[PFS] 2-23: Shadow's Last Stand—Part I: At Shadow's Door by GM Upaynao (Inactive)

Game Master Upaynao

Perception: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26

"Or perhaps the strange winds blowing about the altar have something to do with the lack of assailants and living victims..."

Redoubtably recognized, Rogar. Constantin mumbles to himself as he attempts to locate any arcane energies present. Detect Magic

"Well, I guess we should check out that altar. Maybe there's a hidden entrance."

When the party is ready, Aquavius takes a closer look at the altar.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Sensing the Pathfinders, a gust of wind blows the alter's coverings aside and a creature made entirely of air gusts out to attack

Fly: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30

Flying up at increadible speed it rushes Rogar!

Slam! #1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Slam Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

But it misses, and keeps on flying away.

Round 1

Creature
Constantin
Ivar
Rogar
Krolmnite
Glenn
Aquavius
Trixalana

"A flyer! Hit it while it's close!"

I'm not entirely sure if the "Defend" trick would allow Ivar to ready an attack as well, but if so...

"Ivar, stand vigilant!"

Auto succeeding the DC 10 Handle Animal check.

Aquavius stares at the wind as it tries to clobber Rogar.

"Eh, what's that?"

Bardic Knowledge: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

"No idea, but I hope it's weak to arrows. Speaking of which, you ever shot something in a headwind? No easy feat. You gotta keep your hand steady, guess how the wind blows, adjust your arm properly. It's not fun."

Aquavius begins to inspire rage within her words as she keeps her trident ready.

Standard Action to begin Inspired Rage. Any ally can choose to accept it. This stacks with the Bard's Inspire Courage!

Trixalana takes out her crossbow and quickly casts a spell to bolster her allies for the fight! "Dawnflower aide us!"

Move Action - Draw Crossbow. Standard Action - Cast Bless. All allies receive +1 bonus to attack and Fear saves.

Bless - 10/10 rounds

Rogar and Ivar accept the Raging Song. With the current active buffs (and with the correct damage bonus) Rogar's readied attack hits AC 21 for 17 damage.

Round 1

Creature
Constantin
Ivar
Rogar
Krolmnite
Glenn
Aquavius
Trixalana

Knowledge big 6: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Constantin stands proudly, flag flapping in the creature's breeze as he reminds the other pathfinders of the glorious legacy they're carrying forward.

Granting a +1 morale bonus to attacks, damage, and saves vs. charm and fear, and a +1 competence bonus to attacks and damage - the morale bonus is constant, so undoing the bless would be nice if possible

Is earth better than air? Place your bets!

Krolmnite draws forth earthen power. Sending a blast of earth at the flying creature.

Earth Blast + Bless (or IC): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 = 20
Damage + IC: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 = 8

Given that Trix is dead last in initiative, that shouldn't be a problem. I just wanted to post her actions in the event I wasn't able to post tonight and did not want to slow everyone down. I will change Trix's actions to the following: Move Action - Draw Crossbow. Move Action - Reload Crossbow.

Fine by me!

Krolmnite's blast takes the elemental by surprise!

Constantin is fairly certain that this is an air elemental! Medium sized, these things are known for their ability to form a vortex, as well as their ability to dash in for a blow then dash back out. However, in a stroke of luck for the pathfinders, this one shouldn't be strong enough to resist damage inflicted to it unlike it's larger brothers.

Let me know if you have any specific questions for me regarding this little guy

Round 1

Air Elemental 8 dmg
Constantin
Ivar
Rogar
Krolmnite
Glenn
Aquavius
Trixalana

@Krolmnite You actually get a total of +2 on attacks and damage from my buffs
@Air Elemental Low Save and if they're typically willing to bargain would be appreciated

@Constantin -- nice..thanks!

Yeah, I completely missed that he had the Flagbearer feat! That'll be quite helpful, Constantin.

Glenn draws his Net and tosses it at the elemental, trying to ensnare him.

Ah Natures power - born to be harnessed!

Net Throw vs touch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Air elemental's weak save is Will, and it might be able to bargain, if you can speak Auran and it isn't in a bargain right now.

Glenn's net misses the air elemental, who come on in for another attack on Rogar. But the huntmaster is ready this time.

Slam! #1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Slam Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

They exchange blows, but the creature seems very hurt. What will it do next time?

Round 2

Rogar 7 dmg
Creature 25dmg
Constantin
Ivar
Krolmnite
Glenn
Aquavius
Trixalana

Glenn draws in his net, folding it back up to be reused.

Ivar whines at his lack of understanding of the angry wind...

"The first thing you learn when sailing boats, is deal with the wind. Blow it into your sails, or fold them up and get it out the way. Like so."

Aquavius looks at the banner, grins and takes her own advice.

Trident, Inspire Courage, Inspired Rage: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

She draws her longbow and prepares to fire.

Free action to maintain her Inspired Rage. Standard action to throw her Trident. Move action to draw a longbow.

Krolmnite bounces up and down, firing another blast of earth at the air elemental.

Earth Blast + IC: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 2 = 24
damage + IC: 1d6 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 = 13

Not that it matters here, but are you using your trident as a thrown weapon? For my own edification.

Whatever plans the creature had, they are brought to ruin as Krolmnite's blast disperses the wind creature.

Combat Over. Back to you!

Rogar tousles Ivar ears while drawing a wand.

"Don't worry, boy. You'll get a go at the next one. Any of you lot good atthe the whole magic-stick-waving thing?"

