[PFS] GM Skipper's Blood Under Absalom (tier 5-6) (Inactive)

Game Master SkipperD

Caduceus levels his gaze on the oni as he redirects the flow of Iomedae's power into the injured Ulfen. He opens his senses to any taint of darkness in the oni's soul.

Move action to Detect Evil, standard action to switch bond from Jal to Eramos. Holding in place grants Fast healing 1 (Boots of the Earth).

Auric sighs and reluctantly decides to resort to violence and help his companions take down the oni. He steps forwards, knocks an arrow and lets loose, then another, his arm guided by Lady Luck.

Swift to activate Archaeologist's Luck, Full-Attack (Rapid Shot) on the oni. The arrows are made of cold iron.
+1 Shortbow, RS, Luck, Heroism, PBS, DA: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 3 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 2 + 3 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 311d6 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 3 + 1 + 4 = 11

+1 Shortbow, RS, Luck, Heroism, PBS, DA: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 3 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 2 + 3 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 301d6 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 3 + 1 + 4 = 15

Jal dodges under the oni’s attack, and responds with a furious series of lightning-quick strikes of his own.

Make Red his Studied Target (Swift), then full attack (including Haste, Bless, Power Attack [Furious Focus], Studied Target)
Katana, Haste: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 29
damage: 1d8 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 6 = 14

Katana, 1: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 2 = 17
damage: 1d8 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 6 = 15

Katana, 2: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 2 = 23
damage: 1d8 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 6 = 15

Jal and Auric make short work of the second oni, granting you a moment of respite, while the other would-be aggressors struggle with Taika's web.

Combat Round 4/5
Bold may act
Party-wide buffs: Bless, Haste
____________________________________________
Taika, Jal, Braxus
Eramos (14 damage), Caduceus (4 damage), Auric

The paladin winces slightly with a rueful grin as the sympathetic wound causes yet another contusion matching the closing injury to Eramos. Thank you for this gift My Lady!

Taika displays no grief over the falling of the two oni: they are evil creatures from another plane, and do not require the same forbearance-- in her mind-- as mortals.

"The web will stay for a good half hour," Taika says of the wriggling tengu. "Unless I dismiss it first, which I can do. It's not a terribly strong web-- some of them may free themselves. I suggest we simply hold position-- they're don't seem equipped to attack us at a distance, and those that do escape will have to decide whether to foolishly attack us now that the oni have fallen, or to prudently resume their seats. In the meantime we may heal and see what other threats present themselves?"

Casting Shield on herself, move action to actively scan for any other threats.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

(haste 2/6)

"Your bleeding again Eramos!" Braxus says with a laugh "You cut yerself shaving with that big ol' blade of yours? Want to switch with me for a bit?" he chuckles as he spins his heavy earthbreaker in his grip. In his other hand he snaps a different wand than before from his other spring-loaded wrist sheath, and just before he activates it on Eramos, he says, "This stick's magic will help you stay in the fight just a bit longer. Want me to use it on you?"

Swift action to bring the wand to hand, then standard to cast infernal healing on Eramos. If Eramos doesn't want it, Braxus will take the charge himself, then use a move action to replace the wand. Only one wand charge will be spent in any case.

Then more appreciatively he whistles aloud and says, "Damned if those hauger av ulv møkk aren't stuck fast! You stopped them but good Lady Taika! Let any others come if they dare. We will be ready." He scans the crowd for threats as well...

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Then if we still seem to have time...

He then grabs a metal vial from his belt and tears out the wax sealed cork with his teeth before draining the contents in one swallow. He lets the empty vial fall to the sand and straw below, ready for more enemies to come.

Potion of enlarge person, but again, only if we have time. The web seems to be holding and since we are letting them come to us I am risking taking a second round of actions. If he only gets the one, disregard the potion.

Auric stands ready, an arrow ready to fly.

Ready action: will shoot our next aggressor as soon as he's made himself known. Will discontinue Archaeologist's Luck but it lasts another round, then two other rounds of lingering performance.

