He-Who-Peels-Flesh attempts to wrap a tentacle around Miklos, but fails. The Brevish fighter is able to get back up within the ritual circle and attacks, inflicting a wound upon the mystic.
The hound archon however is not as lucky. The creature is able to snatch it up before it can make it's attacks with it's greatsword. Bones crunch sickeningly as it is snatched off the ground and pulled in over the writhing mass of worms.
Naghamadi identifies the creature as being some sort of advanced Shoggi Qlippoth. It's main ability is inspiring creatures to perform ever-increasing reckless acts every time it hits a target. It can opt to make a touch attack with one it's tentacles, dealing Wisdom damage
Meanwhile, the Hellknights are engaged in a vicious hand-to-hand combat. Their experience with the orcs pays off, as they are able to kill the visibly scarred ones before they launch themselves at the massed ranks of the Order of the Gate.
The Qlippoth releases the hound archon into the worms.
Fort save from the hound archon should it begin it's turn in the worms. I'm not going to bother with the damage, since it cannot overcome DR/Evil. But it probably needs to give me a Will save against the Qlippoth's horrific appearence (DC 16).
Fully emerging from the worms, the creature emits a low wheezing gurgle. "Tell the worms of chaos their realm is next."
Peels McGee is now fully emerged from the worm pool.
Tentacles slam the ground surrounding Naghamadi, without being able to hit the eidolon. One errant tentacle doe make contact, but the protean's natural armor soaks up the blow. A pseudo-scream of impotent rage echoes throughout the battlefield.
|AC 23*, T 12, FF 22*|HP: 71/77|F +9*, R +9*, W +10* (+8 vs MA, +4 vs fear, +2 vs despr/confus/insane/death)|Init +1, Perc 0|CMB +9 CMD 20|10/11 Summon VI, 1/2 Call, 1/1 Pride, 1/1 Mysteries, 1/1 Davian, #X
Why did you replace my Anubis? :/
Also, remember that the Archon generates a constant magic circle against Evil - would you say Horrific Appearance counts as a form of mind control for this purpose?
archon Will save:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 archon Fortitude save:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24+2 if the worm pit counts as Evil.
"You shall not be rid of me so easily!" The Archon barks.
My bad on the Anubis. And I would agree, except it's a moot point as you have blown the DC out of the water, same with the Fort save. The pit isn't difficult at all to get out of. It's just difficult terrain for anyone who isn't Mr Shoggi. The sides are difficult terrain as well.
|AC 23*, T 12, FF 22*|HP: 71/77|F +9*, R +9*, W +10* (+8 vs MA, +4 vs fear, +2 vs despr/confus/insane/death)|Init +1, Perc 0|CMB +9 CMD 20|10/11 Summon VI, 1/2 Call, 1/1 Pride, 1/1 Mysteries, 1/1 Davian, #X
GM Upaynao wrote:
My bad on the Anubis. And I would agree, except it's a moot point as you have blown the DC out of the water, same with the Fort save. The pit isn't difficult at all to get out of. It's just difficult terrain for anyone who isn't Mr Shoggi. The sides are difficult terrain as well.
Given that the Archon's magic circle benefits everyone around him, it would still be worth knowing whether you'd consider the worm pit to be Evil for purposes of resisting it.
After thinking about it for a while, I'm going to say no on the pit.
The bearded mystic roars in pain as Kintampo's attack electrocutes him, breaks his jaw and burns off half his beard. With a snarl, he steps back and casts a spell.
Miklos, I'm going to assume you step up. If you don't assume the spell goes off.
Female CG Human (Chelaxian) Fighter 13 | HP 161/161 | AC 28, T 17, F 25 | CMB +18 (+26 with heavy blades), CMD 35 (38 vs disarm, sunder) | F +21, R +13, W +19 (+2 vs death effects, +3 vs fear) | Init +10 | Perc +20, SM +3 | Speed 30ft | Active conditions: none
Round #3: AC 26
Eadie *winks* at the ranger and fly-rushes 60’ at ground level over the worm pit, touching down next to Beardo the Weirdo. (single hasted movement does not provoke)
She tosses off her great helm (fluff) and bellows "I AM EADIE NAVHELAN! SIGNIFIER ABRAXIA, ORDAINED PRIESTESS OF OUR MASTER FROM AKTUN! WITNESS ME!!!"
