GMF's Shattered Star (Inactive)

Game Master Fanguar

Is there an online stat block (or name, maybe) for the creature Rhese just destroyed? I’d like to look it up.

Noya? Oh, I have feelings. Still.

Spasi will take back control of the Sihedron artifact, and notes its power to himself. He will be ready to move up the stairs and open the doors when others are.

Bibic suggests going in invisibly, at least at the start. If they agree, he’ll cast Invisibility Sphere and open the door once Clement has a chance to put forth any last buffs too.

Clement exhales and checks his body for any shared wounds from Rhesus's frontal assault.

"Well, I expected that to be harder..."

Patting Rhesus on the back, both in admiration and also an odd mix of relief and disappointment(?) he was uninjured, Clement observes as Spasi interacts with all the Runelordy staircase-portal magic.

"Thought that might've been the runelord's spirit thing in the giant, but maybe not? Eventually we're having to put him down right? Further up? I just want to ensure we're prepared so that super dangerous thing doesn't happen..."

Clement's eyes stray to Rhesus, remembering that those times when Rhesus's mind is addled, things go much less well for their foursome.

Man, I'd just roleplay all day if possible. Sometimes this high level AP chapters really turn into encounter slogs and you lose your character in the repeat battling. (And when I say sometimes, it feels like most times, at least with Paizo adventures)

Rhesus frowns, covered in golem guts. "That wasn't the final battle?" His shoulders slump a little before he straightens back up. "That means there's more fighting! Come on little buddy, let's go knock this Zim guy back into the grave. And don't you worry, I won't let myself get possessed by that powerful artifact made by the guy we're using it against, no sir."

@Spasi: It's just a rune giant with an grave knight template.

@Clem: This AP in particular has been bad in that regard, though I felt that was pretty much by design, in this case. It's really been just a mcguffin hunt. Some of the dungeons have been interesting, but there's a lack of investment on the PC part. There's no real reason to feel one way or the other about this final encounter. Ultimately, you're dealing with Xin because the adventure requires it, not because the PCs really care.

Taking a deep breath, you push open the doors. The walls of the cathedral-like chamber beyond stretch nearly a hundred feet into the air above, towering sheets of black crystal along which dance ripples of strange energies. Crumbled shards of crystal litter the floor, while an immense Sihedron rune has been carved into the floor in the center of the chamber. The energy rippling on the walls congregates upon a strange crystal the size of a man's head, embedded in the center of the rune and pulsing as if to the rhythm of an unseen, crystalline heart.

In the center stands a construct of gleaming skymetal. A mult-appendaged wonder build around a core of crystal. Through its glittering wall, you can see the remains of a singed skeleton. Image

The construct's wickedly curved components shift and twitch as you enter the room, and the bones of the ancient wizard emperor Xin, drawn into
the reliquary upon his death as one of his contingencies, seem to glow within their crystalline prison, shifting and seeming to be larger than the skeleton of a mere man has any right to be. The palace walls shudder, and creatures composed of crystal step out of them at the same time the energies flowing along the walls descend and coalesce into beautiful but stern humanoid figures. As Xin's spirit quickens within the reliquary, a small force of axiomite and elder crystallis minions step forth to to greet him.

Combat
23 Bibic
22 Badies
15 Spasi
3 Clem
3 Rhesus

Bibic is up. This fight should last more than a round, but we'll see. *Cue the boss battle music*

HP: 86/86 +16temp; AC: 27 (T20/FF20) (included: +1 haste)
F: +12, R: +19, W: +13
Location: Back row
Opponent: None
Move: Inspire Courage (Su) +3 att/dam (competence), +3 vs fear (morale), & +d6 sonic damage within 30’
Standard: Cast Haste

Bibic gets on the job of buffing the party, especially their weapon, Rhesus. ”This guy looks like a nail. Hammer him Rhesus!” he cries out as he casts Haste and begins inspiring courage.

Ongoing Party Effects:
Inspiring Courage: Everyone gets +3 to attacks, damage (competence) and +3 vs fear (morale), and +d6 sonic damage within 30’
Haste: Everyone gets +1 attack, +1 to attacks, +1 reflex save, +1 AC, +30’ movement (dodge)
Invisibility Sphere

The construct rises from the floor and flies towards the group.

