GM Trex's Year of the Shadow Lodge Special [Standard] Tier 1-2 (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Trexler

Osprey waves off any attempts at aid. "There is little time! The Shadow Lodge is a covert organization of discontents intent on taking down our Society from within. Eater-of-Bones himself is counted among their ranks, and you can be certain he is responsible for these despicable acts. Stop him -- I must see what remains of our Decemvirate." With that, the strange man limps back into Skyreach.

Then, there is the dragon.

Overseer post: An enormous black dragon sweeps over Skyreach, breathing acid on the defenders in the towers, and then roars in anger and wings over toward the Mausoleum.

The dragon perches atop the Mausoleums roof, guarding the building and ready to attack any that approach...

One vote for sneaking past so far. Options are sneaking, rushing past, or engaging with the rest of the army.

I concur with Eli on this one, he sees us we're goners. Sneaking.

Count me in with sneaking past the dragon.

"Psst, we should really try sneaking past it." Miranda whispers to the others.

Does anyone have any magic that might help us to sneak around the beast? inquires the warpriest.

"I think the best thing we can do is killing a dragon and helping other pathfinders."
Is there a lot of fighting groups? How many people chase the dragon?
"But if every one of you want to sneak, then I'm in with you."

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OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT
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The huge dragon is an imposing site, and has brought the small army to a bit of a standstill, some start trying to work out a way around – seeing a chance to make a break for the single door and hopefully passing through it to the safety of the mausoleum.

A half a dozen of the most seasoned Pathfinders instead ready to make their stand, drawing swords and casting spells – their faces set in grim masks of steely resolve.

Alie Saechel
Boswick Bumbleberry
Dwayne the Rock
Oxirane
Rogar Stonehand
Sareth

This is the vanguard leading an assault on the dragon, each one of them heroes towards the twilight of their careers – leading what may be their final charge into glory. Should they fall this day their names will live on in song – and forever be engraved on the Wall of Names.

A small number of other journeymen Pathfinder seem equally set on following up on the charge with their steel also at the ready.

Still waiting on reports, so let your GM know your intent. More to follow...

The team confers behind a broken wall, deciding what to do. E'li discovers a tiny whip in his pocket that he's certain wasn't there before. Osprey gave you a feather token (whip) because he's weird.

I'll give you all a few more hours to decide in light of this new information. As of right now, it looks like there's a majority for sneaking.

Although a part of Masym wants to join in the battle with the seasoned Pathfinders, knowing dragons are the epitome of tyranny, he also know his weapons would do little damage to the huge dragon.

"It looks like the other Pathfinders are buying time for us to get inside the mausoleum, should we accept their sacrifice." Masym whispers. "Still, if now we be sent to the Boneyard to stand judgement, then who am I to argue?"

Masym is willing to attack the dragon, should the others want to join the attack. He would prefer sneaking in though.

Dragons of that size would be very difficult to hit for us. Their armor alone would make it difficult to score any kind of damage on them. I think those that are fighting the dragon are best sited to that endeavor, we are not.

"One breath from that dragon would kill us all and we could do little against it other than perish. I still believe we should try to sneak past it."

"Ok, let's go sneak."

For what it's worth, the fight going on with the dragon is spectacular. One of the paladins in that group just drew first blood, nailing a holy electric smite crit for a whopping 96 damage.

I'm on the edge of my seat following a PbP thread, lol.

The party opts to keep their limbs and try to avoid the mighty lizard's attention. Up above, the group's more experienced colleagues charge into the fight, driving right for the dragon's heart in a desperate gamble of sword and spell.

I'll take a stealth roll from everyone in the party.

Yeah I'm following 15 threads - fascinating the differences :) Some are really good, others I wonder if they will resort to throwing each other under the dragon

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OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT
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The battle is joined with ferocity, he show is far more spectacular than the entertainment in the Irorium earlier.

The most seasoned Pathfinders appear to be faring well, and a small cohort of around a score are in lending them aid and trying to harry the dragon.

One enterprising group has simply abandoned all due care and has crashed the gates into the mausoleum, leaving the entrance wide open for any who can make it across the courtyard!

Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Celdrexen and Masym lead the others in the shadows along one of the Mausoleum's high walls, hoping to avoid the dragon's notice as she snaps at flying paladins over the roof. As the team is passing that one twenty-foot patch of sunlight, however, the dragon's eye looks fatefully towards the door she's guarding... and roars with disapproval.

Her mighty spiked tail crashes into the wall and showers the Pathfinders with rubble!

