(PFS) GM Alice's The Blakros Matrimony (Inactive)

Game Master Alice Margatroid

Initiative: Kynrac | Shel | Mifune | Arastrax | Jakarno | Trys | Terrill

Status
Shel: 5 damage

All Allies: +1 to-hit, +1 vs. fear saves (bless)

Dretches: All dead!

Terrain
The entirety of the inside of the pavilion is considered difficult terrain.

The stinking cloud ends at the end of Arastrax's turn this round.

OOC
I am presuming everyone that did not post an action is delaying in place this round.

Kynrac, I think that entering the stinking cloud would require a saving throw.

Kynrac Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 You're fine.

Having a moment to catch their breath after Trys eviscerates the guard's innards, the group converges upon his unmoving corpse (or perhaps simply retches for a while - poor Mifune!). The stinking cloud effects both evaporate into the empty air, leaving behind only the memory of the awful Abyssal gasses.

Terrill, I presume you're casting detect evil. (You have to pick a given alignment to detect.) Likewise, remember that it's a multi-round concentration type spell. Round 1 gives you only the presence (or lack thereof).

Terrill begins to scan the area for lingering traces of evil, and he is immediately struck by the presence of it in the area. He would have to concentrate further to gain more information; all he can tell right now is that there is definitely evil in the area. (The fact that there are still a couple of lesser demons caught in battle with various souls in the room may attest to that!)

As far as the body goes... well... it seems quite normal. Quite dead, though, far beyond your ability to save at this point; Trys certainly did a good job of that. Given a few moments to rifle through his body, you can discover only the equipment he used in life, plus a couple of clear-coloured potions firmly affixed to his belt. He looks just as he did when you saw him at the docks... minus, well, the intestines hanging out everywhere.

There's sobbing from some of the guests who have hidden themselves under tables or lie injured in the corners of the pavilion. Some people stand around dazedly, scarcely recognising that the battle seems to be almost over. Others start to try and tend to the injured while the last of the dretches and behirs are put to the sword and the spell. Hamaria Blakros staggers to her feet in the corner of the room, aided by her faithful commander; her expensive dress is stained with blood, but she seems to be in grim control of herself. A couple of piercing screams echo from elsewhere, outside of the pavilion, distantly.

Oh my. You certainly did a good job of that one, little flower. How did you enjoy being the hero?

It is the same voice as before, Arastrax's mocking dulcet, but lower, richer, more deeply amused. And this time, you're all hearing it within your heads.

Oh how wonderful it is to see the heroes slay the innocent!

The captain's blood-- so very, very black-- seems to be... writhing and moving along the floorboards of the stage. It shivers and jolts around as if moved by some shadowy force beneath the wood.

A shadowy claw rises up through the floorboards, and then another, almost gently sliding across the stage to wrap tightly around Trys' ankles. The claws appear to not be real, much as the dretches were, and yet the flesh on her legs sears with pain, like an uttercold icicle rending the skin. Finally, the demon rises up from below, wraith-like as it slips behind her and sinks its fangs into her neck.

Shall we dance, my dear? Or have you had enough already~?

Trys takes 21 damage.

Arastrax full-attacked from beneath the stage (with total concealment) and then 5-foot stepped up through the stage.

Aa one experienced to fight demons, Kynrac expects the guile of the shadowy demon and draws forth one of his scrolls from his belt. The lorekeeper reads out loud words of illumination:

प्रकाश वहाँ हो!

Casting Daylight from my scroll, centered where the demon is.

Terrill once again glides effortlessly through the chaos of the pavilion, skirting the edge of the stage to come at Arastrax from behind. He clambers up onto the stage and takes a swing at the foul creature with his long, curved sword.

Use Agile Feet (3/5 used today), move on floor along stage past Arastrax to avoid AoO, then step in and attack.

With a 30' move, I believe I can just get into position to hit Arastrax, by going a square past him as I climb up, then stepping my last 5' closer. But I'm not sure how high the stage is. My priority will be on avoiding the AoO (I left a little bullseye on the map, to show my starting position. If it's possible to get in an attack, here it is:

MW Curve Blade attack, Bless, Divine Favor: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 + 2 = 15
Curve blade damage, Divine Favor: 1d10 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 = 12

Knowing she is in a dire state, Trys steps back off the stage, dropping to a crouch on the ground. Then she pulls an oil from her chest and applies it to her sword. Bless Weapon.

