GM: from my aerial position, do I have a charge lane (w/60 foot fly speed) to the Purple caster in the back? If so, Laara will charge towards that kobold. If not, she'll swoop over and down past the mastodon towards the Red caster (marked by the somewhat transparent Laara)
Laara surveys the scene from high above the ground, chuckling at Yami's trick. Luckily the wayang didn't throw in any fake kobolds into the scene, so she flies over and down to strike at one of the pestering mages.
Lara flies straight for one of the casters, introducing herself via foot to face.
GM Screen:
Perception:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27
Chak disappears into the forest, but despite his trained stealth he notices that the kobold's eyes keep darting towards his direction.
The mastadon panics and begins trampling in a circle, trying to flatten the dozens upon dozens of pathfinders swarming it!
Will:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
After it mows a few down it seems to get the general idea that some of them make crunching sounds and some don't... and eventually manages to recognize the difference between the foul odor of real pathfinders and the rosy smell of what pathfinders think they smell like when they cast illusions. Nevertheless, one kobold gets caught in the frenzy and it's original charge seems to have been slowed... although Holly and Fandral still get a face full of damp Mastadon fur and tusk to brighten their day. When the smashing is done, some of the foliage has been flattened, leaving branches and leaves covering the ground but clearing the path a bit.
Female Human Bard (Dawnflower Dervish) 12 l HP 86/86 l AC 24/T 18/FF 17 l CMB +11 l CMD 29 l Fort +8/Ref +17/Will +11 l Perc +16 l Init +13 l Speed 30 ft. l BP 33/33
Holly unleashes her blade into the mastadon's hide once more despite the obvious pain she is going to suffer from its extra large weight.
Female Human Bard (Dawnflower Dervish) 12 l HP 86/86 l AC 24/T 18/FF 17 l CMB +11 l CMD 29 l Fort +8/Ref +17/Will +11 l Perc +16 l Init +13 l Speed 30 ft. l BP 33/33
Bloody and sweaty even in this cool environment Holly focuses herself and uses what she knows of magic to improve the edge on her blade.
Maintaining Battle Dance (free action), Arcane Strike (swift action), Full Round Attack vs. Mastadon
Bloodied and bruised, Fandral keeps up the attack vs the mastodon.
buffs=haste, good hope Swift action to double precision on first strike attack #1:1d20 + 22 ⇒ (9) + 22 = 31 damage:1d6 + 9 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 12 = 25
Male Wayang Wizard (Sin Specialist) 11 [HP 48+16/48][AC 17][Init +2][F+5/R+7/W+9][Perc +18]
Buffs:
False Life (+20 HP), Mage Armor (+4 Armor), Mirror Image (5 images), Fly, Prot v. Evil
Yami will cease concentrating on his major image spell and move forward a bit for better line of sight. Afterwards, he will raise his staff again; causing a burst of shadowy strands of silk to erupt amidst the kobolds and the mammoth.
Yami's major image will persist for 3 rounds after he ceases concentrating on it. He will cast shadow conjuration to create a web spell, covering the area outlined (rather poorly, pardon my artistry on the map) in red; catching the mammoth, the blue and yellow chieftan, and the red guilecaster. DC 20 Will and Reflex for this spell.
Holly presses the attack, felling the massive beast but sustaining a grave wound for her trouble.
Laara and Chak, feel free to post your actions as well, I'll work them in with the kobold actions since I doubt their turns will change yours much at this point.
On his turn, Chak will move into a flanking position with the kobold attacking Fandral. With a quick study, he will strike. If he can't move into flank for some reason, it might change his turn, or the attack values at the very least.
The kobold loses its concentration while her compatriot lines up another lightning bolt to blast away Yami's illusory army. This time the false troops stand still, failing to react to the blast... and begin to fade away. Illusion dispelled by being attacked without reacting.
The sneakier kobolds finally rush in, one converging on Yami (double move), and the other on Holly (Escape, move).
Escape!:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
The final kobold does its best to pierce a few holes in Fandral.
