GM BPChocobo's PFS Cult of the Ebon Destroyer (Inactive)

Game Master Black Powder Chocobo

"Lankesh is a spice merchant and has some exceptional wares. I can give you directions to his shop, yes."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Pelkin nods and waits to see if the others might have a question to ask.

I'll assume no questions if I don't hear anything by tonight!

Bah, try to give a bit more time. I'll have an update shortly!

Unacceptable!

Haha just kidding. No worries take your time

With the directions to his shop, the party heads over to see Lankesh.

A simple home with two stories, the door to Lankesh's shop is closed. The windows are all closed and curtained from the other side, preventing views inside from the street level. While it is late evening, many shops have been open later than normal due to the festival, so the closed door to the establishment is odd.. However, smoke from the chimney conveys that someone is inside.

Opening the door, a lanky, bald Vudrani man sits inside. He turns to see the party, asking in Vudrani, "Who are you and what is your business here?"

Before entering, Pelkin would have taken time to detect for alignments and magic.

I understand that you a smith of some reputation, correct? Pelkin then follows up with the weapon they had found. I am curious about what you can tell me of this weapon. This is your mark, yes?

I'll have activated my Discern Lies ability for this line of questioning.

@Pelkin: Evil!!!!

Also, you have to cast Discern Lies at a target, it will notice the action, even as an Immediate action. Are you ok with that?

Also, I realize that you are a touch behind. You already met with the smith; Lankesh is the man who purchased the falchion found with Vitusa's severed head. Please change your question if you wish, too!

Ah, lost track of who was what. Why not, lets be bold.

We are investigating a mysterious death, a case of a severed head in fact. Are you the one called Lankesh?

Lankesh raises an eyebrow as Pelkin talks. "Yes, that is my name, Lankesh, purveyor of exotic spices. What of this severed head you ask? And would you like some tea?"

Assuming that I feel he is truthful, Pelkin will show him the weapon. Is this yours?

I'll let you know when your spell fires

Lankesh simply shakes his no. "That not mine. Again, sirs, would you like some tea?"

Casts raise dead on the campaign!

Yeah, I worry that we have lost too many players to continue. I keep hoping someone else will try to say or do something. TBH, I'm shy on time myself as I might be moving in a few weeks.

Hope your move goes well!

[ooc]I'll leave this here for a bit, see how it goes... if possible, I could try recruiting a couple of others if you're still interested Pelkin.

still here!

Then chime in with Mr. Lankesh :) He is waiting for a response about offering the party some tea :)

"I would love tea? What kind do you have? Surprise me please!" the gnome eagerly waits his delicious treat.

Lankesh smiles. "One moment, please.", the man heading into a backroom.

-Posted with Wayfinder

sense motive 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

"seems like a pleasant chap!"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

Are you sure that this weapon isn't yours? The smith seemed to recognize it rather easily. He even said you had it sharpened recently?

Pelkin will follow the man as he goes to retrieve the tea. Charming home, I must say. What is it that you do?

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

The elf magus is oblivious to Lankesh's concerns. He's a little surprised at Pelkin's rudeness, but has learned to trust the inquisitor's instincts. He follows along.

Big update tomorrow! Until then, can I get a Spellcraft check from people?

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19 (+2 if we're identifying magic items.)

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

spellcraft 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Amarthecthel hears the distinct sound of spellcasting, albeit more natural than wizardly you see it as a natural spell, unlike the arcane training you had to undergo.. Worse, you are familiar with this type of incantation... it's a lightning bolt being prepared! Amarthecthel is the only one not flat-footed for the attack!

The inside door is kicked open as a bat-headed man in the same garb as Lankesh and armed with a sharp looking blade finishes a word, inverse palms directing the bolt to the party.

Make a single Kn: Planes check to identify this beast!

Amarthecthel Reflex vs DC 16: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Pelkin FF Reflex vs DC 16: 1d20 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 3 = 26
Lightning Bolt damage: 7d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 3, 2, 2, 3, 6) = 24

Amarthecthel narrowly moves aside from the full blast of lightning, pushing Pelkin away from its center, too, as both elf-bloods are only grazed by the magical attack.

