Dungeon Master S's Eyes of the Ten Parts I-IV (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

Reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Osric's wolf also feels the full force of the flames, nearly passing out but with his fur still he dashes ahead!

Grimtooth surges against the fiery bird that scorched him and his master!

Bite: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23
Damage?: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Bite counts as magic, nothing extra special.

I was waiting to see how bad off everyone was. I'll instead Channel, because Grim and Osric are pretty beat up, too.

Channel to Heal: 6d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 5, 2, 2, 4) = 20

Should catch everyone except the Flame Raven and the blue archer.

"Quickly, bring me her ring!"

Osric, walls of fire are opaque, so you'll have to move and shoot. Moving through the wall also causes you to take damage. I'll let you redo your turn before taking mine.

Roos: Heal
Osric: Go
Darius: ATK
Ignatius: Heal
Baddies: TBD

Sorry, failed my reading comp. check!

Osric flies up 5' and forward next to Ignatius. He then casts gravity bow on his holy weapon.

Grimtooth pass through the flames taking 2d6 + 18 ⇒ (6, 2) + 18 = 26 fire damage. That also brings him within the reach of the phoenix, drawing an attack: Claw: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (14) + 24 = 38 DMG: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 5) + 8 = 14 and Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 4

The archers, also wide eyed at the phoenix, turn and unload on the metamophosed man.
Arrow 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
Arrow 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Arrow 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Arrow 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

but they all miss....

The Phoenix's feathers burst into radiant flame. Grimtooth and Archer 2 take 4d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 2, 3) = 10 fire damage (REF DC 25 for 1/2.)
Archer Reflex: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

...Then, shockingly the phoenix does nothing...

Roos: Go
Osric: Go
Darius: Go
Ignatius: Go
Baddies: TBD

Dairus grabs the womans ring and slides it on his finger..

Know Arcana on Phoenix's Abilities: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 20 = 31 If thats enough to tell him it has healing sla's he'll do the following..

"Heal my group Phoenix!" If not he'll just command it to return to the pit..

If UMD is needed: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (6) + 22 = 28

Shirley uses her magic missile wand on the blue archer..

UMD: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28
Dam: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 3) + 2 = 9

Roos spends the time healing himself again,
CLW stick: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

hmmm no res, no dispel, cant see them to use bardic debuffs...

The Phoenix whips around and stares at Darius, "How DARE you simply command me!" The phoenix turns and regards you for a moment. "I sense not evil in your heart. Let me arrange an exchange. I will heal your friends, then give me the ring so that I may melt it in my crop and be rid of these chains forever."

The whole exchange took only a second. The archers look in awe. They drop their weapons.

The pheonix turns and prepares another firestorm based on your answer...

Darius, what do you do?

"How dare you attack my party! I take no chances when protecting my own.. That said I've never been much for slaves, so you have a deal phoenix." He tosses the bird the ring..

Out of combat.

The phoenix burns the archers in a flame beyond mortal ken. The majestic creature extinguishes its own feathers and drops the wall of Fire. "I had no choice human. I am bound to the ring and to it's owner. By giving me the ring I am free as I am meant to be."

The phoenix grants it's boons to each of the injured Pathfinders, healing them of their wounds.

Once done, it swallows the ring in a final burst of flame before departing this realm.

Well that sucked.

It was a NG creature.. Would you really want dominion over it? Doesn't sound like a very good action.. Im sorry though if I ruined some sort of special thing for you. I honestly didn't expect it to go down like that when I picked the ring on..

Reminds me of the penultimate arc in Bastion of Broken Souls, the first high level 3.0 edition module. The party needs a macGuffin guarded by an angel. The angel knows the party must have it, but is bound by divine promise to defend it to the death. No one at the table felt clean after, but they HAD to stop Ashardalon.

It appears that there is something going upstairs...

"So....we won...?"

There's a path up where everyone came from...

Osric flies over to Grimtooth and gives the big wolf a scratch while handing him a bit of jerky.

