike her three times thanks to Ceric's Haste

GORUM !

+1 Adamantine Greatsword 1: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 2 + 1 = 272d6 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4) + 19 + 2 = 29
+1 Adamantine Greatsword (Haste): 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 2 + 1 = 162d6 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (2, 3) + 19 + 2 = 26
+1 Adamantine Greatsword 2: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 132d6 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (5, 3) + 19 + 2 = 29

Junichiro wait for me to move you!"

To be honest I'm having a little trouble with where everyone is on the map so going to assume some stuff. I also don't see H1 on the map you posted a link to, but all the rooms seem to be pretty small so I should have the movement to do this- I will assume 60ft times 2 for the both of us used.

Assuming Junichiro delays for me to act and he wants to be moved there;

Ceric will use Dimensional steps to teleport both himself and Junichiro so that Junichiro will be flanking the empress with Ragar and I will be behind Junichiro.

Have fun Junichiro, flanking bonus, haste and a full round attack, don't forget to challenge ;)

The empress' fire attack damages the samurai.

HP:42/85 Seems we forgot to heal after the last fight. Which is quite stupid of me, as we have wands and stuff.

Junichiro appears next to the empress, opposite of Ragnar.

Thank you Ceric, most convenient. I'll have to resume that other duel later, it seems

I need a ruling: Can a samurai challenge a new target without the previous one going out of combat? In case of yes, Junichiro will use a swift action to challenge the empress, and the attacks below do 9 more dmg. The other mechanical effects I'll consider later

The samurai takes a fighting stance and nods to Ragnar. Let's have at it

Katana: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 311d8 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Wakizashi: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 361d6 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
threat!
to confirm: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 351d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Katana: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 291d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
threat!

to confirm: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 211d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Wakizashi: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 241d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Katana, hasted: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 311d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

The wakizashi does piercing and slashing dmg. None of Junichiro's weapons are good aligned (at the moment)

Junchiro after reading several posts and reading the description of the challenge. I am going to rule that you may challenge a second target however that cancels out the previous challenge and it is essentially wasted. This is due to your challenge requiring your concentration to maintain.

Junchiro 22 attacks the Rakshasa connecting with four of his attacks.

Ceric 19 dimenstional steps him and Junchiro

Ragnar 15 connects with a powerful slash

Aspis 14
Avweyen 6
Durriya (Last due to delay)(113)

...and I am calling it. She has two points left after the attack and the aspis cannot stand against more than two hits from you guys.

Exploring the last of the rooms down here you see, A heap of silk pillows sits in the corner of this sleeping chamber. Two braziers blazing with green flame provide heat and light. A scattering of trinkets sit atop a desk against the wall.

On the wall beyond the silk pillows lies a well-hidden secret door that Awveyen spots. Beyond the door a tunnel lead to an escape tunnel leading far into Round Mountain.

As long as the PCs win the final battle, the defeat breaks
Durriya’s hold over the ratfolk—even if she escapes. The
ratfolk, already weary of her undying rule, now control
their own destiny in Round Mountain. The immediate
future of Round Mountain hinges on whether or not
Krella survives and how she feels about the Pathfinders.
She takes immediate steps to secure leadership over the
rats of Round Mountain if she lives through the final
battle, and quickly wins the support of the other survivors.

If the PCs befriended Krella, they have her gratitude for deposing Durriya, but she insists they take their leave as quickly as possible for the sake of stability. She does not begrudge any treasures they may have acquired along the way, but tries to dissuade them from further exploration of the pagoda, as it may endanger future relations. She credits Durriya’s mad plans for the death of the ratfolk slain by the PCs, and while some ratfolk nurse grudges, they do so quietly. It’s likely the Pathfinders have won a strong ally in the Hao Jin Tapestry.
If Krella fought against the PCs

Player characters who meet this scenario’s success conditions (below) and who earned the Dogged Adventurer boon on their previous Chronicle sheet may take 20 on their Day Job check at the end of this scenario (if they could normally make a Day Job check). Furthermore, such PCs earn the Cornered Fury boon on this scenario’s Chronicle sheet at no cost. Player characters who complete both parts of the Rats of Round Mountain series (in any order and with any number of other adventures in between) may purchase the Cornered Fury boon by spending 5 Prestige Points.

Will work on chronicles and get this reported by the end of the week.

Would anyone be interested if I ran this group through the Ruby Phoenix Tournament for Gameday 3?

I could be :)

Doesn't she have DR 15/ percing AND good? By mt math she only toke 23hp damage.

Doesn't the challenge ability cancel out DR? I spent an hour looking for it last night.

Unfortunately not... it's not the same as the Paladin ability to smite bad people.

Ok well then it's been reported so you can use these characters in gameday 3 if you want but let's finish this fight.

I will post more in 5-6 hours.

Doesn't she have DR 15/ percing AND good? By mt math she only toke 23hp damage.

I think you didn't factor in the challenge damage (which Junichiro didn't add in his rolls as he wasn't sure he could challenge again) into that though..even with an AC of 25 or more (29)..that's still 5*9 extra damage First hit = 19=15=4, second (confirmed) 24+18-15=27 , third = 12+9-15=6, last hit 12+9-15 =6, so 43 damage from Junichiro and it looks like another 14 from Ragnar, so 57 damage..so we are about half way through her hp..not quite dead, but not as bad as it seems ..another round or 2 to go

In that case Awveyen will line up another shot and Ready to fire at the Empress when she takes an offensive action (attack or cast a spell)
+1 Longbow W/ Point Blank Shot, Arcane Strike, Deadly Aim, Gravity Bow, Flame Arrow, and Bull’s Strength
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
2d6 + 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (5, 4) + (5) + 15 = 29

Ragnar will be only 9 to participate to the Ruby Phoenix Tournament. So I don't think it could do it.

Again Ragnar, thanks to Ceric's spell, striked three times at the empress.

+1 Adamantine Greatsword 1: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 332d6 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (3, 5) + 19 + 2 = 29
+1 Adamantine Greatsword (haste): 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 202d6 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (2, 6) + 19 + 2 = 29
+1 Adamantine Greatsword 2: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 292d6 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (4, 2) + 19 + 2 = 27

Might as well use my 1/day reroll:
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Possible Crit!
1d20 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 3 = 27
Crit Damage: 4d6 + 30 ⇒ (4, 6, 6, 3) + 30 = 49
Total damage: 49 + 29 -15 = 63 Woot!

last round
48 damage was taken by the Rakshasa

the Aspis Agents tag team Junchiro
1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 4 = 211d8 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 4 = 13
1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 4 = 211d8 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 4 = 12

1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 4 = 191d8 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 4 = 14
1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 4 = 231d8 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 4 = 11

Meanwhile Durriya will cast charm person on Junchiro DC 14 Will to negate

This Round we are waiting for Junchiro and Cerics actions.

Ragnar connects with two heavy hits. (14+0+12)

Aspis 1 (0 Damage)
Aspis 2 (17 Nonlethal)
Durriya (74 damage)

Junichiro uses his "determined" feature to roll twice.

Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Ouch... really sucky rolls. He is charmed...

The axes of the agents bounce of the samurai's armor once more, even considering the challenge penalty.

Junichiro is under Ragnar's magic circle against evil protection :)

So as I read it Junchiro gets a +2 resistance bonus and a +2 morale bonus which means he is fine.