[PFS/DMK/YotS] 7-06 and 7-08 To judge a Soul (Inactive)

Game Master Kludde

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

K(history): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
K(Religion): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Mogall relates what he recalls about the Black Grave Tower "Unless I'm mistaken The Black Grave Tower is a secluded pagoda of black basalt high atop the Wild Peaks of Zi Ha. I understand, Locals shun the tower, believing it to be haunted. When the pagoda was built, a pilgrimage of crimson-clad priests traveled the lone mountain pass to christen the tower in the name of the Lord of Envy, the god Fumeiyoshi."

The Small Wayang continues "Fumeiyoshi, Lord of Envy, is one of the 20 prominent deities of Tian Xia. He was once known as the God of Night. However, he grew jealous of his brother Tsukiyo’s love for the goddess Shizuru. This envy led him to fratricide, and he became the patron of dishonor, envy, graves, and undead. Fumeiyoshi often manifests to his worshipers as a nearly skeletal crimson humanoid with three eyes, jagged tusks, and twisted claws. His unholy symbol is a red demonic face, and his sacred animal is a wolf, sometimes shown devouring a freshly killed hare, the sacred animal of his brother Tsukiyo. His favored weapon is the naginata. Envious of the living, Fumeiyoshi grants eternal unlife to his most devoted servants. Fumeiyoshi loathes samsarans, as their souls evade his clutches through reincarnation. An undead samsaran would be a favored follower of the dark god. "

Perception (Take 10): 10 + 9 = 19

Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 (+2 if it pertains to elves)
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 (+2 if it pertains to elves)

Anaristiel has nothing to add to the information provided by the others.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Grim know very little about this region, and listens intently to his colleagues' recollections. "What does the scroll contain?" he asks.

Perception 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 +2 vs hidden objects.

Pitbull grunts and listens to the stories.

So, to clarify, Malash didn't steal Lord Ryuu, but Jujanil did?

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Kn(hist): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Kn(religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Skarn remains silent for a moment, thinking things over. When Zlata explains what she knows about Fumeyoshi, his eyes darken.

"Do you think Bakten would have forfeited his eternal soul and his samsaran nature in his life as Jujanil? That would certainly explain what is going on now. It would also explain why Bakten didn't remember anything from that life - Jujanil hid it from her subsequent incarnations."

"Can a samsaran have split souls? Jujanil mentions '...my other soul's cycle...' like they took turns in rebirth. Perhaps it was this Jujanil we saw in the vision as the blue-skinned creature that ate Bakten. I think we should pay a visit to this Black Grave Tower..." Grim ponders out loud once he digests what the others say.

As they set out, Grim replenishes his two potions of cure moderate wounds. He was feeling disturbingly close to the halls of the dead these days...

Pitbull notices something strange about Zlata - then lays his finger on it: two buttons from her coat are missing.

So, to clarify, Malash didn't steal Lord Ryuu, but Jujanil did?

Stole his heart, yes. In the figurative sense, mind you.

As Mogall gives the dark truth on Fumeiyoshi, Lady Shiori becomes alarmed. This is worse than I thought. I urge you, move to the Black Grave Tower immediately. "storms" the letter said, I'm sure Jujanil is about to emerge. For my sake, and that or Lord Ryuu, I call on your help. You were here to learn about Bakten's past, weren't you?

Lady Shiori is quick to arrange cold weather gear and a map of the mountainous region

Finally, Lady Shiori offers a single bone-white arrow No creature this dark hails from the realm of the living. With this arrow’s purity, may you fell the beast that has vexed me for so long. Do this for me and help free my love from this monster’s thrall.

Arrow of slaying (undead)

The arduous journey into the Wild Peaks in southern Zi Ha takes approximately 10 days on foot. Several Yak herders are willing to provide direction, but none can be swayed to take as much as a step in its direction. The only trail leads through a 3-mile-long pass surrounded by steep cliff. The air is thin and cold, punishingly cold.

The winds pick up as the party continues on the trail, and the cold streams of icy air start whipping up snow. Fortunately, the little yeti statuette, carrying the blessing of Malikeen, prevents the worst effects of the cold, but vision is still limited.

A crude wooden sign juts from the ice at the foot of a natural stair formation. Beyond, the mountain’s ridge drops away suddenly.

A sudden drop signals the end of one range and the beginning of another. Far below, the cracking squawk of shifting ice answers the thunder in the sky above. A rope bridge extends across the gap, flapping like a flag in the relentless winds. The far end is shrouded in spirals of snow.

