GM Endless Forms' PFS 05-23 Cairn of Shadows (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

As with the knowledge about the shadow plane, can Bizzle and Terrill share what they know about shae, rather than making a check? This post describes what you told us before.

Hawk raises his bow and fires a shot at the shae.

Attack, PBS, Deadly Aim: 1d20 + 13 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 13 + 1 - 2 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 + 4 = 13

Yep, Terrill and Bizzle have had extensive dealings with shae before. They know what they are.

1d100 ⇒ 15

Hawk quickly fires off an arrow at the shae peeking around the corner but he misses the shadow creature's blurry form. The shae step out of hiding, their bows drawn, and fire back at the party!

composite longbow on Terrill: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

composite longbow on Maaarv: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

composite longbow on Bizzle: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Initiative:

1. Cadaeacus, Terrill, and Hawkwren
2. Shae
3. Hailey and Bizzle

Bizzle can take his surprise round action and then Cadaeacus, Terrill, and Hawkwren can start us off for Round 1!

An arrow pierces Terrill before he can react, and he spots the shae before them. "Three of them?" Terrill cries out, "I hope they're not as tough as the last shae we faced, eh, Bizz?"

He draws his blade and quickly tells his companions what he knows of these shadow creatures, "They're outsiders, from the Plane of Shadow, that's why they're so blurry, sometimes it's hard to hit them. They're not affected by cold, and they can use shadows to mimic magic - so if they seem to cast a spell at you, don't believe it!" He then steps forward and strikes at the shae before him.

+1 Curve Blade, Power Attack: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 2 = 20
Curve blade damage, Power Attack: 1d10 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 6 = 19
Miss chance, low is bad: 1d100 ⇒ 95

Status: 38/48 hp

Bizzle would have relayed the same information but he was much more concerned with being injured. He then casts Glitterdust on the two shae to the south! I think this works on them, I can't recall. DC 16

Sorry I haven't been the most active poster. Should I be in the initiative somewhere? I see I'm on the map, but not in initiative. Again, sorry for the inactivity.

Hawk steps in front of Cadaecus and fires another arrow at the shae.

Attack, PBS, Deadly Aim: 1d20 + 13 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 13 + 1 - 2 = 32
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 1 + 4 = 15
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 41

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 13 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 13 + 1 - 2 = 20
Crit Damage: 2d8 + 4 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (3, 5) + 4 + 2 + 4 = 18

Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

The two glittery shae manage to close their eyes in time.

@Maaarv: Sorry! I rolled Perception for you but left you out of initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 You go after the shae anyways.

---

Terrill moves in and hits one of the shadowy men and Hawk finishes it off with an arrow through the eye. The shae's body tumbles backwards off the platform, hitting the chains on the way down to splat on the floor at the bottom of the shaft.

Initiative:

1. Cadaeacus, Terrill, and Hawkwren
2. Shae
3. Hailey, Maaarv, and Bizzle

Cadaeacus is up!

"My word! I'll have to ask you more about these shae when we are done here!" Cadaeacus then launches a pair of magic missiles from his staff!

Magic Missile Damage at Shae 2: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 3) + 2 = 9

Does the glitterdust help with the concealment?

Does the glitterdust help with the concealment?

I don't think so. It's like Blur. So now its just glittery and blurry!

Yep, now they're just blurry clubbers.

Cadaeacus' missiles slam into the chest of one of the shaes, who grunts loudly as the two shae draw their falchions and move in to attack the party!

mwk falchion on Cadaeacus, combat expertise: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 - 2 = 20
damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10

mwk falchion on Maaarv, combat expertise: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 8 - 2 = 9
damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10

Initiative:

1. Cadaeacus, Terrill, and Hawkwren
2. Shae
3. Hailey, Maaarv, and Bizzle

S1: +2 dodge to AC
S2: 9 dmg, +2 dodge to AC

You guys are up!

Risking injury to himself, Cadaeacus moves back into the corner and holds his holy symbol up high from his neck. "Pharasma shall repair your wounds as well as your futures!"

Selective Channel (ignoring S1 and S2 just in case for some reason I have LoS): 3d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 3) = 8

All are healed 8HP AND can reroll a single d20 roll within 4 rounds

Hawk fires past Terrill, at the shae. Improved Precise Shot should ignore the corner.

Rapid, PBS, Cover: 1d20 + 13 - 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 13 - 2 + 1 - 4 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8

Rapid, PBS, Cover: 1d20 + 13 - 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 13 - 2 + 1 - 4 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9

Rapid, PBS, Cover: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 8 - 2 + 1 - 4 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Haily calls forth a burst of sound (se corner of the square below the most N shae as the burst's center..should get both of them, but no party members)

Sonic damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4 no save for the damage, but a DC 15 Fort save or be stunned for 1 round

Terrill swings at the shae near him, putting all his strength into the blow.

