[PFS] PbP Gameday 3 - The Citadel of Flame (Inactive)

Game Master Luke_Parry

Trig gathers up the young man's belongings. "Can any of you identify these potions?"

Nice reference, Bill

The young man glares at the party, but is helpless to stop you as he is unceremoniously bundled into the 'safe room', and then ignored.

Taking the key, Odo tries it on the secret door, and is gratified to discover that it easily unlocks it.

The secret door opens onto a covered bridge forty feet across. The entire structure appears to be carved from a single red stone, but the centuries-long burial in sand has levied its toll. Long cracks line the walls and ceiling, and twenty feet along the bridge a seven-foot gash splits the floor in two, through which the dark orange stone of the valley below is visible. Spaced every ten feet on the walls are a series of massive carved heads: a pair of screaming fire elementals, a pair of humans clad in armor, and a pair of bull-headed men, each flanked by massive torches. The arch’s far end is carved into the shape of a massive leering face, with golden double doors in place of its mouth.

Let me know what you would like to do ;-)

Trig lags a bit behind while he has a second look at the young man's scroll.

Luke, I don't play Trig often and forgot he can cast read magic to find out what's on the scroll. I'd like to do so now and find out what that scroll is.

This looks like a good place for a trap.

Is that 7' gash across the floor of the bridge (we have to jump across) or along the middle of the bridge (we tiptoe around the edges) ?

Detect magic on the bridge too please?

It is a Scroll of Shield.

The 7' gash is across the floor of the bridge.

There is a background level of magic about the place, but nothing specific (i.e. no magical traps).

"NO ONE EVER LETS ME EVANGELIZE ..."

Darvan sends Sahba across the gap, then follows.

Acrobatics (Take 10, Sahba, ACP): 10 + 20 - 2 = 28
Acrobatics (Take 10, Darvan, ACP): 10 + 2 - 3 = 9

"NO ONE EVER LETS ME EVANGELIZE ..."

"You can evangelize him on our way out," Trig offers. "I'd like to hear that debate." For about 12 heartbeats, that is. It will be like a blind Quadiri debating a deaf Kellid.

***

Trig eyes the the gap. It's so short, but a simple slip could be disastrous.

"Maybe we should rig a safety line?"

Odo joins Trig in looking at the gap with some trepidation. "Maybe we should. I don't think I can make that gap. Certainly not in this armor."

Darvan and Sahba (after a bit of coaxing) easily sail over the gap, landing safely on the other side, whilst the others stare nervously at the gap.

Suddenly, a metallic-skinned, demonic-looking creature with four wings, and clawed feet and hands (holding a wicked-looking spear), flies up through the gap in the bridge, and lands behind Darvan, grinning evilly.

Huh.

It lashes out in a fury...

Spear: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11, for 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 damage.

Claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage.

Claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 damage.

...hissing in frustration when only one of its attacks manages to hit.

Round 1: G, Madok, Darvan, Odo, Triccio, Billin

Party is up.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8"HEY WING THING STOP THAT!"

Madok's voice cracks embarrassingly.

"Red light gleamed iron on Sarenrae's scimitar
Held high to catch the dawning light...."

Incongruously perhaps Trig begins singing Sarenrae at the Dawn

Bardic performance to inspire courage. +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

Billin pulls out his sling and begins chanting.

casting magic stone

Odo drops his shield at his feet and gets out his sling.

Darvan orders Sahba to attack, then draws and swings his scimitar at the creature.

Free action: Order Sahba (attack)
Handle Animal (Link): 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 4 = 14

Move action: Draw scimitar
Standard action: Attack creature
Attack (Scimitar, Inspire Courage): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 1 = 28
Damage (Scimitar, Inspire Courage): 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11

Critical Confirm (Scimitar, Inspire Courage): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 1 = 9
Critical Damage (Scimitar, Inspire Courage): 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11

Sahba steps forward and begins clawing and biting at the creature.

Not an action: 5' step
Full-round action: Attack creature
Attack (Talon 1, Inspire Courage): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8
Damage (Talon 1, Inspire Courage): 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

Attack (Talon 2, Inspire Courage): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 1 = 22
Damage (Talon 2, Inspire Courage): 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

Attack (Bite, Inspire Courage): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 = 20
Damage (Bite, Inspire Courage): 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

Madok attempts to intimidate the creature, but it just laughs at him.

Darvan delivers a vicious strike which would have gutted a normal creature, but which this demon barely seems to notice.

Sahba steps forward and attacks with tooth and claw, but whilst she manages to hit twice, neither attack does any damage.

Odo drops his shield, and pulls out his sling.

Triccio begins singing a rousing tune, lifting his allies' spirits.

Billin pulls out his sling, and casts a spell.

The creature grins at Darvan, and attacks him again...

Spear: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21, for 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 damage.

...managing to only deliver a slight gash with its spear.

Round 2: G, Madok, Darvan, Odo, Triccio, Billin

Party is up.

