[PFS Core] GM Harker Presents: The Emerald Spire (Inactive)

Game Master Upaynao

With most of the group being able to easily jump the lava stream, while Sivantanpisil teleports Mudk over, you all notice an armored figure half buried within the wall of the side chamber, its chest and left side exposed but its right side and head buried under a thin crust of cooled lava. A closer inspection reveals that the creature is not just armored, but mostly made of metal.

If you want to pull the creature out of the wall, it's another Strength check.

"Oh my!" Sivvy examines the armor to see if it is intact and if it is magical.

Cast detect

Sivantanpisil detects nothing magical from the portion of metal that she can see.

know planes: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 close but not enough.

Sugar was a bit worried about jumping, she never was much of a jumper but she does make it after watching Truffle hop over like it was nothing (Sugar only has +1 for jumping)

Well, shall we try to pry it loose?

Xakon looks for feedback. If none given, then he proceeds to yank the creature from the wall with a crowbar. Not including the +2 circumstance bonus from crowbar unless GM allows it.

STR: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
STR: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
STR: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
STR: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
STR: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
STR: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Sugar has +1 to jumping ON top of +5 acrobatics. Right?

knowledge, planes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 I should have rolled an aid for Sugar

"I wonder what that could be..."

Strength Aid Xakon: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

the +1 is after the slower speed penalty to jumping (+5 base, -4 for 20' movement)

It takes Xakon three attempts to free the metal creature from the cooling lava, but he finally succeeds. What emerges appears to be a mix of a statue and a metallic machine. Whatever it is, it's apparent that it is still greatly injured.

Despite your group being instrumental in its escape from the wall, it does not appear impressed or thankful. Instead, it casts a spell and addresses the group, "Who are you and what are you doing here?"

"Well, first off, you're welcome!" Sivvy says with a wide grin and a light bow of her head. "I am Sivantanpisil... and this is Lady Sugarsnap, Xakon, Mudk and Frēodwen. We are Pathfinders and are exploring the Emerald Spire, liberating those who need our help. And who might you be?"

As she makes the introductions, Sivvy regards the injured warrior.

Heal: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

"Do you require any healing? I'd be willing to offer my services for the price of.... friendship." She says extending her hand in peace. "We haven't found many down here that are willing to converse, much less find common ground."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

spellcraft: 10 + 10 = 20

Frēodwēn adds a smile of his own, "She's right. Who might you be, and what is your name?"
diplomacy: 10 + 15 = 25

Examining the creature, Sivantanpisil can see it is greatly injured, but seems to be healing at an incredible rate.

The creature watches Sivantanpisil closely as she talks, then replies, "I am a kolyarut inevitable, the enforcers of bargains and maintainers of balance. Even if I told you my name, your chaotic brains would not be able to comprehend it. I have work to do here before I return to the bottom, so I would not be adverse to healing. I will not make any alliances of friendship with you, but I may be convinced to allow you to help me remove some chaotic elements in the vicinity."

"What are these chaotic elements you're speaking of?" and what will we do with you if we don't want them removed?

Sugar looks a little insulted at the chaotic brains comment, hey, my brain isn't chaotic, I mean it may be a little scattered, and disjointed, and sometimes I daydream a bit. Well not all the time, but sometimes. anyway I am pretty sure that If my brain was chaotic, I would know, it is my brain after all, and I know chaotic.....I think

Xakon refrains from speaking with the exception of a chaotic neutral smirk.

"Lava creatures that prevent my passage to the Spire. I must return to the others in the depths and those creatures are in the way." The Inevitable answers Frēodwēn's question, but ignores Sugarsnap's remarks. The creature then looks to Sivantanpisil as if expecting an answer about the healing.

Sivvy pulls out her wand and bestows the gift of healing upon the Inevitable in a grand display as though she's trying to impress the outsider.

She'll give up to 5 taps and see how the Inevitable is doing.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

The Inevitable accepts Sivantanpisil's healing as it continues to quickly heal naturally. Although it still appears to be somewhat injured after 30 seconds, it says, "Yes, you seem acceptable sorts. If you wish to help me reach the Spire, I would not be adverse."

It's about 1/3 healed. I'll pause here to see if you want to heal it additionally or do any other preparation before moving on.

Sivvy will heal it full.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

59 HP Healed for a total of 87 HP... more?

It only needs 7 more hits from your wand before its fully healed, Siv. Please keep the last 3 charges.

While being healed, the Inevitable explains, "I was fighting a creature of pure chaos known as a Protean when it used one of its abilities to trap me in the lava as you found me. Other Inevitables await me at the bottom of the Spire. I have a token that uses the Spire to teleport me to them, but first I must fight the creatures that hide in the lava to reach it. Your assistance will speed my journey."

