GM Bold Strider's PFS 05-17 Fate Of The Fiend (Subtier 10-11; 4 Player Adjustment) (Inactive)

Game Master rpblue

“Rachikan has been discovered!” exclaims Venture-Captain Adril Hestram as he peers up from a collection of ragged maps, dusty tomes, and tarnished coins from behind a massive desk within the Grand Lodge in the heart of Absalom. His excitement quickly fades and Adril gestures toward an elderly man sitting by the hearth. “May I introduce a former Pathfinder and respected friend, Benton Grone. This gentleman has suffered a great loss to bring a grand discovery to us and he has agreed to trade all rights to his claim of locating lost Rachikan in return for locating his missing nephew. Go with him and make haste; he has agreed to guide you to the Pillars of Anferita in Cheliax.”

Seven days at sea end at a view of the Pillars of Anferita bursting from the Chelaxian coastline, waves crashing against their rocky flanks. The central pillar’s curves, flora, and shape are perfectly represented on the discolored Jistka coins Adril sent along with the expedition. As sailors from the hired vessel row toward the central column, a second rowboat in tow, Benton Grone breaks his silence.

“It’s got to be here; the coin says so. Look at the picture on the back: A temple-foundry high atop this pillar awaits to be discovered. If old Rachikan of the Jistka Imperium is inside, then my nephew must reside there as well. Please hurry—find my poor Eldis.”

As the sailors row away from the pillars, taking Benton Grone with them but leaving behind a rowboat to return to the waiting ship, the waves slowly begin to push higher up the rocky harbor, signaling the beginnings of high tide. An unguarded, well-maintained rope stretches up the cliff, beckoning to the plateau high above.

Jistka Imperium

Rumours (Not the Fleetwood Mac album)

Well-behaved Dot.

"Well met, fellow Pathfinders. While I am a man of many talents, I do not think mine are suited to finding out more about this fabled Rachikan." Says Mathias, a tall, gentile fellow dressed in the regalia of a follower of Iomadae.

Who needs an initiative boost! I've got 8 uses of Sieze the Initiative and one ally can roll 2d20 & take the highest.

BURP! "Greetings fellow Pathfinders... a large, armored Half Orc with a nasty looking polearm bellows out as he enters the room..."The name is Jaggar and while you all run amok seeking information I shall be at the bar... I dislike talking to non Pathfinders... call me when it is time to spill blood."
Jaggar has no social skills whatsoever except for intimidate and he aint that good at that either...

Looking over at Jaggar, Mathais asks him quietly, "If you do not approve of non-Pathfinders, what did you do before you joined the society?

Looking at the rest of the assembled Pathfinders, Mathias says loudly, "Jagger, I think we shall lead the way for this group, when you are ready, shall we commence?"

Refilling his wineskin Jaggar turns to the one called Mathias,"Fine where shall we start? And who is going with us?" he asks.

Maaarv sleeps restlessly on the boat. When the party arrives at the shore he joins Jaggar for a drink. "Guess we could try to chat up the local populace."

Gather Info. Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Maaarv finds nothing but cold shoulders.

"I'm Maaarv, by the way."

Noticing that his compatriots are failing miserably in their task of gathering intelligence (well, at least Maaarv is) Mathais attempts to talk to some of the locals

Gather Intel, Diplo: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

And he doesn't do any good, either :D

Jaggar will canvas the bars taking 20's to gather any information he can get. If that does not work then he will grab some poor merchant from the market after determining which would be the best sap and Intimidate him into getting the information.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20 to see which fellow is the best to intimidate
Intimidate: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32 to get the information we need

"What do you know of Rachikan of the Jistka Imperium?! Tell me now!"
told you he has no social skills, only thing he could think of, but he looks mean...

You can get the first three rumors, Jaggar, for those rolls.

The base of the central pillar is a haven for gulls, seals, and other wildlife that chirp and bark in the distance. Salty air assaults the senses, burning the nostrils on each deep inhalation. The wet surface of the pillar offers many nooks and crannies creating a dimpled appearance suitable for climbing up the pillar’s edge. High above, the top of the pillar can be seen cresting to what must be a great plateau. Somewhere up above, a rope, in excellent condition, is anchored and runs down the cliff to the rocks below.

