Legends of Katapesh - Legacy of Fire

Game Master justaworm

He considers Efreat and Hazreem's actions for a moment, "Silence! You were not commanded to speak, but only to lay before me and tremble. You will stay there, face to the floor, for 3 days and then you shall have your passage."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Hazreem quivers in anger as he correctly judges the petulant tone in its voice.

This one MUST be laid to rest once again...

Under his breath, "So be it..." Efreat pops up shouting, "kreash'ravass!"
cast disintegrate at Bagoas. Ranged Touch Attack and unsaved damage, then saved damage1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 1228d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 2, 2, 5, 6, 3, 3, 5, 4, 3, 3, 2, 1, 5, 1, 3, 3, 5, 3, 1, 4, 5, 2, 6, 4, 5, 1, 3) + 1 = 925d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 3, 6, 5, 2) + 1 = 18

slamming head against wall....

Hating his aim, Efreat shouts "ven'krosh'vos!"
Cold Ice Strike as swift action. 30' line to Bagoas. Reflex half (DC: 21) cold damage:14d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 5, 2, 2, 3, 6, 2, 3, 2, 4, 1, 5, 6) = 48

On Efreat’s cue, everyone else can act. We’ll consider Efreat’s attack as the start of this round 1

Initiatives
———————-
Party
—-
Bagoas

—————— Round 1 ————-

Hazreem rises to his feet and casts a spell, the same one he used against the darnoc effectively during their previous encounter.

Cast Sunbeam. Duration of 14 rounds.
Total of 4 Sunbeams available.
Each beam does 14d6 points of damage to an undead creature, or half damage if a Reflex save is successful. In addition, the beam results in the destruction of any undead creature specifically harmed by bright light if it fails its save. SR applies.

From your previous encounter, you know the darnoc has strong SR. The value is 25 - feel free to also make your own caster checks.

As a quick reminder:
- Undead, Incorporeal (50% dmg from corporeal sources, immune non-magical attacks, full dmg from force effects)
- Strong SR (25)
- Special: Symbol of Discord

Mah'ysa breaks into an inspiring song of the might and power of Sarenrae. Inspire courage to all. +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.

Bahir and Pae are up.
Efreat, CLC vs SR.

SR check:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34

Still aching from his previous encounter with this unholy creature, Pae slips off a protective ring and exchanges is for something more offensive. Take off Ring of Protection, put on Ring of the Ram.

I have returned!

Bahir is momentarily taken off guard by Efreat's sudden change in demeanor but quickly recovers, "I guess that wasn't going to work then?" He readies Vardishal and readies himself to defend his companions from the ghostly creature.

Welcome back Bahir!

--------------------------- Round 01 -----------------------------

[-]Efreat, first unleashes a green ray of Disintegration that Qilzar manages to dodge. Greatly annoyed, he follows up with his Cold Ice Strike.(Ref fails, takes 1/2 dmg from corporeal source; 24 dmg)
[-]Hazreem, calls upon the deadly might of the stars and casts Subeam, hurling beam of intense light at Bagoas.(Ref fails, takes 1/2 dmg from corporeal source; 18dmg)
[-]Pae, knowing he will have trouble hurting the Qilzar, switches to the Ring of the Ram. ()
[-]Bahir, calls upon the spirit of Vardishal and draws The Tempest, hodling it high towards Bagoas.()
[-]Mah’ysa, begins singing a beautiful song, inspiring courage within you all.()

Bagoas is up.
Battle Map

Enemies (Round 1):
[-]Bagoas charges forward and attacks Bahir with a corrupting touch that seems to pierce straight into the paladin's soul. A sickening feeling comes over him but quicly passes, though Bahir is nevertheless left feeling weakened. (15 corrupting damage; cannot be healed normally)
corrupting touch: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 16 + 2 = 38 for corruption: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
confirmation: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 16 + 2 = 28 for corruption: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

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Round 2
Party is up

Battle Map

----

Efreat:
Hazreem:
Pae:
Bahir: 15 corruption dmg taken
Mah'ysa:
------------------
Bagoas: 24 dmg taken
------------------

Combat Effects:
Inspire Courage: ALL (round 1)

Pae, not happy with the prospect of facing this creature again head-on, moves under Hazreem to slam the creatures side with his ring.

Ring of Ram (3 charges): 1d20 + 16 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 16 + 3 = 32
Force damage: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 2) = 9
Bull rush: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 17 + 2 = 37

"Go away, you egotistical emanation of evil!"

Bagoas' damage taken should read 42, not 24

Hazreem hurls another powerful beam of light at the darnoc.