The bearded mystic's skull is split in two by Eadie's blow, leaving Miklos and Insidion free to go after the remaining mystic. Insidion's magical projectiles soften him up. Looking at his options, he chuckles softly. Retreat is impossible. Spellcasting will kill him.
Might as well take the pinkskins into the abyss with him.
"WITNESSS ME MASTER" he exclaims as he manages to pull aside his armor just enough for Miklos to see the runes glow crimson, and then explode.
Explosive Runes! Kintampo, Reflex DC 14 for half!:6d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 5, 6, 6, 6) = 26
As the mystic's legs topple into the screaming mass of worms, an awe-inspiring roar echoes throughout the pit. "DESECRATORS! I WILL WEAVE MY BANNER FROM YOUR FLAYED HIDES!" spits out the Qlippoth, as the ritual to summon his ilk from the Abyss has been disrupted. The Hellknights, taking advantage of the ensuing chaos, push the orcs back further!
HP 57/57 | Ac 20 T 14 FF 17 (excl+4 shield spell) | I+3 | F+8 R+6 W+6| P+11 | Arcane Pool 5/5 | Reroll 1/1
Reflex:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Kintampo's eyes are drawn to the glowing runes, fascinated he traces them in the air with one finger before suddenly averting his eyes when he realizes what is coming.
Unfortunately, the archon's blade does not seem to be able to penetrate the creature's tough hide, and when it does, the scrape it leaves is trivial. Naghamadi's blows are easily deflected by the orc champion as well.
The orc champion makes to move towards the Pathfinder trio but halts and waits for his master's tentacle to rest lightly on his shoulder. And with a pop of rushing air, they disappear... To reappear next to Lucija.
I double checked but it doesn't seem like Lucija is invisible. If I am mistaken, holler and I'll adjust.
Dodging a blow from a tentacle, Kintampo slams the butt of his quarterstaff into the creature. However, the blow does not seem to have as much of an effect as one might have hoped for.
Miklos rushes towards the shifting focus of the action, skipping across the worm pit.
Single move, provoking from the orc (AC 32). I'm assuming the acrobatics check to clear the 5 foot gap can be hand waved, since my bonus is currently +30.
Once in position, he gives the orc a precise strike.
I forgot you are a machine against EO. I'll post something more formal later, but as an FYI to the rest of you, you might want to just focus on Mr Orc Champion here.
Female CG Human (Chelaxian) Fighter 13 | HP 161/161 | AC 28, T 17, F 25 | CMB +18 (+26 with heavy blades), CMD 35 (38 vs disarm, sunder) | F +21, R +13, W +19 (+2 vs death effects, +3 vs fear) | Init +10 | Perc +20, SM +3 | Speed 30ft | Active conditions: none
Round #4: AC 24
Eadie soar-charges the nap of the Golarion to within 10’ of the tough orc and lunges.
The warrior shakes out her braid, so that her sweaty hair falls to her shoulders. "I AM EADIE, NATURAL DAUGHTER OF ADELWÜLFA. MOTHER PALADIN OF THE FIRST VAULT! DO NOT WITNESS ME!!!"
The arrows thud into He-Who-Peel-Flesh's body and the creature begins to convulse. Suddenly it's rubbery skin peels upward, disappearing into nothingness as it reaches the top of it's head. It's white flesh veined with purple soon follows, and in moments, there is nothing left of the creature but a scattering of dust that falls to the ground.
Snarling, the champion steps around the azata to give Kintampo a piece of his mind. Or axe.
"You missed me.." Kintampo taunts while he punches the orc in the face with his quarterstaff. He tries to repeat the action, but his second attack fails dramatically.
Tiefling Barbarian 1 / Sorcerer 4 / Dragon Disciple 4 | HP 87/87 | AC 20 [24 shield]; Tch 12 ; FF 18 | F +10; R +6; W +7 | CMB+14; CMD 25 | Speed 40 ft | Init +6 | Bite: +14 (1d6+13/19-20) | Perc +11
Once the orc champion is nearby, Insidion's eyes roll back in his head, and he lunges forward to attack, arcane energy spilling from his maw and claws as he tears at the orc with tooth and claw.
Female CG Human (Chelaxian) Fighter 13 | HP 161/161 | AC 28, T 17, F 25 | CMB +18 (+26 with heavy blades), CMD 35 (38 vs disarm, sunder) | F +21, R +13, W +19 (+2 vs death effects, +3 vs fear) | Init +10 | Perc +20, SM +3 | Speed 30ft | Active conditions: none
Round #5: AC 24
Eadie enjoys a dogpile as much as the next bloodthirsty berserker.