The plateau appears to be 200' above them, however it seems that it should be fairly easy to climb.

If you climb up, then I need 10 climb checks.

Mathais looks up the cliff and lets out a grunt, "Well, I can go first, or someone else can... Worst case scenario, I have this." Mathais reaches into his cloak and pulls out a potion helpfully labelled Fly.

You can take 10.

Jaggar looks scornfully at his loud celestial-blooded companion, grabs the rope and Climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 with a tug barely starts to climb up the rope first. if allowed to complete the climb without incident then Jaggar awaits his companions, if not then...

"Climbing, eh? Well, that works, I guess. I prefer to fly..." With that, two bat-like wings unfold from between Maaarv's shoulder blades. He takes a few steps back from his companions waiting for the rope and the wings begin to flap, sending dust and small debris flying. Suddenly, the alchemist is up in the air, moving steadily towards the cliff, waving to to those watching him.

Take 10 Fly: 10 + 13 = 23

1/7 minutes of flying used up.

As he reaches the top, Maaarv sets himself down gently on the ground.

"Oh, hey - before we get too far ahead of ourselves, do any of you want an extract of shield? How about an extract of bull's strength?" Maaarv opens his pack to reveal the prepared extracts.

I have 5 extracts of shield and 2 extracts of bull's strength. They can be quite useful. Each will last for 7 minutes.

why is this flying guy talking to himself at the top when the rest of us are still climbing up on the rope

After explaining about the extracts, Maaarv looks up. "Oh, nobody's here yet." He walks casually over to the edge of the cliff and waves to the climbers.

KN: history: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Gather Info: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

A man man of Ulfen decent runs up to the party, breathing heavily. "Apologies for my late arrival. There was some indecision as to which agent was going to be sent along to help. I was chosen. Jarlgur Flamnord, at your service." Filling in his new companions on any information he might know, he peers up at Maaarv flying in the air. "What have we here?" Reaching out, he grabs the rope and begins climbing.

Jaggar hears a voice in the distant below him as he climbs introducing himself to the others...what a loon... he says to himself....i wonder if he brought any mead...

Mathais, finally reaching the top, lets out a huff and sits for a few seconds as he recovers. Wandering over to Maaarv, he asks him "You were saying something while we were climbing?"

Assuming 17 is good enough to climb up the wall...

Maaarv waits until everyone is up the rope and present before answering Mathais's question.

"Well, you see - I've got some extracts that you can use. I mean... they won't last forever, but could make just the difference in a skirmish. Here," the alchemist holds up a bottle labeled with a simple line drawing of a shield. "This is an extract of shield - make you harder to hit and blocks any pesky magic missiles flung your way. It only lasts seven minutes, but I've got enough for everyone. And I've got a couple extracts of bull's strength for those of you that like to get up close and personal with your swords, hammers, what have you. Again... only lasts seven minutes, but they're yours if you want 'em."

Jaggar gets to the top, opens up one of his wineskins, takes a swig, wipes his mouth and says "Ya got wun of them extrak thingies that wurk with polearms? I carry no hammers." He then proceeds to look around the top of the cliff.
Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
"Luks clear. Mathias you go first."

"Well, yes... I mean. Well, the extract will make you stronger - no matter what you decide to swing around in your hand." Maaarv takes a few steps towards Jaggar but pauses a bit as his nose hits the alcohol fumes coming off the half-orc.

"You, uh... you know to swing that big stick away from us, right?" Maaarv, though still shaken after recently getting beat up in jail by a half-orc tetori monk, can't help his smart tongue.

He holds out the extracts for Jaggar.

Sorry about the delay. Been travelling for a few days non-stop. Maaarv, you will get a kick out of this. Maybe?

The three landlubbers begin the slow ascent up the rope while Maaarv flits nearby.

This combat starts when you guys reach approximately 100' in the air. Three of you are climbing and the other is flying. Estimated that you guys are likely 10' behind each other in the climbs.