Laara looks behind her to see the rest of the party is doing their best to stain the snow red. Hoping to get back to them quickly, she unleashes a quick and furious barrage at the casters in front of her.
Five-foot stepping, then flurrying
Attack:1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 18 + 2 = 39 for nonlethal damage:1d8 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 15 If this hits, Purple’s now flat-footed to me (Shatter Defenses) Attack 2:1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 13 + 2 = 20 for nonlethal damage:1d8 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 20 plus Sneak Attack:2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9 Flurry Attack:1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 18 + 2 = 28 for nonlethal damage:1d8 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 15 plus Sneak Attack:2d6 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11 If Purple falls after the first or second attack, Laara will Lunge towards the other caster on the rock. Ignore that sneak attack damage then, but if she hits, will try to Shake him as well Intimidate:1d20 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 20 + 2 = 31
The kobolds continue to mount a frustrating defense, luring Pathfinders into cramped and trap-filled tunnels and unleashing captive monsters on unsuspecting agents. Even so, the kobolds are losing ground with each battle. As another skirmish echoes from elsewhere in the caverns, a tremendous roar reverberates through the cave complex, rattling stalactites and causing snowdrifts to slide down the outside slopes. As the sound dissipates, the voice of a massive creature booms from deep within the kobolds’ warren.
“Long ago my ancestor Grathatonhakis ruled here, and a meager dwarf challenged his might only to become his trophy. Both were fools, and both are now dead. I am neither, and your paltry attacks shall not change that. Fall back, kobolds of the Shiverscale tribe! Let these intruders die in sight of the last fool to challenge Horralydax, the master of the Tusk Mountains. Rally to me, my children. Today we dine on adventurers!”
The kobolds kowtow to the booming voice, scramble to their feet, and begin retreating deeper into the caves. For once they aren’t covering their tracks, so the way to the dragon’s lair is clear. Table GMs, please move to the encounter in area N swiftly.
Laara drops one of the kobolds with a quick 1-2 punch, then kicks the next one, leaving it quivering from the force.
Fandral obliterates the kobold that dared to assault him with a single thrust. CR 8, both crit and kill.
The kobolds, noting the their significant decrease in numbers, loss of the Mastadon, and appearance of something quite large and dangerous appearing from Exi's fingertips, begin to book it. The proclamation from the dragon seals the deal.
Willing to assume Exi's summon demolishes at least 1, likely 2 of the remaining kobolds... and they aren't completely suicidal so I'm calling this a success.
You will most likely wish to take some time to heal up before moving into the cave, so go ahead and do that now.
He looks down at the wand as it magic finally runs out. Well that ends that one. So long friend you were very useful He casts it to the side next to dead kobold.
"Well I hope I never have to face another beast like that." Fandral states as he looks at the felled mastodon.
The caverns within the dragons' lair are now unguarded, and your entry is free of impediment. The twisting passages are surprisingly narrow, given the clear indication of the presence of such mighty beasts. The passages fork left and right, and mobs of pathfinders pass you heading down other passages. Your mission however is clear. Find the biggest baddest dragon in this lair... and beat it senseless.
A narrow cavern to the east opens into a larger cave. A gently sloping ramp descends counter clockwise to an elaborately carved column of ice. A vast pile of gold, jewels, furs, and immense bones lie piled around the column.
Some notes on the terrain Shamelessly plagiarized from GM Blazej
There are a few important places on the map I wanted to make note of before you charged in.
The tunnels have 10 ft ceilings as they lead towards the center chamber.
The spiral ramp in the center of the chamber drops by 10 ft each twist, so leaping off of the edge is a 10 ft drop.
The ceiling in the chamber is 30 ft, except in the center where it opens to a tunnel leading 40 ft directly up.
The blue area on the map marks icy ground. It is difficult terrain to travel across it.
The white area on the map is an area of dense fog and snow. It completely is blocking your sight past it. You currently can't see the dragon from the entrance where you are located. It also hampers movement. If you decide to move into it (or anyone makes a knowledge (arcana) check) refer to the following spoiler to identify what the fog does.
