[PFS] GM Lithrac's The Citadel of Flame (#1-39) (Inactive)

Game Master Cyril Corbaz

Venture-Captain Dennel Hamshanks ignored all pretense of pleasantries as he pounded into the meeting room in the Grand Lodge in Absalom. “Never time to do it right, is there? Gorum see us through this, then.” He grunted loudly and leveled his glare at the entire room.

“Ever been to Qadira? Religion is almost a fad down there, with new cults springing up like weeds and getting crushed just as quickly. It has been that way for centuries. But some make a mark—on Qadira or in the Chronicles. Three centuries ago, the archdevil Moloch, preaching surrender to the desert heat, suddenly became the rage. Qadirans walked into the desert just to die just as if the heat was their paradise. The most devout sought out the hidden Citadel of Flame, where a fearsome bull-headed idol of Moloch judged them and sent the worthy to Malebolge, the sixth layer of Hell. No surprise that Sarenrae’s priests launched a mighty crusade to demolish the citadel. After two weeks, a great sandstorm swallowed the expedition—and, it seemed, the citadel and its idol. Nothing more was heard from either. Until ten days ago, that is. Sandstorms regularly scour the Qadiran highlands, and this time they emptied an entire valley of dunes. Poking out of that valley, visible only to those soaring above—such as a flying Pathfinder wizard—was the lofty spire of a fortress: the Citadel of Flame, presumably. Hopefully we are the first to learn about its reappearance and we need to act fast. The Decemvirate doesn’t expect any trouble, so they’re sending you. But I do expect trouble—who knows what’s infesting
that citadel? Get in there fast and find that idol—it could be the key to the entire cult. It’s likely statue-sized, maybe as big as me, and should have a bull’s head on it. And for Gorum’s sake be careful.

Now, after a swift voyage to Sedeq and a tiring trek through the endless Qadiran dunes, the sun beats down on a maze of red slickstone, with delicate arches and towering columns called hoodoos dotting the landscape. Somewhere within this expanse lies the Citadel of Flame and within, the idol of Moloch.

You may introduce yourself and describe what your character looks like. Of course if you have any question for the Venture-Captain before you left, he can answer them. If you need to make any purchases, you may do so in the Discussion thread. Good luck, Pathfinders!

A young varisian warrior sits at the corner of the room listening to Venture-Captain Hamshanks. Besides a light armor he is clad in brightly colorfull clothes with hands full of golden rings and a matching pair of earrings. Two short swords are strapped to his back.
By Desna I hate the desert.
If the idol is as big as you captain how do we move it around? He asks the big man.

Ashad remained quiet and thoughtful during their trek to Qadira.

As they arrived, standing among the sand dunes and staring off into the endless expanse of desert, Ashad was reminded of his youth. He was right at home here, having lived the majority of his life in Katapesh. Even now his olive skin and sweat soaked turban made him almost seem like a part of the scenery, rather than a member of this band of pathfinders.

Clutching his scimitar in hand, Ashad absentmindedly brushed the holy symbol of Sarenrae that hung loosely against his armored chest.

"I remember hearing the stories of this cult and it's citadel in passing during my training to become a warrior in serve to Sarenrae. Whatever dwells beneath these sands will not welcome our coming."

The young woman listened carefully to the mission debriefing, feeding seeds to a raven that sat on her shoulder. She was clearly of Chelaxian descent, from her ebony, shoulder-length hair, bright blue eyes and pale skin.

Once Venture-Captain Hamshanks had finished, she asked, "Do you have any additional information or rumors about Moloch, the cult's practices, or the idol that might be useful to us in this task?"

Here are some rolls to see if Rowanna knows anything from her studies

Knowledge (Planes) on Moloch: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Knowledge (History) on Citadel of Flame: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Knowledge (Local) on Citadel or This Area of Qadira: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Once they arrive in Qadira, she surveys the desert with an unpleasant look on her face, "Last time it was frigid cold, now it's desert heat. Why can't the Society send me to nice tropical island sometime." The raven on her shoulder snickers.

