[OutPost V] GM Eclipse's The Citadel of Flame (Inactive)

Game Master Agent Eclipse

Please Dot and Delete.

We near the hour of your meeting with your superiors, to go over a rivalry that is shrouded in mystery and sand.

Venture-Captain Dennel Hamshanks is the one making the urgent summons, and this time in person! Your lot is meeting in one of the many staging rooms of the Grand Lodge.

---

Hamshanks ignored all pretense of pleasantries as he pounded into the meeting room.

“Never time to do it right, is there? Gorum see us through this, then.” He grunted loudly and leveled his glare at the entire room.

“Ever been to Qadira? Religion is almost a fad down there, with new cults springing up like weeds and getting crushed just as quickly. It has been that way for centuries. But some make a mark—on Qadira or in the Chronicles. Three centuries ago, the archdevil Moloch, preaching surrender to the desert heat, suddenly became the rage. Qadirans walked into the desert just to die just as if the heat was their paradise. The most devout sought out the hidden Citadel of Flame, where a fearsome bull-headed idol of Moloch judged them and sent the worthy to Malebolge, the sixth layer of Hell. No surprise that Sarenrae’s priests launched a mighty crusade to demolish the citadel. After two weeks, a great sandstorm swallowed the expedition—and, it seemed, the citadel and its idol. Nothing more was heard from either. He takes a moment to breathe and run his eyes across those gathered.

“Until ten days ago, that is. Sandstorms regularly scour the Qadiran highlands, and this time they emptied an entire valley of dunes. Poking out of that valley, visible only to those soaring above—such as a flying Pathfinder wizard—was the lofty spire of a fortress: the Citadel of Flame, presumably. Hopefully we are the first to learn about its reappearance and we need to act fast. The Decemvirate doesn’t expect any trouble, so they’re sending you. But I do expect trouble—who knows what’s infesting that citadel? Get in there fast and find that idol—it could be the key to the entire cult. It’s likely statue-sized, maybe as big as me, and should have a bull’s head on it. And for Gorum’s sake be careful.” He finishes with balled fist across his chest.

---

Before the group departs for their mission they have the opportunity to introduce themselves and ask any questions that may be nagging at their brains.

I am in EST so my games typically do not start till "tomorrow" but the official time is in a few hours so please introduce yourselves and I may add more before bed.

A dark-skinned, middle-aged tiefling man with more features of beast than human - curved horns, wickedly sharp teeth, and goat-like legs and tail - enters the room. "I am called Papa Òxọ́lé," he says in a deep, gravely voice, "I am a collector of tales, and occasionally maker of same when called upon - as it seems I have been today." He sits at the table and withdraws a quill and book from his pack. He opens the latter, revealing hastily scribbled notes and maps. "As we seem to have a few moments before the venture-captain arrives, I wonder if one of you would be so kind as to regale me with a story of your past exploits?"

A blackened vine, dotted with what look like scraps of metal, suddenly pulls itself up into a humanoid shape. A little woody face surveys the room. Its mouth opens:

"BOOM! Boom Sticks, Agent of Gnashbakk, Agent of Pathfinders, Knight of Azure!

We go to desert? Better bring extra water! We find big devil idol? How we bring it back? Sounds heavy!"

I'm on GMT, should my posts ever appear to be oddly timed :)

"Do you want to hear how I became a Knight of Azure, Papa?"

A young tanned redhead casually saunters into the meeting room, and listens intently to the briefing. Her tanned complexion highlights the freckles on her face.

Oh, I remember my mother telling me of those nuts...nothing too useful I'm afraid. I'm from Qadira...and yes, you must prepare for the heat...I can help with that. Do you guys mind if I call you Papa and Boom, respectively? she asks the others.

Now that I think of it, one of my instructors was a historian of sorts. I was raised as a daughter of
Sarenrae, but didn't feel the pull to join the clergy. I have other talents.... she says with a lightly mischievous grin as flames dance on her finger tips.