SR check: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18
Sunbeam damage: 14d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 6, 4, 3, 3, 5, 3, 1, 6, 5, 6, 4, 1) = 54

two beams left.

Efreat chants "jen'koom'oun" and a blade of force forms and strikes at the creature.
move: move back.
Standard: cast mage's sword. SR check, attack, damage1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 231d20 + 22 ⇒ (12) + 22 = 344d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 5, 3, 2) + 3 = 19

Bahir insinctively raises his shield to block Bagoas' attack, only to have the ghostly hand reach right through the metal barricade and latch onto his arm, aww hells... The paladin swings through the ghostly form attempting to dislodge and dodge the creature...

+2 Fire Outsider Bane Icy Burst Scimitar: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 39
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Frost Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

+2 Fire Outsider Bane Icy Burst Scimitar: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Frost Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

+2 Fire Outsider Bane Icy Burst Scimitar: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Frost Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

[-]Pae, activates the Ring of the Ram. A ghostly ram materializes and smashes headfirst into Bagoas, pushing him backward 5 feet up against the burning brazier. (9 dmg, bull rush 5ft)(Have no idea if bull rush should work but it made sense in this situation since it was caused by a force effect vs incorporeal creature.
[-]Hazreem, blasts Bagoas with a powerful beam of light but it harmlessly fizzles as it hits him.(SR fails)
[-]Efreat, casts Mage's sword but the bladde of force doesn't affect the darnoc as it strikes true(SR fails)
[-]Bahir, slashes through the ghostly form of Bagoas with three rapid strikes.(3 hits for 31dmg; 50% dmg = 15 total)
[-]Mah’ysa (NPC), continues her song of how Sarenrae and the gods imprisoned the Rough Beast.
... and bound him with shackles of sky metal
the rough beast continued to howl, to howl in rage
the beast knows only rage.
She then unleashes a burst of positive energy to harm the darnoc.
dmg: 7d6 + 12 ⇒ (2, 2, 6, 1, 1, 2, 5) + 12 = 31(31 total, failed will)

Enemies (Round 2):
[-]Bagoas lashes out at Bahir again with a ghostly touch that penetrates through Bahir, further weakening him. (+7 corruption damage; cannot be healed normally)

--------------------------- Round 03 -----------------------------

Efreat:
Hazreem:
Pae:
Bahir: 22 corruption dmg taken
Mah'ysa:
------------------
Bagoas: 97 dmg taken
------------------

Combat Effects:
Inspire Courage: on Party (R2)

Battle Map

Efreat looks frustrated as his mystic sword disappears. Shouting "Shiz'koom" Efreat fires five bolts of black force at the beast.
cast magic missile. SR check and damage1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 235d4 + 5 ⇒ (1, 1, 3, 1, 2) + 5 = 13

SR check should have been +16 not +15. keep forgetting that we leveled up

"Just DIE already!"

Hazreem hurls another powerful beam of light at the darnoc.

SR check: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17
Sunbeam damage: 14d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 6, 6, 4, 4, 1, 5, 6, 6, 3, 6, 2, 5) = 60

one beam left.

"Huh, that worked," Pae says as he's surprised his ring did anything. He strikes again.

Ring of Ram (3 charges, 10 left): 1d20 + 16 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 16 + 3 = 28
Force damage: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 2) = 12
Bull rush: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 17 + 2 = 39

Despite feeling the corruption sapping his strength, Bahir continues his assault as Mah'ysa's song reinvigorates him to stand against the Dawnflower's enemies.

+2 Fire Outsider Bane Icy Burst Scimitar: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (8) + 22 = 30
Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Frost Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

+2 Fire Outsider Bane Icy Burst Scimitar: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Frost Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

+2 Fire Outsider Bane Icy Burst Scimitar: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Frost Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Alright, let's try and get back on track. :)

The party unleashes another volley upon Bagoas. While Efreat's and Hazreem's spells fizzle out from the creature's incredible magic resistance, Pae is able to blast it with another powerful charge of force from his ring. Bahir, then, steps up again and slices through it with two blows that nearly destroy it. Finally, Mah'ysa lets out another burst of radiant, positive energy that totally destroys the creature ... for now.

Combat Over

Ability & Item Uses (current day)
----------
Pae: Bag of Tricks[Max 10/wk; 2/day]: 0 uses today; 8 uses this week (7th day)
Pae: Slipper of Spiderclimb (0 uses today), Ring of the Ram 6 charges used
Hazreem: Wildshape 1, Heat Shimmer 0
Bahir: Smite Evil 0, Divine Bond 0, Lay on Hands 0 (0 channel),
Mah’ysa: Channel 2, Inspire Courage 2 rnds
Efreat:

Spells Cast
Efreat (cast): mage armor, overland flight, see invisibility, disintegrate, mage's sword, magic missile
Mah'ysa (cast): Remove Curse, Endure Elements, Endure Elements
Bahir (cast): Remove Curse, Remove Curse,
Hazreem (cast): sunbeam, Cold Ice Strike

Bahir has taken 22 corruption damage from Bagoas, which you know is infused with a powerful curse that prevents healing (DC20 caster level check to remove with remove curse).

