Male DEMON LORD OF THE RASPING RIFTS, God of Commerce, Electricty, and Insects Sorceror(Crossblood[Draconic, Orc]) 15 (HP 67/92) (AC 21/15/17) (CMD 20) (Fort +16, Ref +16, Will +12) (Init +14) (Perception +29)
Nikolai helps with the bypassing of obstacles vai the judicious use of Dimension Door.
He then grins toothily.
"A Vall of Force is all vell and good, but really doesn't stop zose vith sufficient magic at zeir fingertips."
Not sure if I read this right, but I'll go ahead and roll 4 checks, all different. You can take them in the order they are rolled if we can each contribute a single check, or just take the first if it's meant for different party members to each be one of the four.
GM EF wrote:
Disable Device (DC 35), Escape Artist (DC 35), Intelligence (DC 23), Strength (DC 21), and Wisdom (DC 23).
#1) Thorgan will first go with Dispel Magic.
Dispel CL:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
If more can be rolled:
No Heroism bonus has been added to these, unsure if it should be. Also if Take 20 is allowed, he'll do so on the Strength check (and Wisdom, if allowed).
#2) Thorgan will quaff an Enlarge Person potion before attempting this check. Strength DC21:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
#3) No consumables here. Just 18 Wis rolling. Wisdom DC23:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Let me know if #2 is performed, since there's consumables involved.
@Tamerius: Maybe, it depends how you use it. It might not help specifically with these traps but if you want to use it for future knowledge, go ahead.
I think the intention is that you pass four obstacles in different ways. So if Chun Hei dispels one, Bishop uses freedom of movement to slip through another, and Nikolai moves past a third with dimension door.
Thorgan tries his best to to dispel and then break a magical ward covering a certain door but has little luck...
Male DEMON LORD OF THE RASPING RIFTS, God of Commerce, Electricty, and Insects Sorceror(Crossblood[Draconic, Orc]) 15 (HP 67/92) (AC 21/15/17) (CMD 20) (Fort +16, Ref +16, Will +12) (Init +14) (Perception +29)
Seeing that Thorgan has been stymied by one of the doors, Nikolai directs a punishing volley of force attacks at it instead, hoping to burst it open.
Thorgan and Bishop work together to push through one of the barriers while Nikolai blasts another out of the way. Before you know it, you are quickly heading into the inner workings of the Aspis headquarters!
Along the way you are able to uncover some important information. Although the Patrons likely craft most of their proposals in the secure heart of the Aspis Building, early versions of those plans must still reach the desks of critical intermediaries and high-ranking agents who would be responsible for executing those initiatives. The PCs come across a cluster of offices reserved for silver and gold agents, several of which have these drafts open atop desks for review. Even with a casual perusal, you can assess a bit about these proposals.
DC 20 Knowledge [geography:
]There are proposals for action in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. A Patron named Stichalto the Cynic is attempting to get two campaigns off the ground. He has secured key contacts and potential turncoats along the border between Irrisen and the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, enabling the Aspis Consortium to transport supplies to the beset Ulfen border towns. Once he has their trust and stable routes, he intends to poison their food shipments in advance of an Irriseni offensive—all in exchange for a generous payment from the White Witches.
DC 20 Knowledge [local:
]There are proposals for action in Mendev. A Patron named Stichalto the Cynic has lifted the moratorium on underhanded practices in Mendev, following the successful conclusion of the Fifth Mendevian Crusade. His plan to overcharge Nerosyan for shipments of staples while eliminating local competitors is partly underway, and he has identified a sizeable population of low templars as idle mercenaries willing to raid the reclaimed territories for Sarkorian goods–even if it means undermining the Mendevian efforts to resettle those lands and construct fortifications against another demonic incursion.
DC 20 Knowledge [nature:
]There are proposals for action in the Mwangi Expanse. The Patron Iaovin Ratarion has spent the better part of 10 years expanding Aspis operations in Bloodcove in the Mwangi Expanse, but the vigilant Ekujae elves and people of Nantambu have prevented the Consortium from freely exploiting the Expanse’s riches. His proposal would weaken Nantambu’s eastern defenses and simultaneously goad the charau-ka of Usaro to attack, buying local Aspis agents several years in which to snatch up resources without local resistance. The office’s occupant has penned the question, “What happens if the charau-ka completely overrun the Expanse?” in the margins, but Iaovin has either not responded yet or believes that prospect is a non-issue.
DC 20 Knowledge [planes:
]There are proposals for action somewhere beyond the Material Plane. the Patron Kaera Hightower reports good progress on the Plane of Earth, where the Consortium’s investment in a mercenary company known as the Carnelian Corps has paid significant dividends. She cites her past successes tied to the Hao Jin Tapestry campaign to justify directing further resources to the Opaline Vault, the seat of the shaitan genie empire.
