[PFS] #7–06—To Judge a Soul, Part 1: The Lost Legacy (Inactive)

Game Master Psyblade

"If you refer to Malikeen, then yes. We have been sent by a distant relation of hers for that purpose."

The moment Kun Ling mentions Malikeen Yuzana seems to glow and gives each pathfinder a deep bow. "These are angels, sent to help us!" Some of the villagers become now more friendly as they seem to be more at ease. "We will take you to the cradle, it's at the dam" And with that the villagers guide the players around the village indicating some areas.

While guiding you to the area where the cradle is you notice an earthen dam nearly 80 feet wide interrupts a river in its decline from the Zi Ha Mountains. A reservoir forms to the west. To the east, cliffs overlook the dam’s shallow runoff, which feeds a field of rice paddies before curving south. A clay dome, topped with a 20-foot spire, crowns the dam’s platform. Roads lead north into the mountains and south into the village of Dallo.

When approaching a little hut (Stupa) This tranquil temple features a humble altar bearing a clay statue of a child surrounded by candles, offerings, and relics. Faded murals cover the walls and ceiling. Although this temple is dedicated to Malikeen—a mortal samsaran—the tireless devotion of the locals has infused it with a holy aura. Any good-aligned creatures standing beside or within the stupa feel a sense of serenity.

During the trip to the dam Yuzana and Arkar are argueing over the arrival of the pathfinders, they seem to think tyhe group will be able to help defend against some sort of attack and during the trip several times Yuzana asks and nearly begs the pathfinders to help them in the defense against the Talons of Envy

Know Engineering: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Know Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

The bard listens to the villagers

Could you tell us what these "Talons of Envy" are?

Lukaas turns to his comrades

Do you feel that kind of inner peace too? I suspect the place acts as a holy site, protecting us from the influence of evil beings, and it's especially useful against creatures from outer planes, weakening their resistance to mundane weapons.

Xavilon coughs lightly and continues what Lukaas said. "Indeed. Do you have more informations about when and how they will attack? But of course, I'll use my weapons to defend the village." he says bowing deeply and revealing slightly his katana and wakizashi.

Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

"We can lend our assistance. We will need some supplies to prepare though." The Tien man looks over the rice fields. "First, we will need rice wine. As much as you can gather..."

"Hmm, yes," Erlathan says as he inspects his body for signs of what's making him feel suddenly serene. "I feel light as air. Strange, really. As my masked friend here asks, what sort of attack are you speaking of, miss? And the Talons of Envy -- are they some sort of magical artifact? 'Cause if so, you can count me in!" The elf begins to bounce on his toes in excitement.

With the questions being asked Yuzana answers them "The creatures are dark, always, hard to see. Hornas and Talons, not from this world... As for where they come from, The north road at midnight, from the mountains. Cross the dam, then village. They make you slow, then they make you still, then they take your parts. You feel their talons but you cannot scream." She waited to see if there were more questions, if not then she would let the pathfinders consider their course of action, setup defenses etc.

Is there a knowledge we can make to identify these creatures with these informations or is it too few? Knowledge (planes), perhaps?

Is there a knowledge we can make to identify these creatures with these informations or is it too few? Knowledge (planes), perhaps?

At this moment, to little info, you can roll in advance for when combat happens and I will update it then

Well, this took a sudden turn. Can you tell us anything about the area where they're going to be approaching from? Is there anything we can use for the setting up of defenses that you referred to? Logs to block the road? Roofs from which to get a better vantage point?

Well, this took a sudden turn. Can you tell us anything about the area where they're going to be approaching from? Is there anything we can use for the setting up of defenses that you referred to? Logs to block the road? Roofs from which to get a better vantage point?

sorry, didn't want to give ytou the feeling I was rushing you, more that the info they have is limited unless you have more questions...

as for where they are coming from, it's North (marked on the map with my awesome paint skills) If you want to defend from the village, let me know else it will be the dam where you will be defending

Know religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Know Planes: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Know Dungeonnering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Know Arcana: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Lukaas was trying to figure what kind of creature it could be

How long do we have until midnight?

"I believe we should light a candle and pay our respects and meditate as part of our preparations for midnight. The rice wine will be here before my meditations are concluded?" Kun Ling examines the surroundings. "I believe this dam will be a suitable location to plan our strategy around. Search the area to see what other assets we have to our advantage. If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected."

"Very well, we'll defend from the dam. Perhaps we can throw them into the reservoir if things get dicey," Erlathan suggests, then takes a look at the dam for anything odd.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

.. But his giant ears suddenly flap over his eyes and he can't seem to get a good look.

