GMG's PBP: #8-99b - Solstice Scar (Standard 5-6) (Inactive)

Game Master Magabeus

Kitajo steps back and studies Vallakh. Did my discussion of food cycles influence him? How may I further influence him Trying for the hard Perception check.

Perception Vallakh: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Odo that's fine..

Quiselle gives a sly smile "Your proposals intrigues us. We shall consider giving you our blessing when your need is greatest.” She then waves her hand, causing a rush of oak leaves to fall from the tree and whirl around you. When the leaves clear, you and Enzial are back along the frozen lake’s bank."

Enzial muses "I'm not sure if you convinced them or not, they're an inscrutable bunch though. That said you've more than convinced me. I know where the Kobold lair is and I'm happy to show you the way. There's a big grand front entrance or a smaller one high in the mountains if you don't mind dealing with the cold and a bit of climbing."

I apparently previewed but did not submit my own action for that last round and lost it. Ugh.

Also, Xathos, I thought the perception attempt was fine - hence me trying to find a way to boost it to the DC. You're certainly better equipped to try that particular option than I am. Mine was to try to aid your perception attempt and perception: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 - 1 = 6, as you can see, since I knew it had cached that roll, my roll was pretty low.

"How small an opening? I am not opposed to a climb nor a smaller cavern, but my stature rules out me choosing for the rest. I am not the one who will likely have to stoop if carved out to kobold proportions," Odo asks.

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

A sudden gust of wind rushes through the area, riming the trees and rocks with frost that resembles faces of the region’s fey monarchs. “Your Society has requested our aid, and we have agreed to support your endeavors. Carry our token, call upon us in your time of need, and ensure the dragons prey upon this region no more.” With that, the icy faces melt away, and each of you find a tiny crown of pine needles nearby.

Table GMs, the Fey Allies condition on page 31 is in effect.

Xathos walks over, picks up a tiny crown of pine needles, and examines it.

Watch the bloody dice roll high now!

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Obviously the dice just hate me completely in pbp. I would be buying a new d20 because that one would have been flying a very long distance by now.

Could be those Russian hackers.

Odo picks up one of the tiny crowns as well... and puts it on.

With some reverence, Keri places the needles upon her head as well, although a bit askew to favor her aiming eye.

"Gentlemen, we have a job to do."

*****OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT*****

The kobolds continue to mount a frustrating defense, luring Pathfinders into cramped and trap-filled tunnels and unleashing captive monsters on unsuspecting agents. Even so, the kobolds are losing ground with each battle. As another skirmish echoes from elsewhere in the caverns, a tremendous roar reverberates through the cave complex, rattling stalactites and causing snowdrifts to slide down the outside slopes. As the sound dissipates, the voice of a massive creature booms from deep within the kobolds’ warren.

“Long ago my ancestor Grathatonhakis ruled here, and a meager dwarf challenged his might only to become his trophy. Both were fools, and both are now dead. I am neither, and your paltry attacks shall not change that. Fall back, kobolds of the Shiverscale tribe! Let these intruders die in sight of the last fool to challenge Horralydax, the master of the Tusk Mountains. Rally to me, my children. Today we dine on adventurers!”

The kobolds kowtow to the booming voice, scramble to their feet, and begin retreating deeper into the caves. For once they aren’t covering their tracks, so the way to the dragon’s lair is clear.

Table GMs, please move to the encounter in area N on pg. 40 swiftly. Remember that the Fey Allies condition on pg. 31 is in effect.

Catch up save from before
Chan ref: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
You have had time to heal up before this, include any of that in your first post, it happens before comabt starts

Along with other teams, you work your way through the kobold caves, routing the horrid little lizards and avoiding many nefarious traps.

As you descend you find the caves grow ever colder, and oposition stiffer...

A narrow cavern to the east opens into a larger cave. A gently sloping ramp descends counter clockwise to an elaborately carved column of ice. A vast pile of gold, jewels, furs, and immense bones lie piled around the column.