Open when entering White Fog or Knowledge (arcana) 26:
It creates a rime of ice on all the surfaces within the fog. They act as though greased.
All sight is blocked by the fog beyond 5 ft. Creatures within 5 ft have concealment (20%). Beyond that they have total concealment (50%).
The fog is so thick to impede movement. While in the fog you move at half normal speed and take a -2 penalty on melee attack and melee damage rolls. You can not 5 ft step in solid fog.
Ranged weapon attacks are ineffective through the area (except for magic rays and similar effects).
It would take a severe wind (31+ mph) to begin dispersing this in a timely manner.
Fey Blessing: Each PC and companion creature can gain a single-use benefit while you are in this land. As a free action on your turn you can gain either DR 5/- or cold resistance 10 until the end of the current encounter.
A booming sound fills the air... echoing through a huge hole in the ceiling above.
"COME INTO MY LAIR, MEAT! I, HORRALYDAX WILL FEAST ON YOUR FLESH AND CLEAN MY TEETH WITH YOUR BONES!"
There is a tunnel up in the ceiling, but it is a 40 ft ascent directly up. It seems as though this is the passage the dragon uses when it wants to leave.
Female Human Bard (Dawnflower Dervish) 12 l HP 86/86 l AC 24/T 18/FF 17 l CMB +11 l CMD 29 l Fort +8/Ref +17/Will +11 l Perc +16 l Init +13 l Speed 30 ft. l BP 33/33
Holly will take Fandral's wand and tap him repeatedly with it while making little tsking noises. "You really should be more careful." she says with a bit of a blush and sarcasm mixed in.
If any of you wish to make your approach through the dragon's personal tunnel up above, feel free to do so and place yourself over the PC starting area marked over the black area. Otherwise place yourselves in the box marked starting area before the entrance to the lair.
Female Human Bard (Dawnflower Dervish) 12 l HP 86/86 l AC 24/T 18/FF 17 l CMB +11 l CMD 29 l Fort +8/Ref +17/Will +11 l Perc +16 l Init +13 l Speed 30 ft. l BP 33/33
Holly draws out her potion of Resist Energy Cold (20) and downs it. "Let's get 'em."
Male CN Kelish Human Swashbuckler 8/ Gunslinger 5 | HP 134/134 Temp 26/26| AC 28(32 vs AOO); T 20; FF 18 | Fort +17; Ref +20; Will +10 | Init: +10 | Perc: +10, SM: +6 | Speed 30ft | Grit/Panache 7/7 | Charmed Life: 4/4
Fandral returns with a smirk, "Well darling. I can not let you have all the fun." His smile fades as he hears the booming fades. "Oh, I'll give you a tooth pick all right. Just try me" He draws his cutlass.
Preparing to enter the cavern, Chak would use a variety of scrolls:
Feather step if the last one expired
Longstrider
Heightened Awareness Would have given Chak +4 to initiative if combat happened within 10 minutes of reading it
Communal Protection from Energy Each of the PCs get resist cold 20 for 10 minutes, Chak for 20 minutes.
Male Wayang Wizard (Sin Specialist) 11 [HP 48+16/48][AC 17][Init +2][F+5/R+7/W+9][Perc +18]
Buffs:
False Life (+20 HP), Mage Armor (+4 Armor), Mirror Image (5 images), Fly, Prot v. Evil
Yami will accept Chak's energy resistance spell, though he immediately breaks out into hives afterwards. "Abjuration magic..." he wheezes under his breath as he renews his mage armor spell with a wand, just in case. During the approach to the tunnel mouth (maybe 2 rounds prior) Yami will also touch Fandral's cutlass while uttering some arcane words; causing the blade to glow with an ominous red light briefly. Finally, upon reaching current position, Yami will provide magic to speed up his allies reflexes.
