PFS PbP 1-39: The Citadel of Flame
(Inactive)
Game Master
Hawkeye127
Female Aasimar Monk 4 / Inquisitor 1 / Evangelist 3 | AC: 22 T: 22, FF: 19 | CMD 25(27/29) | HP 55/55 | Fort +10, Reflex +10, Will +17 | Perception +19, Sense Motive +29 | Init: +9 | Darkvision 60' | Speed 30ft | Ki 13/13, ToS 6/6, Advice 14/14 | Active conditions: |
AC 18(19) Touch AC 14, Flatfoot AC 14 CMD 18 HP 18|[18] Fort +2, Reflex +8, Will -1 Male Human (Mixed Race Absolom) Swashbuckler 2
dot - sorry. convention weeekend.
The kid hit level 2 on the weekend so will level up in a min.
Female Aasimar Paladin 1 [HP:12/12] [AC:20/T:11/F:17] [Perc.:+2] [F:+4/R:+1/W:+4] [CMB:+3, CMD:14] [Speed:20, Init.:+1]
Dotting. Info will be posted shortly.
Male Half-Elf 3rd Magus
My first play by post. Dotting. I need to get the info of my character?
We should have one more coming later. Until then, I'll get the ball rolling.
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.
If anyone needs to make last-second purchases, now is the time.
Female Aasimar Paladin 1 [HP:12/12] [AC:20/T:11/F:17] [Perc.:+2] [F:+4/R:+1/W:+4] [CMB:+3, CMD:14] [Speed:20, Init.:+1]
AC 18(19) Touch AC 14, Flatfoot AC 14 CMD 18 HP 18|[18] Fort +2, Reflex +8, Will -1 Male Human (Mixed Race Absolom) Swashbuckler 2
purchases made on the discussion page. Add 2pp purchase of wand of CLW
Female Aasimar Monk 4 / Inquisitor 1 / Evangelist 3 | AC: 22 T: 22, FF: 19 | CMD 25(27/29) | HP 55/55 | Fort +10, Reflex +10, Will +17 | Perception +19, Sense Motive +29 | Init: +9 | Darkvision 60' | Speed 30ft | Ki 13/13, ToS 6/6, Advice 14/14 | Active conditions: |
"Looking back, I think I did much more prefer doing those menial tasks in Absalom rather than traversing this awful place. I require refreshments!" Lady Drusilla complains, sipping from her waterskin. "Ugh, and this bland water will not just do... I would not like to complain, but... Are we there yet?"
AC 18(19) Touch AC 14, Flatfoot AC 14 CMD 18 HP 18|[18] Fort +2, Reflex +8, Will -1 Male Human (Mixed Race Absolom) Swashbuckler 2
Twill be a ways yet M'lady but I too wish for the cobbles rather than this damnable sands, says The Kid, suffering as well.
Female Aasimar Paladin 1 [HP:12/12] [AC:20/T:11/F:17] [Perc.:+2] [F:+4/R:+1/W:+4] [CMB:+3, CMD:14] [Speed:20, Init.:+1]
"How much farther? This sand is starting to creep under my armor, and it is quite irritating," the paladin complains.
AC 18(19) Touch AC 14, Flatfoot AC 14 CMD 18 HP 18|[18] Fort +2, Reflex +8, Will -1 Male Human (Mixed Race Absolom) Swashbuckler 2
Don't we sound like hardened adventures, heh?
The Longstreet Kid drudges towards his destination.
Male Half-Orc 1st Inquisitor AC(17)T(16)FF(11) / Init(1) / CM +4(15) / F(+4), R(+1), W(+4)
"We'll be there soon enough. They don't call us Pathfinders for nutthin' right!", Gralmin plainly states. The inquisitor pensively eyes the rest of the group. Obviously this is his first time out on a mission.
After a hard trek under the sun's punishing gaze, you arrive at a path leading to what must be the Citadel of Flame. 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.
You'll have to climb out of the valley to get to the front door.
Female Aasimar Paladin 1 [HP:12/12] [AC:20/T:11/F:17] [Perc.:+2] [F:+4/R:+1/W:+4] [CMB:+3, CMD:14] [Speed:20, Init.:+1]
knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
"Keep your eyes open. There may be fire elementals in the area."
AC 18(19) Touch AC 14, Flatfoot AC 14 CMD 18 HP 18|[18] Fort +2, Reflex +8, Will -1 Male Human (Mixed Race Absolom) Swashbuckler 2
oh crap... How do we hurt them? What spells will help our weapons?
