[PFS] GM kuey's The Solstice Scar, Version B (#8-99B), Tier 3-4 (Special) (Inactive)

Game Master kuey

Chou smacks the (red) dog right across its sensitive nose with the flat of her blade, leaving it right open to the hammer-like fist from 575, knocking it unconscious. 575 methodically steps forward, and punches the remaining dog in his chest, cracking some bones. Corona moves to assist, but the dog, despite its aching chest, manages to duck under her weapon.

combat map
Bold may act
-------
Round 2: Status: bless: +1 attack, save vs fear | inspire courage: +1 attack, dmg, save vs fear
~~~
red dog
orange dog (NL12)
yellow dog
Sangkip
-------
Round 3:
~~~
Chou (NL3)
575 (NL15)
Corona (NL10)
Draklor (NL2)
Zarnel

With a roll of his eyes Sangkip strolls forward to slice up one of the pooch's legs.

There it's down. It's not dead, can we please go now.

Dagger: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 31
Magic P/S: 1d3 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 = 10

Uh... I hope it's not dead?
Confirm?: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 16
Extra Damage: 1d3 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8

Ninja'd by the monkey! Was typing this up, hit preview, and then saw Sangkip's post. This attack only goes off if Sangkip failed to drop it.

Wow, 575 is very ... effective.

Squinting, he sees that the collar he thought was yellow in color from a distance is indeed more of an orange hue.

How did I even mistake that? Perhaps I should have my eyes checked.

Zarnel then turns his focus toward the Orange dog, and swings, pulling his attack so as not to harm them so much.

Attack, Flanking, Power attack/Furious Focus, Bard, Bless, Non-lethal: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 21
Damage, Power attack/Furious Focus, Bard, Non-lethal: 2d6 + 6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4, 6) + 6 + 3 + 1 = 20

Should Sangkip not dismember the remaining dog, Draklor moves around the action, once again switching out weapons in favor of a knife. He takes a haphazard swipe, more to distract the target from Zarnel's doubtlessly stronger one.

Aid Zarnel's Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 1 = 19

Ninja'd!

Lol! Think this is the first time a player didn't want a crit. :)

Sangkip, impatient with all the delicate measures that the rest of the party is taking, steps up and jabs his dagger right into the haunch of the dog. The strike hits a major nerve, and together with its broken ribs, it was too much to take. It lets out a pitiful whine and falls unconscious. Zarnel quickly pulls back his large sword before he ends up decapitating the fallen animal.

Combat over! Character Status
Sangkip
Chou (NL3)
575 (NL15)
Corona (NL10)
Draklor (NL2)
Zarnel

The three dogs are lying unconscious on your feet. Sounds of battle still rage on at other parts of the museum, but you have a more immediate problem. What to do with the dogs?

Well done, fellows! We have completed all the encounters for now, and am awaiting for the overseer to trigger the next section. (By my estimate, in less than 2 days time.) So we're in holding pattern until then.

well shoot... was hoping something would hit me, to make the healing more effective.
Now I have to ponder that 15 non lethal.

575 checks the dogs, to make sure they're alright, then looks up and shrugs slightly... though he doesn't quite do it right.

Perhaps we suggest
They use funds for other things...
Home for abused dogs?

"That's a fine idea," Draklor agrees, putting the knife away again. "I do wish they'd seen sense earlier, but no use dwelling on it."

"The garden is okay now... we can put them there and tie them to a pole and give them some food and some water. Then mister Nigel can calm them down later."

"That's an excellent idea, Chou Wei. We should let Sergeant Svaralk know. Perhaps he can look after them, also."

After helping to make arrangements for the dogs, Zarnel finds a (relatively) quiet corner of the gardens.

No, he will not be conducting any scarification, in case someone felt like skipping this to avoid a trigger.

He kneels upon one knee separate from his new friends. He draws a dagger which does not appear to be made for combat and sets it gingerly upon the ground in front of him. Its highly stylized hilt and engraved blade belie the fact that it is in fact razor sharp. He performs the ritual gesture, intones the liturgy, and bending his head, he prays to Vildeis for control, forgiveness, and wisdom.

After a few moments, he retrieves the dagger and stands. Calmer and more at peace, he thanks you all for giving him the space and time to do that.

"Aw, I'm glad we didn't have to kill the dogs after all," Corona remarks with a sigh of relief. "The garden sounds like a nice place to tie them up, too. Great thinking, New Friend Chou Wei!"

