Although Sinuhotep makes no gestures or incantation, Alonso somehow is able to determine that the first spell he (attempted to) cast was Burst of Adrenaline and the second was Confusion.
It occurs to me that I could just roll the Will saves for y'all to move us along. Is that the norm in PbP in situations like this? In any case...
Oggil, Alonso, and Theodore all make their saves.
Ragnar Will save:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25Plus whatever situational modifiers you've got going on right now.
Pookie Will save:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21Plus whatever situational modifiers you've got going on right now.
Sir Godfrey Will save:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22Plus whatever situational modifiers you've got going on right now.
All three make their saves (even without adding situational modifiers). Sinuhotep glowers, suspecting that his long life of undeath may be about to get a bit more dead. "Darned Pathfinders! My plans were so perfect - if not for those meddling kids!"
Lem's silence spell comes into effect, radiating out from the coin he is holding. Note that none of you can now hear his inspiring words, so don't add inspire courage to your attacks until this changes. Also, Lem, note that as long as you are in the zone of silence you cannot cast spells with a Verbal component; and it will be a standard action to throw the coin. If you do that, please give me an attack roll with the square you want to hit (you can always roll a 1!).
Gnome Cleric of Cayden Cailean 10 (CORE) | HP 82/82^ | AC 23 | T 13 | FF 21 | CMD 18 | F +14^ | R +10 | W +17 | +2 vs. illusion, +1 vs. poison/disease | Init +8 | Perc +7 (Low-Light) | Sense Motive +11 | Agile Feet 8/8 | Channel 2/9 | Touch of Good 7/8 | Dimensional Hop 20 ft./100 ft. | Holy Lance 1/1 | Beneficent Touch 1/1 | Reroll 0/1 | Active Spells:Death Ward, Extended Longstrider - 3 con damage^, Five negative level (#) (Death Ward)
Some GMs roll saves for the party, some don't. I know there's GMs who absolutely refuse to do it, and others who love doing it. My opinion: As long as your order is consistent for the order in which saves are rolled, I'm fine with it.
Move Action
Not wanting to take more sonic damage, Theodore decides to zip over to he other side of the barrier. Using 15 ft. of Dimensional Hop to do so.
Standard Action
He touches Oggil's fists, making them holy. Using the Holy Lance good domain power, lasts 4 rounds.
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
Oggil steps forward, burning his ki as a scribe might a candle late at night.
His hands glowing with holy light, Oggil once again launches a lightning flurry of attacks. Again two of the attacks look like they might get through the lich's formidable defences.
Alonso teleports the two martials past the wall of sound and right back into the poor lich's face.
Ragnar moves down the stairs and waits on the far side of the wall of sound, once again readying to blast Sinuhotep if he attempts to cast a spell. If the poor old fellow could survive that long, Ragnar would discover that a wall of sound auto-deflects his arrows. But alas...
Theodore also teleports past the wall of sound and then imbues Oggil's fists with the holy goodness of the God of drunks.
His fists dripping with alcohol, Oggil steps forward and punches the ancient man in the face. Only his very first punch lands, but that is sufficient to knock his very head from his bony and withered frame. The lich is destroyed!
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
Oggil brushes off lich dust from his fists.
"I hope he does not take offence to our actions. But he is hopefully free of his banishment."
The monk looks around the tomb for any sign of the lich's gem.
perception:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17
"It may pay to also search for traces of magic. Surely he has a hoard here that should be returned with him to the order."
Oggil's eyes also scan the area for books and other historic items.
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
Actually, given we don't have any apparent time pressures now, is there any reason we couldn't taken 20 on searching this? We really don't want to miss anything.
LN Male Dwarf Wizard (Conjurer) 11 Init +8 | HP 101/101 | AC16 T12, FF14 | Fort +12, Ref +10, Will +13, Dwarf +2 | CMD 15 | Perception+25, Sense Motive +20
Buffs:
MA, Overland Flight, Heroism
Resources:
Acid Dart 11|11, PoP 2/2, Arcane Bond Unused, Dimensional Steps 330|330, Reroll: Used
| Conditions:
Well, he will be back in 1d10 days...:)
Alonso weaves a quick detect magic spell and has a look around the room. He checks out the remains of the Lich, in particular the sage jewel given it is why we are here.