Bishop quickly riffles through the findings, sharing what he can about the Aspis activities in the Mwangi. "I had no idea how extensive their operations are..."
F Nagaji "Paladin 14" | HP 114/157 DR 10/Adamantine (130) | AC 32* T 15* FF 30* (50% fort) | CMD 31 | F +13 R +12 W +12 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects, poison & cold) Slippery Mind | Init +8 (Roll 3x, always act in surprise) | Perception -2 ll
F Nagaji "Paladin 14" | HP 114/157 DR 10/Adamantine (130) | AC 32* T 15* FF 30* (50% fort) | CMD 31 | F +13 R +12 W +12 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects, poison & cold) Slippery Mind | Init +8 (Roll 3x, always act in surprise) | Perception -2 ll
Male DEMON LORD OF THE RASPING RIFTS, God of Commerce, Electricty, and Insects Sorceror(Crossblood[Draconic, Orc]) 15 (HP 67/92) (AC 21/15/17) (CMD 20) (Fort +16, Ref +16, Will +12) (Init +14) (Perception +29)
Davo relates to the party what he finds about the Aspis operations in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings and Mendev. See spoilers above.
---
Most of the Consortium’s higher echelons maintain offices in the upper half of the towering Aspis Building, far from any windows or other access points that would allow rivals to spy on their work. The only publicized means of accessing this restricted area is through the Argent Atrium, an interior plaza that serves as a meeting place for operatives of all stripes—especially those hoping to climb the ranks by attaching themselves to the high and mighty....
Polished flagstones and meticulous masonry line the floor and walls of this atrium, whose mirrored ceiling and small skylights seem positioned to channel sunlight throughout the entire chamber. The floor bears an intricate serpent design inlaid with silver, and two sets of stairs ascend to a balcony and two heavy doors.
The head of security is a grizzled veteran standing in the middle of the room, halting his pacing when you enter. "Damn you're slow. I've been expecting you for some time. You can address me as Mr. Khayn as you explain to me your purpose in infiltrating our compound here."
New map and a picture of Khayn on the second slide.
HP162/162 | AC27 (26FF, 15T) | Perception +14, Sense Motive +24 | +2 Init | Fort +20*, Ref +12*, Will +28* | Channel (Su) 5/5 Firebolt : 12/12
Greetings Mr. Khayn I'm Tamerius Blakros. We are here to, strangely, help the Consortium. We hope to stop Suliji Peshar before she frames the Pathfinder Society for the Murder of the Aspis' Patrons.
You are welcome to escort us to them and to her if you already have meet with her.
HP84/84 | AC31 (23FF, 20T) | Perception +32, Sense Motive +21 | +7 Init | Fort +4, Ref +15, Will +9* |
While moving through the doors and protections, Khal' Heel with a certain regularity writes on the walls and ceiling the name of the mummy, "Remember Jhandorage Vaulnder Alexayn" with his blood or the blood of dead Aspis agent.
Present
Invisible he looks around the man looking for anything magical and strange.
"Sounds like she's quite a threat," the guard answers, as if he is not quite convinced by your story. "That still doesn't convince me why I should let you past, with all of your weapons and powerful gear and whatnot, rather than escort you out and then deal with this problem on our own. In short, I trust my men more than you."
HP162/162 | AC27 (26FF, 15T) | Perception +14, Sense Motive +24 | +2 Init | Fort +20*, Ref +12*, Will +28* | Channel (Su) 5/5 Firebolt : 12/12
Tamerius turns to Nikolai and its golden tongue to convince the man.
My friend, you will find the right words to explain to this man, why he must let us pass without harm and that we are his best chance to stop what is really going on here.
Thorgan shifts his weight from his left to right foot and fingers the haft of his axe as he looks up to both Tamerius and Nikolai for the appropriate signal to show his fierceness at being the more effective weapon to deal with the threat, relative to some Aspis "security guard".
He continues to mutter under his beard.
"Why.. I.. ye're lucky ye've got some o' th' toughest Pathfinders 'ere t' assist..."
Given a look from his allies to take the "diplomatic approach", he then straightens himself and his teeth, far from white, shine through the tangle of his facial hair.
F Nagaji "Paladin 14" | HP 114/157 DR 10/Adamantine (130) | AC 32* T 15* FF 30* (50% fort) | CMD 31 | F +13 R +12 W +12 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects, poison & cold) Slippery Mind | Init +8 (Roll 3x, always act in surprise) | Perception -2 ll
GMW 30h, Magic Vestment 14h, Ext Communal Resist 30 Fire, Cold, Electricity 40m. Stoneskin 140m, Life Bubble 4h, Heroism 50m, Cop:Evil 140m, Air Walk 140m
Chun Hei bows slightly
"We would be surprised if you did not offer resistance to our plan. Just as we trust ourselves more than your men. Rather than waste further time at an impasse down here, should we not combine our forces, like water and rock to smash our enemies between us?"