Ripping the buckle from the side of her cuirass, her breastplate flops to the side, revealing her hauberk beneath. (fluff)
She then takes a 5’ step and lunges with her falchion between Lucija’s bralani and Kintampo.
"I AM EADIE, TRUE DAUGHTER OF ALIXANDRAH! PIOUS PETITIONER OF THE JUDGE OF THE GODS, WITNESS ME!!!"
You technically still had a turn Insidion (forgot to mark that down) but it doesn't really matter.
Kintampo's blow shatters the orc champion's kneecap. Yowling in pain, the orc falls down to one knee. A mistake. Insidion dives for the orc's unprotected neck and clamps down. There is an audible snap, and the light leaves the orc's body. The champion has fallen. Eadie, disregarding such obvious trickery, proceeds to make sure he is dead by severing his neck, arms and legs off.
"The orcs are falling back! THE ORCS ARE FALLING BACK! HELLKNIGHTS! REGROU..." shouts Signifier Karva as a rumble shakes the ground you all stand on. The ritual has been stopped. But, as Insidion and Lucija quickly realize, a lot of energy has been accumulated here. A tremendous amount. And now that it cannot be released to open a path to the Abyss... "Uh-oh", comments Signifier Rulla, her voice easy to pick out even under the mask. And then all hell breaks loose. The ground shakes uncontrollably, collapsing the caverns the orcs retreated to, burying many beneath the rubble. The worms in the pit are crushed mercilessly by rocks coming together, as if nature took the opportunity to reassert itself and wipe the slate of anything tainted by the Abyss.
By the time it is over, Pathfinders and Hellknights alike are forced to pick themselves up. The damage to the area is staggering, and it does not seem confined to the pit. The entire region might be affected.
Female CG Human (Chelaxian) Fighter 13 | HP 161/161 | AC 28, T 17, F 25 | CMB +18 (+26 with heavy blades), CMD 35 (38 vs disarm, sunder) | F +21, R +13, W +19 (+2 vs death effects, +3 vs fear) | Init +10 | Perc +20, SM +3 | Speed 30ft | Active conditions: none
Eadie pushes herself up from the ground on all fours, before rising gingerly to her feet.
Signifier Karva wrote:
“Sound off! Agent Lebeda? Agent Nalhaven?”
At the Hellknight Officer’s cry, Eadie begins searching desperately through the debris. "Signifier Karva, I can’t see him!"
"Did you hear me? OMG Abadar! He’s gone! AGENT NALHAVEN IS GONE! GONE I TELL YOU! GONE! WE'LL NEVER SEE HIM AGAIN!!”
“And he was so young. So desperately young! Lady Heidmarch told me what a bright future Agent Nalhaven had. He was like a brother to me ... Whatever am I going to do??”
The Pathfinders and Hellknights, seemingly mostly unscathed by the aftermath rise and begin healing the wounded before marching out.
It takes over half a day to get to the base of the Temple of the Sky, a naturally carved structure nestled at the top of a rocky mountaintop some four hundred feet or so above where you now stand. once there, Signifier Karva gathers her Hellknights and swiftly begins to order them around. "We will make camp here, as I suspect we are all tired, if not exhausted by our efforts. Myself and a group of Hellknights will guard the approach from any intruders. Your temple is still standing, thus we can only hope for the best. Hellknight Stromsel, Signifier Rulla, you will accompany the Pathfinders. Should you find any tattooed orcs, terminate them."
The journey upward is mercifully short, but the effects of hours without proper sleep is taking it's toll on all of you. The path becomes a passageway within the mountain, separated from the outside by a few inches of granite. As you arrive to the temple proper, the stone changes to white. Dark clouds kiss the edge of the platform, with one side hanging over a deep ravine you went around earlier to get to the mountain's base. Chill winds blow fiercely, seeming at times to carry angry whispers. The spirits of this temple are angry. And with good reason. Twenty or so pillars lie toppled and broken. Many orcs lie crushed or burnt by electrical energy.Only the altar seems to have emerged intact.
The orcs have taken their toll.
"Pathfinders?" almost shouts Hellknight Bee over the furiously blowing wind. "I don't think whatever is left up here is very happy with people in general. I think we should go down!". You cannot help but agree, deep down inside. There is nothing left here for the Society at the moment. Upon returning back down, Signifier Karva is informed by her Hellknights. And she does not seem very pleased by the news. "I will mention the depth of your loss in my report Pathfinders. As Your Chaos-binder Lucija said. We are in your debt."