Motioning to her wand, she catches the eyes of Shel and Kynrac. Heal. Please.

Rats, there goes that flank...though I understand why you did what you did. I almost healed you from where I stood, Trys, but I thought it would be good to do some more damage to Arastrax.

Shel moves into the space beside Try's even as she pulls her own wand of curing, hoping to help out the warrior next round against the shadow creatures.

2 moves this round. Hope I can heal next round.

Still fighting off the effects of the non-existent noxious gas, Mifune moved forward slowly using his katana as a cane. Though the samurai seemed haggard and out of breath, the death glare he gave the shadowy creature showed the battle lust that continued to rage within.

Move Action: Movement (15 feet) Moving directly to behind Terrill Mayern.

I believe I have 1 more round of nauseated left, correct?

Didn't you see my post? I had cast a Protection from Evil just before you had to roll, which you forgot to take into account. If I'm not mistaken you shouldn't be nauseated at all (11+2=13).

Kynrac - DM Alice posted here that your Protection from Evil went off after Mifune rolled his save, so he didn't get the benefit of it and failed his save.

Ah, sorry!

Ah, sorry!

If it's any consolation...I really wish that your spell had gone off first lol

Mifune - I think that will be your last round of nauseated. You can act fine this round.

Initiative: Kynrac | Shel | Mifune | Arastrax | Jakarno | Trys | Terrill

Status
Shel: 5 damage
Trys: 34 damage

All Allies: +1 to-hit, +1 vs. fear saves (bless)

Dretches: All dead!

Terrain
The entirety of the inside of the pavilion is considered difficult terrain.

OOC
Moving for Jakarno.

As Trys stumbles backwards off the stage to bless her weapon, Jakarno summons a shadowy being of his own to hide her passage and presence from the shadow demon. (Casting silent image) It seems amused by the summoned creature, turning around to face Jakarno with a vicious and toothy smile. Another of the shadows! Excellent, excellent! I shall personally see to it that your soul is mine to devour when I destroy you all! Perhaps you may even have what it takes to become one of us! Nevertheless, he seems to be taking into account the shadow creation's presence in the battle to avoid potential attacks.

Terrill Climb: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Terrill pushes past the scattered chairs and collapsed people with the ease of an eternal traveller and pulls himself onto the stage. He swings his blade at Arastrax... only to discover with some horror that his blade simply passes right through the shadow demon's body as if it were not there at all.

Ahahahahahaha! You think that pathetic blade could have a chance of harming me, mortal?

All the while, Kynrac is thinking smart, pulling out a scroll and letting forth a sudden flash of bright light explode out across the room. His laughter cuts off with a sudden shriek of torment, and the shadow demon reels away from the source of the light. Though you might need to shield your eyes from the illumination, it's nothing compared to the obvious pain Arastrax is in.

NNNNNNoooonONOOONOnoonONOnooooOOOO! The demon proceeds to curse Kynrac in Abyssal, using words better left unsaid - words that speak of the eternal suffering coming to him in the next life.

Shel moves up, preparing to heal Trys' deadly wounds.

Arastrax finally manages to compose himself - slightly - ever so slightly - enough to bark out a single word: "სიბნელე!" A blossoming seed of darkness explodes out from the exact point that Kynrac targeted a moment prior, although the competing light sources simply counteract one another and result in no change of light. Still - Arastrax's body heaves with the exertion even that action took.

The demon turns his scarlet red eyes, filled with hatred, upon the oracle.

I am going to tear you limb from limb! Your soul is mine, elf!

Arastrax cast deeper darkness, cancelling the daylight effect - but the area remains normal light, which is great for you guys. p.s., Terrill, this would provoke an AoO, but you can't actually hit him with your weapon due to the incorporeal trait, so it wouldn't matter.

Shel uses her wand on Trys, trying to make the bleeding stop from the vicious wound the warrior suffered.

CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

5th charge used.

Not dwelling for a single moment on his small victory, the Riftwarden moves behind Trys, both knowing what danger she poses for the fiend and how much she needs her wounds to revert back to flesh.

May time rewind, your wounds close, this madness end!

Casting Cure Moderate Wounds on Trys:2d8 + 5 ⇒ (5, 2) + 5 = 12

Thanks guys! That gives me enough to jump back into it, but I will most likely require some more ministrations before this is all over.