Once the dogs are taken care of and they have a few moments to collect themselves, Corona watches with fascination - from a respectable distance - as Zarnel completes his ritual.

"Um...N-New Friend Zarnel? What does your ritual do? How does it work?" she asks shyly.

Zarnel steps close to Corona, and speaks in a voice that while intimate and personal of tone is not whispered. It is clear from his posture and voice that although he is answering the young woman directly, he is unconcerned if others listen.

"You all saw me ... lose control ... against the automatons earlier. It is something I have struggled with for my entire life since I was in Crusader training as a youth."

He gestures to the golden flecks in his skin that betray his angelic heritage before continuing. "I was destined...."

"No, ... no, others expected that I was the Chosen One that would lead the armies of my native Mendev to victory against the Worldwound. But when the Hell beast within my soul manifested, and the Hellfire sprang from my sword, and this angelic gold turned hellish black..., they turned against me."

He catches himself as he realizes that his voice had gotten louder and angrier at the memories. He looks at the pleasant, sweet, shy face before him, and smiles then takes a deep, centering breath before continuing.

"I left Mendev, ending up in Iobaria where a priest of Vildeis found me. He started me on the path toward learning to control the rage while also becoming worthy of the good within me."

He suddenly gives a lighthearted laugh. "But I am babbling. You asked about my ritual, not my history."

"It was nothing but a moment of meditation and a simple prayer to Vildeis. My dagger is symbolic of Cicatrix, her magical (some would say sentient) dagger that is ever at her side. One like this is what a follower who hopes to join the Scar Seekers - as I do - uses to inflict their scars," he says as he drags his hand reverently across his opposite forearm. "I simply asked for her to forgive my loss of control, and to guide my hand in whatever is to come."

He pauses thoughtfully. "Corona, you are gifted with powers of prophesy, yes? I think Vildeis sent me a vision, almost like deja vu. Something very important to her is happening here, or will happen here, or ... I'm not sure. It eludes me."

Then he looks back into Corona's eyes, giving her that brilliant angelic smile. "Thank you for being so respectful. My faith is very important to me, as you might be able to tell. But, please, tell me about your faith."

GM said we had a couple days of real-time. I only wrote a 2-page backstory and personality profile on him.... :-) Figured it was a good time to use some of that fluff.

No, there was no mechanical effect to the ritual this time, since he did not meet the conditions requiring scarification.

The Pathfinders carry the unconscious forms of the dogs gently back out of the museum, towards the waiting museum staff, city guards and Nigel. Almost en-masses, all the museum staff flock forward and take over the animals from the Pathfinders.

"Poor Fluffy! You've got a big bump on your head!"

"Oh, oh, oh..."

"WHO STUCK A KNIFE INTO COCO!??!"

Gradually, under the ministrations of the doting museum staff, the three dogs gradually regain consciousness. They leap up excitedly to see familiar faces, enthusiastically licking the hands and faces of the museum staff. The unusual aggression they displayed is gone, now that they are outside the museum and away from whatever defensive magic had seized control of them.

Sergeant Svaralk walks over the Pathfinders. "Huh, I would not have expected toughened warriors like yourself to have cared for the lives of these dogs." He pauses here to see the antics of the animals. "But I'm glad you did. They are noble creatures."

Sangkip doesn't have the grace to look embarrassed.

But he does have the sleight of hand to hide the daggers.

575 observes the museum staff's response to the dogs with an odd expression. When the sergeant comes over to express thanks, he performs his odd shrugging motion.

Loyal guardians
At the museum's mercy
None of it their fault

He then suddenly flashes long rows of sharp teeth at Svaralk... his version of a smile to those that know him... appearing something entirely different to those that do not.

Draklor looks a bit sheepish, now feeling a little bad about the dogs. He doesn't let it get him too down, though.

"We did what was needed and in our power, nothing more. That's what keeps us decent."

"Puppies wewe angwy and wouldn't sit... But they okay now."

She pulls out a few of the clockwork pieces from upstairs and examines them. "Maybe I could make a whistew fow talking to dogs with these..."

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

After a loud crack and a ripple of arcane energy, silence falls across the museum as the construct guards freeze in place and haunted relics drop to the ground. Nigel’s voice rings out, magically projected throughout the museum: “We’ve disabled the magical security measures. Since we haven’t found the thieves yet, they must be hiding in my third-story study. Please subdue them; they have much to answer for!”