Group Buffs:
- - -
Keriassa
Xathos 19 damage
Odo 28/41 hp
White dragon
Pink kobold
Chankotu - 18 damage
Green kobold
Kitajo (-24)
Yellow kobld

Kitajo CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Kitajo CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Kitajo CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Kitajo CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Kitajo CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Kitajo CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Kitajo is back to full health. Also adding Mage Armor. Assuming we had time for that from my wand too

Did we have any chance to heal or memorize spells before the scenario leapfrogged to this point?

"I zense ze need to zummon some azzistance for zis zituation. Zis could be a rough day for all."

Xathos begins to cast Summon Monster III.

[dice=Kitajo CLW Wand] 1d8+1

[dice=Kitajo CLW Wand] 1d8+1
[dice=Kitajo CLW Wand] 1d8+1
[dice=Kitajo CLW Wand] 1d8+1
[dice=Kitajo CLW Wand] 1d8+1
[dice=Kitajo CLW Wand] 1d8+1

Kitajo is back to full health. Also adding Mage Armor. Assuming we had time for that from my wand too

Don't forget the channel I performed on Monday's post. Don't want to make you spend more charges than you need to...

Chantoku uses his wand on himself. 3 charges

clw: 3d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 5, 6) + 3 = 18

Chantoku rubs his fur. "These kobolds and their traps. I've heard of the traps and they hurt. Let's go onward towards the dragon" He points with his rapier.

Drawing her bow, Keri moves to the fore of the group. In a low voice, she begins to tell the tale of the fall of the great wyrm Vrrztryyyx in old Avistan.

move action to move and standard to starting raging song with guarded life and reckless abandon, if she is able to see the dragon she will smite evil upon it as a swift (+2 AC vs it if true).

Odo's healing was already posted in my Monday post - up to 41 hp

Odo gives out a battle cry, "Then forward my friends! For the Sun and the Fury!"

Battle Cry is in effect (+1 morale bonus to hit, +4 vs fear)

Odo then makes his way through the group to the front. Just before entering the larger chamber, he stops to activate his divine bond with his blade and his scimitar alights with flame.

Anyone want to hit me with my Wand of CLW so I can get back the 19 hp, feel free to do so while we get set.

Keriassa heals Xathos on the way up to the lair.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

4 charges, but maybe 2 less with the channel from before

Healing yes, but memorising spells no. long duration (10m/level or higher) are fine, shorter ones will likely have expired in the caves. How does Kitajo get mage armor?

Xanthos starts to summon while Odo calls out his inspriing battle cry.

Keriassa moves to the front, her bow ready to face an ancient class of evil.

The dragon flaps into the air and breathes an icy mist over the team.
ref dc 20 for half: 8d4 ⇒ (3, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 3, 1) = 16

The pink kobold chugs a potion.

Group Buffs: Battlecry
- - -
Status, bold may post
Chankotu -
Green kobold
Kitajo - mage armor? ; reflex 20 vs 16/8 cold damage
Yellow kobld
Keriassa - smite on dragon; reflex 20 vs 16/8 cold damage
Xathos -summoning.
Odo 41 hp reflex 20 vs 16/8 cold damage
White dragon (flying 20' up)
Pink kobold

Map

Remember your fey gift, which may be helpful here...

I have a wand of mage armour, and Xathos could poke me with it.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Kitajo dodges the breath weapon entirely.

ref save: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 1 = 15
Odo fails to block the dragon’s cold breath and takes full damage.

It's the weekend, so I'll give Chankotu a little time. Someone can put in a suggested action for them. Tomorrow my time I'll put them on delay if there is no action proposed.

Chantoku will try to cast magic missile against the dragon.

sr: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

damage: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 4, 1) + 3 = 10

Chankotu calls foth magical missiles of force which slam into the dragon. It roars in surprise and pain.

The green kobold also drinks a potion before advancing.