Female Aasimar Monk 4 / Inquisitor 1 / Evangelist 3 | AC: 22 T: 22, FF: 19 | CMD 25(27/29) | HP 55/55 | Fort +10, Reflex +10, Will +17 | Perception +19, Sense Motive +29 | Init: +9 | Darkvision 60' | Speed 30ft | Ki 13/13, ToS 6/6, Advice 14/14 | Active conditions: |
Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
"I trust your opinion on this, miss Hathaway", Lady Drusilla says, nodding to the paladin. "Mind you language, mister Kid... Obviously, mundane fire does not like water nor cold, but who knows about these elementals. We'll do our best to overcome such creatures should we encounter them."
As you investigate the base of the valley, two humanoid creatures of living fire step out behind the hoodoos from which they were hiding. With a wicked grin, the emit a thunderous roar and charge.
Fire elementals: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Helena: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Gralmin: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Drusilla: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Longstreet Kid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
The party is up first!
AC 18(19) Touch AC 14, Flatfoot AC 14 CMD 18 HP 18|[18] Fort +2, Reflex +8, Will -1 Male Human (Mixed Race Absolom) Swashbuckler 2
We are so screwed ppl - I don't think we can damage these
The Longstreet Kid closes on them but fights defensively.
Silversheen Rapier 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 8 - 4 = 23
Damage 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Cant crit elementals can you? My AC is 21 for this round
The Kid moves up and stabs the elemental in the side, causing it to let out a howl of rage and pain. As he pull the rapier away, it appear to be glowing with heat as elemental clutches at the new wound it's received.
The rest of the party is up!
Female Aasimar Paladin 1 [HP:12/12] [AC:20/T:11/F:17] [Perc.:+2] [F:+4/R:+1/W:+4] [CMB:+3, CMD:14] [Speed:20, Init.:+1]
Helena moves forward to stand next to The Longstreet Kid, and attacks the fire elemental.
attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Female Aasimar Monk 4 / Inquisitor 1 / Evangelist 3 | AC: 22 T: 22, FF: 19 | CMD 25(27/29) | HP 55/55 | Fort +10, Reflex +10, Will +17 | Perception +19, Sense Motive +29 | Init: +9 | Darkvision 60' | Speed 30ft | Ki 13/13, ToS 6/6, Advice 14/14 | Active conditions: |
"Well done mister Kid, it would seem your weapon works fine against it. Carry on"
Standard action: Advice (everyone gets +1 attack/dmg)
Move action: draw crossbow
Male Half-Orc 1st Inquisitor AC(17)T(16)FF(11) / Init(1) / CM +4(15) / F(+4), R(+1), W(+4)
Grlamin pulls his mace and heads up to the front. He attacks the one opposite of the Kid. I'll take th' other one!
Heavy Mace: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12
Gralmin, the other elemental is 65 ft. away. You're in range of the first one, though. I'll move you there for now.
The first elemental charges down the slope trying to slam into Helena...
Attack(slam): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 13
...while the second elemental lashes out at the Kid in revenge for his injury.
Attack(slam): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Slam damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Ok, so the Kid takes 5 damage this round and needs to give me a reflex check (DC 11) or he catches on fire.
Party is up!
Female Aasimar Paladin 1 [HP:12/12] [AC:20/T:11/F:17] [Perc.:+2] [F:+4/R:+1/W:+4] [CMB:+3, CMD:14] [Speed:20, Init.:+1]
Helena spins around to face the charging elemental and swings her scimitar.
attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 = 24
damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8
Woohoo! I hit it!
AC 18(19) Touch AC 14, Flatfoot AC 14 CMD 18 HP 18|[18] Fort +2, Reflex +8, Will -1 Male Human (Mixed Race Absolom) Swashbuckler 2
So much for fighting defensively... did me little use
Reflex save 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Attack 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Damage 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Female Aasimar Monk 4 / Inquisitor 1 / Evangelist 3 | AC: 22 T: 22, FF: 19 | CMD 25(27/29) | HP 55/55 | Fort +10, Reflex +10, Will +17 | Perception +19, Sense Motive +29 | Init: +9 | Darkvision 60' | Speed 30ft | Ki 13/13, ToS 6/6, Advice 14/14 | Active conditions: |
"Dearest Helena, if you could disengage the lone elemental. Then I could shoot it without risking of hitting you"
Advice still on: +1 Attack/damage for everyone.