Initiative:
1st: Mathais (100')-Climbing @ 73/73 HP
2nd: ? (120')
3rd: Maaarv (100')-Flight @ 52/52 HP; Jarlgur (90')-Climbing @ 65/65 HP; Jagger (80')-Climbing @ 104/104 HP

"IT'S A TRAP! Mathais yells as he desperately hugs the rope between his body and one of his hands, and reaches for the potion he put away earlier.

Pulls out potion of fly for his surprise round action, will drink as standard on first round of real action, then flying towards the creature

Also, I've got monster lore/imp monster lore (+10 to knowledge checks to identify enemies, which knowledge should I make?

No need for a knowledge check. Maaarv knows this creature. I'll let him detail it.

Everyone turns their head to see a fiery arrow knock the potion from Mat's grasp. The blood in his body turns cold as he recognizes the face of death described to him by Narvik and Bevek.

The crash of Mathias' potion can't be heard against the crash of water below them.

Disarm @ Mat-22 CMD: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

"Where is the half-orc? I know you are his compatriot?" the devil states coolly at Maaarv.

Kn. (Planes) if you want to confirm his knowledge.

Mat is up in regular rounds.

-Posted with Wayfinder

any chance those of us below can catch the potion before it falls all the way down...?

Sounds reasonable, but you haven't acted yet, so you are still flat-footed. :( Thoughts?

-Posted with Wayfinder

Maaarv takes one look at the flying devil and instantly recognizes what it is. "An erinyes! Watch it, it'll charm you, and it can summon lesser devils!" he turns to the Erinyes and shouts, "I already sent one of your kind back to whatever hellhole you spawn from. One more wont tax us!"

Good news and bad news: Good news-She can't disarm from ranged! Never knew that. Guy at lodge must be an archer fighter. Bad news-She gets a different action.

The devil casually tosses a coil of rope at Mathais as he draws a potion from his bandolier, muttering "Tie and knot."

DC 20 Reflex Save or entangled (immobile). DC 23 Strength or DC 20 Escape Artist to escape entanglement.

The erinyes laughs at Maaarv's statement. "You and your brethren never sent me back to Hell, but that is neither here nor there. Where is Narvik? He owes me his soul."

Initiative:
1st: Mathais (100')-Climbing/Entangled @ 73/73 HP
2nd: ? (120')
3rd: Maaarv (100')-Flight @ 52/52 HP; Jarlgur (90')-Climbing @ 65/65 HP; Jagger (80')-Climbing @ 104/104 HP

On a tangential note: The new Ranged Tactics book has Ranged Disarm (and Ranged Trip) as a feat.

@Jarlgur: OOH! SHINEY! I need to get that book for the (Ghastly Remains) of Sterling!

Mathais tries to do some rope gymnastics to avoid the attack!

Reflex!: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

And misses terribly as the magical rope ties him to the rope he's climbing.

Mathais then tries breaking the rope.

Forlorn Hope: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

And the rope has him stuck.

Edit: Sneering at the enemy who entangled him, Mathais tries to remember what the books have taught him about this enemy.

Kn Planes: 1d20 + 12 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 10 = 25

That's awesome! Disarming someone with an arrow is a classic movie trope.

@Mathais: You know what Maaarv says is true, however you also know that the devil is immune to fire and poison, resistant to acid and cold, resistant to damage except from good weapons and resistant to most magical attacks.

"You will answer me, alchemist, or there could be consequences..." the Erinyes says before waving her hands. Her wings flap as a dark essence detaches from them and seems to coat the party with a sick murky miasma.

Damage to Mathias: 10d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 1, 3, 6, 3, 2, 1, 2, 1) = 27 Sickened for 1d4 Rounds (Roll if you are affected); Will Save DC 19 for half and no sickened
Damage to Jarlgur: 5d8 ⇒ (7, 1, 1, 4, 2) = 15 7 damage total; Will Save DC 19 for half
Damage to Jagger/Maaarv: 5d8 ⇒ (5, 4, 6, 3, 8) = 26 Sickened for 1d4 Rounds (Roll if you are affected); Will Save DC 19 for half and no sickened

@Maaarv: DC 10 Fly check to prevent yourself from falling 10' in elevation.
@Jarlgur/Jaggar: DC 5 Climb check to prevent yourself from falling from your current elevation.

