PFS by PbP scenario TBD (Inactive)

Game Master Brayden Green

"Shilyn, do not be rash. There are unanswered questions. Who is this gnome, how did he get here. It is highly irregular. Why is he so perfectly encircled?

I ask our sword friend, "Do you know who this is? Or of any possible connection to Kalkamedes?"

knowledge arcana: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
spellcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Kalkamedes CMB: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Amnur keeps a firm grip on the sleepwalker, but Kalkamedes seems to be wanting to keep on going past the trapped gnome.

The gnome answers back, "I was made prisoner by an organization known as the Thrallkeepers. They bound me to this place they called the Black Edifice and used my fey essence to power their strange magics... "

Turning to Mahasi, he continues his tale. "My captors have died out centuries ago... but the magic that binds me here has kept me young. Please, free me, so I can taste fresh air again, die at last, and perhaps return to the First Wrold in spirit."

@Varian, Shilyn, & Mahasi: The runed circle around the gnome seems to be some sort of arcane binding circle. Without the high level magics necessary to dispel the enchantment, physical damage must be dealt to the circle to destroy it.

@Mylvwara: Gamin answers back, "I do not know; I know Kalkamedes has never been here before, or at least with any travel I've been with him... yet look at him, wanting to go further."

"Shall we release him then?" Varian asks the others, while trying to determine if the gnome is telling the truth about merely wanting to be free and die at last.

sense motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Mahasi puzzles over the wards. "These are wards for binding outsiders, both chaotic and evil. These are not the wards for binding a... gnome." He points to the various arcane symbols.

Varian shudders a moment, realizing how close he was to creating an earthbreaker and smashing the rings to free the little fellow. He turns back to face the gnome and snarls a moment. "Who and what are you really, that such a device binds you here? We're on to you... Time for the truth."

"A shape-shifter then, interesting."

Kalkamedes CMB: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Kalkamedes almost slips past Amnur's grasp, still moving towards the southwest.

"Very well...", the gnome mutters. "I am an efreeti, trapped here for my ability to grant wishes. Let me escape and I shall grant you one."

"You lied to us once already, why should we believe you now?"

Amnur, looking at the creature, closes his eyes and uses Torag's power to detect evil.

The dwarf then suddenly drops to his knees, stunned from the immense aura emanating from the "gnome" in the circle.

VArian leaps to grab the harness as Amnur suddenly almost collapses, just to make sure Kalkamides doesn't take advantage of Amnur's state to make a lunge for freedom. "Are you alright, Amnur? what's wrong?"

Amnur tells you that the darn thing is evil... too evil!

Kalkamedes CMB: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Luckily, Varian's quick thinking stops Kalkamedes from going more than a few feet.

Upon Amnur's words, the gnome yells out in a horrifically deep voice. "Illvaster! KILL THEM!"

With that, the sound of something rising from water and large foot steps can be heard in the distance.

Init Order:
Varian
Illvaster
Shilyn
Kalkamedes
Orion
Mylvwara
Mahasi
Amnur

Map updated!

Varian creates a lucerne hammer and casts lead blades on it, while still holding Kalk back, hopefully with Amnur fully capable of assisting with that now. He looks down toward where the sound is coming from to see if he can get a line of sight on whatever is making the footstep noises.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

@Varian: You can see a large form rising in the distance, it appears to have wings and dark scales, but that's all you can make out from the distance... until it starts moving.

You then see a large black dragon with a mithral band upon one of its horns speedily moving towards you, the scent of decaying flesh tickling your nose as it lunges forward to bite...
Target: 1d2 ⇒ 2
Varian!

Illvaster bite @ Varian: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Damage on hit: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 3) + 7 = 12

And Varian is nearly brought down from a single blow by the creature!

Everyone else is up!

ouch?

Testing a theory, I lob a vial of holy water at the beast.

ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
holy damage: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

"A little help here guys?.... I'm about to drop if I take another hit like that."

Miss direction: 1d8 ⇒ 4

@Mylvwara: Trying to make sure you clear Varian, you fling the vial hard and it lands behind the dragon! However, your theory is now answered as the dragon's skin starts sizzling from the holy water splash.