-Posted with Wayfinder

"No, those little guys are pretty quick with their blades. Took me by surprise for a moment." Eramos looks to the bigger man and to the wand in his hand. [b]"If you think it will help?"

Eramos will accept the wand use.

He then scopes out the competition, not quite realizing what he is looking at. He stands his ground and waits for them to approach him.
perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Next round health update.

1d3 ⇒ 1

On the opposite side of the arena from the the web, a trio of tengu drop nimbly into the pit. Auric wastes no time and takes a shot at the nearest one.

Attack (PBS, haste, archaeologist's luck): 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 18
Damage (PBS, archaeologist's luck): 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 + 2 = 9

The tengu advance on your "soft" flank, pummeling Caduceus and Taika with their fists, oddly enough.

Attack v Taika: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Fort, Taika: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Attack v Caduceus: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Attack v Caduceus: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Combat Round 5/6
Bold may act
Party-wide buffs: Bless, Haste
____________________________________________
Taika (9 damage), Jal, Braxus
Tengu swordsmen (blue: 9 damage)
Eramos (9 damage), Caduceus (8 damage), Auric

Eramos maneuvers around and gets to the back side of one of the tengu.

Attack vs Red: power attack+furious focus+bless+haste+flank
Charisma: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (1, 4) + 11 = 16

Looks like no time for that second round of actions so no enlarge.

Braxus hears the combat behind him and he spins, dread seeping into him as he realizes his mistake, leaving the north unguarded.

"Those elves are mine! Leave them ALONE!" he bellows as he rushes next to Taika, swinging his weapon at the Tengu that struck her.

pwr att+ff+flank
Earthbreaker: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 34 vs. green
Damage: 2d6 + 16 ⇒ (5, 1) + 16 = 22

Taika staggers with the strike, but seems unhurt physically from it. (Damage comes off my false life, so no actual damage that can be healed yet with your life link, Caduceus)

"...I see," she says frostily. "You refuse to act intelligently. I cannot save the lives of fools."

She steps back from the tengu who struck her, studying him with her eyes staying dark as a patch of black ice. "A fall when this one was young twisted his right ankle. He favors that leg. Strike accordingly."

Reveal Weakness on green (if he's still up after Braxus's strike), -3 AC for one round

Eramos and Braxus each hit a tengu, and Braxus' target gives a wobbly bow and withdraws from the arena.

@Taika: You can change your target if you want to.

Combat Round 5/6
Bold may act
Party-wide buffs: Bless, Haste
____________________________________________
Taika, Jal, Braxus
Tengu swordsmen (blue: 9 damage, red: 16 damage)
Eramos (9 damage), Caduceus (8 damage), Auric

With a magically quickened blade, Caduceus lashes out at the tengu. RED ~ Flank

long sword: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 23 for damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
long sword: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 28 for damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
long sword: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 10 for damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Jal darts through the fight once more, slashing at the nearest Tengu as he hedges them in.

Make Red a Studied Target. Then Spring Attack Red, ending on its top/left corner.
Mods: Power Attack (Furious Focus), Bless, Haste, Studied Target
katana: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 28
damage: 1d8 + 7 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 6 + 2 = 22

If Caduceus tok down Red, Jal will target Blue, instead. (just updated his position accordingly.)

Red -> Blue on whoever's still standing, lol

Auric shoots two more arrows at the tengu who are still standing.
+1 Shortbow, RS, Luck, Heroism, PBS, DA, AS: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 3 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 2 + 3 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 311d6 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 3 + 1 + 4 + 2 = 14

+1 Shortbow, RS, Luck, Heroism, PBS, DA, AS: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 3 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 2 + 3 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 201d6 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 3 + 1 + 4 + 2 = 12

The two remaining tengu fall to the party's blades and arrows.

You have another round before the next wave triggers. At this point, I'm just waiting for enough tables to defeat two waves, so Shifty can move us along.