How far down is it from the top of the dam to the bottom?

"Why do these things come? Do they take your rice, your women or your souls?"

The western wall of the dam drops 10 feet into deep water, while the eastern side drops 40 feet into 8 feet of water.

You have a few hours to get comfortable, sort things out before midnight, so if any want to do special prep, let me know and then I will move forward to midnight

will let you know the outcome of the knowledge check @ midnight Lukaas

Upon the question of Asuran the people point to the dam before speaking up “Talons of envy. Heartsong gave us dam, make our fields grow, make us strong. They envy our fortune. They test our faith.” Also they point to some of the wounds on their village members "They also seem to take parts of our body..."

Jobin regarded the party and nodded as he prepared for the night. "Pharasma will guide us tonight and ensure that none of these villagers will be sent to there before time is up"

1) If we can do the candle ritual before midnight, I'd like to do that. (That's what the meditation excuse is.)
2) If I actually can get them to bring rice wine, I plan to drink a bunch of it to gain 1 drunken ki point.

Yeah, I'm also for doing the meditation/candle thing before midnight if we have enough time.

In todays news... I totally focused on the combat./... totally forgot the candle... will post about it when I am at work in a few hrs! sorry guys!

When the pathfinders explore the little hut (stupa) the following is to be found:
First, a tattered scroll

When the pathfinders hold the candle next to the flame it doesn't turn blue, however it does exhibit a halo, upon investigating it the pathfinders learn there is a ley line running through this location here.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Kn Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

"Ah, I recognize this writing. These are proverbs of Malikeen. Malikeen Heartsong, but they're written in Minkaian. She appeared mysteriously near the village of Dallo, paralyzed from the neck down. She ascribed this condition to 'the evisceration of the life before'. " Erlathan thinks back to the timeline Bakten had shown them. "Apparently, at some point during the missing span of time, Bakten's incarnation was paralyzed in some way. Or it could be symbolic. Look here," the elf says, tracing his finger along the figures. "These represent Bakten's former incarnations. The one between Malash and Malikeen has a female body, shrouded in black hair and with red, piercing eyes. Kinda creepy if you ask me!" He jokes.

When Erlathan sees the halo, his eyes perk up. "Oh, I know exactly what this does! No demon bats are gonna fly in here, and if they do, we're going to destroy 'em, cause this aura weakens their resistance! And who knows what else. I quite like this hut, pretty cozy, sans the creepy statuettes."

"The hut seems to be an excellent place to retreat to. I suggest that while the enemy ascends the stairs may be a good spot for our first line."

As the time passes and the party has setup a good spot to defend it becomes clear that the creatures are incomming.

From the mountains a seemingly monkey like creature is flying down the trail and then up the dam, it seems surprised to see the pathfinders there but adjusts as he casts Slow on Asuran and Xavilon.

COMBAT TRACKER - Round 1 - Bold can act.

1st - Lesser Ceustodaemons
2nd - Erlathan, Asuran, Lukaas, Xavilon (slow), Jobin, Kun Ling
3rd - Lesser Ceustodaemons

PENDING
Asuran - Will save (DC 15)

Will Save (Xavilon): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Nope. I don't know what these are.

Lukaas turns to his companions, with a strange smile

Just checking: you ALL see these flying monkeys too? I'm not that drunk.. I hope.

The young bard starts to sing, and shoots his crossbow

Crossbow, Inspire: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 1 = 18
dmg, silver bolt: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Inspire +1 to hit /dmg for all, use silver bolts (14/15 remaining)

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"We must know our enemy if we are to defeat them. Unfortunately, I've never seen such a beast. I will try to delay it while you organize the defense." With this, Kun Ling makes his way to the edge of the stairs, takes a deep breath, and then lunges with a blow, striking at the creatures chest hoping it has a heart or lungs that he can disrupt.

Stunning Fist,Inspire: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 = 24 for 1d6 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) - 2 + 1 = 3. (DC 16 fort save vs stun if it was hit and damaged)

Kn. Planes: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Any DR, special attacks, disease?

Lukaas, do you have a feat of some sort to shoot and do the singing? iirc singing is standard action (becomes move at lvl 7)

Lukaas his bolt soars past the creature and misses him. At the same time Kun Ling his attack connects with the creature but it doesn't seem to do any damage, but the after effects seemed to have some sort of effect on him.

COMBAT TRACKER - Round 1 - Bold can act.