Diplomacy not including assists:1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 39
"I hear you and once I will offer you thanks for bringing this security risk to my attention. But I'm in charge of security around here and in my opinion it is still far preferable to handle one problem at a time by getting you off the premises first. It was a nice proposal, but you're not going to trick me into letting you past without a fight."
Sorry, really no way to convince this guy. He was just trying to get you to talk....
Mr. Khayn snaps one leg behind the other and puts up his fists in a fighting stance....
Male DEMON LORD OF THE RASPING RIFTS, God of Commerce, Electricty, and Insects Sorceror(Crossblood[Draconic, Orc]) 15 (HP 67/92) (AC 21/15/17) (CMD 20) (Fort +16, Ref +16, Will +12) (Init +14) (Perception +29)
"I appreciate your vork ezic, but zat is still a poor choice."
Nikolai flies up to the ceiling, and dumps a Glitterdust on the man.
I didn't see any PC icons on the map, so I added mine. Also unsure which direction we're coming in from, so I just added Thorgan in an arbitrary adjacent square.
"Aye, ah'gree w' Niko..."
Thorgan grips his axe and barrels ahead, uncertain why such a guard would take their group on by himself.
Oh, the icons were just off to the side. It's not really clear to me either from which direction you are coming since it sounds like a long hall in the description but the actual map is divided into weird smaller rooms. I put everyone off to the left, as you presumably entered all the way while discussing with him.
Will:1d20 ⇒ 11
Mr. Khayn covers his face from Nikolai's glitterbomb as Thorgan rushes across the floor and sinks his axe into the man's side!
Initiative:
1. Nikolai, Chun Hei, Bishop, Davo, and Thorgan
2. Mr Khayn (60 dmg)
3. Tamerius
F Nagaji "Paladin 14" | HP 114/157 DR 10/Adamantine (130) | AC 32* T 15* FF 30* (50% fort) | CMD 31 | F +13 R +12 W +12 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects, poison & cold) Slippery Mind | Init +8 (Roll 3x, always act in surprise) | Perception -2 ll
F Nagaji "Paladin 14" | HP 114/157 DR 10/Adamantine (130) | AC 32* T 15* FF 30* (50% fort) | CMD 31 | F +13 R +12 W +12 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects, poison & cold) Slippery Mind | Init +8 (Roll 3x, always act in surprise) | Perception -2 ll
F Nagaji "Paladin 14" | HP 114/157 DR 10/Adamantine (130) | AC 32* T 15* FF 30* (50% fort) | CMD 31 | F +13 R +12 W +12 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects, poison & cold) Slippery Mind | Init +8 (Roll 3x, always act in surprise) | Perception -2 ll
Like a sword-fighter trying to take on a gun-toting archaeologist, Mr. Khayn quickly falls to Bishop's savage arrow attack.
It is unfortunate, however, that Mr. Khayn apparently had a few unseen allies at the ready. From the ground a ghostly apparition shoots up, driving into Chun Hei along the way:
Fly-by attack, no AoO. Now 30' up near the ceiling.
Up near the ceiling, the incorporeal undead whips around and faces Chun Hei again, throwing her arms out to release the bound spirits which had been swirling about her. The spirits dive on Chun Hei.
ranged touch:1d20 + 21 ⇒ (18) + 21 = 39 150 points of damage. DC 23 Will for half.
Initiative:
1. Nikolai, Chun Hei, Bishop, Davo, and Thorgan
2. Mr Khayn (60 dmg)
3. Tamerius
F Nagaji "Paladin 14" | HP 114/157 DR 10/Adamantine (130) | AC 32* T 15* FF 30* (50% fort) | CMD 31 | F +13 R +12 W +12 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects, poison & cold) Slippery Mind | Init +8 (Roll 3x, always act in surprise) | Perception -2 ll
Does my DR 10/adamantine work on either or both attacks?
Chun Hei also has the Nexus Crystal from Bonekeep 1 and prevents 10 damage from negative energy sources.
147-17-150 = -20, the con drain costs another 12 hp, = -32. Currently Con 21. If DR/Negative resist applies on 1, -22 and still dead, if it applies to both -12 and still alive.
If the con drain happens to be from a bleed effect my stanching armor will prevent it. (Seems unlikely)
Either way I am at least unconscious.
Chun Hei falls to the ground lifeless, or at least nearly so.
