The enormous fortress of Skyreach is visible from miles away. The structure is a warren of hallways, lounges, ballrooms, and museums. Despite the many sections that are available to Path nders, vast portions normally remain off-limits. Many of those restrictions have been removed today.
You've decided your first priority is to seek Aram Zey’s notes for how to close the Hao Jin Tapestry’s gateway to its demi-plane.
Master of Spells Aram Zey, is the foremost expert on the Hao Jin Tapestry, and he kept most of the reliable information on its operation in the one place he thought he could control: his mind. At the Decemvirate’s request, however, he created several sets of notes that provide details on how to shut down the tapestry and concealed them in this restricted part of the archives.
Twelve bookcases line the walls of this cozy lounge room. Their shelves are crammed with books, scroll tubes, and tablets. Comfortable furnishings are arrayed so that scholars may examine the works without needing to remove them from the room. It may be here that Aram Zey hid his notes about the Hao Jin Tapestry.
As you enter (from the north), you see four Aspis mercenaries, well armed (longswords, crossbows) and well armored.
"They've found us, let's get out of here!", the older one (presumably their leader) calls.
The youngest Aspis throws alchemist's fire, surprisingly, not at you, but at some rugs an furniture in the room. His aim is slightly off, and he splashes his bald companion. "Hey, watch it!" throw:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 miss direction:1d8 ⇒ 2
The room, with its precious books and notes, begins to catch fire.
Putting out the fire can be done several ways, including a DC 12 Combat Maneuver check from an adjacent square, or 5 gallons of water per 5' of fire.
The leader takes a brief step to the side to get a better angle, and fires his crossbow at Prisim. "Take out the caster! The bolt pierces her in the side.
heavy crossbow:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 dmg:1d10 ⇒ 4
—COMBAT—
Evarice
Pau
*Aspis (B: bald & hood)
Wyatt
Apollyanna
Gailen
Prisim (-4)
-end round-
* Aspis (A: young & old)
Those in bold may act
Core Monk 7 | AC (24/25v Evil)/19/(23)17 | HP 59/59 | Ki pool 6/6 | 50’ Movement | F+9, R+9, W+9 | +2 vs. Enchantment spells and effects)(immune to all diseases) | Init+2 |Perception + 13| Evasion |
Cant get the map to load on any of my devices tonight.
If Pau can move within 10' of one of the baddies, he will approach and fling a shuriken at him.
Female human Paladin of Shelyn 1 | hp 20/20 | AC 16, T 11, FF 15 | F/R/W +6/+3/+4 (+2 vs. charm, compulsion, fear) | Smite 1/1 | Lay on hands 3/3 | Perception -1, Diplom +7, Sense Motive +4
"YOU BASTARDS! Do you know how much knowledge you could DESTROY?!?!?!"
Gailen runs forward and swings her glaive at the hooded agent in anger.
Pau charges in, but in his haste his aim is off and the shuriken ends up bouncing off of well-armored foes. Likewise, Evarice's arrow fails to connect.
The bald one retaliates by raising his heavy crossbow and firing at Evarice.
heavy crossbow:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 dmg:1d10 ⇒ 5
The hooded Aspis fires his heavy crossbow at Evarice as well.
heavy crossbow:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 CONFIRM:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16hits dmg:2d10 ⇒ (8, 9) = 17 Ouch. -22 total, puts you at -9 hp? Please make a stabilize check.
Gailen, with Evarice fallen, do you wish to restate before I resolve your rolls?
—COMBAT—
Wyatt
Apollyanna
Gailen
Prisim (-4)
-end round-
* Aspis (A: young & old)
Evarice (unconscious; -22 == -9/13)
Pau
*Aspis (B: bald {slightly burned} & hood)
Those in bold may act
Core Monk 7 | AC (24/25v Evil)/19/(23)17 | HP 59/59 | Ki pool 6/6 | 50’ Movement | F+9, R+9, W+9 | +2 vs. Enchantment spells and effects)(immune to all diseases) | Init+2 |Perception + 13| Evasion |
And your stabilization check is at a minus 9 this round too, Evarice. Urgh.