Moving more than five feet per round takes a reflex save to avoid falling off

"Zlata whats wrong with your shirt? Missing buttons - your attention to detail slipping?" Pitbull offers brusquely.

***

Take 10 survival = 18 (Tracking 20)

"Three sets of large footprints, not good. Never friends eh?"

Pitbull ties off a rope on the current side before beginning the crossing, Asbo following behind.

"I will secure the rope on the far side too, make sure we don't have any problems with people slipping and falling"

Rather than go across the set bridge, what do the walls look like and how deep? I just don't trust strange rope bridges that stink of ambush :p

Otherwise...
Stealth 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Pitbull slinks low as she crosses, trying to stay as compact and deliberate as she can as she moves across - sniffing the wind for any trace of enemies...
Using Scent ability

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

"The Tower to which we journey is located at the intersection of two ley lines."

Survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

How bad is the visibility? Is there a way to estimate the width of the gorge?

Grim takes out his bow to provide cover for those on the bridge - although with these whipping winds and poor visibility he is not sure how effective ranged weapons will be...

UMD DC 20, take 10: 10 + 16 = 26
Skarn casts various defensive spells, anticipating trouble. He then grasps his longspear, hoping that experience will prove his guts wrong.

Casting longstrider from the wand, then mage armor on Fianna.

Mogall stands in the back as Pitbull ties a rope about herself "I'll send you some guards", he cast a Silent Image spell {link} .

The small wayang concentrates on creating an illusion of four half orc mountain guides with big swords joining Pitbull in crossing the bridge. They begin to carefully and stealthy cross the bridge along with Pitbull two in front and two in back giving her cover in numbers. Mogall maintains concentration making them look real and animate. If they make it across the bridge then they actively but silently stand guard while she attaches the rope.

Will DC 16 disbelief (if interacted with)

The snow blocks vision for anything more than five feet away. Pitbull tries to smell out the surroundings, but the biting cold and strong wind make the job quite hard. Nothing present itself though.

Pitbull crosses slowly, slowly, with four illusory half-orcs flanking her. As soon as she is halfway across the bridge, something big and hairy appears on the other side, and with a loud moan starts yanking at the bridge, shaking it.

Str: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Opposed strength check or be shaken off

Note that only pitbull can see a vague outline of what is on the other side.

---
Mogall
Grim
Pitbull
Zlata
---
Glacial Rose
---
Skarn
Anaristiel
---

Grim curses the weather, puts his bow away, and grabs the rops connected to Scarlet. With the bridge moving like that, he wanted to make sure she didn't fall too far...

STR 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

"You gonna get smashed now"

Pitbull simply abandons the pretence of sneaking and mucking about and just goes for the enemy. Asbo races past first, so Pitbull can slide in and flank.

Asbo
Reflex 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Acrobatics to avoid AOO as approach 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
PA
Attack 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 2 = 25
Damage 1d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 4 = 13

Pitbull
Reflex 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Acrobatics to avoid AOO as approach 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Outflank+PA
Attack 1d20 + 11 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 4 - 2 = 30
Damage 2d4 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (2, 1) + 7 + 6 = 16
Convert? 1d20 + 11 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 4 - 2 = 29
Add Damage 2d4 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 7 + 6 = 18

Grim grabs a tight hold of the rope as the bridge starts shaking. Asbo and Pitbull rush forward, into the frightening presence of a Yeti. The hairy beast swipes at Asbo as he approaches.

AoO Claw, Asbo: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

I need Will saves for Pitbull and Asbo as well

---
Mogall
Grim
Pitbull
Zlata
---
Glacial Rose
---
Skarn
Anaristiel
---

Asbo Will 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 (+4 vs enchantment/charm)

Pitbull Will 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Reroll 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 4 = 26

Will save sucks

Grim shouts to his comrades, "GO! Grab the rope and get over there to help Pitbull! Give me three sharp tugs when the last of you get over..." He then braces himself with the rope in both hands.

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Mogall moves the illusory half orcs up to where it sounds like the battle is coming from and makes them look dangerous with swords swinging wildly about.

Will DC 16 disbelief (if interacted with)

Pitbull fights on against the hairy creature, but notices Asbo being frozen in fear as he faces the Yeti.