Well, that went better than expected. Godrey, how is your vision doing?
Sorry guys, my campaign list wasn't updating me that there were new posts and I didn't get suspicious until this morning! I'm pretty sure I know what spell he blinded Godfrey with through Meta, since there was no save, so I don't want to waste any consumables anyone has if we can avoid it.
Godfrey will release his combat stance once the all clear is given over the death of the Lich. He'll spend several moments waving a hand in front of his eyes. "For the moment it appears to be a bit permanent, do we know what sorcery he used to cause the condition?" He'll sheath his sword and wander over to the pool of water in the room under guidance from his shadow and splash his face with some.
"He was a coward in the end, I doubt he kept his phylactry upon his person. I think you are right, Friend Oggil, there is probably a stash of treasure somewhere hidden, we just must seek it out. Then with luck by the time he returns he can answer to the other Jeweled Sages for final judgement."
After Godfrey waits several minutes to see if his vision returns, and assuming it does, he will assist with searching for any hidden caches.
With the death of the lich, the wall of sound fades, and with Lem dismissing his Silence spell, ordinary sounds resume. At first, Sir Godfrey appears to be permanently blinded, but after a few minutes his vision returns. It was Power Word Blind, as I suspect you already know
Btw, for your interest, that was CR 13 encounter. He was a level 14 psychic. Pretty easy for y'all, but you are a strong group. The other (classic) table is just about to start this encounter, though they have opted for the Div. Feel free to come watch if you are interested.
no peeking:
Sir Godfrey Will save:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
When Sir Godfrey splashes water on his face, he realizes that there is some sort of illusion at work: although the pool appears to be clear, there is in fact a large pile of debris and stones in it. Further, when he investigates this debris, he finds another amethyst buried underneath it, very similar in many ways to the one that Sinuhotep bears on his arm. Interestingly, however, to both Alonso and Lem's detect magic spells, the amethyst embedded in Sinuhotep's bracer radiates magic as if it is a powerful item, while the hidden amethyst you have just discovered does not appear to be magical at all.
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
"We should take both with us" says Oggil.
"Either it belongs to the sage, or it has been long lost. If they first he will want it, if not, well, maybe the order can use it to make a new gem - they are always on the lookout for intact ones with special properties."
Based on your earlier knowledge checks... The Pathfinders know that Sinuhotep has not been completely and finally destroyed. Like all liches, he will rejuvenate (i.e. arise again) at some indeterminate time in the not too far future, likely with a burning desire for revenge, unless his phylactery is destroyed. During your conversation with him, he appeared to indicate that this is likely the very amethyst jewel you are seeking, which is embedded in his armband, and which does radiate powerful magic. However, you have now found another amethyst, this one not magical, hidden beneath the debris in the pool. You also realize that in the time it takes you to travel back to Katapesh it is quite possible, or even likely, that Sinuhotep will reform, and perhaps escape; so simply taking both jewels back with you is taking a risk.
"We should simply take both back with us and let the Sages determine which jewel is the real one. Though I suspect it was the hidden one. Evil creatures like him don't generally parade about their weakness." Godfrey will let Alonso examine the additional jewel he has found.
"Between Friends Alonso and Theodore we are able to teleport back to Katapesh quickly. Tahonikepsu and Amenopheus are trustworthy. They'll know best on whether to simply destroy the jewel to free it of corruption, or if there are better means of cleansing it without loss of the knowledge it holds." And they are likely able to handle the Lich if it manifests in the interim while they decide on a course of action.
As noted, Godfrey doesn't see any risk, as we can teleport so the travel will only take 8 hours for people to memorize teleports. Liches need at least a day to recover.
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
Oggil nods. "And let them determine what to do with the lich too. He might yet be a valuable member of the order. The temporary removal of his body is but a small inconvenience, and should now bypass the Div's curse."
Animal Reptile 7 | AC 20 (28)| T 13 | FF 16 | HP: 51/51 | CMD 26 | Fort +8 | Ref +8 ev | Will +3 * | Perception +5*
Male Human Ranger 10 | AC 22 | T 18 | FF 17 | HP: 103/103 | CMD 30 | Fort +12 | Ref +17 ev | Will +11 | Init +9 | Perception +21
Ragnar sighs.