Yami is allergic/completely unable to use Abjuration and Enchantment magics, but given the circumstances he will deal with it ;)
Additionally, he provides Brow Gasher to Fandral's weapon. His action during the first round of combat is to cast haste on allies that are within the starting area for the tunnel mouth.
One correction on the scroll. It's protection from energy, not resist energy, so you don't gain resistance, you just ignore the first 84 points of cold damage you would take.
Also, I've been informed that the initiative bonus for heightened awareness puts me before the kobolds.
At mouth of the cave, Chak activates another shield spell and moves ahead.
Reminder from up above... now would be a good time to use this.
Fey Blessing: Each PC and companion creature can gain a single-use benefit while you are in this land. As a free action on your turn you can gain either DR 5/- or cold resistance 10 until the end of the current encounter.
The kobolds begin to yell and yip, waving their greatswords threateningly as they each draw potions and down them. They grow to human size and sprout scaly wings. Their faces contort, growing akin to a dragon's maw.
Laara mutters under her breath. Hey Enzial. Gonna call in that favor now if your don't mind. As he skin toughens Taking the DR 5/-, Laara rushes forwards, enhanced by Yami's spell.
As she rounds the corner and begins stepping on the ice, she swears. Ah, to Hell with this and activates her boots once more.
Move, then activate boots of flying again. Also swift action to learn Dedicated Adversary (kobold) (giving me Favored enemy: kobold for a minute.
Male CG Samsaran Shaman of the Dark Tapestry 9 | HP 66+16/66 | AC 19 T 9 FF 19 | CMB +6, CMD 13 | F: +7, R: +4, W: +13 | Init: -1 | Perc: +18, SM: +9 | Speed 30ft | Flight Hex: 5/9 | Active conditions: False Life, Haste, Invisible, Merge with Familiar
Exi once again leaves the icy ground and flies forward.
I’ll take the DR5/- as well (thanks for the Protection, Chak). Standard action: Flight Hex. Move: fly forward, 20’ up.
CG Azata (Lyrakien) familar | HP 33+14/33 | AC 20 T 15 FF 17 | F: +2, R: +5, W: +7 | Perc: +15, SM: +1 | Fly 80ft perfect | Constant: Detect Evil, Detect Magic, Freedom of Movement | Active: False Life, Haste, merged with Exi
Starlight flies forward with Exi.
Knowledge Arcana Starlight:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 ”That’s not like any cloud I’ve ever seen. But I’ve never seen a cloud that could stand up to magical wind.” Starlight takes the DR5/- as she natively resists cold 10. Move: fly forward with Exi. Standard: take out scroll of Gust of Wind.
From around the fog bank you hear a whooshing sound and suddenly a huge white dragon appears. It snaps it's jaws at Fandral, then folds its wings out straight.
The dashing swashbuckler holds his rapier up to parry, but it is as though blocking a river with a toothpick. The jaws snap shut and by only the grace of his fey blessing, the now battered and bleeding man keeps his arm up and blade at the ready.
Fly DC 20 to turn around:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
With a firm beat of its wings, the dragon halts in place, twists around, and flies several yards back before landing with a boom.
The horrifying grin on the dragons face and ruthlessness of the attack is enough to make even the boldest of pathfinders question their skills... and Fandral, having faced it first-hand, and Laara bearing witness are overcome with a sense of dread.
Fandral and Laara: DC20 Will save or be Shakened due to it's Frightful Presence.
"A TASTE OF MY MIGHT... YOU WILL REGRET TRESPASSING!"
Round 1:
Holly
Yami
Chak
Kobolds (Enlarged, Enraged, En-trouble)
Fandral (Check my math please, 6 leftover damage from last combat, 87 damage from the crit -5 from DR = 88 dmg total out of 92 HP)
Laara
Exi
Horralydax, the master of the Tusk Mountains
Female Human Bard (Dawnflower Dervish) 12 l HP 86/86 l AC 24/T 18/FF 17 l CMB +11 l CMD 29 l Fort +8/Ref +17/Will +11 l Perc +16 l Init +13 l Speed 30 ft. l BP 33/33
Taking the DR 5/-.