Trys jumps up on the stage to initiate with the living shadow.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 1 - 2 = 25, Damage: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (3, 2) + 12 = 17. Cold Iron, Magic, Good.

Don't worry, I have your back!

In the interests of moving this combat on (we are VERY near the end of this module and posting has slowed down significantly lately) I'm going to take the actions of everyone who hasn't posted yet. I've been lenient with the 1 post/day thing so far :P

Initiative: Kynrac | Shel | Mifune | Arastrax | Jakarno | Trys | Terrill

Status
Shel: 5 damage
Trys: 14 damage

All Allies: +1 to-hit, +1 vs. fear saves (bless)

Dretches: All dead!
Arastrax: 8 damage

Terrain
The entirety of the inside of the pavilion is considered difficult terrain.

Jakarno continues to concentrate on his illusion, creating a rather believable beast that harries the shadow demon and distracts him while Trys leaps into action. Her blade still cuts through nothing at all, but Arastrax lets out a feral shriek as the holy coating seems to burn away at the edges of his being, like a candle-light burning away at the edges of a piece of paper.

Your attack does affect him and goes through his DR, but still deals half damage as it's a corporeal source of damage.

Terrill Aid Another (Mifune; +2 to Climb: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Mifune Climb: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 2 = 14

Terrill reaches out to help Mifune climb up onto the stage, and the samurai ascends with magical blade in hand. He strikes out at the shadow demon, but it seems without a blessed blade he can barely scratch it.

Mifune Attack (Shisui): 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 10 - 2 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 = 10

Shel, of course, reaches up on her tip-toes to heal Trys' wounds alongside Kynrac. She's looking much better now.

The demon sneers at the Pathfinders converging on his position, having recovered from his brief contact with Trys' sanctified weapon. Not even the holiest of blades can stop me from taking all of you down to the Abyss with me! Let me show you some of the horrors that will await you there!

Suddenly sinking into the floorboards, the demon slips beneath the Pathfinders' feet, only to wind up somewhere behind everyone but Jakarno. Arastrax' eyes flash bright as whispers of the thousands of souls he's tortured pour from his lips, overlapping and intermingling with one another to create some ungodly cacophony. Each tells the story of their tortures; of being corrupted, of being betrayed, of being forced to do the most cruel and horrible things while possessed by the shadow demon. A stream of images flashes through your minds - horrible, blood-soaked scenes filled with screaming and death and pain for eternity.

He succeeded on both an Acrobatics check to avoid AoOs and a defensive casting check.

Everyone in the purple AoE cloud, please make a DC 18 Will save (fear save, so Bless applies)

Those unfortunate civilians caught in the crossfire begin to howl and scream in absolute terror, and a wave of people begin crawling over each other to escape. Some are clawing at their eyes or hair, others are simply weeping uncontrollably.

Will save 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 18

Shel was overcome by a wave of fear, almost causing her to break ranks and run. However she barely holds on, girding herself versus the effect. She saw the hurt that Trys put on the demon, so she again healed the warrior, wanting to keep her damaging the demon.

CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

6th charge used.

Kynrac, luckily outside Arastrax's range, readies yet another countermove to the demon's move. He is the white bishop on the chess board, enjoying every vexation he inflicts on the shadowy player opposite him.

Ready action: Casting Unbreakable Heart on any companion that will fail their save (preferably Trys or Mifune if given a choice).

Will save with Bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 = 16 The dice-o-matic really has it in for me this game.

Terrill startles in fear, a look of sheer panic crossing his face as he casts about for the fastest escape route.

Will wait to see the outcome of others' saves - it may just make more sense for Kynrac to use the spell on Trys, as he says.

Mifune grimaced at the lack of resistance behind his blade as he slashed at the foul beast. Gritting his teeth, he sheathed the blade, readying himself to lash out at the demon once more only to be hit in the face with a violet fog made of nightmares.

The screams and scenes of tortured agony played and replayed them over and over again in Mifune's mind as he began to step forward. Men, women, children alike all succumbing to the twisted whims of the demon, but even so, the samurai moved.

He moved not out of blind hatred.

He moved not out of desire for violence.

He moved for Lady Amara Li, for Paracountess Zarta Dralneen, and for Cheliax.

Stepping out of the fog of horrors, the samurai spat on the ground as he glared at the shadow demon. Resting his hand on the sheathed katana at his side, Mifune calmly and cooly stared down Arastrax.

