[PFS] Blake's To Seal the Shadow (Inactive)

Game Master Blake's Tiger

If Eynemb can't counter it, you could regain 1 determination. Since you haven't lost any, you're at maximum.

The majority of the audience seems to be paying rapt attention to the Pathfinder team, others look bored, and a few have picked up their cushions and left the arena.

"Tiqa, wise and thoughtful Tiqa Vastrokardoyo, surely you and your people can see the importance of joining forces with us and putting an end to this scourge," says without putting much effort into his argument.

The crowd suddenly lets out a communal 'oh' and seems to be leaning towards the wayang team. Eynemb seems to be frustrated by this turn in favor towards his argument.

Flattery, Interaction: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 2 = 27
Ante: 4
DC 27

Tiqa (Hervey) must answer.

Hervey sweats inside his Tiqa mask.

27? Yikes. I don't think there is a single skill I can use to reach that with my -2 Cha mod. Unless I get a bonus for using Tiqa's favored tactic? That's Logic so I'll give it a shot.

Finally Hervey stands and coughs, trying to delay the inevitable. "Your casual tone is a clever mask for the depth of your passion. These people here can see how forcefully you considered those words. But consider this: there is no evidence that the human lands are currently in danger. We have precious few resources to fight a scourge which may never even reach our shores."

logic, knowledge (local): 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 - 2 = 12

And that loses (wins) the debate. Remember, you were supposed to lose.

The remaining wayang in the audience laugh in genuine amusement at Hervey's attempt to win the argument and cheer and clap loudly for the wayang team. They begin leaving in groups, now, seeing no further argument that the Pathfinders could successfully make that would convince them that the wayangs should have faced the shadow demon hordes alone.

The other four debaters, irritated as they were by Eynemb's stealing of the spotlight, seem quite pleased with their win. In contrast, Eynemb tries poorly to hide his dissatisfaction with out performing you all.

"Well done, well done," Mayor Farzhan says as he comes to collect you from the stage. "Please accept this as a token of our thanks--a consolation prize of sorts--for participating." He hands you an elaborately carved darkwood box. Inside the box is some sort of pungent, herbal tea.

"The final event of the festival will start soon: the ritual to strengthen the wards sealing the shadow portals. This way, please."

Mayor Farzhan and Harjandi lead you through the empty streets of Inahiyi to the beach. There you see the entire population of the island has gathered on the beach, waiting silently. The wayang people turn to you as you approach and part for you, bowing reverently. The solemnity of this event suddenly hits you: you five are participating in an important task that dwells in the heart of every island wayang.

Your guides take you to a stage at the end of the beach where several lanterns have been lit and covered. When Harjandi speaks to explain the ritual, it is like a crack of thunder in comparison to the silent passage down the beach. "You will assist us in performing a shadow play to tell the story of the original Minantan heroes and how they drove back the darkness," she begins, pointing to several carved wooden shapes on long sticks. "You will use the shadow puppets to help us craft the story".

Mayor Farzhan speaks up. "That lantern there," he points to a large bull's-eye lantern hanging on a palm tree, "will magically project our puppets in to giant actors over the water. Now I will take my leave of you to operate the lantern. Do your best!" He hurries away.

You notice that many of the wayang are already moving towards the rocks and dune tops around the beach to get a better view from higher ground.

"Where is Eynemb? Stupid scholar and his foolish theories," she grumbles. "Without him, at least one of you must be working the puppets at all times. I will assist you."

There is a sudden gasp from the few surrounding wayang stragglers as a shadowy shape moves within the western tent. Meanwhile, Eynemb darts between set of large rocks to the east of the stage, his shadow taking on a life of its own as it glides toward the pavilion housing the stage. “Fools! You’ve been slaves to tradition for far too long. Cease this nonsense this instant or I will be forced to stop you myself!” Eynemb shouts.

Harjandi replies, “Don’t do this, Eynemb! If we don’t strengthen the bindings, the shadow will escape!”

“Then you leave me no choice.”

Begin Combat! Bold may act!

Maqan
Feuerseele
Hervey
Eynemb & Spider
Goran
Rerois (and Greywind if desired)

Only one of you may attempt one of the following skill checks each round, but up to 2 other PCs may assist:
Acrobatics (DC20) to make the shadows dance, Bluff (DC20) to fake it, Intimidate (DC20) to put on a fearsome display, Sleight of Hand (DC20) to make hand puppets, K: Planes (DC16) to understand the principles of the ritual, Perform (act) (DC16) to do it right, Perform (oratory) (DC16) to tell the story.
You need 6 successes to avoid DOOM.
Harjandi will Aid Another for +2 on up to 7 attempts. You must declare your use of her Aid Another when you roll.