I'm in Eastern time zone too...but expect posts from me whenever...

Messages have been sent to the remaining two, this starts pretty quickly so gonna wait a wee bit before we jump to the next part. However if you have any questions for Hamshanks please feel free to add those in now as we have officially started.

I have also added the base slides, if you would like to adjust your marching order and add in your modifiers, please feel free. Otherwise I will add them from what I see on your profile/tagline.

"And I am from noble Taldor," declares a newcomer. Adorned in gleaming, polished scale mail armor, the dashing young man exudes nobility both in his posture and diction. "I, Claremguard, pledge my name, my honor, and my blade to the fulfillment of his quest."

"If there be devils to vanquish, then by the strength of The Inheritor and the will of the Light of the Sword, it shall be done."

I have played this scenario once before and will be spending a replay.

"Friends call me Boomy" Boom Sticks answers the fleshy with the fiery fingers. "What's your name?"

"I was in a devil's house once. Or was it a demon's? Anyway it was wet and there were worms. Worms are best in the soil."

"Heat, I am used to. I grew up in the deserts of Osirion. It will be just like home." A smiling, deeply tanned woman with well worn clothes, a breastplate and silver glasses waves to the group. "Hello everyone, my name is Katswiri, and I am looking forward to working with all of you. I have been gifted by the gods with second sight, but they took my hearing in return. My glasses --" she taps the frame with a finger "--can see the words spoken on your lips, but I apologize if I might have to ask for any of you to repeat anything I might miss seeing."

"How far away is this location, in any case?"

Oh, how silly of me. I'm Carlin...and Boomy works for me. My mother knows how to talk with her hands...she is a translator for the diplomats and merchants passing through Katheer. I can only remember how to do my name and say hello and thank you. And glasses that rad lips? That is amazing...that's the strangest item I've seen in my short career as a Pathfinder...but handy I imagine. Does it only work on the common tongue or other languages as well? the spunky redhead asks.

Tabar is wearing a dark brown adventuring outfit and light leather armor, he has a buckler and carries a fine Rapier at his hip that is attached to his wrist with a very fine chain.

”Yes, yes! Or no, no! We have not had the pleasure or misfortune to work together before. I am Tabar!“ he says with a sarcastic tone.

“You are also for equal rights for all races and beings, right?!? Right!? All power for humans is not your slogan, right?!?“

The scrawny Ratfolk with dark brown hair and black eyes sits on a riding dog with a military saddle. The dog looks like a mixture of a black wolfhound and a mastiff.

Around Tabar’s neck a pendant with the holy symbol of Chaldira Zuzaristan is clearly visible.

”This dog of mine is ‘Sag’ ... " Tabar says very fast with a friendly smile on his face that suddenly fades away.

“Well, Venture Captain! Do you have information on this cult or the citadel or any other rumors?!? And can you tell us more about the location where the citadel was found? And about the idol?!?“ the small ratfolk says with a strange smile.

"Gorum grant me strength, questions aren't getting us there faster but at least you won't go in half-prepared and dying. So your caravan will head through Sedeq before you get to the citadel, you should but anything you need there but watch for slavers." he nods answering Katswiri, making sure to turn towards her so she can read his lips.

He shakes his head and shrugs at the request from Tabar, "Eh, as far as that we only have the report from the wizard who flew over. Sandy, abandoned, and hot. It isn't too far from civilization so you don't have to worry about getting there. But it has been centuries so anything lurking in there either moved in recently or is ancient. Just hope we beat any cultists. Sorry I don't have more for ya but Gorum give ya courage!"

There isn't any survival aspect, so when you want to travel to the citadel we can move forward. Information on the citadel itself is limited due to the 3 centuries buried in sand.