The Venture-Captain groans, visibly reluctant to have to answer the recruits' questions.

You'll have to manage, Nicolae. After all, I doubt you were chosen to be Pathfinders for something else than your resourcefulness. How about bringing a mule? Hamshanks replies. Just make sure she doesn't get eaten by a djinn or jackal.

We don't know much about the cult of Moloch, except that they believe in cleansing fire. From what the Scrolls have told me, the priests used to ask their faithful ones to endure trials by fire of all sorts. Fanatics, if you ask me. I understand that was one of the grounds upon which the Sarenraenites decided to act. Their crusade was swift and bloody - the dervishes left little standing, I understand. However, you should be wary of any lingering defenses or traps.

Rowanna, you know that what the Venture-Captain says is the truth. Unfortunately, little is known about this temple except that the cultists of Moloch built on the remains of their predecessors to consolidate their presence in the area, including more ancient, elemental-based faiths. However, the dervishes of Sarenrae aren't known for their tolerance of other faiths, and those crusaders are said to have left little intact after their onslaught. Whatever remained was probably swept away by the frequent sandstorms in this area.

The diabolical cult's leaders argued that the heat itself was holy, a landmark guiding Qadira to their "paradise". In truth, they were encouraging their fellow Qadirans to risk the desert's heat so that hundreds would die and the leaders of Moloch's cult could claim to their god that they had made great sacrifices to him. Legends mingle with historical facts, but it is said that Qadiran lovers immolated themselves in the hopes of being reunited in the fiery paradise beyond.

You also know that Moloch is the archdevill of Malebolge, one of the Nine Hells. Often represented as a bull-headed, fiery humanoid.

The tall, solidly-built man said little during the briefing. His face was grim, though no entirely unfriendly. He crried a long heavy spear on his back and wore a finely-crafted cuirass on his body. A large silver key hung from a chain on his neck. The holy symbol of Abadar. Bu tthe man's eyes somehow seemd different from those of a typical priest. Haunted, perhaps.

Once the journey begins, though, he seems to relax and speaks freely with his fellow Pathfinders.

"My name's Talwin, a humble servant of Abadar. I can't say I've had the pleasure of such an intemperate journey for the society yet, Rowanna. I hope to prove equal to the challenge."

"Ashad, it's good to meet another man of faith. While I do not follow her, I have a great respect for the teaching of the Dawnflower."

With that, Talwin gives Ashad a short bow.

"And Nicolae, you look like a fellow who knows which end of a sword's which, am I right?"

Ashad returned Talwin's bow thoughtfully. He hadn't really interacted with the faithful of other gods, perhaps this could be a learning experience in addition to everything else it will likely be.

"I too have heard of Abadar, but I fear I'm less acquainted with his teachings than you might be with my lady, the Everlight. Well met Talwin, well met indeed."

Ashad squinted at the mention of a tropical island, "Give me the arid dunes of sand over tropical heat any day." he mused outwardly.

A half-orc clad in scale mail sets quietly as you all discuss what the Venture Captain has just said and the questions that followed.. He wears a dark blue trenchcoat over his armor, faint stars can be seen embroidered into the overcoat.. Finally he speaks up.. "Names Jax and im quite sure The Great Dreamer will guide us along the right path to complete this mission.. Shall we?"

"Charmed, I'm sure. I'm Rowanna as some of you have gathered." She says with light amusement as introductions go around. She then looks to her bird, "This is Morrey." With a nod from Rowanna, the bird bows to the group.

"With the cult's obsession with heat and fire, I suspect there'll have some sort of traps inside involving that element. Also, since it's a religious organization that worships a devil, we might run into undead or hellspawn. I'm sure you brawny religious types will have no problems dealing with them..." She left the last statement hanging in the air, like an unanswered question.

The Venture-Captain groans, visibly reluctant to have to answer the recruits' questions.

You'll have to manage, Nicolae. After all, I doubt you were chosen to be Pathfinders for something else than your resourcefulness. How about bringing a mule?