Bludgeoning Damage to all: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6

"Hurry!" someone shouts, and the group dashes madly for the smashed gate before the dragon can strike again. Adrenaline thunders in everyone's eardrums as they rush across a ruined courtyard, dodging pools of acid, thoughts only on the open door.

The team tumbles through the black opening and breathes heavily under the protection of the roof for a moment, taking in the silence broken only by the sounds of continued fighting outside. Surrounding the group are dim, eerie, half-walled rooms that contain large, steel surgical tables. Their perimeters are lined with additional work areas whose tables are covered with texts, surgical instruments and tools, alembics, scales, abacuses, and similar devices used in alchemical and biological tests. The rooms also hold barrels of wash water, along with bottles of various fluids and salts used in sterilization and embalming. The center of the floor contains a drain for run off, as well as a few waste buckets.

stealth 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

I guess Shawn votes stealth too

Stealth: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14

Stealth rolls no longer necessary. The dragon already noticed and attacked. You've made it into the mausoleum (see my last post).

I think we might need some healing

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OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT
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Under heavy attack, the mighty black dragon falters, blood spilling from dozens of wounds. She staggers forward, raises
her wings, lets out an ear-piercing roar, and takes flight, headed for the harbor.

"That was close! Quick, E'li could you heal me a bit with my wand. If anyone else needs it, feel free to take a charge or two."

CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

43 charges left. Feel free to heal off the wand, just let me know how many charges you use.

Masym shows off a rather large welt on his head that is swelling by the moment. "Yes, I think that would be wise. I suspect our troubles are only beginning."

CLW wand #1: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW wand #2: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Lousy rolls there...Masym is at full HP now.

"Heal me too please"
heal: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
sorry, lost my current hp, guess it's almost full now

I have 12 hp for now

"Could I borrow a wand for a moment too. I don't think crimson is my color."

6 hp to a first level character is devastating

Just roll your healing from the wand, Shawn. It's fine.

I give my wand to the others, indicating for them to use it as they see fit, requesting that I be healed as well once everyone else is fully set up.

49 charges left to use if you need it

Shawn takes the wand offered to him by Miranda.

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

"Thank you Miranda, I feel much better. The show can go on."

Shawn hands the wand back to Miranda.

1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

@ Miranda: I think you've got two more charges on that wand that weren't needed earlier.

Eager to end this sinister plot, the Pathfinders press deeper into the complex. Up ahead, a cavernous hallway contains a number of elaborate skeletal displays. The reassembled creations consist of both accurate assemblies and imaginative creation built from the bones of multiple specimens. Several large, glass cylinders contain colonies of dermestid beetles for cleaning bones. Several have actively decaying specimens. Arches along the side lead to small workstations. Near the back sits another, larger work area filled with kilns, a hearth, and some large iron vats. In the middle of the floor, six corpses lie piled together is a pool of blood.

Masterfully hidden among the bones, even Celdrexen's sharp eyes don't spot the goblins hiding in ambush. The jump from their positions with glee and smash the beetle tanks onto the ground. Rotting blood and sinew splashes all over the floor, and the insects swarm over everything hungry for fresh flesh! Even though real dermestid beetles don't do that. They're, er, magically enhanced.

Whole room is under a grease effect. DC 10 Acrobatics to move or fall prone.

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Shawn
2. Goblins, swarm
3. Celdrexen, Masym, Ed (12/14 hp), E'li, Miranda

Shawn begins his standard insults and mock performance for the goblins to distract them.
Shawn begins bardic performance Satire

This worked before lets hope I get them mixed up again.

"Meanie-heads thinks up rhymes!" one goblin shouts to the other. "Shoot them anyway!" giggles the other. Two goblin arrows fly for Ed and punch brutally into his lungs.

Red @ Ed: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 1 = 23 THREAT Confirm: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 1 = 22 CONFIRMED Damage: 3d4 ⇒ (4, 2, 3) = 9
Blue @ Ed: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 - 1 = 13 HIT Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

We're off to a good start.

Acrobatics: 2d20 ⇒ (12, 3) = 15 The goblins try to find better positioning, away from the swarming insects -- only to have one of them slip on the slop they spilled on the stones. The beetles hungrily flow over the poor goblin, which writhes and screams in horror! "No, no! Off! Ahh!"

Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Fort: 2d20 ⇒ (14, 4) = 18

Reminder: the floor is slippery with blood and guts. DC 10 Acrobatics to move or fall prone. 5 foot steps are not possible.