Male DEMON LORD OF THE RASPING RIFTS, God of Commerce, Electricty, and Insects Sorceror(Crossblood[Draconic, Orc]) 15 (HP 67/92) (AC 21/15/17) (CMD 20) (Fort +16, Ref +16, Will +12) (Init +14) (Perception +29)
Nikolai swallows.
"Zat is nasty!"
He then fires a barrage of punishing force missiles at the ghost.
Thorgan grimaces as the cold, unholy spirits rush at Chun Hei.
"Watch out!"
Immediate action for Divine Interference, forcing at least a re-roll of that ranged touch attack. Will use a level 3 spell slot to impart a -3 penalty to the re-roll. I know it will likely still hit, but you never know there's a 5% chance of rolling a 1!
Will hold posting Thorgan's actions in his own initiative count to see what Chun Hei is really at health/life-wise.
I think your DR would apply to the first touch attack (taking it from 17 to 7 damage) but the second ranged touch attack is actually a delivered spell (harm), which I neglected to mention was negative energy. So your DR doesn't apply but your crystal does, although I don't think it'll make much difference.
However, in good news, harm can't take you to less than 1 hp so you are at exactly 1 hp and conscious... for the moment!
Oh, Tamerius is right about Fly-by-Attack. I knew that at one time but forgot about it. So it provokes from Chun Hei as it flies past.
Chun Hei is conscious but just barely.
Tamerius recognizes the undead as a nemhain, which is immune to cold and resistant to fire and acid. The cloud of spirits bound to them can be sent far away to do their bidding. Furthermore, they continuously regenerate unless harmed by good or electricity. Nemhains are typically tied to a ritual object used in their creation. This object is typically a large statue, pillar, or monolith. Until this object is destroyed, a destroyed nemhain automatically rejuvenates within 1-4 days.
While Thorgan tries unsuccessfully to change fate, Nikolai throws as much force as he can at the undead. Two of his blasts hit and then he follows this with a set of missiles.
Initiative:
1. Nikolai, Chun Hei, Bishop, Davo, and Thorgan
2. Nemhain (106 dmg)
3. Tamerius
Tamerius, Chun Hei, Bishop, Davo, and Thorgan are up!
F Nagaji "Paladin 14" | HP 114/157 DR 10/Adamantine (130) | AC 32* T 15* FF 30* (50% fort) | CMD 31 | F +13 R +12 W +12 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects, poison & cold) Slippery Mind | Init +8 (Roll 3x, always act in surprise) | Perception -2 ll
Male Human, Reroll: USED Ranger Lord 16 (HP: 106/208), Init: +8* (+10 mountains/Hills/Jungle, +14 Urban), AC: 25 T: 18, FF: 20, Perception +25, +31 v Humans, +27 v. Undead/constructs), F: +21, R: +23, W: +14, CMB: +18, CMD: 36
Well, I don't plan on being here for a few days so,
"By our hands you shall be laid low!" The ranger focuses on the undead (with a mental note to make his bow capable of truly harming the incorporeal foes that plague him.)
Bishop quickly takes out the ghostly figure, although it is certainly destined to return in as little as 24 hours.
Just as you think that you can take a breath though, the stone floor in front of Bishop starts to rumble and boil as something rises and takes form from the stone: a towering human with skin like polished stone... a shaitain genie!
With a snap the genie throws a cloud of glitter at Chun Hei and Tamerius:
DC 14 Will save against blindness. If you fail, you can save again at the end of your turn.
He throws his hand against Bishop's chest, trying to push the ranger back.
bull rush:1d20 + 19 ⇒ (11) + 19 = 30
But Bishop stands his ground!
Initiative:
1. Nikolai, Chun Hei, Bishop, Davo, and Thorgan
2. Shaitan Genie
3. Tamerius
Male Human, Reroll: USED Ranger Lord 16 (HP: 106/208), Init: +8* (+10 mountains/Hills/Jungle, +14 Urban), AC: 25 T: 18, FF: 20, Perception +25, +31 v Humans, +27 v. Undead/constructs), F: +21, R: +23, W: +14, CMB: +18, CMD: 36
Was the genie within 5' of Bishop when he cast Glitterdust? If so that provokes from the ranger. I'll put on in at the end in case it does.
"BLAST when will this parade END?" Bishop clenches his jaw for a moment, but when the bowstring makes contact with his fingers, years of training take over and he relaxes for the shots.
F Nagaji "Paladin 14" | HP 114/157 DR 10/Adamantine (130) | AC 32* T 15* FF 30* (50% fort) | CMD 31 | F +13 R +12 W +12 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects, poison & cold) Slippery Mind | Init +8 (Roll 3x, always act in surprise) | Perception -2 ll