Holly walks up behind Chak. "Go save him." Holly touches his shoulder and he instantly disappears from view.
Male Wayang Wizard (Sin Specialist) 11 [HP 48+16/48][AC 17][Init +2][F+5/R+7/W+9][Perc +18]
Buffs:
False Life (+20 HP), Mage Armor (+4 Armor), Mirror Image (5 images), Fly, Prot v. Evil
Yami moves forward to lean against the last bit of wall before tunnel mouth opens into the chamber. He mutters to Holly and Exi, "Do make sure no-one hurts me for a bit, won't you?" The wayang then utters an arcane chant, and collapses to the ground.
Yami will choose the Cold Resistance boon. He also moves up and casts magic jar. I believe he won't get any attempts to possess individuals until his next turn; during which he will attempt to possess the most powerful life force in his radius of 110 feet (hopefully the dragon). His Will DC is 24, and his CL if SR is involved for necromancy spells is 11.
Male CN Kelish Human Swashbuckler 8/ Gunslinger 5 | HP 134/134 Temp 26/26| AC 28(32 vs AOO); T 20; FF 18 | Fort +17; Ref +20; Will +10 | Init: +10 | Perc: +10, SM: +6 | Speed 30ft | Grit/Panache 7/7 | Charmed Life: 4/4
I will go ahead and use this Boon-Triumph over scales Its the very bottom one. It grants me heavy fortification vs a crit from a dragon or reptillian creature.
heavy fortification, 75% chance, lo fails:1d100 ⇒ 8 folio reroll + gm stars:1d100 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17Whelp I guess it was meant to be.
It swings and flails, narrowly missing the tengu with a heavy-handed swing.
The second kobold, not so certain why his compatriot just went berzerk, rushes to finish off Fandral. Provokes from Chak
Greatsword Charge, PA, FF:1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 16 + 2 = 32The dice decree that your parries should not be. Damage + Cold:2d6 + 8 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 3) + 8 + 6 + (2) = 20
Fandral, already winded from the dragon's onslaught is unable to raise his blade in time to effectively block the kobold's greatsword and falls to the ground, bleeding and gasping.
5 damage reduced by DR, 2 cold damage reduced by Protection from Energy, so 13 dmg drops you to -9.
Round 1:
Holly
Yami
Chak (May take AoO vs Green)
Kobolds (Red -40)
Fandral (-105, so at -9 and dying)
Laara
Exi
The Mighty Horralydax, the master of the Tusk Mountains
Fandral! Laara days as the fighter drops. Wings fluttering, she glides above the ice towards his attacker’s, puttering her all into a snarling punch.
Charging whatever kobold took out Fandral (not showing on my map). If hit, will Intimidate, and of succeed, convert shaken into 1 round of Frightened to send him running.
Fandral: Admittedly, swashbuckler vs Mastadon and swashbuckler vs Dragon is not ideal, but the dice certainly have not graced you.
Laara's Will vs Frightening Presence:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28 Fandral's Mostly Irrelevant Will vs Frightening Presence:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Laara boldly steps up to defend Fandral, but her emotions get the best of her and aims for the center of mass rather than the head. The well armored center of mass of a firmly footed foe. On the positive side, it clearly seems less intent on finishing off Fandral and more intent on its new foe as it snarls in Draconic, looking back and forth between the vicinity of the invisible attacker and Laara.
"You wish to be next half-breed? Or the coward who strikes from cover of illusion?"
Knowledge (Arcana) DC 28:
A dragon of Horralydax's size emanates a frigid aura 10 ft from its body. It would be best to keep it at least 10 ft away from Fandral. Also, as they tend to have breath attacks, grouping up over Fandral would also likely end poorly.