Feuerseele can only aid in Intimidate. Or do with a +9

These are regular skill checks right? So we can use the normal Attribute mod rather than Cha for everything? Either way, Hervey can only really contribute to Knowledge (planes).

Also are we in actual combat? Or just in initiative to track how many rounds it takes to collect our successes?

Yes: regular skill checks.
Yes: actual combat. Eynemb is attacking from the east and a giant spider from out of the western tent.

Quick strategy question before I go: Do we need to complete all the six checks before combat is complete, or - if we happen to finish the combat quickly - can we finish the checks after combat ends? Thanks!

Also, Maqan isn't trained in any of those skills, so she'd rather focus on combat. However, I can certainly aid another!

Technically, yes, you can finish after combat. In live games, I've never seen anyone finish the fight that fast, though.

Maqan, seeing treachery, calls out, "Get the puppets going - I'll try to slow them down!" Maqan begins casting a spell, one that takes a little longer to get ready, and hopes that they don't get too close too quickly...

Feuerseele looks at the spider and smiles. "I take the spider!"
Delay action, once the spider gets closer Feuerseele will move up and cast burning hands. BH: 4d4 ⇒ (3, 2, 2, 2) = 9 DC 19 refl half

Hervey summons his ectoplasmic lash, preparing to fight off the enemies.

Full round action.

Eynemb moves out from behind the shadows of the rocks, several copies of his form appear from the shadows. The overlapping crowd of Eynembs invokes necromantic forces. Hervey feels the threat of terror rising in the back of his mind.

"Fools! You cling to pointless traditions that hold us back in fear. I'll show you the truth!"

Meanwhile, the giant spider crawling out of the supply tent rushes towards you. Feuerseele moves to meet it and releases a fiery wave. The spider takes the full force of the blast. It in turns fires a dark colored web onto the roof of the tent. . . you're not sure who the intended target was.

Begin Combat! Bold may act!

Maqan
Feuerseele
Hervey (need Will save)
Eynemb & Spider (-9 hp)
Goran
Rerois (and Greywind if desired)

Only one of you may attempt one of the following skill checks each round, but up to 2 other PCs may assist:
Acrobatics (DC20) to make the shadows dance, Bluff (DC20) to fake it, Intimidate (DC20) to put on a fearsome display, Sleight of Hand (DC20) to make hand puppets, K: Planes (DC16) to understand the principles of the ritual, Perform (act) (DC16) to do it right, Perform (oratory) (DC16) to tell the story.
You need 6 successes to avoid DOOM.
Harjandi will Aid Another for +2 on up to 7 attempts. You must declare your use of her Aid Another when you roll.

Goran swings his scimitar at the spider.[ooc]I can't see the map clearly on my phone...will move to contact with spider or Eynemb if he is closer.

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Goran strikes the spider dead center of its head, cleaving it between its four pair of eyes. There is a weak sort of shriek before the giant spider melts into a puddle of shadow and fades away.

Who´s turn is it?

It was Rerois, but he has missed the weekend, so I'll move along.

Rerois grabs the shadow puppets and manages to put on a fearsome display as the illusionary giant heroes of Minata battle imposing shadow demons over the lapping waters.

Eynemb shrugs off Maqan's enchantment with a scoff. "You cannot stop me!"

"Someone must complete the ritual with me!" Harjandi pleads.

Round 2 Combat! Bold may act!

Maqan
Feuerseele
Hervey (need Will save before you act)
Eynemb
Goran
Rerois (and Greywind if desired)

Only one of you may attempt one of the following skill checks each round, but up to 2 other PCs may assist:
Acrobatics (DC20) to make the shadows dance, Bluff (DC20) to fake it, Intimidate (DC20) to put on a fearsome display, Sleight of Hand (DC20) to make hand puppets, K: Planes (DC16) to understand the principles of the ritual, Perform (act) (DC16) to do it right, Perform (oratory) (DC16) to tell the story.
You need 6 5 successes to avoid DOOM.
Harjandi will Aid Another for +2 on up to 7 attempts. You must declare your use of her Aid Another when you roll.