Everyone except Siv has 12 rounds to buff or make other preparations before moving to the next room. You can do so retroactively.

Moving to the next part will require jumping over 5 feet of lava again. I'll assume Siv uses her Domain power to move herself and Mudk across.

The Kolyarut Inevitable then leads the way towards the Spire. A spear of charred stone juts into a lake of flowing fire. The glow of swift-moving magma casts shadows across the ceiling and walls-everywhere except for upon the radiant pillar of the Emerald Spire. Two magma flows cascade around the Spire from higher reaches.

Standing on a patch of stone next to the spire is a strange squat creature consisting of three legs, three arms, three eyes, and one large maw. It seems to be embracing the Spire and completely ignore you all. As the Inevitable moves towards the pool of lava, another creature emerges from the hot pool, which appears to be a humanoid shape of lava.

It's Knowledge (planes) to identify the squat creature, while it's another Knowlege (planes) check to identify the lava creature. Everyone can make a Perception check as well.

The Kolyarut Inevitable attacks the elemental creature three times with his sword and once with a slam from his fist. He hits once with the sword and the slam.

PC Initiative
Frēodwēn Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Lady Sugarsnap's Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Mudk's Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Sivantanpisil's Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Xakon's Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Initiative (Round 1)
Inevitable
Sugarsnap <= Up
Mudk <= Up
Squat Creature (Ignoring Group)
Xakon <= Up
Sivantanpisil <= Up
Frēodwēn <= Up
Elemental Creature

Everyone is up!

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31

Xakon steps adjacent, rages and attacks!

full attack, +3 adamantine rapier, rage: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 15 + 2 = 22
dmg: 1d4 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 2 = 16

full attack, +3 adamantine rapier, rage: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 2 = 29
dmg: 1d4 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 2 = 19

improve crit: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 2 = 26
dmg: 1d4 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 13 + 2 = 18

bite: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 = 12
dmg: 1d3 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7

As Xakon moves up to attack the elemental creature, he notices a pair of reptilian eyes spying on the group from under the lava. Nevertheless, Xakon hits the magma monster twice with his rapier, but its lack of internal organs appears to make it immune to a critical strike.

Sugar, Mudk, Siv, Freod.

Beware! There is a reptile creature under the lava.

Frēodwēn will self buff with comprehend languages and expeditious retreat beforehand.

knowledge, planes, squat: 10 + 7 = 17
knowledge, planes, lava: 10 + 7 = 17

Frēodwēn takes stock of the situation and offers some encouragement to the team. inspire courage as a move action. His bow is drawn but he is not certain yet what to make of this situation

Frēodwēn begins inspiring his fellow Pathfinders, while recognizing the squat creature as an Xorn, an elemental creature with affinity for earth. He does not recognize the lava elemental creature.

"Um, the lava is coming alive!" Sivvy steps closer to get within range of her long spear and attacks the creature.

PA w/ Longspear: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 1 = 32 for piercing damage of : 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19
PA w/ Longspear: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 = 22 for piercing damage of : 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16

planes squat guy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
planes lava dude: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

As the creatures emerge, Sugar begins casting hoping to summon a creature to aid her.

sacrifice flame strike to cast Summon nature ally IV (hoping to get a medium fire elemental)

Sivantanpisil hits the lava creature with her first attack, but the cover of her allies prevents the second strike from hitting.

Sugarsnap isn't familiar with either creature. She begins to cast a summoning spell to bring her own elemental into battle.

I'll give Mudk a couple of days before botting him.

Someone please bot Mudk or I'm just going to have him delay since you guys appear to have the situation under control. It's been more than two weeks since Mudk has posted, I do hope he's okay.

Mudk steps around the Inevitable and attacks with a cool, calculated flurry of blows.

primary: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26 Damage: 2d4 + 9 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (2, 1) + 9 + 9 + 1 = 22

iterative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 Damage: 2d4 + 9 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1) + 9 + 9 + 1 = 21

Mudk moves in and strikes the lava creature twice with his falchion. The creature is destroyed with the second hit, but it immediately implodes in a vaccum, creating a powerful cold effect. Mudk, Xakon, and the Inevitable are struck by this cold vacuum, while the lava around it solidifies into solid rock.

Mudk and Xakon need to make a DC 20 Reflex save. If you fail, you take 30 cold damage. If you succeed, you only take 15 cold damage (or none with Evasion).

The solidified lava areas are marked on the map with off white squares.