"It is nice to meet you Carlin, Boomy, Tabar." Katswiri nods to each in turn. "My glasses can read any language I can speak. I have been fascinated with languages ever since I was first taught to read lips, long ago, and have made a study of quite a few by this point. I have heard of Hand-languages before, but have not yet studied any; perhaps I will do so some day."

"I can usually read lips without my glasses, as I did not always have the funds for these, but they have made my life much easier. And they work at quite a range, so can occasionally be handy to watch conversations across a ballroom and the like."

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"Before we go, I am seer; the gods have gifted me with second sight, so that I may see the past and future. Allow me a moment to see our path. Though often cloudy and difficult to interpret, I may be able to see hints of what we must prepare to overcome. This will take about a minute." Katswiri pauses, her eyes going blank as she stares off at something only see, one finger raises in the air.

Katswiri will use her Gift of Prophecy revelation to cast Divination. The question will be: "What dangers will we face exploring the Citadel of Flame?"

Divination: 1d100 ⇒ 47

Gift of Prophecy (Su): Once per day, you can enter a trance to gain a glimpse of the future. This trance lasts for 1 minute, which must be uninterrupted and during which you can take no other actions. At 3rd level, you gain the benefits of an augury spell with 90% effectiveness. At 5th level, you gain the benefits of a divination spell with 90% effectiveness. At 9th level, the knowledge you gain is equivalent to a commune spell. None of these spell effects require material components. You must take this revelation at 3rd level.

Divination: Similar to augury but more powerful, a divination spell can provide you with a useful piece of advice in reply to a question concerning a specific goal, event, or activity that is to occur within 1 week. The advice granted by the spell can be as simple as a short phrase, or it might take the form of a cryptic rhyme or omen. If your party doesn't act on the information, the conditions may change so that the information is no longer useful. The base chance for a correct divination is 70% + 1% per caster level, to a maximum of 90%. If the die roll fails, you know the spell failed, unless specific magic yielding false information is at work.

As with augury, multiple divinations about the same topic by the same caster use the same dice result as the first divination spell and yield the same answer each time.

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Katswiri also needs to charge her Natural Divination uses for the day, which requires being able to satisfy some simple conditions.

Natural Divination (Ex): You can read the entrails of a freshly killed animal or humanoid to gain an insight bonus equal to your Charisma modifier on one saving throw. Alternatively, by observing and interpreting the flights of birds, you may apply a +10 competence bonus on any one skill check. Finally, by charting marks in dirt or stone, or observing the behavior of sand when thrown into the wind, you gain a +4 insight bonus on one initiative check. These bonuses must be used during the next 24 hours and you must declare you are using the bonus before the check or save is made. Making a natural divination takes 10 minutes. You may use natural divination (in any combination) once per day plus one additional time per day for every four oracle levels you have attained.

Katswiri will usually take 2x the +10 competence bonus to a skill if there are any birds in the environment. If there are none, she will take 2x initiative bonuses by viewing the movement of sand tossed into the wind. Are there any birds she can view for her Natural Divination?

On the way to the Citadel of Flame, Katswiri will relax working on a puzzle from her book of puzzles:

Each book contains 10 puzzles made to test the mind and stir the intellect. Solving a single puzzle requires at least an hour and a successful DC 10 Intelligence check, though every 5 points by which you exceed the check reduces the amount of time you need to solve the puzzle by 10 minutes (to a minimum of 10 minutes to solve an individual puzzle). Once you solve a puzzle, for the next 24 hours you can choose to roll twice on a single Disable Device, Knowledge, or Sense Motive skill check and take the higher result. Once all the puzzles are solved, the book is useless, though you can purchase another puzzle book with different puzzles.

Book of Puzzles Int Check, DC 10: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

...and will find that this particular puzzle eludes her, for now.

Oh, when we're done, I'll take you to meet my mother..she can teach you hand speaking. she knows upwards of 15 languages,,,last I checked anyways...and that's not including dialects. Carlin's face then lights up when she sees Sag.