It lashes out with a claw towards Rhesus:

Claw: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (8) + 36 = 44 Damage?: 2d10 + 18 ⇒ (3, 2) + 18 = 23 +cold damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Tries to magically reclaim the Sihedron:

Disarm: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (1) + 26 = 27 (Whoever has it gets +10 to their CMD to resist the attempt, not that it matters here)

And lastly, the two sphere atop the clockwork sarcophagus bloom like metal flowers, revealing abysium rods that immediately pulse with energy.
(Everyone make a DC22 CON save. FAIL: take CON drain: 1d6 ⇒ 2 and you are nauseated for one round. PASS. take 1 point of CON drain and you are staggered for one round.)

The other creatures, unable to see what their master is attacking, mill about.

The party is up.

Fort: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 2 = 31 (heroism) vs DC 22 for 1 con (drain) and staggered 1r.

Post to follow as Bibic avoids the worst of the pulse.

HP: 86/86 +16temp; AC: 27 (T20/FF20) (included: +1 haste)
F: +12, R: +19, W: +13
Location: Back row
Opponent: None
Free: Continue Inspire Courage (Su) +3 att/dam (competence), +3 vs fear (morale), & +d6 sonic damage within 30’
Standard: Longbow: 1d20 + 19 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 19 + 7 = 40 (PB, haste, hero, inspire) damage: 2d8 + 32 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 5) + 32 + 4 + (6) = 51 (PB, inspire, sonic)

Stunned, a little, by the thrumming, Bibic is only able to loose a single arrow at the enemy. So he does so.

Ongoing Party Effects:
Inspiring Courage: Everyone gets +3 to attacks, damage (competence) and +3 vs fear (morale), and +d6 sonic damage within 30’
Haste: Everyone gets +1 attack, +1 to attacks, +1 reflex save, +1 AC, +30’ movement (dodge)

1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 14 + 2 = 31 Fort Save

Round 1

hp 131/131+16 temp hp; AC 16/12T/14FF; CMD 18
+14F/+12R/+16W

Back row.
Opponent:
SA:
MA: Put Sihedron in haversack.

Spasi, unstunned but staggered, will put the Sihedron artifact into his Handy Haversack. With it no longer even on this plane, it is definitely out of line of sight and effect. If that’s wrong, then Spasi will stick it on Rhese, but it should be gone as a distraction.

Sorry, cut and paste error. My damage should only be 28. I cannot manyshot on a standard action shoot.

HP 216/216+16 DR 8/-, 16/lethal, fire 4
AC 28/T17/FF24
CMD 38
Fort +20, Ref +15, Will +11; +2 insight bonus vs. transmutation spells, +5 morale bonus vs. spells, supernatural abilities, and spell-like abilities while raging but must resist all spells, even allies', +4 bonus to Will saves vs. enchantment spells.
Rage: 37/37
Sihedron: Hiding
Eater of Magic: 1/1/Rage
SA: +1 to Confirm Earthbreaker critical, +5 damage vs spellcasters while raging, +1 damage while flanking, fast healing 5
Row: Front
Opponent: Boss

Con DC 22: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25

Partial Charge.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 39 ⇒ (6) + 39 = 45
Damage: 2d6 + 34 + 5 ⇒ (3, 1) + 34 + 5 = 43

Round 1
HP 195/195 +48 Divine Vessel | AC 29* (T15/FF29) - F: +14* R: +9* W: +15
Location: Airborne
SA: Divine Vessel

Fort DC22: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 14 + 2 = 30

Grunting as the energy pulses through him, Clement nods as he bears witness to Rhesus leaping onto the skeleton's contraption.

Clement looks to his experts for confirmation.

"Is this it? Is that skeleton what's left of the runelord??"

With the crystal beings seeming to emerge from the walls to enjoin the fight, Clement figures there's no better time than to assume Mega-Clem form. With a few gestures, Clement grows larger, both in girth and height until he's a full twelve feet tall. His angel wings seem to not even notice the increased demands his new oversized angel form imparts as he does his best to provide cover to Spasi and Bibic.

Cast: Divine Vessel.

@Spasi: Yup that is totally fine. Do remember that whoever is in possession of the sihedron can overcome some of the construct's resistances.

Bibic and Rhesus chip away at the armor, but it proves extremely resilient and begins to mend itself almost as fast as it is being damaged.

Seeing their master in combat, two of the axiomites cast true seeing on the pair of crystalline monstrosities, while the third casts haste on the lot of them.