"Glad you made it through, old pal. Now, I suppose we ought to see what all this is about?"

Deciding to take advantage of his limited time in the air, Osric calls out to the others:

"I'll float up and have a look. I'll call out if there's trouble."

It sounded like a large open chamber, so my plan is to fly up to where I can see the upper terrace, as it were. But I've misread things before. If it's a narrow, roofed passage, then I'd much prefer to hang back.

Roos will spend the time to do a cursory look over the captured gear. After that he will join Osric on the recon of the path.

This is a massive chamber, and Osric's flight will definitely help. unfortunately I'll be away from the scenario most of the day.

-Posted with Wayfinder

It was a NG creature.. Would you really want dominion over it? Doesn't sound like a very good action.. Im sorry though if I ruined some sort of special thing for you. I honestly didn't expect it to go down like that when I picked the ring on..

No, it's cool. :P

"Here, gather around, and I'll heal our wounds. If you don't mind, I'd like to take the ring and cleanse it of whatever taint there Red Ravens might have left upon it." I have a long standing RP idea that I consume objects to burn away their sin, but since I don't eat, I just hold them inside my body. That's what I was wanting to do. It's just RP, not trying to claim it. I figure I could vomit it up if needed, and being basically a living furnace, with constant protection against possession, it's pretty safe within.

Channel Energy x2: 12d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 5, 5, 1, 5, 1, 5, 4, 2, 6, 4) = 43

The Phoenix ate the ring

-Posted with Wayfinder

Oh, missed that. Never mind.

The Phoenix also healed all our wounds as part of the eal so save the channels..

I wasn't sure if it was completely healed or not, so just wanted to make sure.

Cure Serious at will, so yep, fully healed.

Osric's reconnoitering reveals that the tunnel leads to the courtyard of a very well-to-do mansion.

Anything else you want to do before finally popping out?

Nope, I'll hand back a bit, not wanting to reveal Osric's location, but fly near enough to help incase there is any danger.

Otherwise I'm good to go. Before heading up, I'll cast Bull's Strength on Grimtooth.

"Thanks for the heals friend... anyway you can replenish our spells?" Roos asks the phoenix as it departs. "Guess not. well then what is next. Out and about to see what lies beyond?"

i must say the mansion fight with the worms and the archers was prob the best fight i have had in PFS and beat the theater fight i remember when i first started playing PFS

Osric calls down what he sees. Then looks to see if any arrows can be saved, especially wary for magical ones, if they survived the phoenix fire.

I normally carry 80 arrows. Given the number of archers we've encountered, I haven't bothered to keep track of how many I've shot, figuring I could pretty much top off between the fight at the lodge and the Medusa, at least. Sound ok GM?

Works for me on the arrows. Yeah I LOVE that opening fight.

The passage actually doesn't quite make it to the courtyard. It ends in a secret door. The secret door from the tunnel leading down into the Raven’s Roost opens into the false facade of an altar in an austere chapel dedicated to Abadar, Master of the First Vault. Numerous lit candles flicker from shelves built into the whitewashed walls, which extend thirty feet to end in what must be some sort of spire or steeple. The upper walls of the structure bear huge stained-glass windows. From the light illuminating their colorful scenes it’s clear you’ve emerged onto the surface. Two huge double doors on the far wall, about 20 feet away, stand open just a crack, revealing a sliver of the courtyard beyond. Several figures throng the yard, jeering and yelling. Inside the chapel, though, all is quiet....

Darius is shapeshifted for 11 mins or so after the fight is over..

"I suppose we still need to find the Raven yes? Lets try and take him alive.."

"Do we sneak in?"

At the moment, you know you'd be emptying into a room with no one in it.