Oh, such a fine mount. He reminds me of a friend of mine's mount. Called him Mr. Dumplington..dumpling for short. He was a bear, but treated him and called him a dog...for whatever reason. Carlin says as she waves to Sag.

I think as long as we have water and proper clothes we'll be fine.

Katswiri's face lights up in interest at the talk of another scholar.
"I would love to meet your mother. I also speak 15 langagues, though I'm always interested in learning more! I love learning all kinds of new things, but Linguistics and History and special passions of mine."

As Katswiri enters her trance, she feels her body heat up as if true flames were lapping at her arms.

Katswiri should have no issue finding animals for her rituals on the way to the Citadel through Qadira.

Might want to get some clothes to stay cool... Carlin says as she excuses herself to change into her warm weather clothes. she comes back with a linen outfit with a parasol and a scarf.

Just because I'm from the desert doesn't mean I like the heat... she says with a giggle.

good to go...just picking up some 2waterskins...never know...

"I see a crumbling walkway. Flames lap at my arms! The Ashen Bull's winged son awaits your crossing with fetid breath!" Katswiri shakes her head as the visions clear.

"Well, I think we're going to find something unpleasant waiting for us in the ruins. Allow me show you what I have seen." Katswiri flips open a thick journal to a blank page while taking a set of paints and brushes out of her backpack and begins to quickly paint the rough outline of a scene, showing a crumbling walkway. A few minutes later she sits back to critically examine her work and nods thoughtfully.

Craft:Painting: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

"Visions can be difficult to interpret, but I think it suffices to say that if we see this walkway or one like it, we should be extra cautious. And also be ready to fight something with wings, and fetid breath, which could simply be unpleasant or a malodorous attack, like the breath of a Gorgon or Green Dragon. Hm....'The Ashen Bull'..."

Knowledge History? Planes? Religion?: Does Katswiri know who or what the Ashen Bull might be?: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Katswiri remembers that Moloch carries the title of The Ashen Bull in some of his followings, meaning that at least one creature within the ruins serves him still.

Does anyone else want to make any purchases?

"Ah yes, one of the titles of Moloch, The Ashen Bull. It seems one of his servants survived the sands and is waiting for us. I will look to protect us against Fire and Breath. Though I am uncertain those aspects of my vision were meant literally, it is wise to be prepared."

Katswiri will buy a scroll of Wind Wall in case the Fetid Breath ends up being a clue of something with nasty, and a scroll of Protection from Elements: Communal in case we need Fire protection.

“We are super ready. Here we are we all. Please be civil. I am easily offended! And also a bull deserves respect. Not only humans!“ the little ratfolk says.

He jumps on his riding dog.

[ooc]Claremguard will buy a potion of resist fire 10.

"I appreciate your foresight, Katswiri. The extra protection can do no harm," notes Claremguard as he secures his potion. "I am ready to proceed."

"There is little more I can do until we reach the site, so let's be on with it."

Good idea...I need a new cloak...buying a cloak of resistance +1

The group heads through Sedeq they are able to make any last purchases and preparations. Sandstorms are always active over the horizon but the camels take a path that never draws the group too close...it only takes another day to make the final stretch with the occasional howl of a hyena breaking the silence or conversation.

Finally some towers peak over the horizon but only for a moment as the path descends through a maze of cliffs before opening into a slot canyon of smooth red stone surrounded by towering hoodoos.

At the far side, two hoodoos carved into enormous bull-headed men leer down on the canyon, while those nearby look like stylized flames. To either side, the canyon walls rise steeply in a series of rough ledges to the clifftops above. Brass doors on a massive wall of baked gray mud can be seen through an arch at the far side of the canyon.

Feel free to place yourselves on the map, or rearrange as needed.

Purple squares are Hoodoos, or large statues that block sight. The darkened ledges on the sides are Difficult Terrain. and moving up or down a tier takes a Climb DC 0 check.