The crystal giants move to engage Rhesus and Clem, expelling clouds of orange vapor, DC24 fort saves, or be turned to stone, and attacking with their claws:

Attack vs Rhesus: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (2) + 22 = 24 Damage?: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (3, 4) + 9 = 16 plus Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Attack vs Clem: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (18) + 22 = 40 Damage?: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (6, 1) + 9 = 16 plus Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 5

And Xin's construct unleashes on Rhesus (assuming not petrified):

A jet of fluid spurts out of a port on the side:

Range touch: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (3) + 26 = 29 If hit, you take -10 to all subsequent saves vs Xin's abilities.

and it attacks with its claws;

Claw 1: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (7) + 36 = 43 Damage: 2d10 + 18 ⇒ (7, 5) + 18 = 30 plus Cold: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Claw 2: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (9) + 36 = 45 Damage: 2d10 + 18 ⇒ (1, 8) + 18 = 27 plus Cold: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Claw 3: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (10) + 36 = 46 Damage: 2d10 + 18 ⇒ (10, 10) + 18 = 38 plus Cold: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Claw 4: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (5) + 36 = 41 Damage: 2d10 + 18 ⇒ (2, 7) + 18 = 27 plus Cold: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Party is up.

Spasi considers waiting to see the condition of Rhese before deciding what to do. But then shrugs and just goes for it.

With Life Bubble on, we should ignore the gas attacks.

Round 2
hp 131/131+16 temp hp; AC 16/12T/14FF; CMD 18
+14F/+12R/+16W

Back row.
Opponent:
SA: Begin full round cast. SMVII
MA:
Immediate Action: Casts quickened Haste.

Spasi continues to back up and casting spells.

Haste Round 1/17: +1 to all the things. You know what to do.

HP: 86/86 +16temp; AC: 27 (T20/FF20) (included: +1 haste)
F: +12, R: +19, W: +13
Location: Back row
Opponent: None
Free: Continue Inspire Courage (Su) +3 att/dam (competence), +3 vs fear (morale), & +d6 sonic damage within 30’
Full: Longbow: 1d20 + 17 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 17 + 7 = 26 (PB, haste, hero, inspire) damage: 2d8 + 32 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 3) + 32 + 4 + (3) = 46 (PB, inspire, sonic)
Longbow: 1d20 + 17 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 17 + 7 = 32 (PB, haste, hero, inspire) damage: 1d8 + 16 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 16 + 4 + (3) = 28 (PB, inspire, sonic)
Longbow: 1d20 + 12 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 7 = 28 (PB, haste, hero, inspire) damage: 1d8 + 16 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 16 + 4 + (5) = 33 (PB, inspire, sonic)
Longbow: 1d20 + 7 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 7 = 28 (PB, haste, hero, inspire) damage: 1d8 + 16 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 16 + 4 + (2) = 25 (PB, inspire, sonic)
Hasted Longbow: 1d20 + 17 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 17 + 7 = 31 (PB, haste, hero, inspire) damage: 1d8 + 16 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 16 + 4 + (4) = 29 (PB, inspire, sonic)

Bibic is finally able to open up as he sends a volley of arrows against the enemy! Sadly, his volley is mostly pitiful!

Ongoing Party Effects:
Inspiring Courage: Everyone gets +3 to attacks, damage (competence) and +3 vs fear (morale), and +d6 sonic damage within 30’
Haste: Everyone gets +1 attack, +1 to attacks, +1 reflex save, +1 AC, +30’ movement (dodge)

Fort DC24: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 14 + 2 = 32

Clement turns away from the gas, seeming to ignore its effects.

Also reminder that Mega-Clem is not adjacent to Rhesus and the construct but mostly interposing himself while airborne to cover Spasi and Bibic in our positionless combat.

I'll want to see Rhesus outcome before posting an action, but likely will be putting Life Bubble up as Spasi mentioned if the big guy is mostly untouched.

@Spasi: Was there a reason you cast Haste again after Bibic?

@Spasi: Was there a reason you cast Haste again after Bibic?

Maybe I was drunk? I dunno. But I do know that Life Bubble is already cast. Ignore the Haste recast, as was immediate action. Please continue with my other bullshit.

Was it cast by someone besides Clem? Clem cast it back in May but that was prior to us resting.

Linkified

Assuming it isn't cast, and Rhesus makes his save and isn't in dire straits, Clem will cast it this round.