Nigel Aldain’s announcement echoes through a museum littered with shattered clockwork and toppled exhibits. There’s no question that the Pathfinders have quelled the building’s defenses, and perhaps the peaceful silence will set whoever hides on the third floor at ease.

@Table GMs: You have until March 18 to run Part C on page 14. The “Peace in the Museum” condition on page 16 is in effect.

With these words, the party climb their way up to the highest floor. The mahogany walls and domed, plaster ceiling both show signs of heavy damage. Most of the luxurious furniture and the crystal chandelier are intact. The contents of cabinets and bookcases lie strewn about the floor. A small wooden panel near the door hangs open, revealing an arcane sigil covered in scorch marks.

A Kellid woman dressed in furs with intricate scars all over her body steps forward. She holds a hand up and says, “Stay back. We are members of the Twinhorn following, and we have only come to retrieve what was stolen from us.”

A towering figure steps forward; his translucent red form is that of a man clad in heavy armor and wielding twin warhammers. “Medda, they must be in league with the thieves; they should die for crossing us.” The man’s voice sounds hollow and unnaturally loud, and as he speaks, the chandelier glows with a dull light.

The woman, Medda, puts a hand on the figure’s arm and says, “Maybe we should give them a chance to explain themselves, Anok.” Two Kellid warriors stand on either side, glaring at the party suspiciously.

maps and handouts updated if you want to see the layout

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Special Defenses.
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
HD, Saves, and Special Abilities.
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
Feats.

Draklor stows away any weapons he is holding, and puts his hands up in a placating manner. "Relax, we don't mean any harm," he says soothingly. "We were alerted to a disturbance in the museum. The exhibits and guards have been going haywire. Maybe that's been happening because you're here, I don't know; but it doesn't matter. You seem peaceful...enough." The kitsune looks warily at Anok, but continues.

"You say you're here to take back stolen goods. Would you mind elaborating on that? Nigel Aldain has always seemed shady; I wouldn't put theft past him."

Diplomacy?: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 1 = 25

GM Hmm clocking in from here.

Draklor knows that the Phantom has damage resistance versus slashing, that Medda has 2 hit dice, good will and fort saves, and an etheric connection the phantom before you. He also knows that the archers are good at what they do. They have: Deadly Aim, Endurance, Far Shot, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot.

Medda calms a bit at Draklor’s tone, but still frowns. “These Blakros people stole our most precious heirloom.” Medda retrieves a bundle of bloody bandages, then unwraps it to reveal a dagger hilt with only the fragment of a black blade. “It belonged to Ivvora, a champion of Vildeis who vanquished the great black evil from our land over 900 years ago. We kept it safe until the Blakros agents stole it three months ago.”

"The Dagger of Ivorra," Zarnel murmurs breathlessly. "Am I truly in its presence?"

Recovering his voice, he proclaims solemnly, "Medda of the Twinhorns, I am Zarnel, also called The Torn. I am a Paladin of Vildeis, aspirant to Her Scar Seekers. How can I and my friends assist you?"

As he says this, he presents his forearms, holding them out akimbo to show Medda the network of ritual scars similar to her own.

Diplomacy to Aid Draklor: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Will make sure to at least heal some of the 15 non-lethals damage, before going upstairs.
CWL: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CWL: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Good enough!

575 was not quite sure if the chaos downstairs in the museum justified the apparent theft of a broken dagger.

Loss of property.
Destruction of property.
Both sides at fault here

He says, frowning. Not nearly so quick to assume these kellids in the right.

There are better ways
And far less destructive ways
Did you think to talk?

Hey look, I'm all about aggressive reclamation of valuables, but have you talked to the Blakros family or Nigel? Usually they're all about market-rate when it comes to acquisitions.

Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 201d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Chou looks around at the assembled group timidly. Finally she steps up next to Draklor and tugs at his cloak. "Um... Drakwor? They seems mad...

Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1

She sniffs a few times, and looks at Medda's companion.

"Ummm.... awe you dead?"

"A bit mad, yes, but we can talk them down," Draklor whispers to Chou Wei. To her and the others, he adds, "And Anok is...a bit dead. He's a phantom. He doesn't seem to be a bad sort, though. Just don't stare."

"Sounds as if the Blakros are in the wrong here. Maybe we can get you an audience with Nigel? It would be best to talk about this civilly."

"The Dagger of Ivorra," Zarnel murmurs breathlessly. "Am I truly in its presence?"