"Couldn't stay away, could you?!", the bat-headed creature speaks, still in Lankesh's voice.

Init Order (bold = up!)
Pelkin (12 damage)
Twigg/Mexel
Amarthecthel (12 damage)
Lankesh
Horgrym

Combat map updated... crudely.

Planes: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 4 = 28

I shown have known. This is a rakshasa, an evil spirit bound to flesh of the Material Plane. Cunning, cruel, and violent, their distinct forms of animal heads and reverse palms are often hidden by magic to blend into human societies. Only good, piercing weapons can truly harm them.

Rakshasas can detect thoughts constantly, using this information to gain the upper hand while interacting with mortals. Only the strongest of magics can bypass their natural spell resistance and their spellcasting ability is on par with Twigg's!

With that in mind, Pelkin calls upon his Judgment of Healing and Protection Swift Action, casts Prayer and then moves to engage the enemy! +1 to attack, damage, saves and skill check rolls while enemies suffer a -1 to theirs, if I get by his SR: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

AC 30, HP after healing is 63/75

"You will need more than a simple prayer! Dhalavei will see your bones scattered, your families torn asunder, and your good deeds forgotten!"

"This guy seems like a jerk. Maybe this will help his mood!"

Twigg casts Glitterdust will DC 17

Mexel runs ahead to bite.
bite 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
damage 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

"He does indeed, Twigg." says Amarthecthel. "He does indeed."

Amarthecthel pronounces a curse on the rakshasa in flawless elvish.

Misfortune. (Anytime the creature makes an ability check, attack roll, saving throw, or skill check, it must roll twice and take the worse result. Lasts 2 rounds. Will save (DC 18) negates.]

Then the elf moves to the attack.

Will vs Glitterdust: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Will vs Misfortune: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Lankesh is sparkly, but not fazed by them. However, Mexel's bite is avoided by an invisible armor protecting him.

Bad luck then falls upon the rakshasa as Amarthecthel curses him with bad luck!

Lankesh, surrounded, tries to carefully cast a spell.

Lankesh Concentration: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Lankesh Misfortune Concentration: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Unfortunately for him, the bad luck kicks off immediately, his spell fizzling. "This bad luck may be temporary, but Dhalavei's misfortune will plague your souls for eternity!", Lankesh hisses.

Init Order (bold = up!)
Group buffs: Prayer (+1 luck to attack, damage, skill checks, saves)
Pelkin (12 damage)
Twigg/Mexel
Amarthecthel (12 damage)
Lankesh (sparkly, misfortuned 1 round)
Horgrym

spellcraft 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 "This guy must be a powerful creature of magic! But I have a trick that may slow him down!" the gnome says as he giggles to himself

Twigg casts Slow at the creature.
caster level check vs. spell resistance 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Mexel attacks
Claw 1 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 2 = 14 - damage 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Claw 2 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 2 = 17 - damage 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Bite 1 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 2 = 14 - damage 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Twigg's spell narrowly fails to bypass its ridiculously high spell resistance.

Likewise, all of Mexel's strikes fail to bypass the rakshasa's amazing agility and natural hardiness.

Pelkin elects to step to the south and attack the magical enemy! He brings Bane to his target!

Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 2 = 18 for Damage: 1d8 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (7) + 9 + (1, 6) = 23
Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 2 = 15 for Damage: 1d8 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 9 + (6, 6) = 24

Lankesh's defenses, both magical and natural, prevent both of Pelkin's strikes from landing.

I'll wait until the end of the day for Amarthecthel and Horgrym before botting and continuing.

Concentration (DC 17): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Caster Level Check vs. Spell Resistance: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Amarthecthel moves and casts frostbite and attacks!