It's funny because I have it marked that Spasi has cast it today but I can't find where he said that. So I float corrected. As you were.

Spasi coughs, thinking he might be wrong about something.

HP 199/216 DR 8/-, 16/lethal, fire 4
AC 30/T19/FF26
CMD 40
Fort +20, Ref +15, Will +11; +2 insight bonus vs. transmutation spells, +5 morale bonus vs. spells, supernatural abilities, and spell-like abilities while raging but must resist all spells, even allies', +4 bonus to Will saves vs. enchantment spells.
Rage: 37/37
Sihedron: Hiding
Eater of Magic: 1/1/Rage
SA: +1 to Confirm Earthbreaker critical, +5 damage vs spellcasters while raging, +1 damage while flanking, fast healing 5
Row: Front
Opponent: Axiomite

30-8=22/2=11R11C-5=6R16C;27-8=19/2=10R9C-5=5R14C;18-8=10/2=5R5C;27-8=19/2=1 0R9C-5=5R14C.21R49C.

Fort DC 24: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 20 = 40

Seeing the construct is quickly healing and waiting for the big brains to tell him what to hit, Rhesus decides to smash at an axiomite.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 37 ⇒ (14) + 37 = 51
Damage: 2d6 + 34 + 5 ⇒ (4, 5) + 34 + 5 = 48

Attack 2: 1d20 + 37 ⇒ (19) + 37 = 56
Damage: 2d6 + 34 + 5 ⇒ (5, 3) + 34 + 5 = 47

Attack 3: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (20) + 32 = 52
Damage: 2d6 + 34 + 5 ⇒ (4, 6) + 34 + 5 = 49

Attack 4: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (11) + 27 = 38
Damage: 2d6 + 34 + 5 ⇒ (1, 2) + 34 + 5 = 42

Attack 5: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (20) + 22 = 42
Damage: 2d6 + 34 + 5 ⇒ (3, 3) + 34 + 5 = 45

Attack 2 Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 37 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 37 + 1 = 40
Additional Damage: 4d6 + 68 + 10 ⇒ (6, 4, 3, 1) + 68 + 10 = 92

Attack 3 Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 32 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 32 + 1 = 39
Additional Damage: 4d6 + 68 + 10 ⇒ (6, 5, 5, 3) + 68 + 10 = 97

Attack 5 Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 22 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 22 + 1 = 30
Additional Damage: 4d6 + 68 + 10 ⇒ (6, 4, 6, 2) + 68 + 10 = 96

Despite his increased size and might, Clement quickly summons a magical bubble around his allies to protect them from any future fumes conjured by their foes.

I believe it works with a standard to cast and free action to touch Spasi/Bibic who Clem was nearby, then a move to glide towards Rhesus and touch him. If that doesn't work, then Rhesus will suffer without the bubble.

@Bibic: I'm assuming you're attack the big bad, but correct me if you are taking aim at the minions.

Gas attacks duly nullified.

Leaves some 20s for the rest of us, Rhesus. Also, the Xin construct and a giant crystal giant are right in front of you, so it makes much more sense to attack them. You'll have to run past them and eat AoOs to get to the axiomites

Bibic's arrows ricochet harmlessly aside, but Rhesus is a man possessed. He casually shatters the massive crystalline creature before him, before unleashing his fury upon the remains of the once mighty Xin, crumpling skymetal armour plates and knocking free gears and cogs. The whole thing lists to one side and begins to emit horrible grinding sounds.

The remaining crystal critter attacks Clem:

Attack: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (5) + 22 = 27 Damage?: 4d8 + 9 ⇒ (2, 5, 6, 1) + 9 = 23 plus Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Attack 2: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (14) + 22 = 36 Damage?: 4d8 + 9 ⇒ (3, 3, 5, 8) + 9 = 28 plus Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Attack (haste): 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (8) + 22 = 30 Damage?: 4d8 + 9 ⇒ (4, 3, 7, 5) + 9 = 28 plus Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 5

The two sphere atop the damaged reliquary bloom once more, revealing abysium rods that immediately pulse with energy.
(Everyone make a DC22 CON save. FAIL: take CON drain: 1d6 ⇒ 6 and you are nauseated for one round. PASS. take 1 point of CON drain and you are staggered for one round.)

It then flees away from Rhesus' pounding hammer, 30 feet back and 30 feet up off the ground. Clem and Rhesus can make an AoO.