Please make Survival and K: Planes checks. Anyone cane make them.

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Survival, aid probably: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Which side are we coming in from, the bottom?

Knowledge: Planes: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Katswiri has a Wayfinder for +2 to Survival Checks to avoid becoming lost, and a Masterwork Survival Kit to give +2 a bonus on Survival checks to get along in the wild, deal with severe weather, keep from getting lost, avoid natural hazards such as quicksand, and predict the weather. Do any of those apply?

Survival, Wayfinder or Survival Kit?: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 = 17

I'm pretty sure we're in the right place... Carlin says as she stows her parasol on the camel and hops off. She checks the area out.

survival, untrained: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14

kn planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Tabar rides forward on his riding dog and casts shield on himself.

survival, untrained: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
know.planes, untrained: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Boom Sticks takes a moment to load a cartridge into their blunderbuss entangling shot then moves into the canyon behind Tabar, their long hammer pointed forwards. Boomy will typically explore with their lucerne hammer wielded.

"What a strange place. I don't see any plants. Maybe I should climb up the ledges. My roots are good for climbing."

If anyone wants to go in front of Boomy, feel free.

Sorry about that, you are entering from the bottom. The winding path.

The group begins to creep into the canyon as the hoodoos tower above throwing in the afternoon sun, but a few in the group spot something amiss.

Papa, Tabar, and Katswiri notice sizeable scorch marks on the hoodoos and ground...likely their are fire elementals lurking about.

Also, the map is a little odd but there is a path further into the canyon and citadel directly across from you and under an archway.

Tabar moves forward a bit and looks around.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

If anyone wants to go in front of Boomy, feel free.

Claremguard usually takes point, but he is the squishiest member of this party.

The paladin draws his blade, attempts to detect the presence of any evil, then follows the others.

Scorch marks...I know that sign very well...we must watch ourselves... Carlin says as she eyes the area carefully.

cast detect magic as she looks

perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

"Fire elementals? Time to drink that potion I got!"

Boomy drinks his potion of fire resistance and advances. moved on map - room for everyone now :)

It would appear that creatures made of fire have trouble staying hidden, as Carlin hears the crackle of their flames hiding behind the hoodoos in the valley ahead. She can roughly make out two, spoiling their attempt at ambush.

Due to Surprise: Each of you make make one Move or Standard action before following initiative below.

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---

Encounter Round 1: Bold may act.

Boomy
Tabar

Fire Elemental (Green)
Fire Elemental (Red)

Carlin
Claremguard
Katswiri
Papa

---

Active Conditions:
Surprise Round actions.
Difficult Terrain on slopes to the sides.
Climb DC 5 to go up or down a level on sides.
K: Planes to identify creatures.

---

kn planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

kn planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Tabar immediately activates his ability to empower his Rapier and makes it a cold weapon!

Spending 1 point of Transmutation mental focus.

~

Tabar moves forward prepares for an attack with a parry…

+1 Adamantine Rapier Parry, size -2, 1 AoO and 1 panache spent : 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 - 2 = 24

… and riposte.

Riposte, Immediate action, +1 Adamantine Rapier: 1d20 + 4 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 13 = 37
Riposte damage, cold d6: 1d4 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 8 + (6) = 17

Rapier +11 (18-20/×2) To hit: Size +1, BAB +4, Weapon Focus +1, Finesse +5, Enhancement +1 / Damage: +5 from Dex via ‚Fencing Grace‘, Enhancement +1, + 2 Haunt Collector Champion Seance Boon

Òxọ́lé will enter the chamber and try to identify the creature.

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
DR and special attacks please.

Carlin moves up, ready to blast away at an elemental.

moving up as my action...

Boomy moves towards the closest elemental, surprisingly quickly on his little woody legs.

"You stay away, you hear?!" the leshy calls out. To emphasis his point, Boom Sticks swipes with his hammer.

raging hammer vs red: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Wisps of smoke swirl around Boom Sticks, accompanied by the smell of black powder. The leshy retreats a few steps and waves the long hammer menacingly.