Female human Paladin of Shelyn 1 | hp 20/20 | AC 16, T 11, FF 15 | F/R/W +6/+3/+4 (+2 vs. charm, compulsion, fear) | Smite 1/1 | Lay on hands 3/3 | Perception -1, Diplom +7, Sense Motive +4
Unfortunately, I have no way of healing her, as I already used my only scroll of cure light wounds, and with a -1 Wisdom mod I'm more likely to kill you than stabilize you with a Heal check. Luckily, you don't lose the HP until your turn, which is when you'd have to make the Con check. So if someone can use any healing on you, or just stabilize you, you'll be okay. We still have Apollyana to act, so if she has any way to heal you, survival is possible. Crits kill at low levels... :(
If we were at a physical table, I would hand you my t-shirt or character folio to give you a reroll. You need a 19 or 20, but at least there would be a chance. GM, would you allow me to give away my GM star reroll to Evarice in this case? If so, she'd get a +2.
That all being said, unfortunately none of this will change Gailen's actions.
(1) Anyone can offer Evarice their re-roll. (Evarice, you can also have my re-roll, which is unfortunately at +0). (2) As Gailen points out, the stabilization check will happen on Evarice's next turn, so there is a wee bit of time remaining. (3) Anyone can administer a potion of CLW to Evarice as a full-round action that provokes AoO. (3b) If you start with a move to draw/move, then begin administering as a standard, you'll complete as a standard the following round. (Doing so might persuade the GM to stabilize if administration has started ...)
Human Female Paladin of Shelyn 5 | hp 47/48 | AC 21 T 11 FF 20 | CMD 19 | F +10 R +6 W +8 | Spd 30' | Init +1 | Diplo +10, HAnim +10, KnNob +5, KnPla +6, KnRel +5, Perc -2, Ride +6, SensM -2 | smite 1/2 | lay hands 3/6 | wand clw 24/50 |
GM Crucible wrote:
Each of the four Aspis agents has a potion of cure light wounds, a vial of acid, and a tanglefoot bag among their collections of daggers and other mundane gear....
As you exit the mausoleum, you encounter the caretakers you revived earlier. They offer two potions of lesser restoration as gratitude for your aid.
So twenty-four post and as many hours later I'm back from work for more posting what did I mi-SS!!! OH MY GOD! WYATT LOOKED AT MY BUTT!!!
I mean Evarice is dying and all, but my butt? Him?!?
First off, I would have hoped to wheedle more healing or at least one of the four potions to use to heal myself up closer to full fighting trim so that I can continue to unimproved bull rush things. Second, I would hope that we doled out the other potions to non-healer types for just such an emergency. With the other stuff going to whomever would be most appropriate. Third, I really wish I could see the portion of the map I'm standing on while I'm at work.
So odds are I have one of these potions. It's a move action to retrieve it and a full-round to dose someone. Which wouldn't be a problem, I or Prisim grab them out of our packs (move) and throw them to someone standing within 5 feet--however I don't think anyone standing nearby has a full-round action to give. You could start one (with a standard action) but not finish it (with a move action) before Evarice's Constitution check which happens on her turn after the hit. (Ninja'd while I did research.)
So we might be down to desperation Heal checks (DC 15 standard action). However both Prisim and I (the last two people who have actions left) have cute matching tank tops that read: Wisdom is My Dump Stat, but if there are no better ideas.
So where are all of our potions and stuff? Did I drink one yet?
Those potions were won at the very end of the Mausoleum. There were four; it is highly likely you healed afterward. (i.e., drank one or more). Yes, you can retcon who has the remaining.
Remember, Evarice also has two re-rolls from people at the table to stabilize. Possibly more, if others are offered..
EDIT: Remember, Apollyanna, you also got heailng from Evarice's channel, and from the use of the aid token.
Core Monk 7 | AC (24/25v Evil)/19/(23)17 | HP 59/59 | Ki pool 6/6 | 50’ Movement | F+9, R+9, W+9 | +2 vs. Enchantment spells and effects)(immune to all diseases) | Init+2 |Perception + 13| Evasion |
I wrote that I was taking a lesser restoration potion but no one else made a claim on anything back there. I was wondering why, lol.
Wyatt smothers flames while Apollyanna and Prisim rush forward to help Evarice.
Prisim uses a standard this round and a standard next round to apply the +2 hp healing.
Gailen heaves a mighty blow, but these heavily armored foes are well protected.
"Gentlemen, it's time for us to be gone, methinks," the older one says, as he hustles toward the back door and pulls out a ring of keys.