The Inevitable then calls out to the Xorn, "Move away from the Emerald Spire." When it seems to ignore his magical effect, he tries again, "I said, move away from the Spire!" The Xorn yet again appears unmoved.

Initiative (Round 2)
Inevitable
Sugarsnap <= Up
Mudk <= Up
?????
Xorn
Xakon <= Up
Sivantanpisil <= Up
Frēodwēn <= Up

Sugarsnap and Mudk are up!

I spoke with Mudk. Every time he thinks of posting he has higher priority personal tasks to attend to. I don't think he will be able to continue with us. :-(

Real life comes first, but hopefully he'll be able to return at some point. I'll bot him for now unless one of you want to do it, which would be preferable to me but I won't insist on it. If he's not available by the end of the level then we'll either need to try to recruit someone or go forward with 4. I'm fine either way, but I'd prefer to keep the upper limit of players at 5 to keep things theoretically moving a bit faster.

Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

Xakon zigs instead of zags taking the full amount of the cold damage.

Temp hp of 20 is gone leaving him with 99 hp.

Taking a note from the Inevitable, Sia calls out, "You! Creature! Leave this place!"

Cast Command DC16

I made a Copy/Paste error the last time I posted the initiative roster. Only Sugarsnap and Mudk are up, my apologies for the mistake. Once Sugar goes, I'll post Mudk's actions. Siv can change her action if she wishes based on what happens before she's up in initiative.

Despite his sharp reflexes, Xakon experiences some bad luck and cannot avoid the full force of the cold vacuum.

Sugar finishes her summon and a medium sized fire elemental starts to form from the lava next to the xorn.

As it emerges it attacks the Xorn creature with fiery fists.

elemental slam attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 1 + (4) = 10 -- DC 14 reflex or catch on fire

as soon as that is done, Xakon! you ok? I'm coming don't worry she yells to advance to Xakon.

She taps him with her hand healing him 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 damage.

Sugarsnap finishes casting her spell and a fire elemental appears next to the Xorn. The summoned elemental then attempts to slam the other creature, but the attack misses.

The druid then moves next to Xakon and heals the injuries caused the cold vacuum.

Mudk Ref: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Mudk manages to dodge some of the cold, but takes the remainder with his typical stoic pessimism. "I'll need to get closer to help, but the painful lessons of swimming in lava will only end in death."

Readying an action to attack any aggressor that comes into melee range.

Out of the magma emerges what appears to be two human-sized dragons with jet-black scales running with glowing rivulets of lava. They seem almost like twins, although one has a topaz in its left eye socket (black).

The dragon with two eyes then casts a spell casts a spell and the ground underneath Mudk, Xakon, and the Inevitable is covered in Grease. Fortunately, no one loses their footing.

Mudk Grease Ref: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Xakon Grease Ref: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

The spellcasting dragon then says to the topaz eye, "Attack them with full force!" The other pauses for only a moment then flies at Xakon. The halfling deftly dodges the creature's jaws.

It's Knowledge (arcana) to know more about the dragons.

Pulled from it's revelry next to the Emerald Spire, the Xorn turns to face the elemental, grumbles in its native language, and attacks it. Biting it once and hitting it with one of its three claws, the Xorn returns the elemental to its home plane. It did not appear to be affected at all by the elemental's fiery exterior.

Initiative (Round 2)
Inevitable
Sugarsnap
Mudk [15 Damage]
2 Dragons
Xorn
Xakon <= Up
Sivantanpisil <= Up
Frēodwēn <= Up

Xakon, Siv, and Freod are up. Siv can change her action if she wishes.

knowledge, arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

"If they want to kill us, they will be sorely disappointed." continuing inspiration

Frēodwēn then murmurs a spell to boost the party. casting Haste on the party

Frēodwēn recognizes these creatures as young Magma Dragons, a fiery extraplanar type of dragon. As with most dragons, they are immune to paralysis and sleep, have a breath weapon and are obviously immune to fire. These creatures in particular are vulnerable to cold attacks.

The ranger/bard then continues to inspire his companions and casts Haste on the group.

Sivvy dimensionally hops around the dragon with the gemstone eye. Then, stabs at the beast between her and Xakon with a powerful thrust of her longspear.

PwrAtkLongspear: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 for piercing damage of : 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

I put Shield of Faith up during the fight against the two creatures to the north. It lasts 9 minutes. Is it still active?

Siv, Shield of Faith is still active. It has a little over 7 minutes left.

Sivantanpisil teleports to the west and hits the one-eyed dragon with her longspear, getting its attention. She also notices that the frozen platform underneath appears to be melting, but appears solid for now.

Xakon is up!