It then casts Repulsion filling the room a magical field that attempts to prevent you from approaching it further. DC27 Will to be able to move closer to the construct. No other actions are affected.

One of the axiomites casts True seeing on another, which launches a lightning bolt towards Bibic:

Lighting bolt: 9d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 6, 1, 6, 6, 4, 6, 2) = 40 DC19 Ref save for half

Party is up.

Fort: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 2 = 25 vs DC 22 for 1 Con drain and staggered.
Reflex: 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 19 + 2 = 26 vs DC 19 for 20hp dam (-16 temp so only 4hp dam)

Round coming up!

HP: 82/86; AC: 27 (T20/FF20) (included: +1 haste)
F: +12, R: +19, W: +13
Location: Back row
Opponent: None
Free: Continue Inspire Courage (Su) +3 att/dam (competence), +3 vs fear (morale), & +d6 sonic damage within 30’
Standard: Longbow: 1d20 + 19 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 19 + 7 = 36 (PB, haste, hero, inspire) damage: 1d8 + 16 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 16 + 4 + (1) = 24 (PB, inspire, sonic)

Bibic will continue to focus on the construct, letting Rhesus play with the ‘peons’. He’s using adamantine arrows this round in case of DR.

Ongoing Party Effects:
Inspiring Courage: Everyone gets +3 to attacks, damage (competence) and +3 vs fear (morale), and +d6 sonic damage within 30’
Haste: Everyone gets +1 attack, +1 to attacks, +1 reflex save, +1 AC, +30’ movement (dodge)

1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 14 + 2 = 24 Fort save vs. DC 22

Round 2

hp 131/131+16 temp hp; AC 16/12T/14FF; CMD 18
+14F/+12R/+16W

Back row.
Opponent:
SA: Chain Lightning.
MA: Move away.

Spasi completes his summon spell, drawing forth a slew (1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5) Bralanis and hopes for the best.

"Blast all the machines you can with lightning! Try to the big raging goon, the holy remora stuck to his back, the archer and me!" Spasi commands his holy hosts. They will move to line up shots and release some electricity.

6d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 3, 5, 6, 2) = 23 Lightning (DC15 ref for half)
6d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 2, 3, 3, 4) = 19 Lightning (DC15 ref for half)
6d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 6, 4, 5, 4) = 29 Lightning (DC15 ref for half)
6d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 5, 3, 4, 1) = 19 Lightning (DC15 ref for half)
6d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 1, 1, 5, 6) = 16 Lightning (DC15 ref for half)

For that matter, Spasi will lash out with his own Chain Lightning before moving out of sight/line of effect.

16d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 2, 5, 6, 5, 2, 2, 6, 1, 3, 3, 2, 3, 1, 4) = 54 Lightning vs DC 25 for half, hitting the main guy first, then whatever constructs might be around

Round 1
HP 195/195 +16 Feast +48 Divine Vessel -49 Rhesus Dmg = 210 | AC 29* (T15/FF29) - F: +14* R: +9* W: +15
Location: Airborne
SA: Dispel (Hopefully the Repulsion)l

Con DC22: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 14 + 2 + 3 = 27

Rhesus's charges are the perfect counter to a Paizo encounter with an intentionally designed stagger mechanic...

I forgot we were playing with AoOs in the gridless combat. As Clem is Large sized and has reach, he would have had an AoO on that crystal critter as it closed on him. I had Clem "interposing" himself between Spasi/Bibic and everything while Rhesus chased the boss, so I believe this is where his AoO would get used rather than Xinbot.

Rod of Resolve AoO (d-vessel, inspire, haste, PA ): 1d20 + 19 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 19 + 3 = 28 for 1d6 + 17 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 17 + 3 = 22 + 1d6 ⇒ 1 sonic

Sensing the Xinbot has employed its magicks to repel the Mighty Rhesus, Clement quickly decides thwarting such defenses takes a priority over Clement-bashing the crystal in his face, especially given how the pulsing crystals are flaring up a bout of indigestion from the morning feast.

Cast Greater Dispel

Dispel Check: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26

The goal is to dispel the Repulsion, which I'm not sure if its an area or on a target (Xin)? Greater can dispel 4 spells based on Clem's level 16 if the 26 exceeds the Caster Level of them working from the highest level down.

Question? Does Xin-inside-the-bot look like a lich or a form of undead? If so, Clem will add one more thing to his round for good measure, a Quickened Channel (which is a swift costing 2 channels) to harm undead.