Darius: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19
Shirley: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19 Darkvision, Low-Light
Ignatius: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26 Darkvision
Osric: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31
Roos: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

The secret door from the tunnel leading down into the Raven’s Roost opens into the false facade of an altar in an austere chapel dedicated to Abadar, Master of the First Vault. Numerous lit candles flicker from shelves built into the whitewashed walls, which extend thirty feet to end in what must be some sort of spire or steeple. The upper walls of the structure bear huge stained-glass windows. From the light illuminating their colorful scenes it’s clear you’ve emerged onto the surface. Two huge double doors on the far wall, about 20 feet away, stand open just a crack, revealing a sliver of the courtyard beyond. Several figures throng the yard, jeering and yelling. Inside the chapel, though, all is quiet.

"Well whats the plan guys? I say we need to find the Raven and subdue him for questioning. At my present form there is most likely to be no chance at diplomacy if I show myself. Considering how well that tatic has been working I doubt it would be useful regardless."

Darius uses a wand on himself and goes invisible..

"That's not a bad idea." I assume we talk a bit before that point. "Perhaps I can go speak with them. It hasn't worked yet, but who knows. I think it would be best if everyone hung back, perhaps concealed, and we can see how they react."

Was there any ash left from the ring/phoenix? If so, can I take that?

Before entering the calm chapel, I'll do a quick Detect Magic/Evil investigation then move to the cracked doors, to see what I can see.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Assuming nothing changes this.

Opening the doors gently, but confidently, I'll walk outside. Enhanced Diplomacy: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (16) + 24 = 40 (+2 vs Humans)

"Good people, we are lost travelers. Pathfinders. WE DO NOT WANT TO FIGHT. We are only looking for answers, and had hoped you could help us. I am Ignatious, the Crusader of Silver, child of the Dawn and the Flame."

Also, we still have the Hunter's Blessing Spell up. Favored Enemy Humans, Terrain Urban.

"Just great. Here we are again trying not to fight, telling them we are pathfinders looking for answers. here comes their response...combat. I see how this will end...bloody. Makes for a heck of a good story though."

I figure if they attack Pathfinder on sight, (and it's not like the Society doesn't deserve it so much of the time), it's better to be up front about it than them find out later.

Yes, the phoenix vanished in a burst of flame which left some ash behind.

Adjusting the timing to fit:

More than a dozen angry Galtan citizens throng the narrow courtyard of the keep, crowding around a tall wooden guillotine erected on the far end. Four tall, gaunt human men wearing long gray coats and armed with sturdy halberds patrol the angry Mob, keeping the peace while at the same time cheering along with the bloodthirsty crowd. Howls of “off with his head!” and “death to the noble traitor!” emerge from the loud din of the rabble. A richly garbed man wearing an absurd hat festooned with ribbons and badges looks down on the crowd from atop the courtyard wall, unfurling a scroll and preparing to speak. As the crowd shifts to reveal the guillotine, the focus of all the anger becomes clear. Kneeling in the mud, his neck exposed to the guillotine’s blade, is a dark-haired human man dressed in familiar red leather armor.

“Aric of Halvon,” screams the hat-wearing man atop the courtyard wall. “You stand accused as an enemy of the Red Revolution and a sworn foe of the People of Galt. By my decree, you are required to grant us the magical password that grants access to Montrose Keep, so that the ill-gotten gains of your evil nobility can be distributed to the good people of Galt!”

Ignatius steps forth with a bold interruption. The crowd is immediately awed by such a powerful looking presence. While they want blood, they are Galtan, and are well aware of the fickle nature of the powerful.... They begin to disburse.

The Grey Gardeners do not.

"This is a lawful execution. Your words are compelling, but what you want puts a massive burden upon YOURSELVES. "

Another Gardener throws keys at Igantius's feet.

"We shall hold the Pathfinder society responsible for his fate. If the LORD Montrose is seen within Galt again, his life, your lives, and the lives of all Pathfinders will be forfeit."

It appears, for once, diplomacy worked.

"Why is there so much anger towards our Society? What has the Society done to offend you? Or this noble? If he truely is evil and guilty, I (we) shall not stand in the way of justice. All mortals have the responsibility to make their own path, and the right to live with those choices."