Initiative:
1st: Mathais (100')-Climbing/Entangled @ 47/73 HP
2nd: ? (120')
3rd: Maaarv (100')-Flight @ 26/52 HP; Jarlgur (90')-Climbing @ 58/65 HP; Jagger (80')-Climbing @ 78/104 HP

Jaggar is angry now that he took damage. He re-positions his hands on the rope...Climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17... and manages to stay on. He feels a nauseousness in the pit of his stomach and...WIL: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26... it passes.
"OK that thing just lost the rite to breathe!" he howls out.

You have a set of actions still Jaggar.

Initiative:
1st: Mathais (100')-Climbing/Entangled @ 47/73 HP
2nd: ? (120')
3rd: Maaarv (100')-Flight @ 26/52 HP; Jarlgur (90')-Climbing @ 58/65 HP; Jagger (80')-Climbing @ 91/104 HP

Climb: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Growling in anger, Jalrgur reaches into his pack and removes a potion, quaffing it.

Fly potion

Initiative:
1st: Mathais (100')-Climbing/Entangled @ 47/73 HP
2nd: Erinyes (120')
3rd: Maaarv (100')-Flight @ 26/52 HP; Jagger (80')-Climbing @ 91/104 HP; Jarlgur (90')-Flight @ 61/65 HP;

Cursing the foul gods that begat this accursed foe, Jagger continues to ascend the cliff via the rope, wary of anymore attacks.

Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Fly: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

Dang, wish I could switch those rolls.

Sick: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Desmond can't help to stop the retching coming up from his abdomen. He groans from the pain and clutches his stomach, trying to steady himself. He draws up a frost bomb and throws it at the devil, hoping to stagger it.

Ranged touch, PBS: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 1 - 2 = 17
Cold Damage: 4d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5, 6, 2, 3) + 5 + 1 = 22

DC 19 Fort or Staggered for one round.

Edited because I was confused on the sickened condition.

"YOUD BETTAR MOVE AWAY FROM ABOVE US BEFORE YOU RETCH!" an already angry half orc bellows out.

Mathais feels the cold tingle of pure negative energy flow throw him and it gives him chills.

Will!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

It chills him to the bone.

Mathais decides to try to break the ropes again. If he has a chance, if it's not his turn, he'll try again when it is :D

Also, Spellcraft to tell what he did to us
Spelling the Craft!: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

@Mathais: Has to be Strength or Escape Artist

Mathais knows that the spell was Unholy Blight as the sickness washes over him.

Sickened: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Maaarv's bomb strikes the devil barely, but some of the damage he was expecting from an explosion of that magnitude is missing. Did you calculate the Sickened penalty for the Bomb Damage?

Jaggar continues climbing the rope, but he loses his grip at first, swaying dangerously in the wind.

Climb - 1st Move Action: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Climb - 2nd Move Action: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

The Erinyes feels the chill of the bomb pervade her body, slowing her down.

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

She unleashes another torrent of unholy energy at the party. WHERE IS THE HALF-ORC NARVIK?!

Damage to Mathias: 10d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 5, 4, 4, 3, 1, 3, 3, 3) = 34 Sickened for 1d4 Rounds (Roll if you are affected); Will Save DC 19 for half and no sickened
Damage to Jarlgur: 5d8 ⇒ (3, 7, 1, 3, 5) = 19 9 damage total; Will Save DC 19 for half
Damage to Jaggar/Maaarv: 5d8 ⇒ (7, 7, 5, 2, 7) = 28 Sickened for 1d4 Rounds (Roll if you are affected); Will Save DC 19 for half and no sickened

@Maaarv/Mathais: Don't forget the -2 to saves for sickened.
@Maaarv/Jarlgur: DC 10 Fly check to prevent yourself from falling 10' in elevation.
@Jaggar: DC 5 Climb check to prevent yourself from falling from your current elevation.