Seeing the Xinbot falling back, the oversized angelic Clement burses forth with radiant energy as he shouts to Rhesus.

"Bring it down!!"

Quickened Channel Positive Energy (to harm undead): 10d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 5, 6, 3, 6, 3, 1, 2, 4, 1) + 1 = 33

DC24 Will for half. 7/9 uses remain today.

HP 199/216 DR 8/-, 16/lethal, fire 4
AC 30/T19/FF26
CMD 40
Fort +20, Ref +15, Will +11; +2 insight bonus vs. transmutation spells, +5 morale bonus vs. spells, supernatural abilities, and spell-like abilities while raging but must resist all spells, even allies', +4 bonus to Will saves vs. enchantment spells.
Rage: 37/37
Sihedron: Hiding
Eater of Magic: 1/1/Rage
SA: +1 to Confirm Earthbreaker critical, +5 damage vs spellcasters while raging, +1 damage while flanking, fast healing 5
Row: Front
Opponent: Something

Fair enough, taking out anything I can reach is always the plan.

Fort DC 24: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35

Attack AoO: 1d20 + 37 ⇒ (13) + 37 = 50
Damage: 2d6 + 34 + 5 ⇒ (6, 1) + 34 + 5 = 46

Rhesus will attack whatever he can reach, either the crystal or Xin.

Possible Repulsion roll first.

Will DC 27: 1d20 + 11 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 11 + 5 = 27

If I can somehow partial charge Xin I'll do that. Celestial Armor let's me fly once per day and this seems like the day to finally use it.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 37 ⇒ (10) + 37 = 47
Damage: 2d6 + 34 + 5 ⇒ (3, 6) + 34 + 5 = 48

@Clem: The crystal baddies are large and have reach too. I've mostly been handwaving the reach mechanic away for simplicity's sake.

@Rhesus: If you can fly, I don't see why you wouldn't be able to charge Xin.

Bibic's arrow deflects wide.

Xin Spell resistance DC32: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Xin Spell resistance DC32: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Xin Spell resistance DC32: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Xin Spell resistance DC32: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Xin Spell resistance DC32: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Xin Spell resistance DC32: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 15 + 4 = 29 I think that's right for Spasi. Xin is not currently within 30 feet of the minions.

Xin seems unperturbed by the magical expulsions.

@Clem: It is very much undead.

Will: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

Clem doesn't manage to dispel the effect, but the construct flinches as holy energy washes over it.

Rhesus slams the construct as it flees, and barrels right after it to land another blow.

With nowhere to run, the severely damaged construct desperately attacks Rhesus:

Attack: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (18) + 36 = 54 Damage?: 2d10 + 18 ⇒ (9, 1) + 18 = 28 plus Cold: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Attack: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (1) + 36 = 37 Damage?: 2d10 + 18 ⇒ (8, 10) + 18 = 36 plus Cold: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Attack: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (14) + 36 = 50 Damage?: 2d10 + 18 ⇒ (2, 2) + 18 = 22 plus Cold: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Attack: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (20) + 36 = 56 Damage?: 2d10 + 18 ⇒ (6, 9) + 18 = 33 plus Cold: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Confirm: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (4) + 36 = 40 Crit Damage?: 2d10 + 18 ⇒ (6, 2) + 18 = 26

The crystal giant attacks Clem:
Attack: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (5) + 22 = 27 Damage?: 4d8 + 9 ⇒ (6, 1, 4, 3) + 9 = 23 plus Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Attack 2: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (16) + 22 = 38 Damage?: 4d8 + 9 ⇒ (5, 7, 2, 2) + 9 = 25 plus Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Attack haste: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (15) + 22 = 37 Damage?: 4d8 + 9 ⇒ (4, 1, 6, 5) + 9 = 25 plus Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 5

and the only Axiomite that can actually see any of you, fires off another lightning bolt at Bibic.

Zap: 9d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 3, 5, 1, 6, 6, 2, 2) = 35 DC19 Ref save for half

Party is up.