Recovering his voice, he proclaims solemnly, "Medda of the Twinhorns, I am Zarnel, also called The Torn. I am a Paladin of Vildeis, aspirant to Her Scar Seekers. How can I and my friends assist you?"

As he says this, he presents his forearms, holding them out akimbo to show Medda the network of ritual scars similar to her own.

"A paladin of Vildeis? Here?" Medda's mouth opens with surprise as she looks up at the aasimar, and then studies the network of ritual scars. "We have traveled so far... but never thought to meet a fellow aspirant here."

Her Twin Horns lower their weapons, uncertainly.

Loss of property.
Destruction of property.
Both sides at fault here

He says, frowning. Not nearly so quick to assume these kellids in the right.

There are better ways
And far less destructive ways
Did you think to talk?

Hey look, I'm all about aggressive reclamation of valuables, but have you talked to the Blakros family or Nigel? Usually they're all about market-rate when it comes to acquisitions.

"There was no 'market rate' only theft." Anok responds in his deep, booming and hollow voice, “They came into our camp asking about Ivvora. Medda gave them shelter and told Ivvora’s story, but we would not part with the hilt. The next morning the hilt and the Blakros agents were gone. We tracked it here, to this building. If someone took your most sacred relic after you refused to sell... Would you not be furious?”

She sniffs a few times, and looks at Medda's companion.

"Ummm.... awe you dead?"

Anok growls, “I’m a phantom, not a ghost. I am Anok, and I protect the guardian of Ivvora’s hilt, Medda.”

"A bit mad, yes, but we can talk them down," Draklor whispers to Chou Wei. To her and the others, he adds, "And Anok is...a bit dead. He's a phantom. He doesn't seem to be a bad sort, though. Just don't stare."

"Sounds as if the Blakros are in the wrong here. Maybe we can get you an audience with Nigel? It would be best to talk about this civilly."

Medda holds her head high. "Perhaps we should. I am willing to let you try to negotiate."

"There was no 'market rate' only theft." Anok responds in his deep, booming and hollow voice, “They came into our camp asking about Ivvora. Medda gave them shelter and told Ivvora’s story, but we would not part with the hilt. The next morning the hilt and the Blakros agents were gone. We tracked it here, to this building. If someone took your most sacred relic after you refused to sell... Would you not be furious?”

"Um... getting mad at peopowe nevew weally hewps. I'd pwobably just sneak in and steaw it back and maybe take some othew stuff fow my twoubles."

Chou, that's kinda what they were doing. They're just not good at sneaking.

Realizing that the large Kellids can probably hear him, Sangkip hastily adds, 'Probably 'cause you spend so much time on fighting and doing the right thing?

We're talking these people down, right?

When the Twinhorn warriors lower their weapons, Zarnel switches his greatsword to his off hand, and holds his right hand up in a gesture of good will. His entire focus is on Medda and Anok, and he seems to be ignoring or at least simply unaware of his friends' comments.

"Anok, Medda, would you allow me to see the Dagger?" Zarnel asks reverently.

He crosses the room warily; careful to avoid appearing threatening while looking each of them in the eyes respectfully and without challenge. When he reaches Medda and beholds the Dagger, he places his hand across his eyes, then upon his armor. "See No Evil, Abide No Evil," he intones in the most hushed and awed voice any of you have heard from him.

After a moment of silence in the presence of the holy relic, he addresses Medda and his friends. "Please, let us all go in peace, and speak to Nigel. Even Vildeis would agree that there is no need for further sacrifice among honorable warriors today."

"Take other stuff? Be good at sneaking?" Anok looks outraged at Chou and Sangkip. "Have you two no honor at all?"

However Zarnel's reverence touches Medda. "I trust this one, Anok. Let us go in peace and --"

CRASH!

The chandelier over your heads bursts open, showering glass and pretty bits of crystal all over the room. A wash of fiendish energy bursts forth, as if finally breaking free from whatever wards Nigel has set up in the museum. An infernal creature with a spiky, filthy beard manifests atop the wreckage, grinning. "Hey! Virtuous savages! Holy martyrs! A museum full of relics to destroy and people that I can kill, and it's not even my birthday yet. This is gonna be awesome!"

"Damned one! Spawn of evil!" Medda calls out to the Pathfinders, "It must be destroyed! Please help us!” She gestures for Anok to move forward to attack while she gets ready to cast her spells. Her two companions hold back, closing in around Medda, putting her protection as their priority..