"So...how shall we end this?"

Resolve - "Resolute" (2/3 left) Using to roll twice on the Will save.

Will Save (DC18): 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7
Will Save (DC18): 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 1 = 23

Resolve - "Determined" (1/3 left) Using to take a Standard Action to get rid of the Shaken condition.

Move Action 5-foot Step to the right.

Using his expertise with illusions, Barnabus directs his illusionary beast to interpose itself between the demon and himself, and then begins to cast a spell.

Extended illusions will keep the Image around for 2 more rounds. Begin casting Summon Monster II

Moving for Trys... although it isn't going to matter too much in the long run.

Trys Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Terrill and Trys simultaneously practically fall over themselves to book it out of there, their minds unable to handle the torrent of horror Arastrax subjected them to. Mifune and Shel - through personal fortitude and just damn good luck - manage to resist the horrifying aura of torment... barely. Jakarno begins calling a creature from another plane, while Kynrac makes a split-second decision to move diagonally left, rather than right--Trys stops in her tracks, the fear suddenly quelled, although poor Terrill continues to flee.

Terrill joins the crowd of guests who are trying to do the exact same thing, propelled into utter chaos by the sheer terror. There's only so much room for people to move, and some people are starting to panic even more; a young noblewoman stumbles over and is almost trampled upon in the stampede. A vague thought-bubble occurs to the half-elf, a memory from barely a minute ago - perhaps he could cut his way out of here, to be away from it all?

Using his agile blessings of Desna, he pushes on past and raises his blade to the thick canvas of the pavilion's walls. With a great riiiip he slices a hole big enough for people to move through, another exit formed, and others nearby quickly make it bigger by tugging on the upended edges.

As soon as a single person steps out of the impromptu exit hole, Arastrax freezes, head snapping in that direction. He pauses for half a second, although it's impossible to read the demon's expression, and then he laughs in your minds.

Well, well. It appears the first rat has managed to flee the cage. Oops.

The shadowy silhouette draws back, hovering in the air above the party, right near the roof of the pavilion.

As much as I would enjoy continuing to douse the hopeless flames of your spirits right here and now, another, more pressing opportunity has revealed itself.

The demon stares particularly in Kynrac's eyes as he continues to 'speak.'

But you, my precious little morsels, I will not forget, oh no. Consider this a temporary rain-check on your demise.

Arastrax begins to fade away, his glowing eyes and needle-like fangs the last things to remain before he disappears completely, leaving behind a few parting words and echoing laughter.

Oh, I almost forgot-- The ONYX ALLIANCE sends its regards! Hah! I made that clear, didn't I? Hahahahaha...

The Pathfinders remain on guard for perhaps another minute, expecting the demon to surely return. But it seems that, for now, you are able to breathe deeply and recover from the experience.

Rubaani Shafar, her armour smeared with blood, lends a shoulder to help Hamaria exit from the chaotic pavilion. Damien Kastner has found a sword somewhere-- its blade is dark with demon blood as well, and he hurries over to his new mother-in-law.

Nigel Aldane kneels by his wife in the dirt, both of their fine clothes torn and dishevelled, talking softly with each other. A close observer might notice their fingers intertwined with one another.

Jeon Reang-Woo looks as though the horrors of the fight have brought him into a sudden and sharp aging. He kneels by the wounded, bringing what comfort he can although his divine energies are quickly expended. Some of the guests are past his ability to help, and the young Tien bows his head over each.

Alexander Bedard seems to be trying to make some nearby guests laugh, to lighten the mood, but is having very little success of it.

But... in the end, you seem to have survived once more.

Coward! Trys yells at the fleeing Daemon, then seems to realize the irony of her statement.

You're a bit late, Trys. :P

Shel checks on her compatriots, making sure they were all okay. "Is it gone? Dd anyone do anything that made it leave," she wondered.

Kynrac grins at the demon's words, replying nothing for he knows that words are useless against the Abyss dwellers.

It is over. A game neither won, nor lost. Fear not, companions, for the demons' taunting words are in vain. We won't be seeing him again. the Riftwarden says with maybe a hint of wishful thinking.

Aghast and exhausted for a moment, Kynrac finally snaps out of it and starts using his remaining spells to heal the wounded and care for the traumatized.

My list of personal demonic enemies grow longer, it seems. A chance that given their chaotic nature, they won't seek each other to ally themselves against me.