Initiative:
1st: Mathais (100')-Climbing/Entangled/Sickened(1/2) @ 13/73 HP
2nd: Erinyes (120') @ 10 damage
3rd: Maaarv (100')-Flight/Sickened(1/3) @ -2/52 HP; Jaggar (95')-Climbing @ 63/104 HP; Jarlgur (90')-Flight @ 52/65 HP;

Sickened for 1d4 Rounds (Roll if you are affected); Will Save DC 19 for half and no sickened WILL: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

@Jaggar: DC 5 Climb check to prevent yourself from falling from your current elevation.Climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

"Getting reel tired of this foul magiks crap" Jaggar states to no one as he continues to climb... wondering how high this cliff is...

Need Climb checks for each move action spent climbing.

Initiative:
1st: Mathais (100')-Climbing/Entangled/Sickened(1/2) @ 13/73 HP
2nd: Erinyes (120') @ 10 damage
3rd: Maaarv (100')-Flight/Sickened(1/3) @ -2/52 HP; Jarlgur (90')-Flight @ 52/65 HP; Jaggar (125')-Climbing @ 77/104 HP;

GM, I forgot the -2 to the damage.

Will Save: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 2 = 10

Character Folio Re-roll.

Will Save: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 5 - 2 = 19

Though he is still sickened, Maaarv is able to resist the devil woman's evil magic.

Will have a full post up in the morning.

"SON OF A DEMON!" Mathais yells as he feels the negative energy wash through him.

Will save: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 - 2 = 12
Sickened: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Sickened for 5 rounds

Mathais touches himself with his gloves and they glow brightly for a second before half of the sapphires on the gloves break

Using Breath of Life from the First Aid Gloves he's wearing to dull the pain

Healing!: 5d8 + 9 ⇒ (6, 8, 8, 5, 2) + 9 = 38

Still swearing, Mathais starts glowing swift action turns on Judgement of Healing and Purity

All Saves +3/Fast Healing 4 active

Bellowing down to his companions on the rope, Mathais says "FIRST ONE TO GET ME OUT OF HERE GET'S A POTION OF FLY!"

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"Jagger, quit climbing up." Jarlgur says as he moves toward Jagger, saying a quick word at Mathais as he passes.

Immediate action: Liberating Command , +14 EA to Mathais, move towards Jagger and withdraw fly potion, holding it out Jagger

Is there a map link? Btw, I think Fly check is only if you have wings.

Fly Check: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 13 - 2 = 17

Maaarv is able to hold steady on a wing and a prayer. He flies further away by 30 feet and draws out an extract.

Liberating Command EA Check: Mathais feels a burst of inspiration and tries once again at the ropes.

EA Check; Liberating Command: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 14 - 2 = 30

With a shout of joy, Mathais frees himself.

"Jarlgur, A potion of fly for you once we stop this foul beast from their treachery."

You are correct, Jarlgur. I don't have a way to map in 3-D for this fight. Thoughts? The Erinyes is about 30' from Jarlgur/Mathais/Jaggar and 60' from Maarv (due to his movement).

Mathais is freed by Jarlgur's magicks as the rage prophet flies to aid Jaggar with some bottled levitation.

Maaarv flees, trying to avoid the pain of more evil energy.

The flying devil sighs. "The hard way, huh?" A smirk goes across her face. "Fair enough. I relish the hard way."

She raises her bow and fires off three arrows in quick succession at the freed Inquisitor.

Flaming Arrow-PBS @ Mathais-27 AC: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 14 + 1 = 28
Flaming Arrow-PBS @ Mathais-27 AC: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 14 + 1 = 27
Flaming Arrow-PBS @ Mathais-27 AC: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 1 = 27

Damage: 3d8 + 18 + 3 + 3d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 2) + 18 + 3 + (5, 2, 5) = 38

The three arrows thud into Mathais' chest, barely missing vital arteries and organs. The flames surrounding the bolts cauterize his wound almost immediately, sending waves of pulsing pain through his body.

Initiative:
1st: Mathais (100')-Flight/Sickened(2/5) @ 13/73 HP Judgment hasn't kicked in until you were freed (due to be unable to participate in combat clause of the ability), thus the fast healing doesn't activate until this next turn.
2nd: Erinyes (120') @ 10 damage
3rd: Maaarv (100')-Flight/Sickened(2/3) @ 12/52 HP; Jarlgur (125')-Flight @ 52/65 HP; Jaggar (125')-Climbing @ 77/104 HP;