GM Endless Forms' PFS 04-03 The Golemworks Incident (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

Sheila Heidmarch, the normally composed aristocratic venture-captain of the Magnimar Lodge, strides into the dining room of Heidmarch Manor, distracted and overwhelmed by the influx of activity in her home. Seeing the team assembled around the table, she nods in welcome, draws her thoughts to the task at hand, and in a deep voice lays out the Pathfinders’ mission.

“Greetings, Pathfinders! I hope the coming and going of so many fellow agents through the manor has not been too much trouble. It has certainly been trying for me, especially with several expected agents never reporting in, leaving me to pick up the slack. If you could assist me with a small task that I wouldn’t normally impose upon agents of your rank and experience, it would doubtlessly save me much stress and increase the lodge’s efficiency and security.

“I ordered a small contingent of protective constructs from the Golemworks for the lodge’s use—a type of construct unique to Magnimar and the Golemworks called angelic guardians. The artificers there were unexpectedly efficient in processing my request; the guardians arrived more quickly than I anticipated and now wait to be unpacked from their crates and positioned about the grounds to serve as sleepless sentinels. I trust your tactical acumen is sufficient to place them strategically, and taking care of this for me would lift a great weight from my shoulders and allow me to focus on other matters, not the least of which is tracking down these missing agents.

[c]“You’ll find the crated angelic guardians stored in the greenhouse, where they’ve been placed out of the way along with some of the first shipments of Varisian relics brought back by our field agents, which must be analyzed, catalogued, and then sent on to the Grand Lodge. The guardians should be programmed to obey the commands of anyone displaying my personal wayfinder. I trust you’ll return it to me when you’re done arraying the angelic guardians about the grounds.”[/b] Sheila draws her platinum wayfinder from her pocket and sets it on the table, unclasping the chain that fastens the compass to her belt. “I can’t imagine such a simple task would provoke many questions, but if you have any, now’s the time to ask.”

Smiling warmly at Venture-Captain Heidmarch, Kuduro introduces herself, "You have a lovely home, thank your hospitality. This is my first visit to Magnimar, a splendid city indeed! I am Eagle Knight Kuduro al-Lazuri, Keleshite Princess of Qadira and Holy daughter of the sunlight given form, Sarenrae, and servant of the Ten."

Kuduro looks at the platinum wayfinder on the table then around at her fellow Pathfinders, "I don't suppose one of you is a wizard?"

Dotting for later

Updated Alan to a better build with PP points and leveled him.

Alan in his typical manner, will simply bow to the lovely matriarch of the home, His hair falling from behind his ear. He speaks lowly, It will be done.

"Venture-Captain Heidmarch, Kudoro, Alan. It's nice to meet you all again. Do not worry Captain. The task of distrubuting some golems for secruity around the mansion should be no problem for this group of experienced field agents."

Seelah walks through the door, full plate sparkling and buffed to shine. Her hair falls shortly after her shoulders, with a very nice longsword attached to her hip.

She bows to everyone in turn, then looks towards the hostess before her,

With Iomedae beside me, failure will not occur madam

With their mission in mind, the party heads to the greenhouse to recovered the stored guardians, planning to place them in strategic positions about Heidmarch Manor.

This roughly circular glass greenhouse is home to all manner of flora from Varisia and beyond. Any space not occupied by plant life has been stuffed with crates, sacks, and barrels from the field, as well as decorative sculptures hewn from ancient ruins. Mixed among the miscellany are several large crates bearing the iconic emblem of the Magnimar Golemworks—an imposing stone fist.

A quick perusal of the room reveals an adamantine crowbar resting against an otherwise unremarkable crate full of bolts of colorful Varisian silks. The words "Trusty Buddy" are engraved into the crowbar's handle.

DC 13 Strength check to open the crates. There are 2 crates marked with the Golemworks fist.

Roll20 map has been updated (Greenhouse link at the top of the page).

On my iPhone a lot, so map access is not doable, come combat someone may have to move me :) hope that won't be an issue :)

Brachus picks up the "trusted buddy" and looks around for someone more suited for physical labour to hand the crowbar to.

"I'll try to open the crates if no one else wants too, but I'll have to admit I skipped quite a few physical exercizes at the temple, so it might take me a while to open these"

Take 10 won't even let me open them, I would need to take 20, even with a +2 bonus for using a crowbar ;)

Here, allow me, she says with a smile.

Seelah takes the crowbar, and easily pops open the crate.

Take 10=16

Lavode peers excitedly into the crate.

Hmm... Interesting. Any instructions included? Some assembly required?
Anyone know what the approximate capabilities are supposed to be for these golems? I would imagine what they can do would make a difference on where they should be placed.