"I wish I could say this was the first Lich we've invited to join the Pathfinders. We give the Aspis so much ammunition for badmouthing us. I agree teleporting with both gems sounds good."
Lem tries to remember what he knows about a Lich´s Phylactery.
Taking 20 on Knowledge Arcane for a 37, especially if they radiate magic.
Then he shakes again at the hypocritical words of Sir Paladouche, but keeps his mouth shut, mentally preparing his song of shame.
Hmm, well, in fine Pathfinder fashion, you have arrived at a solution that the scenario doesn't actually account for! (The presumption of the scenario is that you either recruit Sinuhotep into the order - and destroy Surma - or that you destroy him and his phylactery - and with it the sage jewel - or that you destroy him but don't find the true phylactery, and he escapes along with your prestige...)
As the Pathfinders emerge from the ruin, they meet the two scorpion guards, who thank them for destroying the evil that lurked within. "We will continue our sacred task to guard this place, for who knows what evil may yet arise. As a sign of our gratitude, please let us tattoo you with cactus flower ink and our stingers. Then all scorpions will know that you are a friend to them."
The Pathfinders are easily able to teleport back to Katapesh with both jewels, as well as numerous invaluable etchings and notes from the ruin. Another team will undoubtedly be sent to undertake the lengthy task of compiling and researching all the information in the library.
Back in Katapesh, Tahonikepsu debriefs the Pathfinders. She easily sees that the true amethyst sage jewel (and Sinuhotep's phylactery) was the one hidden in the debris - its magical nature masked by a magic aura spell - and that the one he was wearing was a fake, also masked by a magic aura spell. She listens to the account of your battle with Sinuhotep with interest, but her neutral alignment reflects her forgiving moral compass and willingness to see the good in most difficult decisions. "The amethyst sage jewel is irrevocably linked to Sinuhotep's existence now. For the sake of its preservation, I must see if he will rejoin our efforts, despite your...", she pauses, as if searching for the right words, "your disagreement with him."
Within a few days, Sinuhotep is restored to his normal deathly state of health. He glowers at all of you, especially Oggil, who struck the killing blow, but listens as Tahonikepsu discusses things with him in urgent and hushed tones. At last he appears to relax and gives a faint but confident smile, nodding assent to her entreaties.
Turning towards all of you, Tahonikepsu says, "Pathfinders, thanks to your efforts, the amethyst sage jewel is now safe, and it fills my heart with joy to welcome Sinuhotep back to the order. I am eternally grateful to you, Pathfinders— you have made it possible for the Jeweled Sages to grow and prosper.”
Saruna, however, takes all of this poorly. When she sees Sinuhotep, she flies into a rage. After a brief clash, she flees, vowing to exact revenge.
--- FIN ---
Well done, Pathfinders! You were a very strong group - I hardly felt that I challenged you. The other group (in classic play) has had a very different experience - they are just starting the final fight now, against Surma, and had a really rough time with both of the first two fights. Feel free to take a look over there if you are curious to see the same scenario unfolding very differently.
As I think I mentioned, this was my first time GM-ing PbP, so I particularly welcome any feedback you may have for me, good or bad. Feel free to write in the discussion tab or send me a PM if you prefer. You were a great group and I'm sure it also helped that three of you (Sir Godfrey, Ragnar, and Theodore) are people that I know from local play here in Atlanta, and I've played at a couple of Oggil's tables in PbP.
It may be a day or two before I have the chronicles ready. Hopefully the tech side of that won't be too complicated but it usually is for me.
Thanks again to all of you and I look forward to more PbP GM-ing, and to playing together again, on either side of the table. Fyi, I'm currently thinking about starting a run through all of season 6 and/or a run through of all of the Emerald Spire, likely starting in May sometime, and likely running both Classic and Core versions concurrently.
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
Thanks for the run. It was really good. I was pretty worried about being a level 7, and a monk at that, in a high tier game, but having had the misfortune to GM Ragnar and Sir Godfrey in the past... Rest assured they take apart pretty much everything they go up against. I think I may have GMed Alosnso as well now that I'm looking at it.