Only 1 damage

Kalkamedes, walks ahead, directly into the dragon... and swings at it!
Kalkamedes unarmed strike @ Illvaster: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Damage on hit: 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Amazingly, the sleepwalker's blow lands, dealing some damage to the dragon!

It's undead. If you have any powers against the deathdamned, use them now.

might I suggest that Varian takes Kalkamedes so that our paladin can fight his natural foe: an undead dragon.

Actually, Varian does have Kalkamedes's rope, since Amnur dropped it when he was stunned :P And kudos for use of the phrase 'deathdamned'

The Vudrani sorcerer steps to the side and hurls a snowball.

Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Touch+Point blank: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Cold Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 6, 4, 5) = 22

His shot goes wild as he looks over his shoulder, distracted by the mysterious gnome.

About to make a quip about being rash, (Rash?? Shi?? It's all lies I tell you..) Shilyn stops and stares as Amnur drops to his knees.

At the sound of heavy steps coming out of the water, she whips around and sees Varian get hit. Unbidden words come to her lips as she reaches out her left hand, right hand moving toward her rapier.. a bolt of bright light springing from her fingers.

ranged touch dispel undead: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

"Well.. that seemed to work.. some," she mutters raising an eyebrow, "whatever that was."

@Shi: Don't forget, you have arcane spell failure chance due to your studded leather armor; until you get a feat or different equipment to reduce it, any spell you cast has a 15% chance of being botched.
Spell Failure chance: 1d100 ⇒ 41
No worries this time, though!

@Shilyn: Your ray lightly sears the dragon's skin.

After Mylvwara's identification, it seems almost on cue that a trio of rotting black dragon claws follows up from behind, appearing to aid the false dragon.

@Mahasi: Looking at the form, the "dragon" seems to have once been a dragon, but has thus been zombified. Given the speed its moving, and the fact that Kalkamedes punch managed to wound the thing, you're assuming it's a fast zombie variant.

I'll wait til about 3pm MST for Orion and Amnur to try and post, but then I'll bot them and carry on!

Botting Amnur/Orion

Orion, before Mylv spoils it, is excited at an opportunity to kill a dragon and fires a pair of arrows over Varian's head.

Orion RS1 @ Illvaster: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 21
Damage on hit: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7
Orion RS2 @ Illvaster: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 14
Damage on hit: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9

Both arrows solidly land, wounding the undead dragon.

Amnur also cannot resist and with a mighty "ROANOOOOCK", moves forward to take some flak off Varian and also try to claim a dragon as a trophy.

As Amnur gets in front of the oracle, Illvaster lunges forward to bite the dwarf.
Illvaster AoO bite @ Amnur: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
Damage on hit: 2d6 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (6, 2) + 7 - 2 = 13

Amnur is bitten hard, but doesn't stop the dwarf from taking his axe and swinging it for all he's worth, taking a stance to hold off the dragon better.
Going into Defensive Stance
Amnur Stonestrike axe @ Illvaster: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 23
Damage on hit: 1d10 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 12
Amnur hits back just as hard!

Recap:
Varian prepares his hammer to strike.
Illvaster comes out, seriously wounding Varian.
Shilyn succeeds partially disrupting Illvaster.
Kalkamedes punches the dragon!
Orion fires a pair of arrows at Illvaster, both hit.
Mylvwara identifies the creature type by hitting it with a splash of holy water.
A trio of rotten claws crawl up to the battle!
Mahasi identifies the zombie properties, but fails throwing a snowball at the zombie dragon.
Amnur takes an attack of opportunity and takes a defensive stance, wounding Illvaster.

Round 2!

Init Order:
Varian
Illvaster
Shilyn
Kalkamedes
Orion
Mylvwara
Claws 1-3
Mahasi
Amnur

Varian steps back out of the dragon's reach and casts cure light wounds on Amnur
cure light: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

With a shrug of her shoulders, Shilyn tries to summon her new-found magic once more..

armor cast: 1d100 ⇒ 52
attack disrupt undead ranged touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

muttering to herself as she watches the bolt of magic fly towards the foul creature. "Well.. worked once. I could get the hang of this."

I send forth another vial of holy water.

touch attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
damage: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

@Varian: Max healing!

"Kill them! KILL THEM!", shouts the "gnome" as Illvaster goes all out against Amnur.