Combat Round 6/7
Bold may act
Party-wide buffs: Bless, Haste
____________________________________________
Taika, Jal, Braxus
Eramos (9 damage), Caduceus (8 damage), Auric

The paladin takes a moment to catch his breath, looking around for other assailants. He is happy to find no opponents waiting.

"This needless bloodshed has no point. I were it was over."

Jal once again takes a step away from the group, breaking up their collective profile a bit for whatever comes next.

"Sure it has a point," Jal quips, "It'll get us an invitation to the tournament, where we'll get to spill more blood for the hells of it." He gives Caduceus a smirk, "Weren't you paying attention earlier?"

Eramos steps from the group.

"Fells like I am back in the arena." Eramos says more to himself then any one.

Now the action to take his enlarge potion will go off for Braxus.

As Braxus grows to a towering height he shifts to better defend the opposite side of the arena with his new found reach. He tries to center himself to find their next opponent, but his anger at the situation distracts him and he nashes his teeth in frustration.

Perception : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

He shouts to the arena at large, "Come, lets finish this!"

-Posted with Wayfinder

Oh, good call.
Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22

Auric scans the arena and the crowd, ready for more mischief.
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

Taika draws a wand of magic missile, and prepares to release the raw arcane bolts within it at any further attackers.

(Readied action to MM the first hostile she sees:)

MM damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

1d2 ⇒ 2

The large number of onlookers and Taika's spell makes it hard to guess from where the next challenger will come from. Suddenly the air temperature around all of you drops drastically, and a large oni reveals itself as the source of the effect.

Reflex, Taika: 1d20 + 5 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 3 + 1 = 20
Reflex, Auric: 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 13 + 1 = 33
Reflex, Jal: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 1 = 23
Reflex, Braxus: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 = 13
Reflex, Eramos: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 = 26
Reflex, Caduceus: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 = 17

Cold damage: 9d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 3, 2, 2, 4, 2, 4, 1) = 25

SR check, Taika: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Taika blasts the fiend, but it ignores the effects of the spell.

Without bothering to go back through older posts, I'd say this is probably the last round of Haste.

Combat Round 7/8
Bold may act
Party-wide buffs: Bless, Haste
____________________________________________
Taika (12 damage), Jal (12 damage), Braxus (25 damage)
Oni
Eramos (14 damage), Caduceus (36 damage), Auric

Then let's make it count. :)

Jal shrugs off the cold blast. Then, without hesitation, he rushes forward, darting into the Oni’s reach to slash at its underbelly.

Swift to make the Oni a Studied Target. Then CHAAAARGE! (AC vs. provoked AoO for movement is 25 via Mobility)
Includes: Haste, Bless, Studied Target, Power Attack (Furious Focus)

+1 Keen katana: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 30
damage: 1d8 + 7 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 6 + 2 = 16
Sneak Attack (if applicable): 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

Braxus' blood boils in response to the cold blast from the enemy. There is no roar of anger or challenge this time. Instead his eyes darken for a moment and then flash a brilliant white that shines clear across the battlefield.

His rage is not merely a state of mind now, as it was before back at the Devil's Dregs. This time it is a change in his being from deep within his blood.

In terrible haste he also rushes the oni, though not a blind charge, driven by a ferocious need. Despite his rage, his movements are precise and much more controlled than in previous combats.

He shifts to the side at the last moment as he moves, allowing a clear lane for others to charge or shoot. Still within his great reach, he strikes at the oni with all his blood fueled anger can muster.

controlled bloodrage, angelic attacks, haste, heroism, enlarged, power attack... Bless is overwritten by heroism (thanks Auric for that btw!)

Earthbreaker: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24

Damage : 3d6 + 20 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 2) + 20 + (6) = 36

-Posted with Wayfinder

The paladin responds to the attack by moving forward and quickly releasing divine radiance from within his soul.