Sorry for the delay. We moved this past weekend.

Xakon steps to flank and attacks!

full attack, +3 adamantine rapier, rage, inspire, flank, haste: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 15 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 35
dmg: 1d4 + 13 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 2 + 2 = 18
SA dmg: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7

primary: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 15 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 39
dmg: 1d4 + 13 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 2 + 2 = 18
SA dmg: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

crit confirm: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 15 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 35
dmg: 1d4 + 13 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 13 + 2 + 2 = 20

iterative: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 37
dmg: 1d4 + 13 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 2 + 2 = 18
SA dmg: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6

crit confirm: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 22
dmg: 1d4 + 13 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 2 + 2 = 18

bite: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 14
dmg: 1d3 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 9
SA dmg: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

Xakon, you'll have to take a move action to exit the grease. I figured you'd prefer to full attack without the Sneak Attack over only getting one attack this round, so I moved you back to your original square.

Xakon makes short work of the one-eyed dragon next to him, easily dropping it thanks to a couple of critical strikes.

"I must insist that you move away from the Emerald Spire!" The Inevitable demands once again to the Xorn. This time the creature appears pliant to the Suggestion. "You there with the teleportation magic, please take me over there when the creature is gone." The Inevitable then mostly asks Sivantanpisil afterwards.

Initiative (Round 3)
Inevitable
Sugarsnap <= Up
Mudk [15 Damage] <= Up
1 Magma Dragon
Xorn
Xakon
Sivantanpisil
Frēodwēn

Group Effects
Inspire Courage +2
Haste

Sugarsnap and Mudk are up!

Yes, I will never sacrifice a full attack option for a move action to flank for a single attack. Thank you. I will use a remaining 5' step after the foe falls to step out NE.

Xakon, moving out of your square will require an Acrobatics move action since it's covered in Grease. This precludes taking a 5 foot step.

Sugarsnap and Mudk.

With her elemental gone, well that wasn't very useful. she comments as her elemental vanished.

That creature is really not being very cooperative

She starts to summon up a massive electrical charge.

begin casting call lightning (1 round casting time)

Sugarsnap begins casting a spell, while Mudk remains in place since he has no ranged attacks.

"You murdered my brother!" The remaining dragon screams as it flies to the southwest and breathes fire on the majority of the group.

Siv gets an AoO on the dragon when it moves.

The breath is a 30 foot cone, so everyone except Freod and Truffles need to make a DC 17 Reflex save (Haste gives you a +1 to this roll). If you fail you take 17 Fire damage, if you succeed, you only take 8 Fire damage.

Since Xakon's fire resistance beats this either way, he doesn't have to make the save.

Sugarsnap needs to make a Concentration check based on how much damage she takes in order to keep her spell.

The Xorn burrows into the groud, finally freeing some solid ground by the Spire.

Initiative (Rounds 3-4)
Sugarsnap [Damage Incoming] <= Up
Mudk [15 Damage; Damage Incoming] <= Up
Inevitable
1 Magma Dragon
Xorn
Xakon <= Up
Sivantanpisil [Damage Incoming] <= Up
Frēodwēn <= Up

Group Effects
Inspire Courage +2
Haste

The Inevitable will delay, so everyone is up!

"What, the two of you never picked on creatures that could defend themselves before this? Nevermind him, friends."
maintaining inspiration

Frēodwēn steps closer and unleashes a hail of arrows at the dragon.

longbow, attack, heroism, inspired, point blank, haste, rapid shot, deadly aim, arcane strike, manyshot: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 14 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 19 for piercing, cold iron, magic: 2d8 + 8 + 4 + 2 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (6, 8) + 8 + 4 + 2 + 8 + 4 = 40

longbow, attack, heroism, inspired, point blank, haste, rapid shot, deadly aim, arcane strike: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 14 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 26 for piercing, cold iron, magic: 1d8 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 + 1 + 4 + 2 = 20

longbow, attack, heroism, inspired, point blank, haste, rapid shot, deadly aim, arcane strike: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 14 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 35 for piercing, cold iron, magic: 1d8 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 2 + 1 + 4 + 2 = 21

longbow, attack, heroism, inspired, point blank, haste, rapid shot, deadly aim, arcane strike: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 23 for piercing, cold iron, magic: 1d8 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 + 1 + 4 + 2 = 20

PwrAtkAOO: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23 for piercing damage of: 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

Sivvy thrust her sphere at the magma dragon and then tries to avoid its fiery breath.

ReflexDC17: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 1 = 15

"Ouch!" she exclaims.

Siv will delay for a moment to see what her friends do. Is the platform still stable or should I be moving?