Assuming someone obliges Rogar: CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

"It looks like we can reach a door on the left hand side, if we follow the balcony over there."

Not that it matters here, but are you using your trident as a thrown weapon? For my own edification.

Combat Over. Back to you!

Yup, tridents can be thrown. 20 foot range!

"But sometimes you can sail right through. Good job, Krolm!" Aquavius stows her bow away. She reaches into her pack to pull out a wand. "Rogar, you needed some healing?"

With that finished, she hops down to get her trident. "So, let's check out that monument to Aroden again... why would a wind element be here?"

Thanks Aquavius! Well what do ya know, just like I thought, the power of earth is solid! Now if only I had some real wagers on that. Focus now, Krolmnite. What does it mean indeed. I don't like this place one bit.

The gnome's voice rises with his excitement, until he suddenly realizes he should more quiet and takes it back down to a whisper.

Glenn puts his net back away. He always wanted to catch a tornado and looks a little sad.

But he makes his way to the altar and inspects the circle.

Whoever wished us waylayed by this whirlwind won't wait if we waste our wrath while they wake!
As soon as can be managed we must continue with alacrity!

So remember when I said there was no underground crypt? I lied. There is an underground but it is "beyond the scope of this adventure". #WhydeargodWhy.

Using rope or your natural propensity to climb, it is child's play to get down to the ground floor, 40 feet below. The altar really is that big, and moreover is hollow; hiding beneath the cloth decorating it is a pile of gold and jewelry, as well as a trap door that seems to be very thoroughly locked. The circle just seems to be ornamental; although it could be converted into a anchor for a more permanent magical circle.

Rogar approaches the door he has spotted. Made of rather sturdy wood and banded with iron, it does not bear any indication of what it's purpose might be.

Glenn eyes the lock and shrugs Don't suppose anyone knows how to pick these things do they?

Otherwise, Glenn makes his way over to the door and listens at it for a hint of what may lie beyond.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Rogar puts his ear to the iron-banded door.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13

"Constantin has a point...I think. I don't have lock picks, maybe there is another way down. The stairs, maybe?"

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

And if we must pass this door, well, We've had no felicity with furtiveness, but a further feat of ferocious force might not be folly

The door does not seem locked.

This is going to turn into a slog if we don't come up with a consensus as to what you are going to do when you approach a door. Been there, done that, have the T-shirt, don't recommend it :D. With that in mind, I'd like to know who wants to be the main door-checker, if other will be assisting and what you want to do should everything prove all clear.

I have a +6 Perception. I can check the doors. The bells gave away our position already, so I say we knock the doors down.

Aquavius opens the door! And a mop handle fall out. This seems to be a very poorly placed janitor's closet. Although it does look like there are stairs in this room leading nowhere.

Bardic Knowledge: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
"Huh. Fancy stairs. I'm ready to head down if you are."

Stairs to nowhere as in a pit/darkened portal? Or dead-ending into a wall?

Dead ending into a wall.

Alright, what's the plan? I see two doors on the second floor at the far end of the balcony level, but nowhere else to go.

Glenn points to the door on the Balcony Well when one path dead ends...chose another

"Yup, let's head to the other door." Aquavius heads over and listen.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

I'm in agreement with Aquavius on how to handle any further locked doors. Glenn may be a better door checker with his higher Perception of +8. Also, perhaps we can assume to Take 10 while listening?

Trix looks around the room with wide-eyed wonder, keeping her cocked crossbow out and at the ready now. "I think that is as good of an idea as any, Glenn. Let us continue!"

Sounds fine to me! Remember to move your icons folks! Also, looks like I made a mistake. The ground is 20 feet below you.

As the Pathfinders approach the southern end of the nave, they can see that back on the ground floor, below where they are going is a set of closed double doors, and make a note of it for the future. In the meantime, the ornate choir loft welcomes you, joined as it is with the balcony overlooking the transept. Richly decorated wall panels depict scenes of strangely dressed men, all the while the low marble balustrade show human figures celebrating. Many of these works of art have suffered recent damage though, with stone shards and a broken banister littering the floor. Several smashed glass cases line the room, with numerous swords of varying styles and construction poking out of the wreckage.
Along the Cathedral’s south wall, a ten-foot-wide rose window glitters with the sun, bathing the loft in light. A number of red figures surround a strange white shape against the window’s blue background.
A spiral staircase leads down and a pair of doors lead east and west.

Aquavius is fairly certain that the door is not trapped. It is however locked. Seems like a DC 20 Disable device is needed to open this one up. Or, if you are lacking... A strong arm and a sturdy axe now, a carpenter and a locksmith later.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11

"Step aside, Glenn. I'll 'unlock' the door."

Rogar stows his shield and starts chopping away at the door.

Man this scenario really, really, wants a Rogue.

"Locked. Guess we'll need some brute force."

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Giver a good wack Rogar, I'll bet the Society can splurge for some Mending or Make Whole spells when this is all done and dusted.

Krolmnite squats down looking under the others legs to get a look at the action.

Know: Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Trixalana stares at the window while Rogar "unlocks" the door and she frowns. "This window is not right." She points at it to draw her companions' attention. "See there? Aroden didn't sink the Starstone, he drew it out of the depths of the Inner Sea!" She walks closer to inspect it further. "How strange..."

Cannot meet the Perception DC even with Taking 20...

Clearly confused by the facts about Aroden, Krolmnite makes up his own reason why the window might be correct.

Well maybe he did, maybe he took it with him into the Eye! Could that be right Trixalana?