@Seelah: I've had that problem with players before. I realize Roll20 isn't the best for everyone but it's what I'm most comfortable with. Just wait until you get to a computer to check the map or direct someone else to move you around, that's fine.

Seelah pops open one of the crates. A brass statue resembling angels with sharp metal wings and halos that resembling burning crowns stands before you.

Refer back to the briefing for how you are supposed to set them in position.

Alan will aid in the opening of the crates mabe a few on his own.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

i assume you mean the platinum way finder?

Eh... Guess we'll try it and see what we see.

Is there an obvious activation lever or button?
Lavode picks up and holds forth Shelia's wayfinder. Then says in a clear voice. If you are active, move to the center of this room.

Kuduro watches, wondering if the form of the golems have any special significance.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Oops, I had meant to include my knowledge check.

Lavode looks the golem over. Trying to figure out how to make it work.
knowledge arcana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 But only comes up with, "Hey look, it's a statue thingy!"

Kuduro also reflects on the arcane nature of these constructs which she has never really encountered before.

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Kuduro recognizes these as angelic guardians, consructs with deflective wings and DR/adamantine. They are also immune to fire and have standard construct traits. Angelic guardians also typically have breath weapons that deal fire damage.

As soon as Lavode produces Sheila's wayfinder in plain sight, the guardian activates. Unfortunately, it does not seem to be obeying the party's orders as it should. [Movement can be heard from the other crate.

Initiative:

1. Kuduro, Lavode, and Alan
2. Guardians
3. Seelah

Kuduro, Lavode, and Alan are up!

When can I do something? ....I'm assuming I get to do something at some point? ;)

Drawing her scimitar, Kuduro says "This is going to be an expensive mistake." Looking at Lavode she hisses, "Put that wayfinder away. Perhaps it will stand down if we leave?" Kuduro points toward the double doors with her scimitar.

Not taking a standard action quite yet, but assume draw is part of my move action - weather that is going to be towards or away from combat depends on the others :)

Are there 2 map separate map links at the top? The one labeled 'Heidmarch Manor overview map' takes me to an exterior map and cutaway for the manor. The link labeled 'Greenhouse' keeps taking me to a forum discussion page for Roll20.

Ulp! I don't think that is supposed to happen!

Kuduro may be right. It is at least worth a try! Lavode puts the wayfinder in his inside jacket pocket and hussles toward the exterior doors. Well at least if they follow me, I'll be leading them out doors so they hopefully won't trash the manor... Of course they still might trash me!

Whoops! Sorry, Brachus. I accidentally left you out of my rolls: Brachus: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Yes, there is an overview map of Heidmarch Manor just for your interest. The Greenhouse link goes to the Roll20 combat map. You might have to hit "Launch Campaign" to see the map. Let me know if you continue to have problems but it shows that a few others have been able to log in just fine. If you've never used Roll20 before you may need to create a free account first.

Sorry if people have trouble accessing Roll20 at work or on tablets/phones but it's what I'm most familiar with and I really like it as a versatile map tool.

Kuduro draws her scimitar but waits on others for direction. Lavode stashes the wayfinder and heads for the doors. The angelic guardian still looks active and hostile, however, and the sounds of movement continue to issue from the other box. So move to stash the wayfinder and another move towards the door I think.

Initiative:

1. Kuduro, Lavode, Alan, and Brachus
2. Guardians
3. Seelah

Alan and Brachus are up! And Kuduro may finish her action if she likes!

I'm not complaining about using the Roll20 site. I have no problems trying something new. I did make an account, but I'm probably still doing something wrong. I will play with it some more when I get home.

If Kuduro shared her knowledge about the angelic guardians having breath weapons which deal fire damage I'm going to suggest that she uses one of her spells to protect the entire party against fire (since her version is better then mine), just in case that walking away and hiding the wayfinder won't calm them down (which from the GM's description it won't)

Brachus then readies his shield as he walks after Lavode, it still seems a good idea to lead them outside so that they won't trash the mansion

Kuduro says "In order to truly damage these things you need adamantine weapons! They also can breathe fire, I will extend Sarenrae's protection to you all!" She moves into the hallway on the other side of Lavode.

I still haven't used my standard action this round. Assuming Seelah and Alan move adjacent to me I can put communal resist energy (fire) on everyone.

Alan will move up and take up a defensive position.

It is never easy within the Society is it my friends.

Brachus readies his shield and moves towards the door. Alan likewise moves and takes up a defensive position. Kuduro protects everyone from fire with her magic.