Feuerseele moves to the puppets and tries to make an acting performance."Harjandi, could you please help me?
Perform act: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 = 17

will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Hervey barely manages to keep his wits about him although he is still affected. He moves up to Eynemb and retaliates!

lash-shaken: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 2 = 24
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

confirm crit?: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 6 - 2 = 23
extra damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Maqan-bot begins to repeat her incantation, counting on the force of her magic to overcome the scholar's willpower.

Feuerseele conducts an expert performance with the assistance of Harjandi. The giant heroes over the ocean continue their antics.

Hervey soundly whips one of the Eynembs about the head, and then that copy melts into a puddle of shadow and evaporates.

Eynemb laughs harshly and steps back. Manipulating his hands to cast shadows on the ground, another giant spider is summoned out of the darkness behind Hervey, and it tries but fails bite him.

Combat Round 2/3! Bold may act!

Maqan (cast Sleep round 2, round 3..?)
Feuerseele (round 3)
Hervey (round 3)
Eynemb & Spider II
Goran (round 2)
Rerois (and Greywind if desired) (round 2)

Only one of you may attempt one of the following skill checks each round, but up to 2 other PCs may assist:
Acrobatics (DC20) to make the shadows dance, Bluff (DC20) to fake it, Intimidate (DC20) to put on a fearsome display, Sleight of Hand (DC20) to make hand puppets, K: Planes (DC16) to understand the principles of the ritual, Perform (act) (DC16) to do it right, Perform (oratory) (DC16) to tell the story.
You need 6 5 4 successes to avoid DOOM.
Harjandi will Aid Another for +2 on up to 6 attempts. You must declare your use of her Aid Another when you roll.

Goran rushes up to the spider and swings hus blade at it. The creatures are made of shadow...not quite sure about what it is capable of...but be wary nonetheless... attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 141d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4i accidentally spun the map around...was trying to blow it up but my phone slipped, causig it to turn....silly me!spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Goran slices into the shadow spider, cutting off one of its legs. Shadow-stuff wafts away like smoke from the severed end of the leg.

Eynemb willfully resists Maqan's somnolent magic.

Feuerseele ponders for a moment then tries to tell the story. Again asking Harjandi to aid him to tell itIf he can, if not he will bluff to fake it.
Perform Oratory: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 = 20
Can I roll for Rerois. He has been absent for a week now?
If I can he will try for Knowledge Planes. (He is the only one who can.
KnowPlanes: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

You completed Round 2, so Rerois cannot do it on Round 2. Your Perform would satisfy Round 3. So Rerois still has a Round 2 action left. I also moved your icon back to the tent because you need to be in the tent to participate in the ceremony.

Sorry... of course!

Thanks, Feuerseele. Looks like my Hellknight training has paid off! That's the only reason I have Knowledge (planes) :D

Satisfied with the impressive display he put on, Rerois racks his brain to understand how the ritual works to hold back planar beings. At least I listened to Master Helmuth when he spoke on the things that might try to break through to sow chaos.

Maqanbot releases a ray of energy at the spider, striking a glancing blow. Herveybot slams it a little more forcefully. Shadowy smoke spills out from the laceration left by the lash.

The spider continues to try to feed on the body inside the chainmail, but it simply cannot find a chink in the armor.

Eynemb chants and points a finger at Goran.

The lantern light begins to flicker, though the illusionary giants over the ocean do not seem to be affected.

Combat Round 3! Bold may act!

Maqan (bot fired an elemental ray)
Feuerseele (performed oratory)
Hervey (bot attacked)
Eynemb & Spider II (-9 hp)
Goran (round 3, need a Will save vs. DC 14)
Rerois (and Greywind if desired) (round 3)

Only one of you may attempt one of the following skill checks each round, but up to 2 other PCs may assist:
Acrobatics (DC20) to make the shadows dance, Bluff (DC20) to fake it, Intimidate (DC20) to put on a fearsome display, Sleight of Hand (DC20) to make hand puppets, K: Planes (DC16) to understand the principles of the ritual, Perform (act) (DC16) to do it right, Perform (oratory) (DC16) to tell the story.
You need 6 5 4 3 successes to avoid DOOM.
Harjandi will Aid Another for +2 on up to 5 attempts. You must declare your use of her Aid Another when you roll.

will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Someone is using mind altering magicks...be careful!

He swings at the spider agin, trying to bring it down.

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

forgot to add +2 for flank...if that hits and drops the spider, will move towards Eynemb

@ Goran: You can tell it was Eynemb who cast at you.

Goran's blade glances harmlessly off of the shadow spider's carapace.