Crap. Thats the kind of answer I was afraid of.

Dismayed by the heat during their desert crossing Nicolae answers the the girl.
Nice tropical island, I would sign up for that. With a lot of shade.

He then nods to the inquisitor.
Yea, blades is what I do best.

Vesparo grins twirling the tip of his impressive moustache with evident excitement as the Venture Captain speaks of far of lands bound to be chock full of adventure and daring do. He is a roguishly handsome fellow, with a mane of auburn hair, a leanly muscular build, and looks human save for gleaming white cat-like fangs, and a feline tail. He is dressed flamboyantly, that looks more costume than real outfit, but wears a gleaming chain shirt beneath, two bandoliers are strapped across his chest almost wholly filled with an array of hipflasks, and a wayfinder hands proudly upon his belt.

"A pleasure to meet you all! I am Vesparo Dikanadra, formerly villain of the Opparan stage now pursuing the path of heroism as a Pathfinder. I have Rakshasa blood, but assure you I am a most amenable fellow despite it! Alas I am far from the shiniest sunrod in the bandolier, but my blade is at your service."

Once they reach Quadira, he strips of his top, leaving a chest covered in thick coppery metallic hair visible under his chain,

"Well evil seldom has the courtesy to thwart itself, let us press on!" He enthuses, throwing back a flask of applejack, before taking the lead as he rushes towards the maze of red stone.

Now, after a swift voyage to Sedeq and a tiring trek through the endless Qadiran dunes, the sun beats down on a maze of red slickstone, with delicate arches and towering columns called hoodoos dotting the landscape. Somewhere within this expanse lies the Citadel of Flame and within, the idol of Moloch. There is little comfort to be found in the hot sands of Qadira.

The path descends through a maze of cliffs, opening into a slot canyon of smooth red stone surrounded by towering hoodoos. At the far side, two hoodoos carved into enormous bull-headed men leer down on the canyon, while those nearby look like stylized flames. To either side, the canyon walls rise steeply in a series of rough ledges to the clifftops above. Brass doors on a massive wall of baked gray mud can be seen through an arch at the far side of the canyon.

As our heroes-to-be tread on the sands among the hoodoos, two masses of swirling flames erupt from the rocky slopes, and slowly converge on the travelers with the clear intent to char their bones and flesh.

Initiative, round 1
Rowanna <
Vesparo <
Talwin <
Nicolae <
Jax <
Ashad <
F2
F1
Everyone can act!

Vesparo dances towards the nearest living flame lunging at it with his gleaming new coldiron rapier. He skewers his elemental for and prepares to attempt to parry its response and riposte.

Rapier: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4

Could someone move me diagonally in front of the southern elemental please? On phone.

Waiting on others to move considering i might not have a path to attack..

Muttering a prayer as he went, Ashad found himself bounding towards his fiery opponents before he had even fully registered them in his mind. His gleaming scimitar flashing in the daylight, no emotion crossed his face as he placed himself between the furthest opponent and his companions, bracing his shield against his chest for the creature's expectant assault.

It appears I'm just out of charging range of either opponent due to my restricted movement in armor, so I'll take a move action as indicated by the map, and then prepare a readied action to attack the elemental when it enters my threat range.

Readied Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Scimitar Damage 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Talwin steps up behind Vesparo, reaching for his spear as he goes. He jabs with the weapon over his ally's shoulder at the fiery enemy.

Longspear attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Jax goes left to support Ashad.. Stopping behind the paladin he'll cast guidance on him..

Vesparo boldly surges forward with panache, piercing the fire being with his rapier. This is a well-aimed blow, though it is hard to say if it affected the creature or not.

Talwin follows in, but misses its mark because of the fire creature's small size.

Ashad readies his cuved sarenraenite blade, fearless in the face of danger. The living flame gets closer and closer... Jax moves right behind the sacred warrior to guide his arm with divine providence.

Initiative, round 1
Rowanna <
Vesparo
Talwin
Nicolae <
Jax
Ashad (R)
F2
F1
Rowanna and Nicolae can act!