1st - Lesser Ceustodaemons (Stunned)
2nd - Erlathan, Asuran, Lukaas, Xavilon (slow), Jobin, Kun Ling
3rd - Lesser Ceustodaemons

PENDING
Asuran - Will save (DC 15)

EFFECTS
Inspire Courage +1 to hit/damage

Botting Xavilon

Will save (DC 15): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Xavilon sees the attack but feels to shrug off the effects of the slow spell as he moves into combat with the creature and being unable to make an attack

Botting Jobin

Jobin moves forward, waiting to see if his companions are going to finish the creature off.

Asuran jerks as a chill runs up his spine...

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

And is unable to resist the powerful magic.

With a roar, Asuran draws his scythe. "Yyyyouuu said stuuuuupaaaa weeeeeakeeeens moooonsterrrs. Faaaaaalll bacccckk." he slurs. He didn't think that they could effectively fight at a chokepoint where only two could effective engage the creature.

Then, with a roar, he taps into his primal rage. A neck frill opens around his neck and wisps of bluish grey energy swirl around the nagaji.

Current status: Rage: +2 to melee atks, melee damage, +2 to will saves, -2 AC.
Inspire Courage: +1 to hit, +1 to damage
Slow: -1 to hit, -1 to damage, staggered, 1/2 speed, -1 reflex, -1 AC.

AC: 16.

"Yes, as my sleepy lizardfriend says, fall back! It's going to breathe a cone of ice!" Erlathan points to a spot underneath the daemon and conjures up a pile of grease, then runs into the stupa.

Grease in the indicated area with a DC boost, Reflex DC 16 or fall prone

Both the Ceustodaemons are flying as the grease is being ignored. The green Ceustodaemons ends up next to his friend and all of a sudden a cone of cold comes out of the deamon. Followed by the same attack from his friend.

Breath attack (green): 6d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 2, 4, 1, 1) = 16 30ft cone, reflex (DC 15) for half, reflex save for Kun Ling, Asuran and Xavilon
1d4 ⇒ 2
Breath attack (red): 6d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 1, 6, 5, 5) = 22 30ft cone, reflex (DC 15) for half, reflex save for Kun Ling, Asuran and Xavilon
1d4 ⇒ 2

Reflex Xavilon: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Reflex Xavilon: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Botting Xavilon
Seeing the fight and hearing Erlathan the masked elf goes for a full retreat

Botting Jobin
Seeing the massive damage coming from the 2 creatures he moves back and then channels

Channel: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 3) = 8

COMBAT TRACKER - Round 2 - Bold can act.

1st - Lesser Ceustodaemons
2nd - Erlathan, Asuran, Lukaas, Xavilon (-17), Jobin, Kun Ling
3rd - Lesser Ceustodaemons

PENDING
Asuran, reflex save DC 15
Kun Ling, reflex save DC 15

EFFECTS
Inspire Courage +1 to hit/damage

reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 = 16 damage
reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 = 11 damage

Kun Ling partially dodges the breath of one of the daemons, but takes the full brunt of the second. Falling at the creatures feet.

-6 HP. Good luck everyone.

stabilize dc10: 1d20 + 1 - 6 ⇒ (15) + 1 - 6 = 10 = Stable

Reflex vs Green: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 2 - 1 = 13
Reflex vs Green: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 - 1 = 4

forgot to mention in my current status that Rage also gives me 6 temporary hitpoints. so even if I fail both, I should be just up.

After the blasts of cold, the Nagaji stumbles back to the Stupa as quickly as his slowed body can.

to keep the game flowing, letting Lukaas delay for now.

Seeing all of the opponents pull back the green creature moves forward towards Asuran and gets in range with him for an attack. However, when he gets close to him the monster screams in rage and then seemingly teleports away.

The red one, not sure what is going on moves towards Lukaas and gets in range to have the same happening to him. Screaming and then teleporting away.

If Asuran can, 3 AoO, 2 on the green one, and 1 on the red one. (Both cast Dim Door when they get in range of the 2 pathfinders up front and then teleport to the ramp of the dam). Lukaas get's 2 AoO's (1 on each) if he can

COMBAT TRACKER - Round 3 - Bold can act.

1st - Lesser Ceustodaemons
2nd - Erlathan, Asuran, Lukaas, Xavilon (readies attack for when the creatures return), Jobin, Kun Ling
3rd - Lesser Ceustodaemons

PENDING
Asuran - 3 AoO's (if you can make that many)
Lukaas - 2 AoO's (if you can make that many)

EFFECTS
Inspire Courage +1 to hit/damage

Kun Ling is already stable, so no actions to do from me.

