Nightfiend's (PFS-Standard) #7-18 Faithless and Forgotten, Part 3: The Infernal Inheritance (Inactive)

Game Master Nightfiend

"This is just a guess. But I'm thinking that whoever holds the item with the corresponding animal needs to stay on the rune while people are crossing. So since it goes east to west, it will be Raven first, then Goat, Rat, and finally Hound."

Felli looks down the hall. "Mia will go first then Serge will move on to the next rune. The rest of us will cross those two rune lines while Fundir takes the third rune and I take the fourth. Then Mia will move up and cross all runes followed by Serge and then Fundir."

GM, earlier, Serge would have examined from a distance. But with the bracelet now in hand, he does not mind moving through the hall one at a time unless anyone has any objections.

I presumed that was your intent, but I wanted to make sure. Thanks for clearing that up.

Serge slides the bracelet on and prepares to move forward when Felli holds him up and shares some insight about what he believes to be the correct process to bypass the warded area. After explaining that he believes the order represented in the painting is the right combination to move through each of the areas safely, he suggests that Mia should go first.

Felli has suggested that he believes Mia should go first, while Serge is more than ready to take the lead. I completely understand the hesitation on something like this, so I am not going to rush the process. Does Serge continue with his newly acquired bracelet, or does Mia step up and move into the warded area with her raven-headed dagger?

This is where the GM starts making shocking and explosion noises in the background, while the group ponders stepping foot into a warded area LoL.

I am ok with the suggestion of standing on the ward for the others to pass. Other than that, I think we should go in the order painted on the wall. I am ready when everyone else is.

Either plan might be right or wrong. I say go with Felli's plan.

I'm fine with whatever plan. I just hope i don't step on a monster cage release button.

Serge stands aside but looks on with concern. "I'd hate to put anyone in danger, but Felli's plan sounds like it just... Fits. Lead the way, Mia. I'll stand ready."

Mia is feeling slightly nervous.
Her little bird is shivering......

"Ok, here goes."
Mia steps into the area.

With a plan in place, the group begins to move forward one at a time. Mia, being the first to step foot into the magically warded area, carefully places her foot beyond the safe point of corridor. As soon as she steps down, the glowing ruin goes dark. Next Felli steps forward placing his foot on the second section. After Felli enters the area, the second ruin goes dark. Soon each of the ruins go dark as the group transitions through the corridor in the order indicated by the painting. After emerging on the west end of the corridor, the group finds themselves looking into a large room.

The air in this chamber is strangely humid, and a thin layer of fog clings all across the floor. A staircase descends from the east and another staircase to the west is fully obstructed by rubble. Several statues with serpent motifs stand in the area. To the north, a large, green stained-glass window looms behind a twisted statue of three serpentine men conjoined at the hip. Vines snake across the floor from a central pool filled with luminescent green liquid. In several places, faintly glowing arcane script inscribed on the floor tiles shines through the mist.

"That was, odd. I'm relieved i didn't get crushed, of course."

The room gives off a vibe to her.

"Serpent worship?", Mia tries to recall anything she might recognize of significance in the room.

Kn. History, guidance: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 1 = 21
Kn. Nature, guidance: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 1 = 23

The statue isn't too comforting...what if it's the thing i've got the wand for?

Felli gives a sigh of relief when everyone safely crosses the runes. "Glad that worked."

Scanning the room, the hair on the back of his neck rise and he shivers with the chill. "Talk about a dangerous looking room. A fog, glowing runes, evil looking statue, vines from a suspicious filled pool, and a glass window we obviously have to find a way through."

There are a couple items worth mentioning in this room. The alcove to the North is set 10’ lower than the rest of the room. The vines that stretch out across the floor are thick enough to make moving through that area difficult (I.E. any square occupied by a green vine is considered difficult terrain). The celling in this room rises up to an abnormal 40’ tall and the stained glass window is to opaque to see through.

Mia's not the planar lore type, sorry. ^^

"I'd say this is a temple of sort, but i've no clue what deity it's dedicated to."

"Agreed. This place has wicked danger written all across it. Perhaps we should just start shooting stuff from here before we enter and see what happens?"

Serge smiles at Felli. "It seems your analysis of those runes was exactly right. Nicely done. I know who to travel with should I ever have to venture through ancient ruins or crypts again," he says. Having a look around the room, he nods at Solstice. "Indeed. Wicked danger and perhaps this is... an evil temple."