Status, bold may post
Kitajo - mage armor ;
Yellow kobld
Keriassa - smite on dragon; reflex 20 vs 16/8 cold damage
Xathos -summoning.
Odo 25/41 hp
White dragon (flying 20' up) 10 damage
Pink kobold (PD)
Chankotu -
Green kobold (PD)

Kitato move in and sets his sights on the green kobold. He moves in and kicks at the enemy and follows it with an elbow.

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17 Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Elbow Smash: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 Damage (Non-Lethal): 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Xathos would have been quite happy to tap Kitajo with the wand as well as tapping himself periodically throughout the running battle with the kobolds in the caves.

Kitajo leaps into the fray, but cannot land either of his attacks against his wily opponent.

The yellow kobold, seeing the fun the others are having, steps forward and stabs Kitajo.

attack: 1d20 ⇒ 11

But the monk sways to one side, avoiding the kobolds blade.

Status, bold may post
Keriassa - smite on dragon; reflex 20 vs 16/8 cold damage
Xathos -summoning.
Odo 25/41 hp
White dragon (flying 20' up) 10 damage
Pink kobold (PD)
Chankotu -
Green kobold (PD)
Kitajo - mage armor ;
Yellow kobld

Xathos finishes his summoning spells and conjures forth a Lantern Archon. The Archon will move forward, to the right, and up as high as it can go and still be within 30 feet of the dragon in a single move action. Then it will fire both of its light rays at the dragon!

Xathos has Augment Summoning. The Rays are ranged touch.

Light Ray 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 151d6 ⇒ 6

Light Ray 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d6 ⇒ 3

Xathos then casts a Magic Missile and fires it at the dragon.

Magic Missile: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1, 2) + 3 = 10

SR: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 2 = 25

He uses his move action to reach into his pouch to retrieve a scroll.

Odo focuses his smite on the dragon, but since it's up in the air and Odo is not, he moves to help Kitajo for the moment. Though it is tempting, Odo does not accept the inspired rage this time as he feels he needs his wits (and defenses) about him.
The halfling paladin slashes at the same kobold Kitajo aimed for - the green one.

flaming keen scimitar: 1d20 + 10 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 10 - 1 + 1 = 23
physical damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6, fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

AC is 23 to the kobolds, 26 to the dragon

Magic missiles and archon rays slam into the dragon while Odo slashes the green kobold once.

Status, bold may post
Keriassa - smite on dragon; reflex 20 vs 16/8 cold damage
- - -
White dragon (flying 20' up) 29 damage
Pink kobold (PD)
- - -
Chankotu
Kitajo - mage armor ;
- - -
Green kobold (PD) 10 damage
Yellow kobld
- - -
Xathos
Odo 25/41 hp, smite on dragon

Since none of the enemies have had a chance to go since my action - can I retcon to add a free action to activate the fey gift for DR 2/-?

Odo: of course you can. Keriassa will be botted in a few hours.

reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Keri absorbs the cold blast fully and asks the fey lords to protect her as she unleashes two arrows at the flying beast. She continues with her song even as she praises Erastil and removes a small portion of the frostbite from her lips and eyes.

Activate cold resistance from fey's favor, 5 foot step, two shots with magic longbow with raging song, deadly aim, reckless abandon, smite and battlecry. Swift to lay on hands on herself

shot 1 to hit: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 2 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 25
shot 2 to hit: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 2 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 26
shot 1 damage (incl 1st hit on evil aligned dragon): 1d8 + 1 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 4 = 18
shot 2 damage: 1d8 + 1 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 11
lay on hands: 1d6 ⇒ 2

AC 16 vs dragon

Vital Power Attacking Bite: 1d20 + 15 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 15 - 3 = 32
Confirm: 1d20 + 15 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 15 - 3 = 24
Damage: 6d6 + 20 + 12 ⇒ (2, 5, 4, 4, 1, 3) + 20 + 12 = 51

Kobold Charge CMB into Flank: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 10

Keriassa's arrows fly true and pierce the tough dragonskin. The dragon screams in rage and flies towards the archer, landing just outside of Odo's reach. The serpentine neck reaches out and a second later Keriassa drops to the ground, dead...

The purple kobold charges Odo and attempts to throw snow in his face, but that fails miserably.