Mah'ysa rushes up to Bahir and looks his cursed wounds over. "We can take a few minutes and I can prepare another casting of Remove Curse. Also, who has the Horn of Golden Draught? I believe its ability to break enchantments can also cure this curse."

I really have no idea who is carrying the horn and suspect you've forgotten about it by now. But, Break Enchantment or Remove Curse will work here. See the campaign tab for the description of the horn if you forgot what it does.

Hazreem hovers over to Bahir, "Perhaps using the Horn would be wiser here, as I hesitate to waste any more time here than needed."

I think Bahir is still carrying the Horn.

Feeling the corruption still weighing on his spirit, Bahir produces the Golden Horn, raises it in toast to our temporary victory over Bagoas, and takes a deep draught.

Use Horn to break the enchantment like Mah'ysa suggests.

Bahir drinks down the sweet golden liquid and begins to feel the vile corruption leave his body. After a minute or two, Bahir knows the curse has been completely lifted.

Assuming party is continuing to Aliya

You all make your way into Aliya's chamber, and she smiles warmly towards you. Though, those who see through the illusion cringe at the hideous undead smile of the ghul.
"Have you really taken care of the Black Jinn"[b], Aliya asks hopefully.
Mah'ysa steps forward, [b]"Yes my dear. Lets fix this mess and get the heck out of this place", she steps over to the bed and motions for Aliya to follow. "Come and lay down. Usually the soul has departed the body when I cast this. I can't say I have any idea what it will feel like casting on you. By the Dawnflower's grace, I pray it is without pain," she says sweetly.

Aliya nods and lays down on the bed. Mah'ysa lays he hands on the noble ghul and prays silently to Sarenrae. She then pulls out the enormous ruby you found within the palace. "This spell usually requires a diamond of significant value, which we unfortunately do not have. We did however find this ruby, of which I have never seen an equal, diamond or ruby. I feel confident that Sarenrae will find this acceptable."
Mah'ysa places the gem in the hands of Aliya and then places her symbol of Sarerae on her forehead. She prays fervently and you see Aliya's ghul form slowly transfigure into the body of a beautiful janni princess.
When she is through, Aliya opens her eyes and marvels at how her form has been restored.
"Thank you!" she states as she throws her arms around Mah'ysa. "I've had enough Efreeti parties, lets get out of this place."

So what is the next course of action??

"Much as I would love to leave this place, we still need to track down the location of the Eye." Hazreem sighs, "I think trying to reach the top of the main spire is a logical place to search. There should be a stairway off the main banquet hall."

Unable to contain his smile at this wonderful turn of events, "Welcome back Princess Aliya. I too would like to leave this place very much...but my friend Hazreem has the right of it and we must find the Eye first." He looks up as though he can see through the ceiling, "Yes, up it is. May we not be disappointed."

You all cautiously head back up to the banquet hall and turn to the inner set of doors. As Pae moves to check out the door, he notices that it is slightly cracked open. Curious as he is, he opens it and peeks inside.

An immense kitchen is dominated by a polished brass grill in the center of the room. Ovens and stovetops also take up much of the spaces in this room. It is clear that huge feasts could be prepared in here with enough room for dozens of cooks to work at once. Curiously absent, though, are cupboards.

Map update

You all are just outside the E5 room, which is off of the banquet hall.

"This is rather odd," Hazreem wonders as he hovers along the walls of the kitchen. "I wonder if the stairwell is hidden..." he adds as he begins searching the walls for any hidden doors.

Take 10 on Perception, total 33.

I should have mentioned there are two doors along the wall, hah. They should be visible from the map I think.

As Hazreem gazes around the room, he notices what looks like an outline of a secret door along the same wall with the two visible doors.

"Found something here." Hazreem motions for Pae to come over and investigate this. "I'm willing to wager this portal is trapped in some way."

GMJ: Is Aliya still with us?

Bashir stands ready as the two discuss the secret entry. He gazes for a moment at the immense polished brass grill contemplating what would e large enough to make it worthwhile.

Pae follows Hazreem's suggestion and checks the hidden door for any nasty surprises.