The younger Aspis raises his heavy crossbow, and fires at Pau, missing.
h crossbow:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
—COMBAT—
Evarice (unconscious, stable; -22 == -9/13)
Pau
*Aspis (B: bald {slightly burned} & hood)
Wyatt
Apollyanna
Gailen
Prisim (-4; next round: heal Evarice +2)
* Aspis (A: young & old)
Those in bold may act
As a child, Evarice loved the piccolo. When she wasn't fencing with sticks or learning elven archery TM, she played to her heart's content. The villagers enjoyed her enthusiasm, but not her actual competency. As she became an adult and focused more on her combat training, Evarice abandoned her woodwind instrument, confident that the real world needed weapons, not whimsy.
On the night of an especially brutal combat, she and a handful of survivors sought shelter in a cave. They weren't sure if they would live through the night. Evarice began to question her life choices, as she pondered the point of war and the wastes of life and talent. Against their better judgement, one of her allies pulled out a harmonica and played, keeping everyone's spirits up until an extraction team arrived.
Evarice realized she neglected her very soul in order to train her body. While she loved archery and the divine arts, her love of music could not be ignored any longer.
She wonders if someday someone will understand her quandry, or if she'll drop dead on a battlefield, a victim of a well-aimed crossbow bolt.
At least she has a sweet tank top around her neck.
Core Monk 7 | AC (24/25v Evil)/19/(23)17 | HP 59/59 | Ki pool 6/6 | 50’ Movement | F+9, R+9, W+9 | +2 vs. Enchantment spells and effects)(immune to all diseases) | Init+2 |Perception + 13| Evasion |
Pau charges the younger Apsis member, trying to deliver a tremendous roundhouse kick to the face.
With several out of the fight, tending to the wounded, the bald and hooded warriors draw longswords, step over their dropped crossbows, and converge on Pau. The hooded Aspis hits, scoring a gash across Pau's chest.
I'm typing with thumbs on the freeway (passenger), so can't update the map right now... IIRC, both are a move away from Pau, and can get there without AoO from Gailen...will fix map when I get home tonight.
Female human Paladin of Shelyn 1 | hp 20/20 | AC 16, T 11, FF 15 | F/R/W +6/+3/+4 (+2 vs. charm, compulsion, fear) | Smite 1/1 | Lay on hands 3/3 | Perception -1, Diplom +7, Sense Motive +4
I realise this may have been lost in the concern over Evarice, but didn't Gailen take out one of the Aspis last round? 18 to hit for 16 damage should have left a dent (hopefully).
18 doesn't hit. :( When I say well-armored, I mean it. I ran it as a miss, above, I thought.
.. Okay... correction ... They used their heavy crossbows first round, which negated their shield bonuses, so 18 *does* hit. My mistake.
Gailen swings and misses, for realsies m this time.
The hooded Aspis invader (retroactively) falls over, quite dead.
Quick retcon .. means the bald one scored the hit on Pau, and the second roll was never made.
Prisim continues administering the potion.
But gets a move action, if she has something else she wishes to draw. Evarice heals 2 hp
Wyatt takes advantage of his angle, and sends an arrow through the shoulder of the bald agent. He is badly hurt.
By this time, the remaining Aspis agents have their shields up and longswords out. (No longsword yet on the older one, as he's fumbling with keys.) The lead agent tries a key in the lock, but it doesn't fit properly.
keys:1d2 ⇒ 2
The younger agent decides on a strategic withdrawal, but stands ready to attack should someone approach.
—COMBAT—
Evarice (unconscious, stable; -22+2 == -7/13)
Pau (-6)
*Aspis (bald: severely wounded)
Wyatt
Apollyanna
Gailen
Prisim (still has a move action, if she wishes)
* Aspis (A: young & old)
Pau is up.
Core Monk 7 | AC (24/25v Evil)/19/(23)17 | HP 59/59 | Ki pool 6/6 | 50’ Movement | F+9, R+9, W+9 | +2 vs. Enchantment spells and effects)(immune to all diseases) | Init+2 |Perception + 13| Evasion |
Pau takes a 5' step southwest, hoping to set up a flank sooner rather than later. Seeing the problem the team had hitting the agents, he only swings with one powerful blow.
Pau's decision to focus on accuracy at the expense of damage turns out to be a good one. His precision blow drops the agent, permanently.
—COMBAT—
Wyatt
Apollyanna
Gailen
Prisim (still has a move action, if she wishes)
* Aspis (A: young & old)
Evarice (unconscious, stable; -22+2 == -7/13)
Pau (-6)
Those in bold may act.
@Evarice:
Evarice's life is flashing before her eyes. She recalls her first real encounter with bow, and then with music. She recalls the rage and loss she felt at the betrayal of a family member, and the peace of Shelyn.