"But, allow us a chance to make certain. Life is a gift, and if there is a chance there was a mistake, we owe it to ourselves to find the truth."

-Posted with Wayfinder

"It is the will of the people and that is all that matters! Nobles invariably fall victim to the guillotine!"

The Gardeners start to understand that they're outmatched and that Ignatius.... makes a strong case. "We depart this keep under the agreement that Montrose be exiled from Galt for the rest of his life."

The Gardeners, still weary of a fight back out slowly, leaving him in the machine of death. Before long it is only you and the noble in the stocks. When you approach his voice sounds defeated.
"Ironic. I owe you my life. Also ironic, they have no idea that they were about to execute their folk hero, the Red Raven. Hestrem needed to die you know that, right? Now, get me out of here and I'll state my case. You'll agree with me in the end."

DM mistake, I kept calling him Montrose. He is Aric of Halvon.

HE leads you into the main part of the estate. An ornate purple carpet bisects this huge audience chamber, running from the huge double doors that lead to the courtyard to the east all the way up a short flight of steps to a beautifully carved wooden throne that looks out over the chamber. To the left of the carpet is an enormous dining table with two long benches. Unfinished meals and drinks rest upon the table, as if more than a dozen men abandoned a meal in progress not long ago. A smaller table on the other side of the carpet is piled high with stacks of paper, maps, and envelopes, arrayed in a pattern that suggests a formal investigation. Doors on the east and west walls appear to lead to other chambers.

Aric of Halvon continues to speak as you walk, "Adril murdered a friend of mine in cold blood. You might think he's nothing to you, but he's SO much more.... He was so much more. Please, I owe you my life this day, but seek not revenge on a justified case of revenge. Look, read, and see the truth of it." He waves his arm over AN ARRAY OF DOCUMENTS. Slides 10-13

That is a LOT to digest and sift through. I think it'll make more sense when you return to the Lodge and talk to Eliza and Osprey. Realistically speaking, that's the finale of Part I. I'm going to start doing Chronicles and whatnot now, but by all means keep posting and playing.

The link no workie.. The handout one at the top does though.

"If you weren't so divine Ig I would have to think you a devil with such honeyed words.. Nice job on avoiding a fight.."

After reading the information he looks to the Raven..

"So you think Hestrem killed your friend Montrose? I see nothing in these readings that would obsolutely tell me that. What other proof do you have?"

"You think Hestrem was using the Maze to get to and kill the people marked on the map? Why?"

Oops, not sure what happened with the link, it's the bottom 4 slides.

Roos pats Ig on the shoulder."Way to go Iggy. Just know the folks calling for 'OFF WITH HIS HEAD' where Andoran." Roos joins Darius in reviewing the 'evidence' and then says to the others "Perhaps the other names are also targets. We should take action."

"I would assume as much.. I had a hunch back at the lodge that was the case.. But why them?"

Feel free to talk to him here, or take the stuff and head back. Just let me know.

My questions we're aimed towards him..

"As the Red Raven I am a hero of the People, and one with considerable means. When Montrose was murdered, I vowed to focus my attention on finding his killer. Hestrem turned out to be the culprit, but it appears the murder had nothing to do with Galt. Montrose you see was one of the Decemvirate. I don't know too much about Pathfinders, but I know their identities are secret. I also know they are powerful. My leads led me to the Lodge where you foiled my plans. We assumed you were all his allies..."

The gears are turning..

"It seems the others Kaylla, Prince Odrian, Shemis, and Eddington Keel might also be Decemvirate. Even with Hestrem dead they may still be in danger. We should investigate further for sure. The question is, where to first? Maybe Ospray or Eliza can provide more insight.."

"You've shown me to be wrong about your organization. At least, that you're not ALL bad. I'll have to leave Galt now, but I have my life. I wonder if the people will put it together when their folk hero goes missing too?"

Anything else before returning to the Lodge?