Bite @ Amnur: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
Damage on hit: 2d6 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (6, 3) + 7 - 2 = 14
Slam @ Amnur: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 13 - 2 = 21
Damage on hit: 1d8 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 2 = 8
Tail slap @ Amnur: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Damage on hit: 1d8 - 2 ⇒ (8) - 2 = 6

The undead jaws once again rend the dwarf, still standing defiantly, although the other two attacks are avoided.

@Shilyn: Narrowly hitting the creature, your ray once again grazes the undead dragon.

Dragon still in the way... Kalkamedes takes another punch!
Kalkamedes Unarmed strike: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Damage on hit: 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Once again, the sleepwalker lands a solid blow, although unarmed he does little to the dragon.

@Mylvwara: Need to work on your throwing arm.

Orion up, followed by claws, then Amnur and Mahasi.

On his turn

The Vudrani sage circles north and slings another ball of ice.

touch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
cold damage: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 3, 4, 6) = 19

Botting and continuing.

@Mahasi: This time, the snowball strikes true and a blast of cold causes damage to the dragon, although it otherwise looks unscathed.

Orion fires another pair of arrows at the dragon, hoping to claim the kill before the others.

Orion RS1 @ Illvaster: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 6
Damage on hit: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4
Orion RS2 @ Illvaster: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 15
Damage on hit: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Unfortunately, only a single arrow hits for a modicum of damage.

The trio of claws each go after a separate target, attacking Mahasi, Kalkamedes, and Amnur! However, the latter two get to respond first!
Mahasi, so far, you've appeared to be unarmed the entire time, thus no AoO for you from the crawling claws.
Kalkamedes AoO @ Claw2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Damage on hit: 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Amnur AoO @ Claw3: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Damage on hit: 1d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 = 13
Kalkamedes succeeds in punching the hand, but Amnur narrowly misses it due to the dragon's looming presence.

Claw1 claw @ Mahasi: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Damage on hit: 4 = 4
Grab attempt on hit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Claw2 claw @ Kalkamedes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Damage on hit: 4 = 4
Grab attempt on hit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Claw3 claw @ Amnur: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Damage on hit: 4 = 4
Grab attempt on hit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Both Kalkamedes and Mahasi are scratched by the claws as the leapt to reach their throats. Kalkamedes stupor does not prevent him from keeping the claw there, but Mahasi is powerless as the rotten hand starts to strangle the wizard!

Mahasi, you are grappled AND you cannot speak or cast spells with verbal components. Finally, 4 damage to you.

Amnur, ignoring the little threat, presses his hand against his chest to heal himself, then swings his axe mightily at Illvaster.

Amnur LoH (self): 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

Amnur axe @ Illvaster: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Damage on hit: 1d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

Unfortunately, the dwarf was sloppy on both accounts, barely healing himself and only nicking the zombie dragon.

Recap:
Varian steps back to heal himself.
Illvaster goes all out against Amnur, wounding him fairly.
Shilyn and Mylvwara only does a token effort of anti-undead damage.
Mahasi throws a snowball and finally hits something for solid damage.
Orion fires another pair of arrows, but only one hits.
The trio of claws attack different targets, choking Mahasi and wounding Kalkamedes; Amnur is unscathed.
Amnur minorly heals himself and minorly wounds the dragon.

Round 3, go!

Varian strikes at the dragon, hoping the free-crawling claws will die with the dragon.

to hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

dmg if hits: 3d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 1, 4) + 3 = 13

On the dot, darn you Varian :P

Despite all of Orion's efforts, Varian's hammer smashes down on the dragon's chest with an audible snap, and the beast falls to the ground, motionless. However, the claws continue their assault, apparently not bound to the dragon.

Furthermore, Koth'vaul shouts angrily at the party, turning into a horrific looking demon. "You damned fools! When I get out of here, I will flay each and every one of you alive until you beg for mercy... and it will. not. COME!"

Kn: Planes to identify what the heck Koth'vaul is.

Up: Bold means hasn't acted yet, but can do so.
Varian
Shilyn
Kalkamedes
Orion
Mylvwara
Claws 1-3
Mahasi
Amnur

know planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

obviously Varian's mind is on the battle, not on the creature screaming at them

Pulling her bow off her shoulder, Shilyn quickly grabs an arrow and sets it to the string. With a fast, yet smooth draw, she releases it toward one of the claws when her thumb touches her lip..

