Grim feels the dark suggestion enter his thoughts, but his combat training allow him to focus and withstand its evil influence. He also sees the incoming debris and manages to dodge away from the worst of it. But his large size is too much to completely avoid all of the makeshift missiles...
He pulls a large flask from his pouch and chugs it down, a scowl crossing his face at the obvious bitter taste!
Cure Moderate Wounds potion:2d8 + 2 ⇒ (5, 1) + 2 = 8
Human Ranger 10 | AC 26 T 14 FF 23 | HP 89/89 | F +12 R +12 W +8 | Init + 4 | Perception +15
Animal (Dog):
AC27 T15 F22 | HP 76 | F+9, R+10, W+4*
Ceobryrn reflex vs pelting 13hp DC 20 RFX for half:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25Evasion Lokie reflex vs pelting 13hp DC 20 RFX for half:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23Evasion
Both Ceobryrn and Lokie avoid the stones while they move from the plaza to the temple interior, "Let's move, I think we have out stayed our welcome here."
Female Half-Elf Bard (Arcane Duelist) 10 [ HP 73/73 | AC 25/14/23 | Fort +5, Ref +10, Will +7 (+2 vs. ench) | Init +4 (+4 from Banner of the Ancient Kings) | Perception +14 ]
Reflex Save:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27(6 damage)
Elindriel easily avoids the worst of the stones, then nods her agreement to Ceobryn, guarding the party's rear as they move into the temple interior.
The temple interior offers a reprieve from the serpentfolk skirmishers, as none of the assailant dare follow the adventurers into the temple. Inside, the hubbub of outside activity dies down. Glowing coals warm this shrine and cast an eerie under-lighting on the towering, snake-headed statue behind the altar. The reek of ammonia and rotting flesh fills the air and burns the eyes.
At the center of the shrine, a huge snake is being directed by a serpentfolk clad in robes - and there is little doubt as to what the stance of the two is.
- Misfortune (Su): Grant a creature within 30 ft a bit of bad luck for 1 round.
If target makes an ability check, attack, saving throw, or skill check, it must roll
twice taking the worse result. Once a creature has suffered from the misfortune hex,
it cannot be affected from it again for 24 hours. (PFAPG 66). (PFAPG 66).
Two-handed Fighter-5/Hellknight-5 | AC 26 T 14 FF 24 | HP 39/99 | F +12 R +6 W +7 (+2 vs. compulsion)| Init +5 | Perc +13
Is Grim still enlarged? (That sounds rather vulgar, BTW...!
The warrior resolutely steps forward (5' step) and makes a powerful attack designed to hit a vital area of the snake.
Power Attack + Vital Strike:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29 Damage + electric shock:4d6 + 19 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 1, 3) + 19 + (4) = 33
"In the name of the God-Emperor and for the good of the Society, I will slay this creature so that you will know we are invincible!" he shouts with the mighty blow!
The investigation took fifteen minutes, so Grim would no longer be enlarged.
Will:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Percy stares down the snake as Grim steps up and hacks at the creature. Seeing this, the robe-clad serpentfolk points at Grim and fills his brain with the desire to attack the nearest of his friends. (Murderous command, DC 16 will).
The snake slithers backward and tries to bite Ceobryrn.
Bite, Ceobryrn:1d20 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21
---
Elindriel
Ceobryrn
Percy
Grim
---
Very large snake (misfortune, 33)
Serpentfolk
---
---
Two-handed Fighter-5/Hellknight-5 | AC 26 T 14 FF 24 | HP 39/99 | F +12 R +6 W +7 (+2 vs. compulsion)| Init +5 | Perc +13
(Not this again!!) DC 16 will:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Grim staggers backwards as if he had been hit, then turns his head away from the giant snake and towards his colleagues. He launches into a full attack on Ceobryrn. 1-Elindriel or 2-Ceobryrn:1d2 ⇒ 2 Attack 1:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28 Damage 1 + electricity:2d6 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 4) + 10 + (3) = 20
Female Half-Elf Bard (Arcane Duelist) 10 [ HP 73/73 | AC 25/14/23 | Fort +5, Ref +10, Will +7 (+2 vs. ench) | Init +4 (+4 from Banner of the Ancient Kings) | Perception +14 ]
Elindriel begins singing and steps forward, slashing with her falcata!