Kn religion, is it?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Perception, traps?: 1d20 ⇒ 10

OOC, looking at the map, this room just reeks of 'BBEG is here.' :P

Yea, thats exactly what I was thinking, Serge.
Fundir moves to the next room and stares slackjawed at the vista that opens around him.

spellcraft to identify the runes: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

The slightly glowing script on the floor is located in several different locations throughout the room and can barely be made our from the groups current location. If Fundir wishes to examine the script he will need to move into the room and up to one of the glyph locations. The locations in the room are marked on the map with a reddish looking scribble.

I have divided the room into 4 color coded sections to simplify searching. If you intend to search an area, pick a color, move your icon into that area, and make a perception roll. If you are unable to move your icon do to being on a phone and would like me to move you, please let me know which section (color) of the room you would like to move into. (Green = NE, Blue = NW, Yellow = SW, and Pink = SE).

Solstice is going to shoot one of the vines with an elemental ray of fire.

To hit ranged touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 fire damage

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 Nice!

Felli moves into the room and cautiously moves toward the southeast {Pink} section of the room and begins to search the area.

Seeing Felli go left, Fundir decides to cover the right side. He peers around, his beady little falcon eyes roving through his chosen area, attempting to locate anything odd.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 4 = 20
I have already rolled my spellcraft for the runes.. but if allowed, I will examine them again.

Fundir moves into the room and begins examining the glowing scrip on the Northeast side of the room, while Felli begins searching the Southeast side. The uncomfortable silence is interrupted when Solstice begins casting a spell, which sends a crackling ray of fire towards one of the vines. The ray finds its mark and fries a good length of the vine.

After performing his inspection of the script, Fundir feels his mind begin to drift into deep thought. Fundir needs to make a Willpower saving throw.

As Felli’s eyes slowly canvas the room, he notices something odd about the statue in the center of the room. For a brief moment, Felli thinks he sees the things eyes move. (Do to a high perception check, Felli will be awarded a half action during the surprise round.)

Surprise Round
(Bold may post a half action)

Felli (24)
Statue (20)

I told you so.

For some reason, Solstice is wearing a smug expression on her face.

Felli turns suddenly quickly drawing his bow before he yells, "WATCH OUT! THE STATUE IN THE POOL MOVED!"

If I remember correctly half action is a move action (drawing weapon) or a standard action. So took move action to draw weapon.

"Ugh! Statues have no mind i can exert my powers over.
I'll improvise, somehow, but it'll be of little impact, i'm afraid."

Quick on his feet the moderately sharp eyed rogue spots the ever so slight movement of the animated statue and draws his bow. After yelling out a warning to the rest of the group, Felli readies himself for a vigorous fight.

As if by command, when Felli shouts his knowledge of the serpent effigy’s movement, the object unleashes a pair of crackling hellfire beams directly at 1-Fundir, 2-Mia, 3-Felli, 4-Solstice, 5-Serge, : 1d5 ⇒ 5 Serge.

(Attack) Hellfire Gaze at Serge: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 (Ranged touch attack vs. Flatfooted.)
(Damage) Hellfire Beam: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11

The beams impact the unsuspecting paladin before he has time to react and burns deep into his flesh.

As the battle begins, the glyphs down the previously navigated hall begin to power back on.The first glyph (The raven-headed dagger glyph) begins to glow again.

Round 1
Bold may post an action for this round.

Felli (24)
Serge (23) (-11 hp)
Fundir (20) (Pending Willpower save)
Statue (20)
Gale (14)
Mia (7)
Solstice (13)

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 I am going to assume thhat works!

Fundir feels himself being drawn into the rune, his mind spacing out. With alarm, hhe manages to wrest his consciousness back from the brink to call out a warning. "Ware the runessss!!!!" he returns to himself just in time for the statue to attack with its gaze of fire. by all the gods.. Fundir thinks in stunned awe before summoning the courage to cast a spell. He mutters a few words and points from the vines to the statue causing the vines to reach out and grasp at it. He then grabs his bow and prepares for a fight.

Casting Entangle, DC 14 reflex save.

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 I am going to assume thhat works!

Fundir feels himself being drawn into the rune, his mind spacing out. With alarm, he manages to wrest his consciousness back from the brink to call out a warning. "Ware the runessss!!!!" he returns to himself just in time for the statue to attack with its gaze of fire. by all the gods.. Fundir thinks in stunned awe before summoning the courage to cast a spell. He mutters a few words and points from the vines to the statue causing the vines to reach out and grasp at it. He then grabs his bow and prepares for a fight.