Round 2:
Holly (Immune to Frightening Presence)
Yami (In a jar)
Chak (Greater Invisible)
Kobolds (Red -40, Green -36)
Fandral (-105, so at -9 and dying, Immune to Frightening Presence)
Laara
Exi
The Mighty Horralydax, Descendent of Grathatonhakis, Master of the Tusk Mountains
CG Azata (Lyrakien) familar | HP 33+14/33 | AC 20 T 15 FF 17 | F: +2, R: +5, W: +7 | Perc: +15, SM: +1 | Fly 80ft perfect | Constant: Detect Evil, Detect Magic, Freedom of Movement | Active: False Life, Haste, merged with Exi
Hearing the great dragon bellowing at the party and the shouts of Pathfinders as one is gravely bitten, Starlight and Exi fly forward 5' and peek around the corner. Starlight then drops her Gust of Wind scroll, takes out a scroll of Invisibility, and attempts to use it on Exi.
starlight WILL vs frightful presence:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 UMD DC23:1d20 + 17 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 17 - 2 = 32
Frightful presence is a free action the dragon may take on it's turn that affects people who can see him. You couldn't see him from your position on your turn... although this turn you certainly will be affected. I'll use those rolls now.
Spellcraft:1d20 + 22 ⇒ (8) + 22 = 30
"My minions bleed from a breeze, and the sound of incantations to conceal... you think this will protect you? FROM ME? FREEZE LIKE THE DWARF THAT DARED CHALLENGE MY ANCESTOR!"
The dragon's eyes glow with a bright azure light and it flies in a lazy arc around the room, passing through the frigid fog unimpeded... its eyes assessing the party.
Spellcraft DC 17:
Horallydax cast See Invisibility
"Do not play games with me... meat!"
Chak, and Holly need to make a Will Save DC 20 vs Frightful Presence.
Starlight begins to quake with terror and her nerve buckles in the presence of such a massive beast. Starlight is Panicked for the duration, whereas everyone else who fails their save if shakened.
Round 2:
Holly (Immune to Frightening Presence)
Yami (In a jar)
Chak (Greater Invisible)
Kobolds (Red -40, Green -36)
Fandral (-105, so at -9 and dying, Immune to Frightening Presence)
Laara
Exi (Panicked for 15 rounds)
The Mighty Horralydax, Descendent of Grathatonhakis, Master of the Tusk Mountains, Lord of the Brood
Female Human Bard (Dawnflower Dervish) 12 l HP 86/86 l AC 24/T 18/FF 17 l CMB +11 l CMD 29 l Fort +8/Ref +17/Will +11 l Perc +16 l Init +13 l Speed 30 ft. l BP 33/33
Will Save vs. Frightful Presence:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Holly gives a delightful chuckle at the dragon's barvado. "Lets see how you handle this." Holly points at the dragon and clearly states "Nullam Depelle." Holy casts Dispel Magic against the dragon. Dispel check:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Using my Paizo volunteer t-shirt reroll. Dispel Check:1d20 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 4 = 25
The dragon simmers as Chak cuts down one of the kobolds and wounds the other.
Missed uncanny dodge, so no sneak attack on this, but totally butchering one of em.
"My minions... do what they can with the blessings I have given them."
Round 2:
Holly
Yami (In a jar)
Chak (Greater Invisible)
Kobolds (Green -69)
Fandral (At -10 and dying)
Laara
Exi (Panicked for 15 rounds)
The Mighty Horralydax, Descendent of Grathatonhakis, Master of the Tusk Mountains, Lord of the Brood, God of the Kobolds
Male Wayang Wizard (Sin Specialist) 11 [HP 48+16/48][AC 17][Init +2][F+5/R+7/W+9][Perc +18]
Buffs:
False Life (+20 HP), Mage Armor (+4 Armor), Mirror Image (5 images), Fly, Prot v. Evil
As mentioned earlier, Yami will be attempting to possess the dragon (or the most powerful life force within a 110 foot radius, assuming the dragon fits the bill). DC 24 Will Save. If SR check is needed, Yami's CL for Necromancy spells is 11 and no Spell Penetration; I do not have any re-roll available if failed as I used earlier.