+1 Curve Blade, Power Attack: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 2 = 21
Curve blade damage, Power Attack: 1d10 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 6 = 22
Miss chance, low is bad: 1d100 ⇒ 75

If shae 2 is down from Hawk's arrows, Terrill will move and attack shae 3. Because he'll be flanking with Maarv, he'll do additional damage with Precise Strike:

Precise Strike: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Status: 46/48 hp - thanks, Cadaeacus!

Support PC ftw :)

3d100 ⇒ (8, 63, 94) = 165
Fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Cadaeacus calls down Pharasma's healing powers. Hawk fires off three arrows but only one of them hit the shae. Hailey's burst and Terrill's blow are enough to take down the second shae!

Initiative:

1. Cadaeacus, Terrill, and Hawkwren
2. Shae
3. Hailey, Maaarv, and Bizzle

S1: 4 dmg, +2 dodge to AC

Maaarv and Bizzle are up!

Bizzle will cast Oppressive Boredom on the remaining shae! DC 19 Will to negate

Maaaarv looks around, "Just this one left, eh? Let's send it off with a bang!" He draws up a bomb and quickly thrusts it at the shae. "Don't worry, I can use these bombs with amazing precision!" Drawing an AoO. Using the precise bomb discovery.

Splash Attack, PBS: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11
Damage, PBS: 3d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 2, 1) + 4 + 1 = 12

Character Folio Re-roll that attack.: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13

Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
1d8 ⇒ 4
Ref: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

AoO on Maaarv: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 2 = 10
damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 = 7

Maaarv's bomb lands on the small passage behind the shae, only hurting it a little. At Bizzle's joke, however, the shae falls over laughing.

Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

And it continues to roll around laughing!

At which point you can easily clean it up. Out of combat!

I should have tried that the last time! Bizzle smiles broadly as his party members finish off the threat. Haha! Now what?

"I never would have guessed they could be dispatched with laughter," comments Terrill, "though if anyone would come up with that, it would be you, Bizzle."

He quickly searches the shae bodies, then leads the way into the small passage to the south.

Hailey will cast guidance and detect magic and take a look around the area

Taking 10 for 10+15+1 = total 26 (using guidance)

Hawkwren pads over to the southern corridor and peers down it.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34

The shae carried masterwork falchions and composite longbows.

---

The walkway continues to the south, branching out to the east to overlook the throne below. The passage continues to the west, from which direction the party can hear dark and powerful chanting coming from a haggard male voice and the gnashing and wailing of three other creatures.

This doesn't sound good, not good at all. Bizzle turns to the others. If we want to go in there with our full force intent on battle, I can cast Haste on us all before we do so.

Or I can just do that in Round 1 of a fight, whatever works.

"It does seem we're in for a fight," responds Terrill, "and this Master of the Chains is not likely to be an easy one. But how about we make sure first? I can turn Hawkwren invisible again and have her, I mean him, take a look at what's ahead so we know best how to prepare. It would be a shame to waste all our good spells if it turns out to be an illusionary noise we're hearing. Though I doubt that's the case."

"What do you think, Hawk?"

Terrill's got a bunch of buffs he can lay on himself and others (communal protection from evil, shield of faith, divine favor, bless), but I'd like to be sure this is the right moment before doing the buff dump.

"...and one to light the torch.", the aasimar scribbling the rest of the gnome's "joke" that allowed for the shae's defeat.

Upon hearing the voices, Cadaeacus offers his advice. "If need be, I can put an aura of silence on this copper piece to allow us to approach more stealthily, then the lead can throw it at the person chanting to stop whatever ritual is being performed."

Hawk nods, ignoring Terrill's jibe. "That's a sound plan. With all the chanting, I'm not sure we'll need silence."

"Now all we need is someone to take the lead and carry the silenced copper...any volunteers?"

Terrill pauses a moment, wondering if Hawkren is making a jibe right back, A silence spell, a sound plan? No probably not.

"Hawk already proved himself capable of moving quietly when we rescued Golbrier, so he should go," Terrill weighs in. "For now, I say we hold off on the silence spell. If Hawk gets close enough to see what's going on, whoever's in the room might be affected by the spell also, and notice the sudden silence. But let's keep that idea, in case we do need to stop the chanting and interrupt whatever foul ritual they're performing, as you say, Cadaeacus."