1st attack - +1 Cold Iron icy burst Scimitar w/ spell combat and spellstrike and frostbite and flanking: 1d20 + 12 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 12 - 1 + 2 = 281d6 + 7 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 7 + (2) + (2) + 8 = 23

2nd attack - +1 Cold Iron icy burst Scimitar w/ spell combat and spellstrike and frostbite and flanking: 1d20 + 12 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 - 1 + 2 = 271d6 + 7 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 7 + (1) + (4) + 8 = 25

Critical Hit Confirmation: 1d20 + 12 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 12 - 1 + 2 = 211d6 + 7 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 7 + (3) + (6) + 8 = 28

3rd attack - +1 Cold Iron icy burst Scimitar w/ spell combat and spellstrike and frostbite and flanking: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 - 1 + 2 = 251d6 + 7 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 7 + (3) + (3) + 8 = 24

So, depending on the AC, damage reduction and spell resistance, that's up to 100 points of damage.

What attack is the crit threat? If it's the first, do you have something to make your scimitar keen as you didn't note it. Likewise, would that also make your last attack a threat, too?

-Posted with Wayfinder

Huh. There was an 18 in there at one point. I think. Oops. Never mind!

wow!

So this'll give you guys an idea about his jerk AC...

Horgrym studies the target as he approaches.

Amarthecthel attacks Lankesh several times. The first attack barely hits him; the blade does no damage but the cold does have an affect, slowing him down just enough that the second strike causes more chilly damage, too.

Pelkin tries to bring outsider bane against the rakshasa, but he fails to even get close; same with Mexel's animal assault.

Lankesh tries to cast another spell, this time directed at Amarthecthel.

Lankesh Concentration: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Lankesh Misfortune Concentration: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Amarthecthel's curse plagues the outsider enough that his spell doesn't go through!

Init Order (bold = up!)
Group buffs: Prayer (+1 luck to attack, damage, skill checks, saves)
Pelkin (12 damage)
Twigg/Mexel
Amarthecthel (12 damage)
Lankesh (25 nonlethal damage, fatigued)
Horgrym (studied Lankesh)

Spellcraft 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Twigg wiggles his fingers, "He is casting enchantment magic! No worries guys I have an idea!" Twigg starts to cast Enlarge on Mexel.

Mexel attacks
claw 1 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 2 = 23 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 damage
claw 2 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 2 = 26 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 damage
bite 1 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 2 = 11 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 damage

EDIT: Don't forget your buffs! The prayer got one in! I won't remind you all of the time :)

It is only by a prayer that Mexel lands a blow; sadly it causes no notable damage on the rakshasa's strange body. Meanwhile, Twigg prepares a spell to embiggen his bear buddy!

Pelkin is undeterred and tries again, swapping out one of his judgments to help guide his strikes!

Attack with Bane: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21 for Damage with Bane: 1d8 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 9 + (6, 3) = 22
Attack with Bane: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 for Damage with Bane: 1d8 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 9 + (6, 1) = 21

Seeing that his curse was more effective than his attacks, Amarthecthel again utters dire words of woe.

Misfortune. (Anytime the creature makes an ability check, attack roll, saving throw, or skill check, it must roll twice and take the worse result. Lasts 2 rounds. Will save (DC 18) negates.]

Can't use misfortune on the same target, within 24 hours anyway. Not without a spell that allows it.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Drat!

Okee-doke. Slumber hex, then. Same DC

Will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

D'oh! Critical failure!

Before Lankesh can get a chance to break free from his first curse, Amarthecthel lulls the rakshasa to sleep, the bat-headed outsider falling unconscious in front of the party.

As a GM, thank you for not sleep hexing while misfortuned... so very wrong. But apparently the dice are not with Lankesh. Arguably a good thing, too. The module opens up with a CR 10 encounter with a guy that has AC 28 0_o. Thank goodness I never had a good opportunity to full attack someone.

What do you do with your unconscious assailant?

"can we put this guy in a REALLY deep hole?"

As a GM, I loathe the Slumber hex. As a player, I hold it back for dire circumstances.

His companions know that Amarthecthel is prone to giving his enemies a second chance, and they can see on his face the look that indicates he is considering it now.

"I don't know, Twigg. I hate to take advantage of a helpless opponent."