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Shawn
2. Goblins (blue @ 1 damage, distracted), swarm
3. Celdrexen, Masym, Ed (0/14 hp, staggered), E'li, Miranda

The warpriest will stay where he is and cast guidance on himself.

Masym cannot help but smile at the fate of the goblin being swarmed by the bugs, but the other one does not escape his notice. "Take care of him." He motions to Miranda to use her wand on him. "I've got this."

Acrobatics DC 10: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

He moves out into the room and lets fly his spear at the goblin fleeing for its life.

Round 1:
Move: Move 30' to position on map.
Attack: Throw Spear at Red goblin. Shortspear: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 piercing.
.
STATUS: Studied Target => NONE.

I stay where I am, bringing my musket up to my shoulder, waiting for a goblin to make itself more visible before putting a bullet in him.

Ready an action to shoot a goblin that moves closer

Seeing the Goblin move away Shawn stops performing and starts moving away from the swarm.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

I got to get away before I'm consumed by the swarm!

I try to identify creatures in the swarm to know, will i harm them with Bec de Corbin.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Moving away from a swarm and get Bec de Corbin ready to attack.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
"I can try to fight that swarm if you will aid me a little."
I still have 4 rounds of rage.

39 charges left on wand after adding two back in.

With a pained sigh, Miranda carefully moves dangerously close to the swarm while preparing a vial of alchemist fire and placing her hypnotic stare on the blue goblin. Once within 10 feet, she throws the vial at the northwest corner of the swam. Afterwards, she explains, "I can't use my wand, someone who can cast the spell will have to heal him. I hope I'm not the only one with splash weapons."

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Ranged attack vs. Beetle Swarm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6 x 1.5
Crit damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

The blue goblin takes 2 damage from the splash: one for the fire, the other from Miranda's painful stare. He also has a -2 to his Will saves.

Ed knows the the creatures are to small to be harmed by his bec-de-corbin, and fortunately Miranda has come well prepared! The fire disperses the swarm and leaves swathes of roasted beetles behind, along with a goblin frantically putting out the fire on his pants.

"Stupid longshanks!" shouts a goblin, launching an arrow at Shawn. The other clambers unsteadily onto burned feet.

Red @ Shawn: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 HIT Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Round II -- bold may act!
1. Shawn (7/9 dmg)
2. Goblins (blue @ 3 damage)
3. Celdrexen, Masym, Ed (0/14 hp, staggered), E'li, Miranda

Masym sprints quickly over to the goblin, drawing his sword, and swings wildly at it...

Acrobatics DC 10: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Round 2:
Move: move to position on map. (Draw sword as part of move).
Attack: Attack the Red Goblin. Longsword: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10;
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
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STATUS: Studied Target => NONE.

Shawn is shot and shouts,
"How dare you sir"

Shawn approaches the goblin and stabs at it with his rapier.

Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 11 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

The warpriest will use his guidance roll to attempt to move closer to the blue goblin
1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8

falling prone.

After take a moment to breathe a sigh of relief, Miranda continues her hypnotic gaze on the blue goblin and attempts to Daze it with magic.

DC 16 Will save from the Blue goblin or it's dazed for 1 round. It has a -2 to its Will save from her gaze, and it takes 1 additional damage if hurt this round.

Free: rage.
Move: go to the blue goblin and stand in a corner. Move me pls.
Acrobatic : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Standart: attack with bec de corbin from the corner.
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 111d10 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Has some one healed Ed? IIRF at 0 if he attacks wont he pass out and begin dying?

Rage givs me 2 hp for increased constitution

Masym and Shawn swat ineffectually at the goblin in the far corner; E'li slips on a rotting femur and falls on his butt. Ed storms forward on his vitality alone and delivers a vicious blow to a row of innocent beakers minding their own business on a shelf. Miranda mesmerizes a goblin nearby!

Will: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Celdrexen joins E'li on the floor!

The cornered greenling drops its bow and tries to stab Shawn with a shortsword, the rusty blade unable to pierce the jester's armor. The creature snarls in frustration.

Red @ Shawn: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13 MISS

Round III -- bold may act!
1. Shawn (7/9 dmg)
2. Goblins (blue @ 3 damage, dazed)
3. Celdrexen, Masym, Ed (2/16* hp), E'li, Miranda

Masym swings again at the goblin, hoping to finally finish it off.

Round 3:
Attack: Attack the Red Goblin. Longsword: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20;
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
If the blow kills the goblin, Masym will move 15' due east to flank the blue goblin.
Acrobatics DC 10: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
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STATUS: Studied Target => NONE.