"Heh. Bring it, babe!" The infernal creature grins, deftly wielding a vicious, saw-toothed glaive, while below its toothy maw writhes a hideous, twitching beard.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Round 1

Active conditions: None

Sangkip
Chou
Twin Archers
Zarnel

================================

BEARDY HORNS

================================

Corona
Draklor
Medda
Anok
575

BOLD is UP!

Zarnel turns to face the fiend, places both hands on his sword, and stares at the creature as he focuses his holy anger. The golden bits in his skin darken to an inky black.

"ABIDE! NO! EVIL!" He shouts, letting the hell beast within him join with the holy will of Vildeis.

Attack, Smite Evil, Raging, Power Attack, Furious Focus: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 2 + 3 = 23
Damage, 1st Smite attack, Raging, Power Attack: 2d6 + 6 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2) + 6 + 4 + 3 + 3 = 20

Smite Evil as a swift action, first attack does 2 extra Smite damage. All attacks bypass its DR. Oh, and bloodraging, too.
HMM, I moved the Critter to the 10' square in the center of the room. It was showing up as outside the room up under the words "3rd Floor" on the slide. :-)

paladins, all such showoffs...

Sangkip rolls his eyes, A chandelier demon. Honestly, did Nigel kill Aroden in a past life? He must've done something to deserve this.

The wee vanara darts forward to plant his dagger in the infernal creature - hopefully before it even realizes he's there!

Dagger (flanking): 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 2 = 31
Magic P/S (Sneak Attack): 1d3 + 6 + 2d8 ⇒ (2) + 6 + (4, 7) = 19
Confirm?: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 2 = 18
Extra Damage: 1d3 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Zarnel’s holy raging attack slices the demon with righteous fury followed up by Sangkip’s extremely well-placed dagger! Not all of Sangkip’s damage goes through, but he still manages to slice out most of Beardy Horns’ liver! The fiend grimaces. “Bah! I’ll get you, Paladin, and your little monkey too!”

The archers shoot!

Twang!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Twang!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

But the terrified archers shoot anywhere but at the fiend! Beardy Horns laughs at Medda. “Are these the warriors you dragged with you for miles and miles? What losers! You should have brought monkeys instead!”

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Round 1

Active conditions: None

Sangkip
Chou
Twin Archers
Zarnel

================================

BEARDY HORNS (-41)

================================

Corona
Draklor
Medda
Anok
575

BOLD is UP!

"Wew if someone steaws my stuff I probabwy just take it back an if I have to use some geaws o potions to get it and they have some then I might take those to do I can refi-"

The appearance of the fiendish visitor catches Chou by surprise, but she's quick enough that her blade is back in hand and feet are up to speed before the interloper is halfway through his arrival speech.

Move/Draw, provoking AoO if it can take it which she'll attempt to Parry/Repost, then she'll actually attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

“Ah, this is more like it!” The fiend says gleefully, taking the proffered attack of opportunity as Chou moves in.

Claw, Power Attack, AoO: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Chou’s parry makes it, and the little swashbuckler hits twice! Unfortunately, only the riposte does any damage to the creature, and that is barely a scratch. “Really? That’s all you’ve got? Show some self-respect, rat! Go out, get covered in fleas, and then be a plague rat! Something that people would make people wet themselves. Sheesh. Do I have to bring all the fear around here?”

Beardy Horns grins. “Maybe I do... Hey, Paladin baby. It’s been fun saying Hell-o. How’d you like a few more scars before you kiss your butt goodbye?” He looks around, hoping for a reaction. “Ha. Get it? Hell-o?” Then he sighs. “Holy warriors. What, did you get your sense of humor surgically removed at birth or what?”

Deciding to waste no more time, Beardy Horns starts clawing himself up a paladin.

Claw, Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Claw, Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

As he misses with his second attack, he calls out. “Ah Angel Cheeks, stop dodging. My beard is hungry! Come on, let me scar you the way you know you want!”

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Round 1

Active conditions: None

Sangkip
Chou
Twin Archers
Zarnel

================================

BEARDY HORNS (-43)

================================

Corona
Draklor
Medda
Anok
575

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Draklor circles around the room apprehensively. "Silver weapons should do the trick, sanctified ones if you have 'em," he barks. The kitsune then turns directly to the devil. "Toss over that glaive, would you? We couldn't hope to face you otherwise, you're so strong...."

Suggestion, DC 16 to avoid. I think I worded it reasonably enough.