Mogall marches his half-orcs up to the bridge, where they menace the yeti

---
Mogall
Grim
Pitbull
Asbo (paralyzed with fear, 1)
Zlata
---
Glacial Rose
---
Skarn
Anaristiel
---

Zlata moves across the bridge as quickly as she is able (double move), and readies her scythe, but is unable to quite engage with the creature yet.

The yeti steps around Pitbull, and brings down two sharp claws, scratching the half-orc with the first, and only barely missing with the second.

Claw, Pitbull: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 191d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + (2) = 7
Claw, Pitbull: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Asbo is actually not paralyzed - the +4 saves him

Anyone within 5 feet next round must roll a DC 16 Will save to avoid being paralyzed

---
Skarn
Anaristiel
Mogall
Grim
Pitbull
Asbo
Zlata
---
Glacial Rose
---

At the start or the end? Pitbull is starting within 5', Asbo will finish within 5', or is it all round?

Zlata closes on the yeti (taking an AoO presumably), and swings with her scythe,

Scythe, PA: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 - 2 = 11 for: 2d4 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 6 + 6 = 17

Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

but even as she attacks she feels her limbs seizing up...

Unsure of what is going on on this other side of the bridge, Skarn bestows his allies (except Zlata because she's too far) a prayer.

"Fools that we are to come near this chasm of doom! Yet Groetus smiles on us, for our time has not come. Yet I am told that our enemy shall perish this very moment!"

Note that the prayer will also affect the yeti negatively.

Prayer:You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a –1 penalty on such rolls.

Asbo - Will 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 1 = 18 (+4 vs enchantment/charm)
Pitbull - Will 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 1 = 13

Pending outcomes before resolving attacks.

Anaristiel casts a spell then begins making her way across the bridge.

Standard action: Cast divine favor
Move action: As indicated on map

Still maintaining his concentration on the illusion orcs, Mogall moves up to see what is going on.

It's a gaze attack, so anytime you are within 5' you're affected (unless you're blind or looking away). I'm timing the gaze so that you can act first and then save (which is actually the wrong way around), because of the way we resolved the first round.

Zlata is put off-guard by the fear-inducing gaze of the yeti, and only manages a half-hearted swing. Skarn bolsters the party with some divine protection.

Pitbull freezes in fear while Asbo troopers on. Anaristiel calls down more divine aid, while Mogall moves closer.

---
Skarn
Anaristiel
Mogall
Grim
Pitbull
Asbo
Zlata
---
Glacial Rose
---

Asbo moves back around to flank, then starts biting!

Outflank/PA
Bite 1d20 + 9 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 4 - 2 = 28
Damage 1d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 4 = 12

Grim makes it across the bridge and lumbers in for some yeti-smack-down action!
Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Power attack!: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Shocking overhand chop damage!: 2d6 + 16 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1, 2) + 16 + (4) + 2 = 25

"C'mon, girl! Get in the game!" Grim hollers at Pitbull, knowing the challenge will serve to motivate the half-orc.

Hopefully it isn't a will save each round - normally if you make it you don't need to keep re-rolling for these sort of annoying fear effects... True Dragons (non-spoiler) yesterday was a headache because of that :(

Pending NEXT ROUND action

Asbo unleashes.
Outflank/PA
Bite 1d20 + 9 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 4 - 2 = 17
Damage 1d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 4 = 11

Claw 1d20 + 9 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 4 - 2 = 15
Damage 1d4 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 4 = 12

Claw 1d20 + 9 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 4 - 2 = 14
Damage 1d4 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 4 = 11

Bite 1d20 + 9 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 4 - 2 = 16
Damage 1d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 4 = 13

Pitbull attacks
Outflank/PA
Attack 1d20 + 11 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 4 - 2 = 16
Damage 2d4 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (3, 4) + 7 + 6 = 20

Attack 1d20 + 6 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 4 - 2 = 28
Damage 2d4 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (2, 1) + 7 + 6 = 16
Crit? 1d20 + 6 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 4 - 2 = 21
Add Damage 2d4 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (2, 1) + 7 + 6 = 16

The fear effect is a gaze attack, so I need a save each round

Asbo pecks hard at the yeti as Grim comes rushing in for a powerful chop.

The yeti tries to create some distance for its powerful claws to have a better swing, and rips at Pitbull

Claws: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Claws: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 261d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + (5) = 15

Seeing his master panic for a moment, it's now Asbo's turn to be frozen in place

Will, Asbo: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8
Will, PB: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 1 = 16

Pitbul is relentless, however, and deals a massive blow.