Initiative
Chankotu
Kitajo - mage armor
- - -
Green kobold (PD) 10 damage
Yellow kobld
- - -
Xathos
Odo 25/41 hp; smite on dragon; DR 2/-
RIP Keriassa -19/46 hp; smite on dragon; cold resist 5;
- - -
White dragon 58 damage
Pink kobold (PD), charged
- - -

Keriassa, you were at full health (46), dropped 16 from breath attack and then cured 2. That is 32. The dragon then did 51 damage, which drops you to -19. I am sorry and hope you can pull out a boon to stay alive. Normal damage is 2d6+10, that goes to 4d6+10+6 for vital strike plus power attack, and then 6d6+20+12 for confirmed crit

"Keriassa no!"

Seeing his ally fall bloodied and broken, Chantoku tries to blind the dragon and aims a glitterdust at the dragon trying to avoid his allies.

dc 16 Will

Can I use gallant inspiration as an immediate action to boost Keriassa's save? gives him an extra 2d4 on roll and/or Keriassa do you have a re-roll? I have a campaign coin. You can use mine for a +5, in addition to your save bonus if you want, if the GM is ok with it? I don't think I used mine

Chankoto, go for it! Given the low roll of 3 by Keriassa I assume that the reroll would be used first, keeping the gallant inspiration to boost that if needed

Reflex reroll: 1d20 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 5 = 33
Dragon Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Desna smiles on Keriassa, although she is severely hurt she is hanging on to life... To balance things the fickle deity seems also to give the dragon some luck.

Initiative
Kitajo - mage armor
- - -
Green kobold (PD) 10 damage
Yellow kobld
- - -
Xathos
Odo 25/41 hp; smite on dragon; DR 2/-
Keriassa -11/46 hp; smite on dragon; cold resist 5;
- - -
White dragon 58 damage
Pink kobold (PD), charged
- - -
Chankotu

those dice are on fire today!

Recognising that the dragon is a more immediate threat Kitajo shifts his focus. He step over the the dragon and unleashes a flurry of punches.

Flurry Unarmed Strike 1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17 Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Elbow Smash: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 Damage (Non-Lethal): 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7Jabbing Style Damage (Non-Lethal): 1d6 ⇒ 3
Flurry Unarmed Strike 2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19 Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 Jabbing Style Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

No time to update, those yellow and green kobolds are in delay so you can update

Thank you Chantoku. I had considered using saving finale on myself for the reflex save, but wasn't expecting to get immediately mauled so thoroughly. :)

Just to get the hp right, a couple of things. I was raging, so I originally had 6 extra temp hit points, which I then lose after going under. More importantly, I had guarded life up so when brought under 0, 4 points would convert to nonlethal and I would automatically stabilize. So I think I ended up stable at hp calc: 46 + 6 - 8 + 2 - 51 + 4 - 6 = -7 and 4 nonlethal.

I'm also a lucky halfling - we're supposed to make the choice before knowing the result but we really did know an 11 was going to fail. So I'm OK with you using my reroll - though my reflex save is actually lower than your own. The die may come up better.

edit: guess I should have read a little more detail - looks like the other reroll worked like gangbusters. Maybe I was hasty for not accepting the inspired rage and the guarded life, but we'll see.

Kitajo misses with all his attacks. The two kobolds near Odo step back, one of them chucks a potion while the other breathes in and then breathes flames all over the halfling!

Fire Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 2, 2) = 12 Reflex DC 13 for half

Initiative
Xathos
Odo 25/41 hp; smite on dragon; DR 2/-
Keriassa -7/46 hp; 4 NL damage; stable; smite on dragon; cold resist 5;
- - -
White dragon 58 damage
Pink kobold (PD), charged
- - -
Chankotu
Kitajo - mage armor [/b]
- - -
Green kobold (PD; 1) 10 damage
Yellow kobld (PD)
- - -

The lantern archon fires both of its light rays at the dragon again.