Move action, reposition to catch party on channel range.
Standard actionPaladin channel, Selective Channel: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 6) = 8 +6 for Caduceus Fey Foundling
Swift action Lay on Hands, self: 5d6 + 12 ⇒ (2, 6, 4, 5, 5) + 12 = 34 No conditions to be cleared by Mercy, includes Fey Foundling

AoO: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

The oni takes a swing at Jal, but the suddenness of his charge catches it off-guard. Braxus matches size with size and gives the oni a mighty clobbering. Caduceus effectively negates the oni's opening gambit, and lets Iomedae's grace bolster the party.

Combat Round 7/8
Bold may act
Party-wide buffs: Bless, Haste
____________________________________________
Taika, Jal (4 damage), Braxus (18 damage)
Oni (52 damage)
Eramos (8 damage), Caduceus (2 damage), Auric

Unless my math is wrong, I was healed by the channel for 8, not 7. Minor quibble of 1 point I know, but it might be important at some point. I'm setting my HP to 53 just for Caduceus' records and the GM to set my damage at 17. ;)

***OVERSEER ANNOUCEMENT***

Overseer thread

As the once raging battle begins to slow, a strange cloud of translucent smoke appears in the center of the arena, coalescing into the demonic form of Kiang Zhen. The oni raises her hand, and the remaining creatures suddenly fall back and drop to their knees as if to acknowledge defeat.

”Well done, well done!”

”My minions accept your victory, and you have adequately the Emissary. Please, lower your weapons. I congratulate those of you still alive, for you have grown that much closer to qualifying for the Ruby Phoenix Tournament!”

The oni pauses for a minute to study the crowd before continuing, ”Beneath the trapdoors lies a series of subterranean passages. Scattered within the passages I have secured a collection of small, but nearly priceless porcelain vases. Your challenge is to locate one of these vases and return it to me. However, there is a catch – there are fewer vases than competitors. Only those who present me with a vase shall pass on to the next part of the competition.”

As the one speaks, Jal keeps his blade leveled at his previous foe, unwilling to let any deceptions get in the way of his success. When it becomes obvious the martial component of the test is done (for now), he sheaths his blade, tightens his kapenia, and adjusts his goggles over his gray eyes.

”What are we waiting for?” he quips over at his teammates as he moves to open the nearest trapdoor, ”Let’s go get us a vase.”

Auric was about to groan in pain when Caduceus immediately soothes his body and ends his suffering in the best way possible. The young Chelaxian's eyes match his never-ending smile. "Thanks, Cad! Once more you prove how valuable you are to a Pathfinder team. Now old vases are more my area of expertise, so let's find them! We should take great care into protecting it when we find one - I could stash it in my Handy Haversack for example. For now, eyes peeled, everyone!"

Auric remains alert, his gaze keen on finding what they're looking for.
Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34

The paladin walks up to The enlarged Ulfen warrior. "Please allow me the honor of sharing Iomedae's Grace with you." Caduceus places a hand on Braxus' chest and funnels energy directly into Northman.

Lay on Hands, No conditions to clear: 4d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 3, 5) + 2 + (2) = 18

In two more rounds, Eramos will be back to full and Jal will be down 4 points. Caduceus will alternate standing still one round and double moving to catch up for seven rounds. That should top him off heading into the next 'ROUND'. If this presents a problem, let me know and I will alter accordingly.

With the threat of the oni now gone, Braxus's eyes and stern countenance fade back to normal, even if a bit weary. He turns his face to the kind elf paladin as the healing warms his ice damaged skin.

"You are too slow in that armor my friend." he says with a friendly rumble. He opens up the nearby trapdoor and offers to help the armored paladin down with a gesture. "You carried our pain in combat, now I can carry you so you can keep up while we move faster. After all, we are trying to beat others to these things Auric is so excited about."

I know you need to stop for the boots to work, but you can tell Braxus no thanks if you want to. I don't know how many rounds we have if this is a race to find one of the vases. We may have 7 rounds or we may not. I wouldn't want you behind the group for any reason and I would rather you just heal by some other of your many ways while we move quickly. Braxus does the moving, you do the healing. Braxus will listen either way you decide. He's easy that way.