Casting Entangle, DC 14 reflex save.

Hrm, I am probably missing something, but my touch AC is 11 and that roll looks like a 10. In terms of the map, is the statue floating above water or inside the water? How deep is the water?

Touch AND flat-footed. You lost your dex bonus AND your armor bonus leaving you at AC 10. It doesn't get any worse than that. Well, it COULD get worse, but not likely.

ooo.. I didn't notice that either! I haven't seen that combo before, and Solstice you are right.. I can't imagine any worse than that!

"The runes. The runes probably have something to do with that thing. Mia, you have the Raven right. See if the item does anything to that Raven Glyph..."

As he yells that out, Felli lets loose an arrow at the Statue.

Short Bow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6; Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4; {19/20 Arrows}

Hrm, I am probably missing something, but my touch AC is 11 and that roll looks like a 10. In terms of the map, is the statue floating above water or inside the water? How deep is the water?

Solstice is correct. It was a ranged touch attack vs a flatfooted target (no dex and no armor). As fare as the statue is concerned, it looks like it is standing on a stone base that is protruding from the water. The depth of the luminescent water is difficult to determine without moving up next to it.

Serge trembles in pain as the beam burns through his armor. "I'm to meet my end from a statue?" He drops his sword and draws a javelin. "Ragathiel, grant me the strength to harm this heretic effigy twice as badly as it has harmed me!" Drawing the javelin back, he whips it across the temple. It moves as if guided by the general of vengeance himself, and strikes the statue's head.

Javelin: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 201d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Felli: After shouting over to Mia, Felli draws his bow back and fires an arrow at the animated statue. The shot goes extremely wide, striking the structure behind the intended target.

Serge: After recovering from the blast of the animation, Serge draws a javelin and throws it at the statue. The throw finds its mark and strikes the statue in its face. Although the blow knocked a chunk out of the things hardened surface, it didn’t do as much damage as Serge had hoped for. (Hit for 9 damage, mitigated by 2 for hardness, for a total of 7 damage.)

Fundir: The hunter manages to fight off the overwhelming draw of the magical script and then casts an entangle spell. The vines move up and around the base of the statue in an attempt to entrap the stone animation. (Entangle now covers the entire room, but the growth is somewhat limited to the vines. Anyone moving through a square with a vine in it must now make a reflex save (DC 14) to avoid being entangled. At this point only Felli is currently occupying a square with vines in it and will need to make a reflex save (DC 14) in round 2.)

The animated statue relocates in an attempt to avoid the entangling vines, Reflex save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19. A lot more agile then one would expect from a statue, it manages to avoid the vines. With a heavy footed step the animation climbs off of its base, steps across the water, and then finds an area unaffected by the vines. After taking sold footing on the back side of the pool it reorients its attack towards Solstice. The double sided beam shoots across the room and strikes the sorceress in her left shoulder. (Hit – 4 Fire damage)

Random target = 1-Fundir, 2-Mia, 3-Felli, 4-Solstice, 5-Serge: 1d5 ⇒ 4

(Attack) Hellfire Gaze at Solstice: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
(Damage) Hellfire Beam: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

Round 1 (Continued)
Bold may post an action for this round.

Felli (24) (Pending Reflex save (DC 14) vs. Fundir’s entangle spell)
Serge (23) (-11 hp)
Fundir (20)
Statue (20) (-7 HP)
Gale (14)
Mia (7)
Solstice (13) (-4 HP)

"I feel toasty. Let's see if this works."

Solstice sends a fire ray at the statue, figuring its about the only thing that MIGHT work.

To hit touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

That is probably NOT going to work.

oops, sorry guys. I didn't realize it would cover the whole room like that!

Mia steps behind Serge, and places her hand on Serge's shoulder.

"You're not going to leave your fangirl by herself, you hear."

CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
YES!! I approve of that roll.

Speaking of which Solstice moves up a bit to be close to Serge after her abortive fire ray.

Fundir, entangle is a dismissible spell, but that is up to you. I function better at melee but I will likely keep lobbing javelins and hoping for the best.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Surprised by the vines and roots extending as far as him, Felli is unable to avoid getting tangled up himself.

Gale: Mia’s bird begins to chirp with excitement. "Mia, Mia, Should I do anything? Do you want me to help?”