Later that day, the lorekeeper will attempt to learn more about this Onyx alliance from their host - if available, or if not at Skyreach library in the days to come.

Hamaria Blakros seeks out the Pathfinders after the most grievously injured have been made stable, Rubaani Shafar at her side. She gives you all a solemn nod.

"It appears we owe the Pathfinder Society another debt. Your intervention there with that... thing... wearing our captain's body undoubtedly saved many lives here. You held it at bay for precious seconds, buying time for those less able to escape the horrors it and its minions would have wrought on us. My guests and I all owe you all dearly."

Once he's recovered from the all-consuming terror, and moved quite a distance from the pavilion, Terrill stops and shakes his head, then looks around. He realizes foggily what has happened, and he turns and runs back to the pavilion as quickly as he's able, darting in the open door. He's startled to see the demon gone, the crowd being tended to and cleared out, and all of his companions in fine shape and talking to Hamaria Blakros.

He doesn't feel he particulary deserves her thanks for dealing with the demon, given that he wasn't able to harm it and he fled the fight at top speed. So he turns to tending to the wounded and the frightened, thinking all the while, Well, it appears the Society has come out of this fiasco fairly well, and that's all to the good. I wish I could be prouder of my role in it. Time to invest in some different weaponry, and see if I can't be a bit more effective on my next mission.

Clicking his tongue at the sight of the fleeing demon, Mifune growled angrily at the words Onyx Alliance. The demon would pay one day, but the more pressing matter was the sorry state that all of them were in. Perking up at Hamaria Blakros' voice, Mifune turns to the woman and gives her a deep bow.

"Not at all, Madame Blakros. This all falls within the purview of this one's duties. This one apologizes profusely that the event did not go more...swimmingly, and hopes that the Pathfinders may continue to harbor a strong friendship with the powerful and reputable Blakros family."

Cutting in after the Tien, Mifune speaks truly for the Society. But as for me, I prefer to settle this particular debt with monetary compensation. I'm sure we can come to a fair price for my services...

Seeing whatever had occurred was somewhat resolved for the time being, Shel finds a nearby chair and flops down in it, exhausted and slightly disappointed.

The matriarch smiles thankfully (albeit wearily) at Mifune. "Do not blame yourself for today's events. The Onyx Alliance has long been a thorn in our side, and I am not surprised that they chose this day to bother us once more." Hamaria pauses a moment, eyes narrowing in thought. "In the past, though, they have been more... subtle," she muses. "Perhaps they merely wish to mock us with this blatant show of force. Or perhaps..." she trails off with a shake of her head.

Luckily, our resident money-grubbing mob boss is here to break up the morose mood. Hamaria laughs curtly at Trys' bluntness; perhaps it was just the thing to take the edge of the situation. "Yes, indeed. It would not do to send the Pathfinders back home without a reward for their efforts."

"I will arrange for a portion of the mercenary company's commission to be forwarded to your venture-captain for distribution at a later date. Right now, if you'll excuse me, I must see to it that everyone is brought back to Absalom safely." With a polite nod, Hamaria leaves your side to leap into the business of herding cats.

You receive tier-appropriate gold!

Lady Blakros begins giving orders to arrange for the departure of all the remaining guests in whatever vessels remain docked at the island. Tancred Desimire's ship is long gone, but Damien formerly-Kastner loans his yacht, and a few other nobles who did not come here on the Blakros family's galleon are able to ferry extra people back home as well. Within the hour, the guests are solemnly lead back towards the boats, clutching their once-fine party clothes and any injuries they have sustained.

In time, you're able to return to Absalom, buoyed by heavier pockets and the thrill of victory (despite the number of questions that no doubt remain). The boat ride back to Absalom takes on a sombre tone, any joy at the wedding eclipsed by the death and destruction the demons brought to Pariol Island, although you may rest easy in the knowledge that your intervening no doubt saved many. Mutterings abound of your deeds, and the brave Pathfinders are generally lauded as the heroes of the wedding.

Back in a couple of days at the Grand Lodge of Absalom, Ambrus Valsin meets with you to hand over Hamaria's promised reward and to informally debrief you on the madness that went down on Pariol Island. "It appears I sent the right people after all... you protected our interests and the lives of the guests. Fabulous work, the lot of you. Congratulations, Pathfinders. A job well done."