"Revered sage of the Amethyst" offers Oggil with a bow.
"While undesirable, I hope you now see your freedom was a price worth a temporary absence of body."
And I'm going to assume this ticks off the "recovers an intact sage jewel and/or convince a member with one to join the jeweled sages FJC?
I was pretty worried about being a level 7, and a monk at that, in a high tier game, but having had the misfortune to GM Ragnar and Sir Godfrey in the past... Rest assured they take apart pretty much everything they go up against.
Yeah, the other table is in the exact same situation (high tier, 4 player adjustment) and one player is playing the 7th level Sajan pregen and has been knocked unconscious every fight.
Sinuhotep smiles at Oggil. Generally speaking, the smile of a lich is a terrible thing to behold, but this one actually seems a bit endearing. "Ah, my friend Oggil, it was a long, long, long wait in those ruins. Being without my body these last few days was certainly unpleasant, but now that I am restored, and free again, it is like a breath of fresh air to these old bones! Why, perhaps I will even go for a stroll around the town, just to see how things may have changed. What could possibly go wrong...?"
LN Male Dwarf Wizard (Conjurer) 11 Init +8 | HP 101/101 | AC16 T12, FF14 | Fort +12, Ref +10, Will +13, Dwarf +2 | CMD 15 | Perception+25, Sense Motive +20
Buffs:
MA, Overland Flight, Heroism
Resources:
Acid Dart 11|11, PoP 2/2, Arcane Bond Unused, Dimensional Steps 330|330, Reroll: Used
| Conditions:
Many thanks for running, thoroughly enjoyed it. The Sinuhotep fight could have been much more dangerous if any of the confusions had landed. The construct and ghul fight was still pretty dangerous.
Alonso thanks the girtabilu for their offer of a tattoo but declines, wrinkly old skin and tattoo's don't go well together.
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
Oggil is more than happy to have his hide inscribed with a memento of the expedition.
Godfrey willingly accepts the tattoo as a gift from a fellow do-gooder, then will pester Alonso politely about one of his continual flame stones.
It's kind of a weird choice between the Lich and Div. Either work with something evil, or destroy what you came to recover. I'm surprised they didn't anticipate that people might try to find a middle ground... like Paladins! It seemed like the best way to do it for me, since I couldn't rationalize a Paladin of Sarenrae just going along with a Lich, but he also wouldn't just smash the jewel.
Gnome Cleric of Cayden Cailean 10 (CORE) | HP 82/82^ | AC 23 | T 13 | FF 21 | CMD 18 | F +14^ | R +10 | W +17 | +2 vs. illusion, +1 vs. poison/disease | Init +8 | Perc +7 (Low-Light) | Sense Motive +11 | Agile Feet 8/8 | Channel 2/9 | Touch of Good 7/8 | Dimensional Hop 20 ft./100 ft. | Holy Lance 1/1 | Beneficent Touch 1/1 | Reroll 0/1 | Active Spells:Death Ward, Extended Longstrider - 3 con damage^, Five negative level (#) (Death Ward)
Well, being a Scarab Sages paladin is much different in this scenario than being a paladin of a different faction. ;)
"I suppose that in the end, Sinuhotep can provide us with much information we crave here at the society. However, I would definitely watch him, as even though he is a sage, he is still a lich which I think has warped his mind. Either way, it's always a pleasure to work with the Society. Now... where's the closest bar?" Theodore trails off, leaving the room to head to go drink.
Thanks for running! Had a great time! And now Theodore is 10.
Animal Reptile 7 | AC 20 (28)| T 13 | FF 16 | HP: 51/51 | CMD 26 | Fort +8 | Ref +8 ev | Will +3 * | Perception +5*
Male Human Ranger 10 | AC 22 | T 18 | FF 17 | HP: 103/103 | CMD 30 | Fort +12 | Ref +17 ev | Will +11 | Init +9 | Perception +21
Thanks for GMing. The only change I would make is one I've already mentioned. You are posting quotes and updating within the quote. It is different to how most GMs run it so could be confusing. I enjoyed playing with "most" of you. *glares at the overly rude Lem*. And I would like that continual flame on my wayfinder please. As for our choice I imagine some parties would ant to kill both the lich and the div.