She sees, or thinks she sees, the outline of a beautiful woman, with a dress of roses and slippers of chrysanthemums. The woman touches Evarice's nose, and whispers something she can't quite understand, although she knows it's important.
Fragments of ephemeral music play in the background, a soft wooden flute that would bring one to tears with its beauty, if only one could hear the whole thing. She longs to be there and embrace the music.
A voice whispers "Not yet, child. There is more still for you to do."
Female human Paladin of Shelyn 1 | hp 20/20 | AC 16, T 11, FF 15 | F/R/W +6/+3/+4 (+2 vs. charm, compulsion, fear) | Smite 1/1 | Lay on hands 3/3 | Perception -1, Diplom +7, Sense Motive +4
Seeing how often she's missing, Gailen will stop Power Attacking to get a bit of accuracy back.
Wyatt misses, Apollyanna charges, and Evarice sleeps the blissful slumber of the dying. Gailen moves up and swings her glaive. Moved Gailen on the map; I hope the spot is okay.
The elder Aspis agent tries another key in the lock and is able to get the door open. He tries not to look at his younger companion lying unconscious on the floor.
—COMBAT—
Evarice (unconscious, stable; -22+2 == -7/13)
Pau (-6)
Wyatt
Apollyanna
Gailen
Prisim
* Aspis (A: young:unconscious 1/? & old)
Those in bold may act.
Female human Paladin of Shelyn 1 | hp 20/20 | AC 16, T 11, FF 15 | F/R/W +6/+3/+4 (+2 vs. charm, compulsion, fear) | Smite 1/1 | Lay on hands 3/3 | Perception -1, Diplom +7, Sense Motive +4
"THAT'S IT! YOU'RE DONE!"
Gailen activates Smite Evil on the old man, then five-foot steps forward and swings her glaive at him, hoping he can't get away through the door.
Human Female Paladin of Shelyn 5 | hp 47/48 | AC 21 T 11 FF 20 | CMD 19 | F +10 R +6 W +8 | Spd 30' | Init +1 | Diplo +10, HAnim +10, KnNob +5, KnPla +6, KnRel +5, Perc -2, Ride +6, SensM -2 | smite 1/2 | lay hands 3/6 | wand clw 24/50 |
Somewhere Shelyn's evil brother Zoth-Kuthon is telepathically saying: Good, good. Give into your anger. Let the hatred flow through you....
Assuming the old fellow is now down now as well.
"...Gailen! Gailen it's okay, everyone's okay. I think you got him." Apollyanna says slightly horrified at her fellow paladin's actions--in particular how quick she was to attack, crying 'bastards!' even before they had 'killed Kenny.' "Let's step away from the bleeding man shall we? Please."
It is useless to resist. Strike her down and take your place at my side... MUWAHAHAHAHAHA!
Core Monk 7 | AC (24/25v Evil)/19/(23)17 | HP 59/59 | Ki pool 6/6 | 50’ Movement | F+9, R+9, W+9 | +2 vs. Enchantment spells and effects)(immune to all diseases) | Init+2 |Perception + 13| Evasion |
By my count a 30' move would get Pau just to the other side of Gailen and allow me to attack this round.
Pau slides across the field of battle, daigonally moving here and there, until he gets in range of the Apsis thug,,and he punches away.
Pau introduces the older gentleman to his foot (quite forcefully, in fact), then Apollyanna introduces the fellow to the floor.
"Have a nice trip during your fall!"
Prisim whispers the detect magic cantrip, and notices each of the fallen mercenaries has a potion or two that radiates some magic.
Sorry if I wasn't clear: The "older" Aspis mercenary is alive (badly injured), but prone.
With a couple of glaives pointed at his heart (and other vital bits), the Aspis mercenary raises his hands in surrender.
Out of combat, although you still have to deal with the surrendered Aspis and the soon-to-regain-consciousness one.
As she continues concentrating, Evarice discovers each of the soldiers had gear that may be useful:
* potion of cure light wounds
* holy water
* alchemist's fire
* oil (2 each)
* tinder twigs
* cold iron dagger
Each of the soldiers had the above kit, so four of each of those.
Wyatt remembers why you're here, and searches for Aram Zey's notes on shutting down the tapestry. He finds them in a bookshelf on the southern wall, inconspicuously stashed between a treatise on the mathematics of flower petals and a book on formal dining etiquette in Irrisen.