Actions: surprise round move to within 10' of orange. Round 1, attack orange with Rage, then 5' step back.

Katswiri moves up, shield up and ready to protect herself if attacked.

Papa knows they don't have any defenses other than their immunity to fire attacks but he also knows their attacks light their victims on fire causing them to take continuous damage.

---

The far elemental, brimming with blue flames rushes towards the nearest Pathfinder, Carlin, and slams down fiery fists.

Slam: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
B. Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Carlin must succeed at a DC 14 Reflex save or suffer an additional 1d6 ⇒ 4 fire damage at the start of their turns, for 1d4 ⇒ 2 turns.

Moving in tandem, the other elemental rounds the corner of the hoodoo to lash out in revenge on Boomy. It weaves around the incoming opportune attack and throws its entire body into the leshy.

Slam: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Critical Confirm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
B. Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Boomy must succeed at a DC 14 Reflex save or suffer an additional 1d6 ⇒ 5 fire damage at the start of their turns, for 1d4 ⇒ 1 turns.

---

Everyone is up for their round 1 and round 2 (Boomy/Tabar) actions.

---

Encounter Round 1 & 2: Bold may act.

Boomy (-6)
Tabar

Fire Elemental (Blue)
Fire Elemental (Red) (-9)

Carlin (-6)
Claremguard
Katswiri
Papa

---

Active Conditions:
Boomy Reflex Save DC 14 or catch fire.
Carlin Reflex Save DC 14 or catch fire.

Ever the stalwart knight, Claremguard concludes that these fiery foes are formidable, but not beyond the might of Iomedae. He enters the fray with his sword held high. "For glory and for the Inheritor!"

Melee (longsword) v red: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Damage (S): 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

"Let us see how this elemental likes the cold that I little guy can dish out with my Rapier!!" the small ratfolk says.

Tabar moves forward on his riding dog and attacks the left elemental!

Primary attack +1 Adamantine Rapier: 1d20 + 4 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 13 = 24
Riposte damage, cold d6: 1d4 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 8 + (3) = 15

He also prepares for an attack with a parry…

+1 Adamantine Rapier Parry, size -2, 1 AoO and 1 panache spent : 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 2 = 17

… and riposte.

Riposte, Immediate action, +1 Adamantine Rapier: 1d20 + 4 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 13 = 32
Riposte damage, cold d6: 1d4 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 8 + (4) = 14

Rapier +11 (18-20/×2) To hit: Size +1, BAB +4, Weapon Focus +1, Finesse +5, Enhancement +1 / Damage: +5 from Dex via ‚Fencing Grace‘, Enhancement +1, + 2 Haunt Collector Champion Seance Boon

I don't burn easily, you miserable excuse for a tinderbundle. Sarenrae protects her children... Carlin says as some of her outfit is singed, but she comes away with only bruises. She steps back and fires a pair of energy darts at the elemental.

Magic missile, Havoc of the society: 2d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1, 3) + 2 + 1 = 75 ft step and blast...Carlin has fire resistance 10

Òxọ́lé is not far enough into his training to coat his blade in rime, but he at least knows how to swing it.

Mithral Longsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Slashing Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

"OW! MY FLOWERS! Oh it's okay I took that potion."

reflex DC14, rage: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Boomy currently has Resist Fire 10 so it probably doesn't matter if he catches fire.

In close quarters, Boomy drops their hammer and slips a horned shield onto their arm, whilst punching with their silver cestus. All the while, the wisps of smoke swirl around - now slamming into the elemental opposing them!

raging cestus vs red: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17damage: 1d3 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
spirit totem wisp slam vs red: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13negative energy damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Katswiri gestures silently, a white glow forming around her hand as she reached out to touch Carlin. Healing light flows through her, closing her wounds.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13