Terrill says, "Bizz, would you cast your message spell on us all again?" Once that is done, he turns and lays a hand briefly on Hawkren's arm, turning the half-elf invisible.

Bizzle will do so (though I would think he would keep it up as he has before). OK, so we stay here until Hawk is finished looking around? Got it.

Hawk sneaks forward invisibly to the chamber at the end of the hall:

This large chamber—roughly thirty feet by thirty-five feet—is accessed by a long tunnel at one end. It has four wide alcoves containing tables that appear to have been used for cruel experiments and torture. Each is surrounded by a variety of surgical implements, while straps, hooks, and chains on the surfaces have clearly been used to restrain subjects during procedures.

A pale, gray body lays on one of the tables, its skin flayed from its body. A human in what was once a splendid noble's outfit stands before the man, chanting loudly. To the sides stand three beings clothed in chains.

Assuming Hawk describes what he sees when he returns, or via message:

Knowledge (planes), monster lore: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 2 = 16

"Chain slaves!" says Terrill, "we'll want silver weapons, or ones aligned with good. They're not affected by cold either. Their chains protect them, and serve as weapons, particularly if they can grab hold of you with them." Peek behind the spoiler if you wish for the more straightforward description.

He pauses a moment and looks around, then says, "This looks to be the fight we were expecting, and then some perhaps. Let's consider what we want to do to prepare for it."

Bizzle will offer to cast Haste when the time is right. He will also offer to try and cast Hypnotism on the chanter before battle actually begins. Or, as an alternate plan, he can use Glitterdust on them instead.

Maaarv scratches his head after the fight. "I just don't know how I missed!" He follows the others quietly. As plans are being discussed and Terrill shares his recon, Maaarv will drink his mutagen and a shield extract.

Assuming we'll be stepping in to action. I will update my little runner with the changes affected by the mutagen and extract.

"Ready whenever you are, captain," Maaarv whispers with a small salute.

"Good aligned or silver weapons you say...if anyone doesn't have one of those, let me know..I can bless your weapon."

The party prepares themselves and then heads down the narrow hallway to assault the man performing the foul ritual! As the party approaches the room, the chain slaves let out a wail to warn of the party's coming!

The chain slaves quickly move up the entrance of the room to block the way!

chain on Terrill: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 - 2 = 26
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
grab: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

chain on Terrill: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
grab: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

chain on Terrill: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 - 2 = 25
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
grab: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31

Confirming:
chain on Terrill: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 - 2 = 8
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Initiative:

1. Chain slaves
2. Maaarv, Hailey, Terrill, Bizzle, and Hawkwren
3. Lord Maravan
4. Cadaeacus

Maaarv, Hailey, Terrill, Bizzle, and Hawkwren are up!

If Bizzle was able to cast Haste before we moved, Bizzle will cast Glitterdust on the enemies!

I can't get the BBEG though. DC 16 Will

If I wasn't able to cast Haste I'll do that first, then go with Glitterdust in the next round.

Before moving in, Hawkwren would have cast Aspect of the Falcon and used his wands of Gravity Bow and Abundant Ammunition and applied an oil of bless weapon.

Is Hawk still invisible this first round?

How high are the ceilings? Not sure if Hawk would have wanted to fly in order to avoid cover.

Seeing Terrill attacked, Hawk launches some silver blanched arrows at the chain slave in front oif Terrill.

Many Shot, Rapid, PBS, AoF, Haste, FE: 1d20 + 13 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 13 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 18
Damage: 4d6 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3, 6, 6, 3) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 25 Possibly invisible and +2 to hit.

Rapid, PBS, AoF, Haste, FE: 1d20 + 13 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 13 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 19
Damage: 2d6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2, 5) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 12

Iterative, Rapid, PBS, AoF, Haste, FE: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 20
Damage: 2d6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 8

Hasted, Rapid, PBS, AoF, Haste, FE: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 13 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 36
Damage: 2d6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4, 6) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 15

Yeah, you can get haste up before you headed to the room.

Yes, I think invisibility would have lasted long enough to let everyone buff and then head in.

Ceilings are not high enough to fly; besides, if you tried, chains would move around and prevent you anyways.

---

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Bizzle blinds the three chain slaves! With two arrows Hawk takes down the chain slave in front and follow it up with two more arrows in the next one over!

Initiative:

1. Chain slaves
2. Maaarv, Hailey, Terrill, Bizzle, and Hawkwren
3. Lord Maravan
4. Cadaeacus

CS1: 23 dmg

Maaarv, Hailey, and Terrill are up!

Terrill winces when the first chain hits him, but manages to evade the next two attacks. He calls upon Desna to grant his strikes extra force against creatures such as these, then swings at the injured chain slave.