Rowanna moves forward 10 ft. and places a Misfortune Hex on the southern elemental!

[DC 15 Will save to negate]

Nicolae advances to Ashad's side drawing his blades and reading an attack against the first enemy to come within reach

Atk: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
DMG: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

The northern flame closes on Ashad, but meets the Varisian's blade - they hit the creature. However, Ashad's blow is badly aimed and misses. The paladin is left unscathed by the fire.

The southern flame attempts to reach Vesparo, but the attempt is feeble. It seems Rowanna's curse affects the creature.

Correcting what I wrote earlier: Talwin's attack hits (Flat-footed AC).
Initiative, round 2
Rowanna <
Vesparo <
Talwin <
Jax <
Ashad <
Nicolae <
F2 (10 dmg, cursed)
F1 (6 dmg)
Everyone can act!

Vesparo parries the elementals feeble blow and ripostes skewering it again with his rapier and slaying it! Grinning he rushes over to the other elemental and sheathes his rapier, ready to arm himself with his bow should his comrades fail to down the other flame being.

See rolls for parry and riposte from last post. I regain a point of panache for slaying a foe and am back at full.

Please don't remove enemy token. You're not supposed to know how many hp a monster has, so why would you take it off? Next time please remind me the riposte if I forget it like I did here, and I'll sort it out.

Sorry, just been running these and it made a difference to my actions. Did not mean to step on toes, but also did not want people swinging at something I was pretty certain was down. Will refrain in future.

Rowanna cackles to continue the Misfortune Hex on the southern elemental, before attempting place another Misforture Hex on the Northern one.

DC 15 Will save for northern elemental against Misfortune Hex
If southern elemental still up, Misfortune 1 additional round from Cackle Hex.

DM, last round I readied an attack against the northen elemwntal, did it hit? I do most of my posting from cel phone and cant chance my icon on the map. Usually I try to describe my position in my posting.

Jax sidesteps Ashad and attacks the fire thing..

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 If it can be critted..

Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 4) + 4 = 9
Extra Damage if Applicable: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 1) + 4 = 6

The northern flame closes on Ashad, but meets the Varisian's blade - they hit the creature.

Nicolae - Your ready attack did hit, though my typo can be misleading. "They" is supposed to be "it".

The northern flame being also seems affected by Rowanna's malediction, fumbling as Jax's falchion meets his path. Moments later, the flame is no more, dissipated into thin air. The dry, hot air of the desert is restored.

End combat.

"Well that was exciting.. Shall we continue?"

"Ha! What were those things, I wonder if I could get one for winters back home," Vesparo says, beaming and drawing his scimitar again. Striding forward he approaches the brass doors and examining them. If there is an obvious handle he attempts to open the great doors.

"I do hate being right so soon." Rowanna laments to her bird, then says to it, "Go hide among the hoodoos, I'll call if I need you."

Morrey replies, "Yes Mistress.", and does as he is told.

Before she forgets again, Rowanna casts Mage Armor on herself.

Rowanna's familiar goes into hiding among the hoodoos, but soon comes back.

"Mistress, I believe I found something! Come and see."

The tiny familiar brings you to the stony wall. Bull-headed statues leer down on the valley while the flame-carved hoodoos rise gracefully far above the canyon floor. The arch at the east end of the canyon has a multitude of faint runes carved on its front.

"See, Mistress? Glyphs!"

Craft (stonemasonery), anyone? It can be done untrained.

"Wow, excellent work Morrey!" She gushes over her familiar as he discovers the glyphs. "You'll be getting a treat when we're done here."

After making sure the other Pathfinders are aware of the runes, Rowanna examines the them and casts Detect Magic.

Craft (Stonemasonry) untrained: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Vesparo examines the glyphs, taking another swig of applejack and absent mindedly offering the flask around. He trys his best to be interested in the glyphs, but his eyes keep wandering.

Craft Stonemasonry: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

With the elementals defeated, Talwin gives a quick nod to himself. He now keeps his spear in hand, ready in case of trouble.