Draklor, may I have a caster check to overcome SR?

Taking Draklor's advice, 575 steps inside the creature's weapon's reach, pulling out a short silvered rod with a perpendicular grip on one end.

move action, draw silver hanbo, 5' step. Single attack!

Melee, PA, flank: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 2 - 2 = 23, for 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 = 9 damage

So much talk of Hell
Perhaps you should not have left
Let us send you home

Slightly affronted that the fiend keeps focusing on the paladin, Sangkip decides to assuage his frustration by stabbing him repeatedly!

Dagger: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 = 26
Magic P/S: 1d3 + 6 + 2d8 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (7, 5) = 19
Dagger: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 = 12
Cold Iron P/S: 1d3 + 2 + 2d8 ⇒ (2) + 2 + (8, 4) = 16

Click. Whirr.

Botting Draklor’s Caster Check

CL Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Kn. Planes: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Though Corona finds that she's not able to add anything useful beyond what Draklor shared, she suspects that it might not matter after the beating her companions have already subjected their bearded guest to.

"Um...I think you guys might have it covered, New Friends, but just in case..." she says as she produces a familiar wand and waves it over the party.

"And I think you picked the wrong party to crash," Corona adds to the horn-head.
_______

Corona will produce and use her Wand of Bless; (33) charges remaining.

The kitsune then turns directly to the devil. "Toss over that glaive, would you? We couldn't hope to face you otherwise, you're so strong...."

Suggestion, DC 16 to avoid. I think I worded it reasonably enough.

“What? Oh yeah, that sounds—”

Beardy Horn’s Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

“—like the DUMBEST idea I’ve ever heard! Seriously, fox, would you give up a weapon like this?” Beardy strokes his glaive. “Hell, no!”

Taking Draklor's advice, 575 steps inside the creature's weapon's reach, pulling out a short silvered rod with a perpendicular grip on one end.

So much talk of Hell
Perhaps you should not have left
Let us send you home

With unerring poetic style 575 strikes true, leaving Beardy Horns gasping. “Holy lyrical lizards! Is this a museum or a zoo?”

Slightly affronted that the fiend keeps focusing on the paladin, Sangkip decides to assuage his frustration by stabbing him repeatedly!

Proving that Hell hath no fury like a monkey scorned, Sangkip shows that no trial is worse than the monkey on your back. “Aaaagh! Why did I underestimate the monkey?!”

With Sangkip’s first telling thrust, the fiend explodes in a puff of brimstone, leaving the museum quiet once more.

— COMBAT OVER! —

Corona will produce and use her Wand of Bless; (33) charges remaining.

As this happened after the Bearded Devil died, I reverse the charge back to you.

Medda sighs a deep sigh of relief. She turns to you with newfound respect in her eyes. ”You are indeed most adept warriors. More than, however, you have proven to be honorable ones as well. Come, bring me to your leaders. Perhaps we can clear up this confusion with the hilt once and for all.”

“But first.... let me offer you healing, and answer any remaining questions you may have.” She turns to Zarnel and casts healing magic upon him.

CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

“Is anyone else hurt?” She asks, looking you over.

Zarnel lets himself calm, and his skin returns to its normal sparking form. Medda's healing energy washes over him, and he turns to face her.

"Thank you, Medda. But it was both my duty and my honor to take the attack, so that my friends," and he turns to his teammates with a nod and smile, "could do most of the damage and finish it off."

Folks, I'm going to be traveling and in company training / simulator evaluation for the next several days. Posting will be spotty, but I'll try to keep up. Please bot with attacks and solemn sayings as needed.

"Phew! That could have been much dicier," Draklor exhales triumphantly. "Shame we couldn't relieve him of the weapon, but he didn't get time to do any more with it."

"I think we'd best get to Nigel before any other nasties appear; they often do around his museum but never in his oh-so-important presence." As this is happening, the kitsune takes Medda up on her promise of more answers. "So, this dagger...what is the story behind it and the owner, Ivvora? And the great evil they fought, what do you know of that?"

"Maybe now isn't the best time; it could be a long story. More's the better in that regard. It's just, this potential wealth of new knowledge...very interesting."

"So Nigew had a device in his chandeweer? I wonder what he has hiding in his cwoset then?"

Looking at Medda and her compatriots Chou finally puts her rapier away.

"I'm Chou Wei. I wike to make things."

Her timid expression makes it quite clear to her friends that she wants to hear more from this person, but she's a bit confused about the whole situation.