With hands out and an awkward laugh, "No Braxus, that is alright. If time is of the essence, I will proceed with all haste, on my own, thank you, Braxus, but er thanks. Another time perhaps." Another time perhaps?!?! What am I saying, what does that even mean?

I will hold off on the stop and go healing plan and reassess when (IF??) we run into our next combat.

Auric finds one the pits the first wave of monsters emerged from with ease, and opening it is no issue for Braxus. The pit is 20 feet deep, but a rusty pulley, threaded with a worn rope, connects to a wooden lift platform at the shaft's base, however the pulley no longer turns.

Braxus is 14' tall presently, so if he reaches up I would imagine he can probably reach about 17' total, to be fair. Can he just hold on to the lip and drop the last three feet? Then he can reach up and bring the group down one by one for the next few rounds until his enlarge wears off.

Dung: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

"That rope might hold two of us as a time," Taika says crisply as they prepare to move forward. "...but likely not Braxus at all."

She offers a small nod of thanks to Caduceus for his healing. "Your goddess's blessings are appreciated."

I'm good with the Braxus-elevator if the GM permits it. If we do that, Taika will be the last down and will spend two of her rounds activating a pearl of power and then recasting false life on herself. Not that we have to do it the Braxusvator way if other people have some ideas!

"It might profit us to study if the mechanism is entirely safe," Taika points out, and moves to cast detect magic down into the shaft, to look for any magical traps.

Jal waits for Taika to detect for magics down the trapdoor before making the descent.

Either by the rope, which Jal can climb down taking 10 for 16, which should be enough; or by Ele-Braxus. Either is fine with me.

Once safely down into the passageways, Jal takes point, but not before looking back at Auric. ”You have sharp eyes. Why don’t you help me scout ahead? I’ll take point and you watch my back.”

Unless there is a better plan, the Varisian begins quietly scouting their immediate surroundings first.

Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25
Stealth: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34

Descent by Braxus is doable. I'll move us along when the rest of the party has caught up.

As the others are being Braxus-handled into the pit, Taika detects no untoward magical auras.

As Jal waits for the team to be lowered down, and just before scouting, he takes a few minutes to use a wand on himself.

Using UMD to cast from his CLW wand

UMD DC20: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
UMD DC20: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
UMD DC20: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
— CLW, charge 1: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
UMD DC20: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
— CLW, charge 2: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

... after a few tries, he gets it working, soothes the last of the lingering frostbite, and resheaths it. Then he does his (previously-rolled) scouting.

So, I'm going to figure it will take 6 rounds for all of this. 1 for Brax and then 1 for the rest of us.

Now back to his normal size, and knowing he can rush to the front should he need to, Braxus takes up the rear guard as the group moves about below the arena. Knowing that sharper eyes than his are scouting the front gives Braxus confidence about reaching their goal quickly.

He takes a second look at everything they pass, checking for signs of others that came before or might be following after.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
survival/track: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

"I see no magic ahead, it should be safe at least from spells," Taika informs the others, while retrieving a small pearl from a pocket and murmuring an arcane word over it.

Recast false life: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

The hall extends further to the north, and branch to the east terminates at some form of pumping mechanism.

Jal signals for Braxus to watch the northwestern branch, then stalks down towards the pumping mechanism. He watches primarily for traps or threats, but (if he gets to the pump uninterrupted) he spends a few moments seeing if there's anything useful about the pump itself.

Just fishing for helpful details at this point...
perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25

As he searches, he whispers back to the crew, "Anyone know what this thing likely does? And how to operate it?" He shrugs, "If nothing else, if we want to keep other teams from being able to operate it, I could likely 'jam' it in this off position. Foul up the mechanism or something."

Not sure if that's actually what we want, but if we can't ID its purpose, using Disable Device to make it useless to everyone at least evens the playing field for us. :/