Reroisbot stands ready to take the shadow puppets from Feuerseele and utilize his understanding of the cosmic planes to try to keep the ritual going. As he does, everyone, including Eynemb, discovers that the ritual is more than just an entertaining ceremony passed down through the ages. The color suddenly drains from the everything on the beach as if sucked away into the ocean, leaving you in a gray scale world. Even your own clothing and flesh are affected. Shadowy black tentacles burst forth around the stage, flailing about menacingly.

"No!" Harjandi exclaims. "We must finish the ritual or we are lost!"

The remaining wayang on and near the beach scream and begin to flee back toward the relative safety of the city.

Eynemb stops fighting and turns toward the ocean, staring dumbfounded at something. "No... I was wrong. So wrong." Tears begin to fall from his (and his mirrors') eyes.

Looking to where Eynemb is staring, you see a giant beast forming out of shadow. It appears to be some sort of four-legged canine, but its form is distorted by obsidian spikes erupting randomly through its hide. Closer to the beast, the world is not merely shades of gray but starkly black and white. It seems to be struggling against some sort of invisible force and has not yet fully materialized on this plane.

Simultaneously, Goran, Hervey, Maqan, and Rerois are surrounded by ghostly forms of the heroes whose masks they bear. Each of them feels a reassuring confidence from their spirit.

BOSS FIGHT! Combat Round 4! Bold may act!

Wolf Demon (manifesting)
Rerois (bot readied, reordered, and performed ritual)
Maqan
Feuerseele
Hervey
Eynemb (stunned) & Spider II (stunned, -9 hp)
Goran
Graywind is available to be Handled

Only one of you may attempt one of the following skill checks each round, but up to 2 other PCs may assist:
Acrobatics (DC20) to make the shadows dance, Bluff (DC20) to fake it, Intimidate (DC20) to put on a fearsome display, Sleight of Hand (DC20) to make hand puppets, K: Planes (DC16) to understand the principles of the ritual, Perform (act) (DC16) to do it right, Perform (oratory) (DC16) to tell the story.
Easy checks are complete.
You need 6 5 4 3 2 successes to avoid DOOM.
Harjandi will Aid Another for +2 on up to 5 attempts. You must declare your use of her Aid Another when you roll.

Feuerseele feels that there is still one thing he can do. Summoning his machisimo, his burning personality he bluffs the shadows to dance, asking Harjandi for some help.
Bluff: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 2 = 23
He then caughs exhausted. "The rest someone else has to do! What´s the commotion over there?"

@ Feurseele: Rerois-bot has Round 4 covered, if you want to save that for Round 5, you still have an action for Round 4. Shooting Eynemb in the back, buffing, whatever...

[ooc]Ok now I got it. WOA that means this is even harder than I thought. Please keep that for round 5, round 4 Feuerseele will use his wand of magic missle to shoot the spider.
MM: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Hervey feels the surge of spirit flow directly into the ectoplasm extending from his body.

My lash and armor already have a +1 enhancement bonus. So I will choose to take a +2 to my lash, which gives me +1 more overall.

He takes a step over and attacks Eynemb again.

5' step.

lash+bonus: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 = 17
damage+bonus: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

Maqan fires another elemental ray at the shadow spider, hoping to disperse it before the doom foretold arrives...

Ray vs Touch: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 3 - 4 = 5

Rerois glares at Eynemb. "Do you see what violating the traditions of your people has wrought? Now shift your feet and redeem yourself!" He then whistled for his horse and hops off the stage onto the saddle.

I'm out as far as the ritual goes.

Maqan launches a bolt of gray fire at the momentarily stunned spider, but it sails into the surf with a hiss. Feuerseele's force missile unerringly flies from the wand and strikes the spider's body.

Hervey crushes another shadow image protecting the wayang scholar.

"Wait... No." Eynemb says while Hervey assaults him.

"I, I want to help," the scholar says as he comes to his senses, "I was wrong. Forgive me!" He draws out a bow from over his shoulder.

Rerois jumps off of the stage onto his horse.

Feuerseele begins to make the story up as she goes along, but it seems to be doing the trick.

The spider turns its attention toward the manifesting wolf demon and scuttles away. This opens an Attack of Opportunity.

BOSS FIGHT! Combat Round 5! Bold may act!