Move action: Begin bard song (Inspire Courage @ level 14 (Banner of the Ancient Kings), 22 rounds remaining) Not an action: 5' step, as indicated on map Standard action: Attack snake Attack (+1 Keen Adamanatine Falcata, Inspire Courage, Flagbearer, Power Attack):1d20 + 12 + 3 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 3 + 2 - 2 = 20 Damage (+1 Keen Adamanatine Falcata, Inspire Courage, Flagbearer, Power Attack, Arcane Strike):1d8 + 5 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 3 = 19
As if the enormous fangs filling the shrine weren't bad enough, the armor-clad acolyte of the god emperor once again turns on his comrades, his susceptible mind giving in to the divine suggestions conjured by the other-era serpentfolk.
Elindriel keeps her eye on the lidless eyeballs of the snake, but strikes too slowly, cutting only the air above them.
Percy madly stares down the snake while keeping a trigger finger to release arcane wrath should the divine spellcaster stir again.
ceobryrn, spurred on by Elindriel's song, moves to dispatch the snake, drawing green blood with a hack of the greatsword. The serpentine creature again proves fast, evading Ceobryrn's second strike while completely negating Lokie's assault.
The enormous snake sinks his fangs into the greatsword-wielding warrior, then wraps his body around him, pressing the air out of him with its weight alone.
The priest open his mouth again to weave some evil hex, but-ever vigilant percy shoots magical energy at the first sign of trouble, trying to disrupt the spell.
CL vs SR:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7Not sure what CL that staff is, but with that roll I don't think you'll beat the SR
The priest laughs madly as the magical projectiles dissipate harmlessly against the anti-magical essence of his being. He raises his hand, and throws an incantation at Elindriel, aiming to freeze her in place
Hold person, DC 17 will save
---
Elindriel
Ceobryrn
Percy
Grim
---
Very large snake (misfortune, 60)
Serpentfolk (7)
---
Female Half-Elf Bard (Arcane Duelist) 10 [ HP 73/73 | AC 25/14/23 | Fort +5, Ref +10, Will +7 (+2 vs. ench) | Init +4 (+4 from Banner of the Ancient Kings) | Perception +14 ]
I'm confused - how did Ceobryn hit with a 25, but Lokie missed with a 27?
Will Save:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Elindriel laughs at the priest's efforts as she continues singing and resumes hacking at the swift snake!
Thanks to the efforts of the Pathfinders, the Slave Pens are now claimed! Sources say that there's something weird going on in that temple! Hurry up and check it out Pathfinders!
Female Half-Elf Bard (Arcane Duelist) 10 [ HP 73/73 | AC 25/14/23 | Fort +5, Ref +10, Will +7 (+2 vs. ench) | Init +4 (+4 from Banner of the Ancient Kings) | Perception +14 ]
Uh...slave pens? Did we do something bad in skipping all of that stuff?
Not really Elindreiel, its a Multi, we can be doing different stuff
GM - Snake still has to roll all its D20's twice to hit Ceo - it is still Misfortuned :p We MIGHT get lucky!
"Well that is all rather droll, kill this beast Grimaldus" Percy blesses Grimaldus with good Fortune. Percy maintains a haughty chuckle as he does so, continuing to call Misfortune onto the beast.
/GRIM - You may reroll a D20 of your choice once a round, until Percy stops feeding it.
The Faeire dragon takes issue with his friends being continually targeted by a ranged caster, and goes to work...springing a rather spectacular hedge full of brightly coloured flowers - he then communicates Telepathically to the party "All an illusion, but they're snapdragons by the way" Silent Image - 70' long, 10' high.
Probably wont bother the snake, but might block line of sight to the party and upset that caster.
Two-handed Fighter-5/Hellknight-5 | AC 26 T 14 FF 24 | HP 39/99 | F +12 R +6 W +7 (+2 vs. compulsion)| Init +5 | Perc +13
Grim shakes his head, cries out at the damage he has caused an old friend, then turns his fury against the snake!