Activate Bane vs Evil Outsiders (round 1 of 6 today), attack injured chain slave first, then other if it drops.

+1 Curve Blade, Power Attack, Haste, Div Favor, Bless, Bane
: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 27
Curve blade damage, Power Attack, Div Favor, Bane: 1d10 + 7 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 6 + 2 + 2 + (3, 4) = 29

+1 Curve Blade Haste attack, Power Attack, Haste, Div Favor, Bless, Bane
: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 18
Curve blade damage, Power Attack, Div Favor, Bane: 1d10 + 7 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 6 + 2 + 2 + (3, 3) = 28

Status: 40/48 hp, buffed up. Current AC is 26 with PfE, Shield of Faith, and Haste

Before moving in Hailey would have cast Shield of Faith and Circle of Protection, Evil on herself (while we were buffing).

Hailey will hurl a pure white or golden spear of light from her holy symbol (casting spear of purity) at a Shae (if any are still standing after the Terril went through them)

Ranged touch AC vs Shae: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 1 - 4 - 4 = 15 (+1 from being hasted, -4 from cover and another -4 from shooting into melee)
Damage vs evil outsider if hit: 6d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 1, 5, 2, 4) = 14 + blinded for 1 round, will save DC 15 for half damage and to negate blindness

Maaarv foolishly rushes in to the chamber, past his allies and the two chain slaves at the entry. "Hey, CATCH!" he yells at the man in the corner as he tosses an explosive bomb at him.

Ranged Touch, PBS: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 1 = 16
Fire Damage: 3d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 2, 3) + 4 + 1 = 14

Creatures that take a direct hit from an explosive bomb catch fire, taking 1d6 points of fire damage each round until the fire is extinguished. Extinguishing the flames is a full-round action that requires a Reflex save. Rolling on the ground provides the target with a +2 to the save. Dousing the target with at least 2 gallons of water automatically extinguishes the flames.

@Hailey: I'm guessing you mean the chain slaves. The shae were the last fight.

Terrill obliterates one of the chain slaves and then badly injures the next! Hailey then finishes it off with a ray of holy energy! Maaarv rushes into the room and tosses a bomb at the man, who turns to catch the strange object.

1d6 ⇒ 2

The man curses, pulls out his rapier and a surge of arcane energy blasts down the weapon, charging it with pulsing power. He casts a spell and takes a few steps towards Maaarv.

Initiative:

2. Maaarv, Hailey, Terrill, Bizzle, and Hawkwren
3. Lord Maravan
4. Cadaeacus

16 dmg, on fire

You guys are up!

"Pharasma, let your will change the fate of this battle for those who wish to preserve the knowledge of this world.", the aasimar glowing briefly before a wave of holy energy fills the party!

Selectively ignoring the man and all three downed chain slaves

Channel Energy (heal): 3d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 3) = 7

I need new channel dice... everyone's healed for 7 and gets to reroll a single d20 roll within 4 rounds.

Yes, sorry. Chain slaves (I though Shae was a race and that these chain slaves had the same race as the guys before this).

Hailey double moves into the room (covering Maaarv within the circle of protection, vs evil)

As the chain slaves crash to the ground in clatter of steel, Terrill uses his enhanced speed to dart across the room at the chanting human. As he moves wide to approach Lord Maravan without leaving himself open to attack, Terrill alters the focus of his divine wrath to affect humans. He then makes a flat, high strike at the man's head, releasing the divine magic laid upon his blade.

Move across room, going around a bit to avoid AoO from Maravan. Swit action to change Bane ability to human (round 2/6). Attack and discharge Brow Gasher, assuming I hit him.

+1 Curve Blade, Power Attack, Haste, Div Favor, Bless, Bane: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 33 Crit threat!
Curve blade damage, Power Attack, Div Favor, Bane: 1d10 + 7 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 6 + 2 + 2 + (2, 5) = 30

Crit Confirm, Power Attack, Haste, Div Favor, Bless, Bane: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 21 Ignore this roll, I'll use the re-roll from Cadaeacus' channel to confirm the crit!
Crit Confirm Re-roll, Power Attack, Haste, Div Favor, Bless, Bane: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 29
Crit damage, Power Attack, Div Favor, Bane: 1d10 + 7 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 6 + 2 + 2 = 22

Brow Gasher causes an additional 3 points of bleed damage. If crit is confirmed, total damage is 55 points, with more bleed effects to come.

Status: 47/48 hp. Current AC is 26.

Hailey - remember haste is up, so you have +30 to your move speed.