Ready action: Shoot if/once the elemental is not in melee
AC 18(19) Touch AC 14, Flatfoot AC 14 CMD 18 HP 18|[18] Fort +2, Reflex +8, Will -1 Male Human (Mixed Race Absolom) Swashbuckler 2
Add 1 pt of dmg to my attack I think I was under instruction this round
With another stab, the elemental lets out a wail as it appears to melt into a puddle of lava. The one fighting Helena is still up.
Male Half-Orc 1st Inquisitor AC(17)T(16)FF(11) / Init(1) / CM +4(15) / F(+4), R(+1), W(+4)
The Inquisitor steps forward to the lone elemental left.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10
"Think that should take care of it! Turn your attacks to me. You shall return back to the sane and dust from whence you came. "
With a mighty swing, Gralmin bashes the elemental upside the head, sending flecks of lava and fire everywhere as the last creature dessapates into nothingness.
Combat is over. What do you guys want to do now?
AC 18(19) Touch AC 14, Flatfoot AC 14 CMD 18 HP 18|[18] Fort +2, Reflex +8, Will -1 Male Human (Mixed Race Absolom) Swashbuckler 2
Female Aasimar Monk 4 / Inquisitor 1 / Evangelist 3 | AC: 22 T: 22, FF: 19 | CMD 25(27/29) | HP 55/55 | Fort +10, Reflex +10, Will +17 | Perception +19, Sense Motive +29 | Init: +9 | Darkvision 60' | Speed 30ft | Ki 13/13, ToS 6/6, Advice 14/14 | Active conditions: |
"I suppose we must climb to get out of here. Would anyone of you have a rope, perchance?"
Lady Drusilla inspects the canyon walls to see if she could find an easy route up.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Aside from two new puddles of molten liquid, you find nothing of interest on the valley floor. The sides of the valley are steep, but you're able to climb them with little difficulty as long as you're careful and take your time (DC 0 climb check, but the hill counts as difficult terrain)
AC 18(19) Touch AC 14, Flatfoot AC 14 CMD 18 HP 18|[18] Fort +2, Reflex +8, Will -1 Male Human (Mixed Race Absolom) Swashbuckler 2
Female Aasimar Paladin 1 [HP:12/12] [AC:20/T:11/F:17] [Perc.:+2] [F:+4/R:+1/W:+4] [CMB:+3, CMD:14] [Speed:20, Init.:+1]
"I have a rope we can use."
As you make it to the top of the hill, you you fully see for the first time The Citadel of Flame. Beyond the arch, the red stone hoodoos open up to a massive citadel. The stronghold appears to have two parts: the nearest is a squat, square fortress covered in decaying plaster and topped by an enormous minaret from which a thin plume of smoke escapes. The plaster walls are richly decorated with intricate geometric carvings of dancing flames, and smaller minarets rise from the corners. At the east end of that building, the valley floor drops suddenly and a windowless second structure perches on a plateau beyond, rising gracefully from the void in a tangle of minarets and spires. Even though centuries of sand have scoured away most of the gold leaf that once decorated the structure, the sunlight reflecting off the deep red stone of the citadel makes the entire structure glow like a massive bonfire. A delicate, red, enclosed bridge links the first fortress with the second one beyond. A pair of massive brass doors covered in a flowing decorative script blocks access to the near fortress.
So, who wants to knock on the door and see if anyone's home?
Female Aasimar Monk 4 / Inquisitor 1 / Evangelist 3 | AC: 22 T: 22, FF: 19 | CMD 25(27/29) | HP 55/55 | Fort +10, Reflex +10, Will +17 | Perception +19, Sense Motive +29 | Init: +9 | Darkvision 60' | Speed 30ft | Ki 13/13, ToS 6/6, Advice 14/14 | Active conditions: |
Lady Drusilla inspects the citadel. "Charming... While we were received with a warm welcome of sorts, I do believe we can skip the pleasentries, and help ourselves in uninvited."
The lady proceeds to the doors, to look if she can get them open.
The massive doors refuse to budge as you pull on them.
Gonna need a DC 20 Strength check.
AC 18(19) Touch AC 14, Flatfoot AC 14 CMD 18 HP 18|[18] Fort +2, Reflex +8, Will -1 Male Human (Mixed Race Absolom) Swashbuckler 2
Right you are M'lady
Having no skill with doors (he did take advantage of an odd open window or two when growing up) he steps aside for Drusilla.