Attack 1 + inspire courage:1d20 + 16 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 16 + 3 = 35 Overhand chop damage 1 + electricity:2d6 + 10 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 5) + 10 + 2 + (5) = 25
If Ceobryrn crushed nearly into unconsciousness is still in the deadly grip of the snake at the last moment he use his glove of first aid {link}to cast Breath of life {link} on himself.
Lokie did hit after all. It's all about me being on too shaky a train to read properly. I've adjusted hp.
Elindriel keeps attempting to hit the snake, but again it proves too agile to be affected.
Percy aims Grim, while Boffins conjures up a wall of flowers. Grim unhesitatingly move to decapitate the snake - leaving only a wriggling body when he is done, and saving Ceobryrn from being crushed to death.
Ceobryrn heals himself while Lokie growls at the - now dead - snake.
Will:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
The priest takes a moment to activate his defenses, and creates a multitude of illusory doubles.
Percy moves down and into the illusory garden
Will 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 4 = 32 vs DC14 = pass
He maintains his chuckle.
Grim maintains Fortune.
***
Boffins continues telepathically -
"Ceobryn, the wall might provide you good cover if you can see through it to fire your arrows - because the snake man might have difficulty seeing us until he touches it..."
Two-handed Fighter-5/Hellknight-5 | AC 26 T 14 FF 24 | HP 39/99 | F +12 R +6 W +7 (+2 vs. compulsion)| Init +5 | Perc +13
See through the illusion wall:1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 4 = 11
Although Grim knows the wall is an illusion, his eyes don't lie, and so all he sees is the giant flowering shrubbery...so he takes a moment to down a healing potion to prepare for the next fight.
CMW potion:2d8 + 2 ⇒ (1, 3) + 2 = 6
Female Half-Elf Bard (Arcane Duelist) 10 [ HP 73/73 | AC 25/14/23 | Fort +5, Ref +10, Will +7 (+2 vs. ench) | Init +4 (+4 from Banner of the Ancient Kings) | Perception +14 ]
Will Save:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Elindriel moves towards the priest, brandishing her falcata as she approaches.
Free action: Maintain bard song (Inspire Courage @ level 14 (Banner of the Ancient Kings), 20 rounds remaining) Full-round action: Double move, as indicated on map
Human Ranger 10 | AC 26 T 14 FF 23 | HP 89/89 | F +12 R +12 W +8 | Init + 4 | Perception +15
Animal (Dog):
AC27 T15 F22 | HP 76 | F+9, R+10, W+4*
*** Last Round ***
Once the snake dies, Ceobryrn does heal himself using a Potion of CLW instead of the gloves which he was only going to use if the snake was still choking him.
potion CLW:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
*** Current Round *** Hit points: 5/89
Ceobryrn looks at the wall of flowers trying to see through the illusion.
will save w/+4 knows:1d20 + 8 + 418 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 418 = 432
The images for Ceobryrn fades to a shadow of it's former appearance allowing the ranger to clearly see the five identical Serpentfolk priest. Shifting 5ft and quickly drawing his bow, he releases a volley of arrows at the images.
Once the arrows are launched Ceobryrn orders Lokie to attack the Serpenfolk too.
lokie will save:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Moving up to the wall, in an attempt to get through, Lokie's keen sense of smell notices the wall of flowers is not right and see through the illusion without being told. Double moves, no attack.
The Pathfinders have allied with a group of Azlanti Rebels! They're joining up with Pathfinders as they make their way into the Serpentfolk Temple!
Each table now counts as one subtier higher for the purpose of calculating what benefits they get from Aid Tokens. Subtier 10-11 tables increase the Aid Another bonus to +5, the Allied Offensive option deals 4d8 points of damage, and Burst of Healing heals 6d6 points of damage.
Percy has no trouble moving up, while Grim is stumped and downs a healing potion. Elindriel closes in. Ceobryrn takes a breather, and fires some arrows. Two illusory doubles meet their demise before the last arrow hits.
The serpent priest tries to defensive cast a gruesome spell, but loses concetration as Lokie comes barking in.
Female Half-Elf Bard (Arcane Duelist) 10 [ HP 73/73 | AC 25/14/23 | Fort +5, Ref +10, Will +7 (+2 vs. ench) | Init +4 (+4 from Banner of the Ancient Kings) | Perception +14 ]
Elindriel has Disruptive/Spellbreaker as Arcane Duelist bonus feats, so she'll get an AoO with the failed concentration check...