Perception vs. traps: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (4) + 31 = 35

Yes, Aliya is still with you all. You didn’t mention taking her anywhere else and she isn’t willing to wander the palace on her own. Plus, “if you can destroy the black jinn then nothing stands in your way”, is something you would have heard from her, had it been discussed. She is hanging comfortably back from danger when appropriate.

Pae expertly searches around the door and doesn’t find any traps. He does find a small button, probably to trigger the door as there is no obvious handle.

Is someone pushing the button?

I was waiting for Pae to push the button, but Hazreem will push it.

The secret door opens up into what looks to be a guardroom. Large weapon racks sit mostly bare, only a large greatsword and glaive are now sit upright in the brass stands. A large, unmade bed sits along the south wall that looks as though it hasn't been used in perhaps centuries.

A door in the west wall stands partially open and as you go and check it out you see a large staircase leading up.

Map Update

"Looks like we are on the right track Pae," Hazreem motions for Pae to take the lead, "You should lead here as the passage may be trapped."

Want to keep this moving along

Perception: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (4) + 26 = 30
Pae(npc) nods and checks out the stairway. He almost gives the ok but at the last moment he raises his hand to stop everyone. "Wait, looks like that entire step is a pressure plate. Let me see if I can take care of that."

He cautiuosly moves up and attempts to disable the pressure step. Secret GM Roll. "Yep, I think that's got it. Good call Hazreem."

Map of next level assuming you go up the steps.

Hazreem pauses here to address the others, "I don't know what lurks up there but if the Eye is hidden up there then it would be well-guarded. It may be wise to prepare now lest we not get the chance to later."

Mahysa agreed with Hazreem.

Here are Mah'ysa's available spells

Bard Spells Known (CL 1st; concentration +3)
. . 1st (2/day)—expeditious retreat, vanish[APG] (DC 13)
. . 0 (at will)—dancing lights, mage hand, message, resistance

Cleric Spells Prepared (CL 13th; concentration +18)
. . 7th — holy word [D] (DC 22) , resurrection
. . 6th—blade barrier[D] (DC 21), heal, ____________
. . 5th—angelic aspect, breath of life (DC 20), dispel evil[D], true seeing, wall of stone
. . 4th—blessing of fervor (DC 19), blessing of fervor (DC 19), holy smite[D] (DC 19), holy smite (DC 19), spiritual ally, _________
. . 3rd—dispel magic, prayer, sand whirlwind (DC 18), searing light[D], remove curse, wrathful mantle (DC 18)
. . 2nd—align weapon (good only)[D], blinding ray (DC 17), calm emotions (DC 17), resist energy, resist energy, spear of purity (DC 17)
. . 1st—bless, endure elements[D], endure elements, protection from evil, sanctuary (DC 16), shield of faith, stone shield
. . 0 (at will)—create water, detect magic, read magic, stabilize

Here are the longer duration spells:
1 min/lvl: protection from evil, shield of faith, align weapon (good only)[D], wrathful mantle
10 min/lvl: resist energy, resist energy

She has the two open spots as well that she can prepare new spells into.

I think Resist Energy (Fire) cast on both Pae and Bahir would be a good call. Pae could use the other spells I think, especially the Wrathful Mantle one.

Pae would be happy to have any and all buffs Mah'ysa has to offer.

Mah'ysa dutifully casts Resist Energy (fire) on Pae and Bahir.
She also casts Wrathful Mantle on Pae just as you are about to head up the steps.

Not sure if we still have Bahir and Efreat, but we will keep going for now.

Level F - Open Map
Remember the squares at 10ft.

The group proceeds up the steps to the main landing (F1a).

The cupola's brass dome has been cut away from over this room to form a grand balcony. The amazing sights of the City of Brass, as a seeming detailed miniatature map , can be once again witnessed from this balcony. A fiery red curtain is drawn, separating this balcony and the entrance to the inner room.

.

Hazreem and Pae peek through the curtain to the inner chamber (F2) a magnificent sitting room. It was here that visitors likely waited for an informal audience with the palace ruler.

This chamber is centered between a set of elegantly etched brass doors and shimmering red curtains decorated with gold, platinum, and copper thread woven with patterns that ripple like waterfalls of liquid metal. A single ornate chair sits in each corner of the room, while at the room's center a path of air shimmers and wavers as if radiating intense heat.

.

Ignoring the brass doors and weirdly shimmering spot of air in the middle of the room, Pae peeks out of the other curtain (F1b) and sees another balcony similar to the first. The main view from this balcony, however, seems to be of the endless Sea of Fire, both beautiful and deadly.

Two doors and weird, and highly magical, shimmering patch of air are the main points of interest in the central chamber.