Wolf Demon (still manifesting)
Rerois & Greywind (mounted his horse)
Maqan
Feuerseele (faked it until she made it)
Hervey
Eynemb & Spider II (-12 hp)
Goran (round 4's action)

Only one of you may attempt one of the following skill checks each round, but up to 2 other PCs may assist:
Acrobatics (DC20) to make the shadows dance, Bluff (DC20) to fake it, Intimidate (DC20) to put on a fearsome display, Sleight of Hand (DC20) to make hand puppets, K: Planes (DC16) to understand the principles of the ritual, Perform (act) (DC16) to do it right, Perform (oratory) (DC16) to tell the story.
Easy checks are complete.
You need 6 5 4 3 2 1 success to avoid DOOM.
Harjandi will Aid Another for +2 on up to 4 attempts. You must declare your use of her Aid Another when you roll.
Note: You have made your check for Round 5. Next opportunity for a check is Round 6, using either Acrobatics or Sleight of Hand.

The horse's name is Swift Grey, btw.

Goran strides towards the wolf confidently. He hold his hand up and incants a few words.

Blessed Lady of the Light, touch this abomination with your burning caress. move forward 20 feet and cast burning hands save DC 15burn: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6

Does that mean that Eynemb is no longer an enemy? If so, Hervey will attack the wolf demon. Otherwise he will continue to attack Eynemb.

lash+bonus: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 = 20 +2 charge if vs. wolf demon
damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 1 = 10

That's up to you, but he appears repentant and is focused on the shadow demon of doom. However, if you cast Bless he would benefit.

Maqan curses as the spider gets out of range, so she pulls forth her loaded crossbow and fires a bolt at it!

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
1d8 ⇒ 4

"No promises, but I can try and make the shadows dance next, or aid someone who thinks they can!"

Feuerwind is a bit exhausted from concentrating so badly, but smiles. "I can aid you, or pelt the monsters with more magic missles! Up to you!"

Hervey accepts Eynamb's apology with a grim nod and turns to charge the wolf demon. "Good to hear, friend."

Rolls above.

The spider vanishes in a swirl of shadowy smoke as Maqan's quarrel strikes it in the thorax.

Goran moves toward the manifesting demon and unleashes a white gout of flame at it. He can feel some sort of mystical resistance, but pushes through it. However, the shadow demon does manage to twist away from the brunt of the attack.

Hervey charges the demon and his lash snaps out powerfully, but it seems to catch nothing but shadows.

There is a palpable wave of force and then the monochromatic region around the demon spreads out. The demon itself seems much more present and imposing. It does seem to be slightly disoriented as it snaps at Hervey, onyx teeth grinding loudly as they scrape along his mail shirt.

Boss Fight! Round Six. Everyone up.
Wolf Demon (staggered, -3 hp)

Need a DC 20 Acrobatics or Sleight of Hand to avoid DOOM!
Harjandi's aid is available.
20% miss chance vs. wolf, high is good.
Spell Resistance 9 vs. wolf

Feuerseele ponders for a moment then speaks. "Maquan, use the power of our ancestors to shrink. This should aid us. I will burn the demon, then aid you. I think you are our best chance!"
He moves toward the demon, unleashing a gout of fire.
Burning hands, Sr, DC 18ref: 4d4 ⇒ (3, 1, 3, 3) = 101d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Rerois spurs his charger forward and levels his lance. His lance strikes true and pierces deeply as Swift Grey rears up and lashes out with an iron-shod hoof.

Free action to direct Swift Grey to charge
Charge the shadow wolf
Charge: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 = 28
Confirm: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 = 16
Damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (8, 3) + 10 = 21
Crit Damage (if confirmed): 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (1, 1) + 10 = 12
Don't screw me, miss chance!
Miss Chance, 20%: 1d100 ⇒ 67

Hoof Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 2 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Miss Chance, 20%: 1d100 ⇒ 27

"Right - great idea!"

Maqan reaches deeply into the core of her being, tapping into the eternal fire of her ancestors, and envisions shrinking to the smallest flame that still casts away shadows on dark nights. She visibly reduces in size, becoming even quicker than she was before.

That was for Round Six. On her next turn (Round Seven), Maqan attempts an Acrobatics check with Feuerseele's aid and with Harjandi's aid as well.

Hervey curses as the demon wolf avoids his lash. He swings again in fury!

lash+bonus: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 = 16
damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5
miss chance high good: 1d100 ⇒ 89

know.religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22trying to see if that shadow wolf is susceptible to positive energy

Maqan: Go ahead and roll you Round Seven check.
Goran: Do you have ranks in Planes? You are sure it's not undead.