With only Seelah left in the middle of the greenhouse, the angelic approaches the paladin (5' step) and attacks.

slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

wing: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

wing: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

A loud band issues from the other crate but the guardian inside seems restrained for the moment.

Str check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Initiative:

1. Kuduro, Lavode, Alan, and Brachus
2. Guardians
3. Seelah

You guys are up!

From Round 1 - I'll cast communal resist energy (fire) on everyone but Seelah apparently, which is good for 20/fire.

It would be nice if we could bot Seelah into attacking the thing standing right next to her attacking her too :)

Power Attack 1: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 13 - 2 = 14
Power Attack 2: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 2 = 23

Damage 1: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 6 = 12
Damage 2: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 6 = 13

Round 2 - Kuduro cast blessings of fervor. Each round you may pick your favorite of:

• Increase its speed by 30 feet.
  
• Stand up as a swift action without provoking an attack of opportunity.
  
• Make one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus.
  
• Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.
  
• Cast a single spell of 2nd level or lower as if it were an enlarged, extended, silent, or still spell.
  

And this round I'll pick: Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.

Round 1...

Seelah, not expecting the golems to attack is able to fend off three of the attempted blows, but the creatures slam connects with her jaw, for a mild amount of damage. She smirks at the creature, You will have to do better than that, Iomedae is with me.

She attacks twice with her longsword, hoping to strike true.

swing 1 longsword w/ PAttack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
swing 2, etc...: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Assuming an attack of 25 hits :)

damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Seelah will stand her ground and not move to protect her squishy party members :)

BoF -> Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves

"So walking away from them seems to be out as an option for the moment I take it?"

Going over his divine granted spells for this day and not comming up with anything realy effective against a construct Brachus decides that his best option is making sure that Seelah will be able to hit.

Moving up next to Seelah drawing my morning star as I go and casting guidance on her.

The last couple of times I encountered golems they were clumsy. Let's see if this helps.

Lavode concentrates, calls forth his arcane powers, and calls forth in a clear voice Teraz spadnete! And a pool of slippery goo appears under the feet of the construct.

Cast grease (DC=17) on an area behind the golem to not include Seelah.

Then Lavode moves further away incase the others want to lead the golems outside.

The circle on the map represents the grease. Sorry, I can't figure out how to erase the rectangle that I accidentally drew.

The guardians acted before Seelah, that's why she wasn't close enough for resist and got hit by the guardians. No need to bot the paladin.

Also, Seelah would have needed to use a move to draw her sword so she wouldn't have gotten a second attack this round anyways.

Don't forget: everyone now has Blessings of Fervor

Kuduro casts a spell on the party and Seelah begins to hit back, only landing one blow that doesn't seem to have done as much against the metal exterior of the golem. Brachus moves up next to Seelah and calls on his deity to guide her in battle.

Ref: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Lavode creates a puddle of grease beneath the statue's feet and it falls over.

Initiative:

1. Kuduro, Lavode, Alan, and Brachus
2. Guardians
3. Seelah

Guardian 1: 7 dmg and prone
Guardian 2:

Alan is up!

Alan will move up and strike guardian 1, flanking if possible 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 2 = 191d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

BoF: +2 AC/REF

apologies for my late post, had a busy day taking the in laws and my infant around Seattle.

Also apologies for my slow update. I've got to give a research talk this afternoon and take an inorganic exam tonight.

Alan moves up and strikes the golem but does not do very much damage. The golem lets out a line of fire from its mouth, hitting Seelah and Brachus.

fire damage: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 5, 6, 1, 6) = 23
Ref DC 13 for half.

Str: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

The other golem bangs against the inside of its crate but once again fails to escape.

Initiative:

1. Kuduro, Lavode, Alan, and Brachus
2. Guardians
3. Seelah

Guardian 1: 9 dmg and prone
Guardian 2:

You guys are up!

Reflex save: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 2 = 19

Brachus takes half damage from the flaming breath, and thanks to Kuduro's spell this get's reduced to no damage.

I don't think there is a mechanic for it..but it seems to me that keeping the second guardian inside that crate is really good for us right now. So I'd like to take out my rope and put it in circles around the crate and make it more difficult for it to break out....say..up the Break DC with +2?

BoF -> Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves

If the rope won't do anything, I'll move next to Alan and do an aid another for a +2 to hit on Seelah's next attack
Aid another attack: 1d20 + 2 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 4 + 3 = 24

Round 2...

reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Seelah sees the incoming flame, but she isn't quick enough and takes the full blast of fire to her chest. Ouch, that hurt. I don't know who or what has messed with your programming, but I will find out

BoF: +2 ac/reflex saves

Are these buggers evil?

attack 1 w PAttack&smite: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 13 + 1 + 2 - 2 = 17
attack 2...etc: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 5 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 2 - 5 - 2 = 6

damage 1: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 6 = 18
damage 2: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 6 = 17

After taking two mighty swings on the prone enemy, Seelah makes a quick prayer to Iomodae for strength and courage in the face of danger.