Mia: The witch steps up and places a hand on Serge’s shoulder. After feeling her touch, Serge has the sensation of positive energy course through his body. (Heal +10 HP to Serge)

Solstice: The sorceress attempts to return the animations blast with a fire ray of her own. Unfortunately the beam goes wide and strikes the water in the pool, which sends a cascade of steam into the air. (Miss)

Round 2
Bold may post an action.

Felli (24) (Entangled)
Serge (23) (-1 hp)
Fundir (20)
Statue (20) (-7 HP)
Gale (14)
Mia (7)
Solstice (13) (-4 HP)

Struggling against the entanglement, Felli knocks another arrow into his bow. He tries to steady his aim and he releases the arrow.

Short Bow: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 - 2 = 19; Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5; {18/20 Arrows}

Fundir watches in horror as his spell entraps Felli while the statue just steps out of the grasping vines. He mutters a few words in a rapid-fire hiss and the vines quickly return to their natural state.

He then steps forward, raising his bow to launch an arrow at the creature.
Don't want to move too far, but can't do anything else after dismissing the spell. Should we spread out and see what happens?

GM, I just remembered my Fey Foundling feat and will gain an additional 2 hp from Mia's earlier healing, getting me to full.
Serge delays until after Fundir dismisses his spell.

"ENOUGH!" Serge mightily shouts as he closes the distance between he and the statue, drawing his earthbreaker. "A statue. Death by a statue. No, even with my luck, that's gotta be a joke," he mutters to himself as he steps up near the effigy.

2x move into the hopefully not trapped BBEG room.

Felli: With the completion of Fundir’s spell, Felli finds himself entangled with a thick, heavy rooted vine. Even with the distraction of being rooted in place, the hunter finds the focus too accurately place an arrow into the center of the statue. Once again the damage seems less than one would expect from a well-placed shot such as this. (Hit -5 HP mitigated by 2 for hardness, for a total of 3 damage.)

Serge: After watching the vine move and then wrap itself around Felli, the paladin decides to delay. (I noted your feat and adjusted your HP accordingly.)

Fundir: After realizing the impediment of his spell, Fundir decides to dismiss the spell in hopes that his companions can then move into the room without distraction. After canceling his spell, the hunter moves up and prepares to fire an arrow.

Serge: After Fundir cancels the effect of the spell, Serge moves hastily towards the statue with the obvious intent to engage it in melee combat. Having stopped about fifteen away from the statue, Serge notices the coiled snake that is wrapped around the statue begin to uncoil.

After observing the quickly approaching threat, the statue turns and fires another hellfire beam at the paladin. The crackling double beam strike the paladin squarely in the chest, which bypasses most of his heavy armament. (Hit -4 HP)

(Attack) Hellfire Gaze at Serge: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
(Damage) Hellfire Beam: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

Note: the entangle effect has now been removed leaving the vines laying limp on the ground.

Round 2 (Continued)
Bold may post an action for this round.

Felli (24)
Fundir (20)
Serge (20) (-4 HP)
Statue (20) (-10 HP)
Gale (14)
Mia (7)
Solstice (13) (-4 HP)

A sorceress is only as good as her spells, and Solstice has the wrong spells for fighting a statue.

Oh oh, I sure hope Serge isn't going to fight that thing alone. I hope fire can harm this thing.

Solstice sends another fire ray at the statue, hoping for better results this time.

To hit ranged touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

@Nightfiend
What is the knowledge roll on this thing. It would be nice to find a vulnerability.

If it's a construct, Kn. Arcana.
Kn Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Mia starts casting summon monster.

I figured as much but every once in a while they throw a kink in there like that time it was a construct/fiend hand crafted from fiend parts.

@Nightfiend What is the knowledge roll on this thing. It would be nice to find a vulnerability.

Mia is correct, it is knowledge arcana (DC 13).

Gale: The little bird seems more than a little agitated with the conflict. "Mia, should I help? What can I do to help?”

Mia: While ignoring the rantings of her bird, Mia goes into a long incantation, which creates a glowing summoning circle nearby. (Full round cast. Summons will appear on Mia’s turn in round 3)

Solstice: The fire focused sorceress concentrates another fire beam at the statue. Unlike last time, this beam strikes the statue on its left shoulder. Flames erupt causing a massive display of fire and light, but the statue looks unaffected. (The fire beam had no effect on the construct.)

Round 3
Bold may post an action for this round.
Felli (24)
Fundir (20)
Serge (20) (-4 HP)
Statue (20) (-10 HP)
Gale (14)
Mia (7) (Full round cast.)
Solstice (13) (-4 HP)