Lukaas continues to sing and strikes with his rapier

Rapier, Inspire, AoO1: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7
Dmg, Inspire: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Rapier, Inspire; AoO2: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 + 1 = 17
Dmg, Inspire: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

The raging barbarian takes a swing at the disappearing gorilla thing.

AoO Scythe+Rage+Inspire+Slow: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 24
AoO Damage+Rage+Inspire+slow: 2d4 + 4 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 14
Green. I only get one AoO. Though if I'm reading this correctly, I can also have my spirit slam go off on him as well

Spirit Slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
damage, Negative Energy: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Then, for lack of an opponent, Asuran looks for theese foul beasts to reappear.

ready an attack if one reappears near the stupa.

If he allows him to, Erlathan casts Enlarge Person on Asuran. If he doesn't, Erlathan pulls out a scroll of mage armor and reads it off, watching the words burn off the page.

Jobin raises his arms up and sheds an aura of positive energy, then moves further out.
Channel energy: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6

The slow has worn off Asuran, was only for 1 round. Also, the Enlarge will work without a problem

Asuran his attack of opportunity connects with the foul beast as blood is drawn from it. His spirit slam misses unfortunately and Lukaas his attacks go wild as well.

The Custodeamon that appeared first seemed to be panting heavily as he dashes back into the fray with Asuran causing the Nagaij for an AoO and his readied attack to go off.

COMBAT TRACKER - Round 4 - Bold can act.

1st - Lesser Ceustodaemons (twiddles fingers for the time being)
2nd - Erlathan, Asuran, Lukaas, Xavilon (readies attack), Jobin, Kun Ling
3rd - Lesser Ceustodaemons (-14hp)

PENDING
Asuran - 1 AoO and 1 Readied attack

EFFECTS
Inspire Courage +1 to hit/damage
Enlarge Person - Asuran

Feeling like one of the massive Kaiju of his native Valashmai, Asuran begins to reap with his scyth.

AoOattack+enlarge str+rage+inspire courage-large penalty: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 29
scythe+1 1/2 str+rage+inspire courage: 2d6 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2, 5) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 16

readiedattack+enlarge str+rage+inspire courage-large penalty: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 14
scythe+1 1/2 str+rage+inspire courage: 2d6 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5, 2) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 16

Round 4 power attackattack+enlarge str+rage+inspire courage-large penalty-power attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 1 - 2 = 24
scythe+1 1/2 str+rage+inspire courage+power attack: 2d6 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (2, 5) + 6 + 2 + 1 + 6 = 22

spirit slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Did you already roll anything for Xavilon's readied attack?

nothing rolled yet for your readied attack

Asuran in his large form swings the scythe and the crunching sound of bones can be heard as it connects with the creature for the first time, when he swings again the scythe seems to hum for a brief moment as it takes a good chunk of the creature who then falls over, quivering slowly as labored intakes of air can be heard from the dying creature.

Xavilon readies himself in case one demon comes to reach!

+1 Katana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 Threat!
CONFIRM?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 I doubt it hits.
for Slashing: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
and ADD DMG?: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

So the red one is down?

Having no desire to have his frail body frozen by a cone of cold, Erlathan stays put in his stupa safehaven. I'll delay. If Xav or Lukas also wants to be enlarged, go ahead and take a cast.

Jobin channels energy once again.
Channel: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7

Enlarged katana? With great pleasure :D

Red is dead, also will take it Xavilon is going to be enlarged before the next round

Nah, it's a one round casting spell. Next action, I'll be enlarged.

Putting lukaas on delay for now to continue

With the red creature down a howl sounded from the beginning of the dam as the other one came flying in, allowing Asuran an Attack of Opportunity and Xavilon who was ready and waiting for the creature slashing into him.

COMBAT TRACKER - Round 5 - Bold can act.

1st - Lesser Ceustodaemons
2nd - Erlathan, Asuran, Lukaas, Xavilon, Jobin, Kun Ling
3rd - Lesser Ceustodaemons (-14hp)

PENDING
Asuran - 1 AoO

EFFECTS
Inspire Courage +1 to hit/damage
Enlarge Person - Asuran
Enlarge Person - Xavilon

Enlarged, Xavilon waits another time for the demon to come at reach. green is still flying, right?

+1 Enlarged Katana, IC: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 14
for Slashing, IC: 2d6 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 14

Is Kun Ling still out of fight?