--
Skarn
Anaristiel
Mogall
Grim
Pitbull
Asbo
Zlata
---
Glacial Rose (69)
---

"That'a'girl! Knew you just need a kick in the rear!" Grim jests with his shield-sister. And then he catches the glare of the yeti, and experiences the fear for himself...
Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Power attack!: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Shocking overhand chop damage!: 2d6 + 16 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1) + 16 + (3) + 2 = 24

Anaristiel makes her way off of the rickety bridge and swings her glaive at the large yeti.

Move action: As indicated on map
Standard action: Attack yeti
Attack (MW Glaive (2H), Divine Favor, Power Attack): 1d20 + 5 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 3 - 1 = 18
Damage (MW Glaive (2H), Divine Favor, Power Attack): 1d10 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 3 + 3 = 13

Miss chance, Ana: 1d100 ⇒ 7

Grimaldus freezes in place at the sight of the yeti's stare. Anaristiel is not affected through the snowstorm, but has a hard time finding the white creature in the white haze.

Can somebody post for Pitbull and Asbo as well?

--
Skarn
Anaristiel
Mogall
Grim
Pitbull
Asbo
Zlata
---
Glacial Rose (69)
---

Looks like Pitbull and Asbo have already acted this round. Their last post was a pre-post for this round which you already processed.

Since the illusion isn't help Much, Mogall continues to concentrate on it as he moves closer to the beast to the point where he still has concealment .

Zlata continues to press the attack.

Scythe, PA: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 2 = 21 for: 2d4 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 6 + 6 = 17

Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

@Mogall: You are absolutely right

Mogall moves closer for better control over his illusions. (The illusions did do their work in putting the Yeti on the defensive and moving him back this much.)

Zlata takes a solid hit at the yeti, then gets confronted by its awful stare, and feels her blood run cold.

Can I have an action for Skarn?

--
Skarn
Anaristiel
Mogall
Grim
Pitbull
Asbo
Zlata (paralyzed, 1)
---
Glacial Rose (86)
---

Since he isn't able to see through the mist, Skarn boldly strides(TM) over the bridge, his trusted wolf at his side.

Walking cautiously, hence two move actions to do it.

Skarn closes the gap as the yeti continues its onslaught, stepping back to deliver two smashes with its sharp claws.

Claw, asbo: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 241d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + (3) = 10
Claw, asbo: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

--
Skarn
Anaristiel
Mogall
Grim
Pitbull
Asbo (-10hp)
Zlata (paralyzed, 1)
---
Glacial Rose (86)
---

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Power attack!: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Shocking overhand chop damage: 2d6 + 16 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 6) + 16 + (4) + 2 = 32

Grim takes a moment to steel his resolve, then attacks the yeti again, determined to bring the creature down!

Anaristiel swings her glaive again at the yeti, determined to connect.

Standard action: Attack yeti
Attack (MW Glaive (2H), Divine Favor, Prayer, Power Attack): 1d20 + 5 + 3 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 3 + 1 - 1 = 18
Damage (MW Glaive (2H), Divine Favor, Prayer, Power Attack): 1d10 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 3 = 15
Miss Chance (high hits): 1d100 ⇒ 90

Grimaldus moves up in a towering mound of metal, and bring his blade down, sending it reeling in shocks and spasms, and finally silencing it.

Combat over!

The snows colors red in Yeti blood, but there are further stains: crimson carnage colors the snow atop the northern escarpment. Ten frost-covered corpses lie decapitated and half-buried near a collapsed tree protruding from a nearby snow bank.

The yeti's footsteps canbe traced along a path leading east.

Zlata examines the remains; is this the yeti's handiwork (clawiwork?), or something else?

Heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Mogall uses his wand of infernal healing to help restore Asbo. Fast heal 10pt total over 10 rounds.

The corpses look strange: eight of them are humanoid, but they seem to have been dead long before they got frozen over here. The remaining two are yetis, ripped to pieces by claws.

"An offering to the yetis, perhaps? But what could rip two yetis apart like this?" Grim offers.

Mogal shrugs "A bigger Yeti with a bad temper?"

A set of stairs lines the pagoda. Twin iron doors stretch ten feet up the jagged pagoda’s side. The doors are painted with a hideous crimson visage ringed by two sets of spiraling script. No handles, rungs, or keyholes are visible, only a small, dark depression that serves as the snarling facade’s mouth.