Free action: Maintain bard song (Inspire Courage @ level 14 (Banner of the Ancient Kings), 19 rounds remaining) Full-round action: Double move, as indicated on map
Rime starts gathering on the serpentman, but the snake creature keeps moving to prevent being entombed in ice. Elindriel gets the opportunity to land a devastating strike, while also clearing away the illusory doubles. Ceobryrn heal himself up, while Lokie continues his assault by growling and snapping at the serpentman - without much damage.
Grim lumbers in, while the serpentfolk takes a step back and tries to curse Elindriel
Female Half-Elf Bard (Arcane Duelist) 10 [ HP 73/73 | AC 25/14/23 | Fort +5, Ref +10, Will +7 (+2 vs. ench) | Init +4 (+4 from Banner of the Ancient Kings) | Perception +14 ]
Will Save:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Again, Elindriel shrugs off the priest's spell. She stops singing, but her voice lingers in the air.
Free action: End bard song (Inspire Courage @ level 14 (Banner of the Ancient Kings), 2 rounds remaining (Lingering Performance)) Not an action: 5' step, as indicated on map Full-round action: Attack priest
The serpentfolk makes the horrible mistake of stepping back, giving room to Ceobryrn to fire a volley of arrow without having to worry about hitting his companions. The first strikes through, and pierces the heart of the ancient serpentfolk, ending the millenia-old threat.
Combat over!
The priest's robes and regalia would make an interesting topic of study.
One of you can make a skill check for one of the following skills: Appraise, Craft (armor, clothing, or jewelry), Disguise, Knowledge (nobility or religion), Perception, Profession (clerk, merchant, or scribe) - I'll count the first check I see.
-----
Chaotically twisting tunnels and chambers shoot throughout the temple’s interior, some ending abruptly and others opening into smoke-choked studies, scriptoria, and meditation chambers. Countless alcoves are cut into the walls—almost entirely hidden within the elaborate mosaics. A single clay tablet inscribed with pictograms lies on a nearby table. It appears to be only part of a much larger set.
The tablet is a rare piece of text describing the god Ydersius - of whom little is known in the current time. Whereas this particular fragment does not reveal all too much, there must be more of them in the temple.
You can search the temple with a perception check (unless you have more sophisticated means at your disposal)
Female Half-Elf Bard (Arcane Duelist) 10 [ HP 73/73 | AC 25/14/23 | Fort +5, Ref +10, Will +7 (+2 vs. ench) | Init +4 (+4 from Banner of the Ancient Kings) | Perception +14 ]
Casting a spell, Elindriel takes some time to search the temple for more tablets.
Two-handed Fighter-5/Hellknight-5 | AC 26 T 14 FF 24 | HP 39/99 | F +12 R +6 W +7 (+2 vs. compulsion)| Init +5 | Perc +13
Grim only cares that the serpent priest is dead. He continues on with barely a glance back at it, especially since Percy is checking it over. Once they reach the interior area and alcoves, Grim aids in the search for useful or valuable items.
Perception:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
The Pathfinders have worked their way through the Temple Interior, and have discovered that the serpentfolk are performing some kind of ritual in a basement level called the Ophidian Rectory. Perhaps if you rush there you can learn all about the serpentfolk's ancient sacrificial techniques.
…
Oh, also potential save some people. That could be important too.
The Temple Interior is now claimed and the Ophidian Rectory is now discovered! Can we stop the ritual in time? The map is now updated with both the district unlock and the recent aid token transfers. Remember, you still count as one subtier higher for the purpose of your aid token benefits!
Elindriel searches the temple complex, aided by the rest of the group. After a while, she located a tablet containing an elaborate description of Ydersian rituals, showing the disturbing sacrifices that are offered to the serpent god.
Let me know if you want to explore further here, or hear down to the Ophidian Rectory
While Elindriel was searching for tablet, Percy managed to document the priest's dress and regalia, forming a more complete picture of the worship of Ydersius.
----
Descending deep down into the undercrypt of the temple, the adventurers come upon the Ophidian Rectory. Some heavy presence within this massive, domed chamber claws at the chest and weighs the air itself down. Strange glows emanate from the cardinal points of this massive, circular chamber. In the center of the room, an elevated, spiraling staircase entwines a column of stone, atop which sits an altar.