Light Ray 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 181d6 ⇒ 5

Light Ray 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 231d6 ⇒ 2

Xathos takes a five-foot step forward and reads from the scroll which turns out to be a Scroll of Scorching Ray. He aims it at the dragon and lets it rip!

If this misses I'm rerolling!

Scorching Ray: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 154d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 1, 2) = 6

Four six-sided dice just got thrown as far as I can hurl them into a horse pasture. I swear the forum die roller hates me right now.

Xathos' ray does more damage than he expects, even though it is still not that impressive. The lantern archon does what it does best.

Initiative
Odo 25/41 hp; smite on dragon; DR 2/-
Keriassa -7/46 hp; 4 NL damage; stable; smite on dragon; cold resist 5;
- - -
White dragon 74 damage
Pink kobold (PD), charged
- - -
Chankotu
Kitajo - mage armor [/b]
- - -
Green kobold (PD; 1) 10 damage
Yellow kobld (PD)
- - -
Xathos

reflex save: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 1 = 10

Odo fails to block much of the kobold's flames, so he quickly lays hands on himself in an effort to stay in the fight.
lay on hands: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 3, 5) = 15

He then shifts to take the fight to the dragon to unleash his smite.
flaming keen scimitar: 1d20 + 10 - 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 10 - 1 + 1 + 3 = 15 probably a miss
flaming keen scimitar 2: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 5 - 1 + 1 + 3 = 26 crit threat
confirm: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 5 - 1 + 1 + 3 = 17 probably just a normal hit
normal damage: 1d4 + 3 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 12 = 19 physical, fire: 1d6 ⇒ 2 fire

Chantoku very quickly moves to boost Odo's Reflex save by casting gallant inspiration.

2d4 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

*****OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT*****

With the dragons defeated and their kobolds fleeing, the Pathfinders assemble in the deep cave. With her phantom Anok in tow, Medda approaches the frozen column and brushes away the outer layer of frost. Frozen within the column is a dwarven woman in steel armor, her body torn as if by immense claws. With her hand pressed against the ice, Medda pleads. “Ivvora, I have found you. Now what? Vildeis said to find you and that you would help me, but how can we help you in this state?”

“You look to me when you should look to the evil that stalks our homeland. It is not I who needs help,” declares a voice that is both sweet as music and powerful as a thunderstorm. The frost melts away from the column, revealing dozens of clear facets that dribble melt water as if from open wounds. The image of a wounded angelic figure reflects in each facet, simultaneously warming the chamber and judging all that the angel sees. “As you can see, I serve Vildeis more directly than before.” The images look to Anok. “I see you took your oath seriously, Anok. I was wrong to have doubted your conviction. How are our people?”

The red phantom’s hue turns rosier as he looks to Medda and responds, “You would be proud.”

With a nod, the angel addresses everyone at once. “Then why do you seek me?”

“Eshimka has returned,” Medda announces. “We fought off the horror once, but it shall return at the next solstice.”

The angel’s eyes flare with righteous fire. “Then you will need a weapon to defeat it, as I had. Vildeis granted me the blade that I gave your people, but only after I thought I had given everything to vanquish my greatest foe. Even now I can sense evil has returned to that land, far to the south in a forest where the Whispering Tyrant’s legions once ruled. Show our patron Vildeis the same dedication that I did, and I shall ask that she equip you in the same way.” With that, the angelic images fade from the melting column.

Medda addresses the gathered Pathfinders. “I believe I know the forests Ivvora mentioned. You have already done so much, Pathfinders, but I invite you to help more. After I give Ivvora the burial she deserves, I will set forth with all who are able and willing for the Fangwood.”

This is the end of Part B of The Solstice Scar. Stay tuned for Part C, coming soon to a table near you! Thank you everyone for playing, and especially to table GMs (and our intrepid backup GMs!) for all your hard work.

An onslaught of more senior pathfinders rushes in to aid you and together you manage to defeat the dragon! With the white dragon dead the kobolds are easily overcome.

Thank you all for playing! I will get the chronicles out asap, but that might be Saturday as I am currently on a business trip.