HP: 65/86; AC: 27 (T20/FF20) (included: +1 haste)
F: +12, R: +19, W: +13
Location: Back row
Opponent: None
Response: Reflex Save: 1d20 + 19 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 19 + 3 = 35 (haste, heroism) vs DC 19 for 17hp damage
Free: Continue Inspire Courage (Su) +3 att/dam (competence), +3 vs fear (morale), & +d6 sonic damage within 30’
Full: Longbow: 1d20 + 17 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 17 + 7 = 39 (PB, haste, hero, inspire) damage: 2d8 + 32 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 4) + 32 + 4 + (3) = 48 (PB, inspire, sonic)
Longbow: 1d20 + 17 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 17 + 7 = 31 (PB, haste, hero, inspire) damage: 1d8 + 16 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 16 + 4 + (5) = 31 (PB, inspire, sonic)
Longbow: 1d20 + 12 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 7 = 33 (PB, haste, hero, inspire) damage: 1d8 + 16 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 16 + 4 + (5) = 26 (PB, inspire, sonic)
Longbow: 1d20 + 7 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 7 = 18 (PB, haste, hero, inspire) damage: 1d8 + 16 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 16 + 4 + (4) = 30 (PB, inspire, sonic)
Hasted Longbow: 1d20 + 17 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 17 + 7 = 38 (PB, haste, hero, inspire) damage: 1d8 + 16 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 16 + 4 + (4) = 26 (PB, inspire, sonic)

Bibic will continue to focus on the construct using adamantine arrows in the hopes of mitigating some DR. If he can manage to hit of course!

Ongoing Party Effects:
Inspiring Courage: Everyone gets +3 to attacks, damage (competence) and +3 vs fear (morale), and +d6 sonic damage within 30’
Haste: Everyone gets +1 attack, +1 to attacks, +1 reflex save, +1 AC, +30’ movement (dodge)

Round 1
HP 210*/245 (normally 195; Divine Vessel +48) | results TBD -58 (Clem Direct) -5 (Bib LL) -?? (Rhesus) +36 (Channel) | AC 29* (T15/FF29) - F: +14* R: +9* W: +15
Location: Airborne
FRA: Pummel the crystal
SwA: Channel Positive Energy

@Bibic, with lifelink on you, you'll heal 5 and Clem will take 5 each round.

With a crystal giant in his face, Clement sees if his "Mega Angel" at least let him pretend to be a partial-Rhesus and inflict his own walloping.

Rod of Resolve #1 (d-vessel, inspire, haste, PA): 1d20 + 19 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 19 + 3 = 25 for 1d8 + 17 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 17 + 3 = 27 + 1d6 ⇒ 6 sonic
Rod of Resolve #2 (d-vessel, inspire, haste, PA): 1d20 + 14 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 14 + 3 = 20 for 1d8 + 17 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 17 + 3 = 28 + 1d6 ⇒ 6 sonic
Rod of Resolve #3 (d-vessel, inspire, haste, PA ): 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 3 = 23 for 1d8 + 17 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 17 + 3 = 26 + 1d6 ⇒ 1 sonic

Rod of Resolve Bonus (d-vessel, inspire, haste, PA ): 1d20 + 19 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 19 + 3 = 28 for 1d6 + 17 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 17 + 3 = 21 + 1d6 ⇒ 6 sonic

With both himself and his allies suffering some injuries at this point, Clement unleashes another bolt of holy energy, this time to mend everyone's wounds.

Quickened Channel: 10d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 6, 6, 6, 1, 6, 1, 2, 1, 3) + 1 = 36

Spasi's SR check is +22 (16 for level and +6 for spell penetration, greater, and elf). His chain lightning should go through, and also affect multiple targets.

Spasi waits to see how Rhesus does before deciding his attack plan.

Gotcha. Chain lightning is only additional targets within 30 feet right? If so, there's none currently in range.

Ref DC25: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 Having taken the full brunt of Spasi's spell, Xin's robotic tomb was unable to withstand Rhesus' charge and tumbles from the air to crash to the stone floor.

The reliquary shudders and wheezes and then collapses spectacularly into its components, scattering cogs and gears and springs and metal plates across the ground. The central crystal of the reliquary crumbles to the ground and shatters, turning Xin's bones to dust as well. The ruler of Thassilon is, at long last, at rest.

The mighty will binding them in place gone, the remaining axiomites or crystallises immediately vanish, and the glow imbuing the palace walls fades. The palace shudders briefly, but quickly quiets once more, leaving you in the weighty silence that always follows battle.

#lootz Amid the clockwork reliquary's scattered remains is a king's ransom in various skymetal components (200,000 gp in all) In addition, several powerful magical items used as potent components for the construct's body can be salvaged from the remains, including a rod of quicken metamagic, a rod of empower metamagic, a cube of force, an orb of utter chaos, one of each type of ioun stone, two philosopher's stones, a spindle of perfect knowledge and lastly a major artifact, the guardian key.