Atop the altar, another Priest of Ydersius is performing an unholy ritual, standing over the chained form of a muscular human, uttering prayers while several serpentfolk stand by. The presence of the adventurers interrupts the sermon, as the serpentfolk take hostile staces.
In the corner of the hall, a great serpent-like creatures hisses, taking a cue from its serpent masters.
Female Half-Elf Bard (Arcane Duelist) 10 [ HP 73/73 | AC 25/14/23 | Fort +5, Ref +10, Will +7 (+2 vs. ench) | Init +4 (+4 from Banner of the Ancient Kings) | Perception +14 ]
Sorry for the delay...
Seeing the evident hostility, Elindriel decides to stack things in the Pathfinders' favor.
Standard action: Cast haste Move action: Begin bard song (Inspire Courage @ level 14 (Banner of the Ancient Kings), 18 rounds remaining)
Aid tokens are universal, you can choose one of the effects.
Aid token:
Aid Another: A Pathfinder agent helps the PCs solve a puzzle, disable a trap, or accomplish some other task as if performing the aid another action for a PC. In Subtiers 5–6 and 7–8, the bonus granted increases by 1. In Subtier 10–11, the bonus increases by 2.
Allied Offensive: A Pathfinder agent strikes a creature at the same time as the PC, increasing the damage dealt by one attack by 1d8 points. In addition, after the attack, anyone attacking the target is considered to be flanking it until the beginning of the attacker’s next turn. In Subtiers 5–6 and 7–8, increase the damage dealt to 2d8 points. In Subtier 10–11, this amount increases to 3d8 points.
Burst of Healing: A Pathfinder agent heals all of the PCs of 1d6 points of damage. In Subtiers 5–6 and 7–8, the amount healed increases to 3d6 points. In Subtier 10–11, the amount healed increases to 5d6 points. Alternatively, in any subtier the agent can instead cast neutralize poison, remove curse, or remove disease with a caster level equal to the table’s APL (minimum 5).
Spellcasting Synergy: A Pathfinder agent casts a spell at the same time as the PC, increasing the save DC and caster level of the PC’s spell by 1. In Subtiers 7–8 and 10–11, the PC’s caster level instead increases by 2.
Timely Inspiration: A Pathfinder agent provides the effects of a bard’s inspire courage bardic performance for 3 rounds. In Subtiers 1–2 and 3–4, the competence bonus is +1. In Subtiers 5–6 and 7–8, the competence bonus increases to +2. In Subtier 10–11, the competence bonus increases to +3.
Elindriel ensures the pathfinders are well-prepared for the upcoming battle, hastening them and boldening their souls.
The lights go out as the serpentfolk react to the presence of the pathfinders, two walls of darkness moving forward. The third serpentfolk surrounds himself with magical doubles, while the priest interrupts his ritual with a spell aimed a Ceobryrn
Hold person, DC 17 Will save
Number:1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
The snakelike creature shoots two rays at the singing bard.
Human Ranger 10 | AC 26 T 14 FF 23 | HP 89/89 | F +12 R +12 W +8 | Init + 4 | Perception +15
Animal (Dog):
AC27 T15 F22 | HP 76 | F+9, R+10, W+4*
will save vs DC17 :1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11failed, but fortunately (assuming the Serpentfolk are evil) Ceobryrn has a Clear spindle ioun stone in his Wayfinder which Resonant Powers {link} "Clear spindle: Protection from possession and mental control (as protection from evil {link})". which makes him immune to any attempts of possess or exercise mental control. Hold person is a enchantment (compulsion) [mind-affecting] spell.
Ceobryrn feels the magical compulsion roll off him, absorbed by the spindly stone gyrating around his head. He shoots a volley of arrows, piercing the ceremonial robes of the priest.
Lokie tries to bite the serpentfolk hidden in the darkness, but hits only an armored boot.
---
Ceobryrn
Percy
Grim
Elindriel
---
Serpentfolk (in darkness)
Serpentfolk (in darkness)
Serpentfolk (2 images)
Serpentfolk Priest (62)
Large serpent
---