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

letting out a string of Elvish expletives as her arrow goes wide of her intended target.

knowledge planes: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

I cast grease DC16 on the monstrous hand at Mahasi's throat.

planes: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

Not that he can say much about it...

@Mahasi @ Mylvwara: That's a glabrezu... and it's a sure good thing Varian did not smash the barrier keeping a demon of the abyss at bay!

@Mahasi: +10 to you CMB to escape the clutches of the undead claw!

Waited long enough for Orion... continuing!

Kalkamedes climbs over the dragon body and continues heading south!

Orion, disappointed that Varian got his kill, continues his rain of arrows as he tries to clear the wizard of his now accessory.

Orion RS1 @ Claw1: 1d20 + 5 - 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 - 2 + 1 + 1 = 16
Damage on hit: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5
Orion RS2 @ Claw1: 1d20 + 5 - 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 - 2 + 1 + 1 = 13
Damage on hit: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

The first arrow hits the grappling claw, but doesn't fell it. The second one goes just shy of hitting the creature.

The claws continues their various assaults.

Claw 1 grapple @ Mahasi: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Damage on hit: 5 = 5
Mahasi is still in the claws clutches and is further wounded!

Kalkamedes AoO @ Claw2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Damage on hit: 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Claw 2 grapple @ Kalkamedes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Damage on hit: 4 = 4

This time, Kalkamedes shakes off the claw and continues down his path.

Claw 3 grapple @ Amnur: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Damage on hit: 4 - 2 = 2
Claw 2 grab @ Amnur: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
And amazingly, the thing starts choking the dwarf!

Amnur is not having any of this and tries to cut it off!
Amnur axe @ claw: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 9 - 2 = 10
Damage on hit: 1d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7
But he can't swing accurately enough to even get close to it!

Init Order:
Up: Bold means hasn't acted yet, but can do so.
Varian
Shilyn
Kalkamedes
Orion
Mylvwara
Claws 1-3
Mahasi
Amnur

Mahasi, you're up first, technically, before everyone else. And you were greased by Mylvwara!

Varian strikes at the claw on Amnur hoping to free the dwarf and then both of them can go after Kalk.

to hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

dmg if hits: 3d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 2, 3) + 3 = 13

if that drops it
"Amnur, go after Kalk, I'll help the wizard."

Mahasi tears off the hand, chokes and sputters in air and retreats behind his allies ranks.

escape artist: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

I strike for a claw Amnur's if still grappled. If not, Mahasi's foe.

ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
acid damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

The claws on Mahasi and Amnur are now destroyed!

Init Order:
Up: Bold means hasn't acted yet, but can do so.
Varian
Shilyn
Kalkamedes
Orion
Mylvwara
Claws 2
Mahasi
Amnur

Shilyn drops her bow and rushes over to give Varian a hand. Drawing her rapier on the move, she attempts to get to the thing's side where she can do the most good.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
damage if flanked: 1d6 ⇒ 3

@Shilyn: With a stab, the wounded hand is now defeated!

Out of combat!

Further description of the room below either tomorrow or Monday.

Mahasi rubs the purple bruises around his throat.

"It would seem that the wards around that circle have not entirely contained that entities magic." He wipes his tunic. "I have no interest in tarrying here." He brusquely start off after Kalkamedes.

Varian chases off after Kalkamedes and tries to grab the trailing halter to keep pace with him and keep him out of trouble.

With the undead defeated, Koth'vaul continues to howl out in anger. "Upon your deaths, I shall send your souls to be tormented by greatest torturers in the Abyss! There is no where that shall be same from my wrath, mortals!"

Kalkamedes approaches another similar circle, but in this one, a beautiful elven woman, appeared to be ravaged by battle, lays unconscious.

Map updated!

Varian follows along, grabbing the straps of the harness to slow Kalk down and prevent him from breaking the circle, in case this is another evil being in a pleasant guise. Still, he is mesmerized by her beauty and whistles softly under his breath.

"She's lovely... who or what is she really? and why is she imprisoned here like the demon?"

Hearing something about a lovely woman, Amnur immediately hustles over, ignoring his wounds. However, just so he won't get fooled again, the dwarf then checks for any signs of malign auras... and finds nothing!