He joins the others at the site of the glyphs, and gazes at them intently, hoping that his studies prove valuable.

Craft(stonemasonry): 1d20 ⇒ 9

Craft Stonemasonry: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Jax can tell these glyphs have been carved recently, probably less than a week. However, they are hard to decipher because they're inscribed in a language none of the Pathfinders understands.

Rowanna, I see that you're trained in Linguistics, if you want to study the glyphs I'm sure that given time you'd be able to decipher them.

One thing is sure, there are some older glyphs underneath the new ones, which are written in Kelish and have been partially rubbed out recently. These glyphs record the prayers of Sarenrae’s crusaders as they were buried alive by a massive sandstorm summoned by the cultists.

Meanwhile, Talwin spots a glittering reflection on one of the sand dunes nearby, half-hidden by one of the hoodoos. Searching the dune unearths two bodies that must have belonged to Sarenraenite crusaders of yore. Among the remains, four flasks and four arrows of great craftsmanship can be found. After a closer inspection, those prove to be magical.

Two Spellcraft checks if you'd like to identify their magical properties, please.

"Poor fellows, I would not wish to die like that, may you drink in Cayden's halls, er, I'm sure he would not mind followers of Sarenrae popping in - she's pretty right, Sarenrae?" Vesparo says inclining his head in respect a he helps to unearth the treasures.

Jax will give a guidance spell before the items are looked at.. +1 to the roll for each

Rowanna takes sometime to decipher the runes before she casts Detect Magic again and tries to determine the magical effects on the items.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Spellcraft 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Spellcraft 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Forgot to add in Guidance to the Spellcraft checks, the results should be 20 and 23 respectively.

Ashad studied the spot the elemental he'd been facing for some time had been. He seemed to be in deep contemplation about what had just transpired, when he suddenly snapped to himself and moved to the rest of the group as they admired the craftsmenship of the archway. "What seems to have grabbed everyone's attention?"

Glancing up, Ashad took in the markings himself.

Craft Stonemasonry 1d20 ⇒ 10

"Rocks with writing on, um, they are very interesting?" Vesparo says, his tone that of one who really wishes to believe what he is saying, but clearly does not.

"We did find some bodies from the Crusade though, with magical treasure on them. I am hoping for magical booze, but its probably a longshot, potion makers do not seem keen on alcohol - which is a great pity."

Ashad eyed Vesparo strangely for a moment, as if thinking to say something to the man, but his expression showed that worry quickly faded when he made mention of crusader bodies.

"Bodies? Of crusaders? Show me!"

"Long dead... Hey, what does Sarenrae look like, you are a follower right?" Vesparo asks, pointing out the ancient corpses to Ashad, and bowing his head respectfully once more.

Nodding as he went, the paladin spoke in venerating tones as he answered Vesparo's request. "The holy scriptures of my religion speak of her appearing to the most devout as a beautiful bronze skinned angel with golden hair that appears like flames."

Reaching the bodies, Ashad immediately drops to his knees and begins to pray aloud, granting these fallen warriors proper rights in accordance with the worship of the Dawnflower. After he finishes, he stands, visibly shaken. "May you find peace at the side of our lady."

Vesparo nods contented in the knowledge that Cayden Cailean would definitely welcome Sarenrae to his halls.

This originally read that Cayden Cailean would totally do Sarenrae, but you know RP :(

"Do we have time to give them a proper burial?"

Ashad grimly nods, "Once we've cleansed this place of whatever has taken root, I shall given them a proper burial. I thank you for the concern."

Rowanna doesn't seem to be able to decipher this outlandish language despite her efforts. Maybe spending more time here would help? You might want to consider taking 20 on this one, but it'll take some time. Your choice.

However, the witch manages to identify the magical properties of the vials and arrows. The vials contain an oil conferring a blessed state to a weapon (oil of bless weapon), whereas the arrows are holy and magical, causing devastating damage on evil creatures (+1 holy arrows).

Ashad's inspection of the glyphs doesn't reveal anything new.