LoH: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 4) = 10 used 1/8

Current stats:

HP= 49
AC =27

Lavode calls out, Does anyone know if they are particularly vulnerable to one of the elements? I would say fire is not going to hurt them.

He then begins muttering a longer incantation...

Begin casting Summon Monster 2 with a full round casting time.

Looking over her shoulder at Lavode, Kuduro calls out, "I don't think so. They are also resistant to fire, and I believe adamantine weapons will strike true against them."

Round 3 - BoF +30' movement.

Kuduro moves over to the second crate, attempting to help Brachus secure it.

Sure, that's a great idea Brachus. I always like creative ideas. I'll give a +2 to the Str check for it to break out from now on.

Seelah: constructs are generally neutral (I seem to remember one someone that was evil-but I might have made that up).

Brachus and Kuduro quickly wrap a rope around the other crate to keep the second guardian trapped inside. Seelah makes a few dents into the prone angelic guardian slipping about in the grease but her weapon's metal is not strong enough to piece into it. She then calls on her goddess to heal her. Lavode begins to cast a spell.

Initiative:

1. Kuduro, Lavode, Alan, and Brachus
2. Guardians
3. Seelah

Guardian 1: 34 dmg and prone
Guardian 2:

Alan is up!

Alan will attempt to attack the golem, choosing another attack from the blessing of fervor

1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 2 = 241d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 2 = 291d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Alan continues to attack the statue, only able to dent it slightly.

The guardian continues to swing from the ground.

slam on Alan: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 10 - 4 = 26
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

slam on Alan: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 10 - 4 = 20
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

wing on Alan: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 5 - 4 = 15
damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

wing on Alan: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 5 - 4 = 18
damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Str check for golem 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Despite the ropes tied about its crate, the second angelic guardian breaks free!

slam confirm on Alan: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 10 - 4 = 11
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Initiative:

1. Kuduro, Lavode, Alan, and Brachus
2. Guardians
3. Seelah

Guardian 1: 39 dmg and prone
Guardian 2:

You guys are up!

Alan continues his assault.

1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 2 = 221d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Taking the +2 AC/REF

BoF:Make one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus.

Kuduro takes a 5' step in and unleashes her scimitar on the guardian!

Attack 1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Attack 2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Attack 3: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Damage 1: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Damage 2: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Damage 3: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Hmmm, I may need to rethink this...

I meant to not smite, since Seelah would assume an angelic guardian is non-evil. If I cannot try on my smite that's okay too, I still get 2 uses left

Seelah, quite frustrated that the second guardian has broken free from its crates curses slightly under her breath. She then focuses all her attacks on the one guardian still floundering on the ground, hoping to eliminate a foe.

BoF: gain extra attack

attack 1 with PAttack: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 13 - 2 = 19
attack 2...: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 8 - 2 = 19
[dice=attack "haste"]1d20+13-2[/dice]

dam 1: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
dam 2: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
dam 3: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Seelah will again pray to Iomodae for strength and resolve.

LoH 2/8: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 1) = 5

Current HP: 54
Current AC: 25

If your having trouble getting through its defense, use the adamantite crowbar, it won't be able to stop it

If it drop, tak a free 5 step towards new baddie :)

BoF -> Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves

Having seen Alan and Seelah take a beating Brachus takes a 5 ft step away from the guardian and channels postive energy (excluding the guardians..just in case)

Postive healing: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 4) = 11

Sorry I'm late. I had some connection issues.

Nebeské sily poskytnúť pomoc! Lavode finished calling for help then a disembodied heads made of dark clouds with flickering lightning tongues appears and immediately charges the guardian that just burst from the case.

Competing the summon monster 2 spell begun last round. Small augmented lightning elemental appears at the square and charges the second construct. Using the Blessing of Fervor for the +2 to attack rolls, dodge AC, and reflex saves.

The flying head of storms charges the figure and attempts to knock it down.

Charging trip attack.
CMB+metal mastery+sparkleap+charge=3+3+10+2=18
The elemental doe snot have improved trip so the golem should get an attack of opportunity.

trip: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24 vs golem's cmd

Lavode then steps forward and attemps to heal Alan of a bit of the injuries he has sustained.

This rounds action is to move forward then use the bloodline ability, Heavenly Fire to heal a good target.

heavenly fire: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Dang, I am not rolling good!