Congratulations folks, you have defeated the big bad of the Shattered Star Campaign path!! High fives all around.

Spasi looks around, asking the Bralanis to go look around and get squashed by anything lurking around or spontaneously reviving.

”Is that it? Are we done? Rhese, you gunna smash that guy a few more times to be sure?” Spasi asks, retrieving the artifact Sihedron and putting it on his head.

Bibic cheers when the construct deconstructs. "That's the way you do that! I think I'll have them do a mural of this fight at the dance hall in Korvosa. There's a long wall there with nothing on it now - this'll be perfect!"

He dreams big he does.

Spasi looks at Rhesus. "Woo?"

Rhesus shrugs and looks at Spasi. "I...guess?" The former pit fighter smashes the body of Xin a few more times for good measure. "So, now what? We're rich, right? Or do we have to give it to the Doctor?"

"Or do we have to give it to the Doctor?"

"Well, yeah, that's the question, isn't it? We're already rich beyond our dreams, but do we want to be really really really rich? And who would the Doctor send after us if we don't turn it over?" Spasi takes off the Sihedron artifact and looks at it. "I mean, it's nice and all...just not sure I want to be running for the rest of my life, you know?"

Spasi looks at Clem and Bibic to see what they think.

"The Doctor?!" Bibic pales and you can see the shiver go down his back. "But I've built something! I am building something - all across Varisia! Surely he won't take that away."

He wonders, but dare not say aloud, if they've become powerful enough to take out the Doctor. The fact he's too afraid to say it aloud though says it all and he, eventually, shrugs in defeat.

Woohoo! Yikes you guys were destructive forces in combat!

Clement coughs, imagining he has inhaled some fragments of metal during all the bludgeoning of the fight but lands next to what remains of Xin's construct.

"Was that him? Was he full power?"

Clement looks to Spasi and Bibic to confirm, but as the two begin discussing riches and Varisian expansion efforts, the half-angel takes that discussion as confirmation they have thwarted the grand evil casting the shadow all this time.

"Should we look around for a deed to this island? Did they have deeds back in the old days? Or is it simply assumed you are the owner of an island if you have a robot and crystal creature army at your disposal?"

Clement's stomach grumbles as he rubs his gut and wonders if the next day can come soon enough to summon forth a celebration feast.

"Spasi.. does any of that glowing stuff let me bring another feast out today?"

A fleeting thought passes through Clement's mind - they have defeated the grand evil, and Spasi has yet to mention Noya.

Thank you of course to our GM for sticking with it for the years it took to run the grinder that is this AP!

"Another feast? Today?! We just ate, right? But no, I don't think so...and I take it you want to think about what we do with the artifact? What do you think about the Doctor?" Spasi's hand reaches into his pocket to play with the bronze coin therein.

"And yeah, I think that was the real deal. A runelord. Or a simulacrum, a good one. But probably the real deal. Humphf." Spasi looks around the body for loot and things of interest.

The island is the party's for the taking. You've saved the city and Golarian as a whole from Thassilon reborn. And that really all there is to it. I'm sure there are all sorts of high level shenanigans possible, but I'm not really one for high level play. So, unless anyone is interested in starting up a new campaign, I guess we're done here. It's been quite the long haul folks. Thanks for hanging in there till the end.

Thanks a lot for running this for us GM Fanguar! It was a long haul, but it's (almost) always worth it to finish an AP.

Thank you!

Thanks Fanguar, great job! I won't be starting a new campaign but that's because I don't have time, otherwise I'd happily play again.

Well, we couldn't have done it without Noya's help, that's for sure. And thank you, GM Fanguar for putting up with us for far longer that I ever would have. It's been 9.5 freakin' years, amazing that we completed and mostly stayed whole. A+ all around. Thank you so much. Of course, we still need to decide what we are going to do with the Sihedron Artifact.

Rhesus shrugs one last time. "If we can kill a god-king, why should we fear the Doctor?"

Yes!

We definitely appreciate you running the entire AP over these years, that's no small feat.

Thanks to the whole crew for sticking through the entire campaign!

Cheers all. It was my pleasure.

Watching Rhesus one shot a dragon was probably the highlight, but it was quite the adventure overall.

See you around.