Female Aasimar Paladin 1 [HP:12/12] [AC:20/T:11/F:17] [Perc.:+2] [F:+4/R:+1/W:+4] [CMB:+3, CMD:14] [Speed:20, Init.:+1]
strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Anyone want to aid?
Male Half-Orc 1st Inquisitor AC(17)T(16)FF(11) / Init(1) / CM +4(15) / F(+4), R(+1), W(+4)
I will aid the check with a 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14. "Put your shoulder into it Helena!"
Female Aasimar Monk 4 / Inquisitor 1 / Evangelist 3 | AC: 22 T: 22, FF: 19 | CMD 25(27/29) | HP 55/55 | Fort +10, Reflex +10, Will +17 | Perception +19, Sense Motive +29 | Init: +9 | Darkvision 60' | Speed 30ft | Ki 13/13, ToS 6/6, Advice 14/14 | Active conditions: |
I think that'll do
Lady Drusilla stands nearby encouraging Helena and Gralmin.
GM Roll: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Ok, so I need to backtrack a little bit. You actually did find something on the valley floor when you searched it. There were two mummified corpses bearing the insignias of Serenrae (the paladin is of Serenrae, so I'm waving the Knowledge: religion check as she'd recognize them immediately.) laying in a sitting postion against the valley wall. Searching them turned up four oils of bless weapon and four +1 holy arrows.
With a great heave, Helena and Gralmin manage to open up the doors. The entry hall is clearly meant to impress visitors. Many rows of stout pillars, carved to resemble writhing flames, surround the center of the room where a spiral staircase, devoid of rails or walls, leads up to the minaret above. A large bonfire burns in the middle of the staircase, casting normal illumination throughout the room. The walls are covered with writing carved in gold filigree (DC 25 Linguistics to interpret, unless anyone speaks Ignan), as well as stylized efreeti faces spaced every 5 feet. Massive obsidian benches line the walls, and a thick layer of desert sand covers the floor and stairs, especially near the entryway.
Male Half-Orc 1st Inquisitor AC(17)T(16)FF(11) / Init(1) / CM +4(15) / F(+4), R(+1), W(+4)
"Wow. Fancy place... wonder how that fire is still burning. Guess they don't call it the Citadel of Flame because it is in the desert." Gralmin stares blankly at the flame, not much else running through his head. I didn't make any of the checks, and Gralmin isn't the smartest cookie in the drawer! :P
Gralmin will start to shuffle into the room and look at some of the religious symbology. "Fascinating stuff. Don't know the religion at all..."
Female Aasimar Monk 4 / Inquisitor 1 / Evangelist 3 | AC: 22 T: 22, FF: 19 | CMD 25(27/29) | HP 55/55 | Fort +10, Reflex +10, Will +17 | Perception +19, Sense Motive +29 | Init: +9 | Darkvision 60' | Speed 30ft | Ki 13/13, ToS 6/6, Advice 14/14 | Active conditions: |
"Please help yourselves to the oils and arrows, I have little need for them." Lady Drusilla points out the cache to the others.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Sense motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Some DC's for tier 1-2 :P
"Indeed... We could understand the 'flames' part with more subtle motifs. Very pompous architecture. I wonder who would ever design such things. Must be a Taldan, I'm sure." she says, looking around the entry hall. "Unfortunately, obscure languages was not part of my education. Would anyone of you understand that?"
Noticing the efreeti faces, Drusilla walks over, and peeks through their eyes.
GM Roll: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Looking through the eyeholes in the efreeti mask, you see a secret room that provides a clear vantage point to all other surrounding rooms in the Citadel. The room itself is richly decorated, the floor covered by a maze-like geometric pattern of scarlet flames. Sputtering torches line the room, providing normal illumination throughout.
Anyone looking in needs to give me yet another perception check.
Female Aasimar Paladin 1 [HP:12/12] [AC:20/T:11/F:17] [Perc.:+2] [F:+4/R:+1/W:+4] [CMB:+3, CMD:14] [Speed:20, Init.:+1]
Helena begins to look around the room.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Apparently, I hit my head against the door to open it.
AC 18(19) Touch AC 14, Flatfoot AC 14 CMD 18 HP 18|[18] Fort +2, Reflex +8, Will -1 Male Human (Mixed Race Absolom) Swashbuckler 2
Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
AC 18(19) Touch AC 14, Flatfoot AC 14 CMD 18 HP 18|[18] Fort +2, Reflex +8, Will -1 Male Human (Mixed Race Absolom) Swashbuckler 2
The kid takes 1 oil and 1 arrow. Two if no one else is particular.
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