***A week later***
Back in Magnimar, you find yourselves being debriefed by Zarta Dralneen and Venture Captain Sheila Heidmarch. "A shame about that Temple. Who knows what power is would have provided us with" muses the Society's archivist as she plays footsies with Insidion. However..." she trails off, lookign at Lady Heidmarch to take on over. The venture-captain nods in silent agreement. "Yes, this was an excellent long-term play. Perhaps we will all benefit from this. In the meantime, your destruction of the so-named "He-Who-Peels-Flesh" certainly has put a positive spin on the Society's sometimes... undeserved reputation."
Female CG Human (Chelaxian) Fighter 13 | HP 161/161 | AC 28, T 17, F 25 | CMB +18 (+26 with heavy blades), CMD 35 (38 vs disarm, sunder) | F +21, R +13, W +19 (+2 vs death effects, +3 vs fear) | Init +10 | Perc +20, SM +3 | Speed 30ft | Active conditions: none
Signifier Karva wrote:
“Should you find any tattooed orcs, terminate them.”
Eadie gives the Hellknight Leader a very odd salute.
Her right arms juts out horizontally from head level with her fingers spread. Her voice is harsh, almost synthesized, like that of a Numerian construct.
“I OBEY. EXTERMINATE!”
A week later.
Zarta Dralneen wrote:
She plays footsies with Insidion.
“Um, Insidion. Are you warming up to play soccer with the Paracountess? Can the rest of us play too?”
Lady Heidmarch wrote:
“Your destruction of ‘He-Who-Peels-Flesh’ has put a positive spin on the Society's sometimes... undeserved reputation.”
Eadie turns from her observation of the under-the-table activities to smile back at Varisia's Venture-Captain. “Yep. I just don’t get how come we have as bad a reputation as we do.”
"Duly noted Agent Garros. I am glad it worked out so well. When I reviewed your dossiers, I wasn't sure things were going to conclude quite in this manner" opines Venture-Captain Heidmarch.
HP 57/57 | Ac 20 T 14 FF 17 (excl+4 shield spell) | I+3 | F+8 R+6 W+6| P+11 | Arcane Pool 5/5 | Reroll 1/1
"In the end the hellknights are people too. They try hard to accomplish what they think needs doing. I can't say I agree to their beliefs, but I do respect there zeal." Kintampo offers his opinion while keeping his feet firmly under his own chair.
"Well, I am glad the experience was... mutually satisfactory" comments Zarta Dralneen with a knowing smirk. Venture-Captain Heidmarch rolls her eye discretely before adding "We do have some messages for you from some of the Hellknights. Eadie, you have a letter from a Hellknight Tetrakis and another from a Hellknight Sambos. Roland, a Hellknight Stromsel has enjoined you to get in touch with her at your earliest convenience. And Miklos, Signifier Karva has asked that a package be left in your quarters here in House Bakrakhan on her behalf."
Tiefling Barbarian 1 / Sorcerer 4 / Dragon Disciple 4 | HP 87/87 | AC 20 [24 shield]; Tch 12 ; FF 18 | F +10; R +6; W +7 | CMB+14; CMD 25 | Speed 40 ft | Init +6 | Bite: +14 (1d6+13/19-20) | Perc +11
Previously...
Insidion smirks as the notorious Zarta Dralneen plays footsie with him.
"You can't handle all of us," he says with a maw full of sharp teeth.
Hilarious!
Later...
Insidion considers working with the Hellknights. "I found them...surprisingly flexible for an organization with their reputation. Perhaps a little more CONSORTING WITH THE LEGIONS OF HELL will loosen them up a bit," he adds with some help from another voice.
Female CG Human (Chelaxian) Fighter 13 | HP 161/161 | AC 28, T 17, F 25 | CMB +18 (+26 with heavy blades), CMD 35 (38 vs disarm, sunder) | F +21, R +13, W +19 (+2 vs death effects, +3 vs fear) | Init +10 | Perc +20, SM +3 | Speed 30ft | Active conditions: none
“Yeah I can’t see me joining any Hellknight order. I think their Paralictor gave us only the very nicest she had.”
Eadie picks up the letters. “While I liked Manius, Abraxia, Bee and even Karva, I wouldn’t have associated with many of the others if given a choice.”
The warrior reads through the notes from Manius Tetrakis and Abraxia Sambos.