Odo loads an iron bullet into his sling and sends it winging at the creature as he shouts out, "For the Sun and the Fury!"

Smite!
Sling attack: 1d20 + 6 - 4 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 6 - 4 + 3 = 12 sadly, no precise shot and that seems unlikely to hit
Damage (if really lucky): 1d3 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 and if really a demon, +4 more damage and no DR

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Seeing his scary words did not work, Madok jumps across the chasm and begins raging.

Hmmm. Lost my morning post. Abbreviated form here.

Trig continues inspire courage.

Know(Bardic Knowledge) to figure out what it is. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Attack with shortbow if the halflings don't provide cover. 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 ... damage 1d6 ⇒ 5

Billin attacks with his sling.

sling, to hit: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 8
sling, damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

@Madok: Unfortunately, at present, there is not any space for you to land on the other side. You can, however, keep that roll for when there is.

Madok prepares to jump across, when there is room.

Odo smites the creature, and launches a golden-glowing sling bullet at it... which goes wide.

Triccio recalls that this creature is a 'Lesser Host Devil' (aka 'Gaav'), a minor devil that is nonetheless resistant to damage (DR5/Good), and immune to Fire. The arrow that he sends off after that bounces harmlessly off the creature's thick hide.

Billin, likewise, just can't manage to hit.

Round 2: G, Madok, Darvan, Odo, Triccio, Billin

Just waiting on Darvan.

Darvan swings his scimitar at the creature once more.

Standard action: Attack creature
Attack (Scimitar, Inspire Courage): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 = 24
Damage (Scimitar, Inspire Courage): 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

Sahba continues her onslaught.

Full-round action: Attack creature
Attack (Talon 1, Inspire Courage): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 1 = 19
Damage (Talon 1, Inspire Courage): 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

Attack (Talon 2, Inspire Courage): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11
Damage (Talon 2, Inspire Courage): 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

Attack (Bite, Inspire Courage): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 = 24
Damage (Bite, Inspire Courage): 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

Darvan hits the creature again, but does minimal damage as his weapon seems to largely bounce off its flesh.

Sahba has similar luck, although one of her talons does manage to strike with sufficient force to leave a mark.

The creature responds by attempting to savage Darvan...

Spear: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26, for 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage.
Spear: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 damage.
Spear: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage.

...but its flurry of attacks only manages to leave a couple of light scratches.

Round 3: G, Madok, Darvan, Odo, Triccio, Billin

Party is up.

"It's a gaav! I think. We need to hit it hard or with magic or holy weapons. It will just shrug off most weapons!

"If I can get a good shot, he will not shrug off mine!" Odo vows as he loads up another bullet (this time a normal lead one).

Sling, Inspire courage, smite: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 - 4 + 3 = 8

An even worse roll than the last one! Gah! But, at least PF's smite is much better than 3.5's and it isn't wasted on a bad roll or two.

Darvan yells, "I have no such weapon...", then swings his scimitar at the creature again, because that's all that he can do.

Standard action: Attack creature
Attack (Scimitar, Inspire Courage): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 1 = 9
Damage (Scimitar, Inspire Courage): 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7

Again, Sahba lashes out at the creature, with somewhat less success.

Full-round action: Attack creature
Attack (Talon 1, Inspire Courage): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 = 15
Damage (Talon 1, Inspire Courage): 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

Attack (Talon 2, Inspire Courage): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 1 = 17
Damage (Talon 2, Inspire Courage): 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

Attack (Bite, Inspire Courage): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 = 20
Damage (Bite, Inspire Courage): 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

Billin attacks again with his sling.

sling attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 20
sling damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 9

"Darvan, retreat! Give Madok room to get across!"

Trig nocks another arrow and lets fly.

Shortbow1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 ... damage 1d6 ⇒ 2

Darvan will use his 5' step to do so, and will order Sahba to do the same.

@Darvan: Ordering an animal companion to 5' step after making a full attack would definitely count as a push (since there is no 5' step trick). Please make a Handle Animal roll.

Fair enough. I guess I was considering that it would be some combination of "come", "down", and "heel", all of which Sahba knows.

Handle Animal (Link): 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 4 = 20

Madok leaps over the chasm with ease. He gets very excited and shouts "DO YOU HAVE A MOMENT TO LEARN ABOUT THE LORD?"

Yes, and that would be fine if you didn't want her to attack, as well. Remember, effectively, you are not giving her a single order, you are ordering her to 'attack, and then follow me over here', which is more complex than a single command.

Madok delays.

Darvan takes a half-hearted swing at the devil, and then steps back, urging Sahba to do the same.

Sahba, confused, attacks the creature, but although she hits twice, she causes it no further harm, and does not step back.

Odo fires another sling bullet, which careens through the air falls to the bottom of the ravine, 30' below.

Triccio fires an arrow which skitters across the stones of the bridge.

Billin has better luck, pinging the creature square in the chest with his sling bullet.

Madok then comes out of delay, and jumps across the pit...

Spear: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27...
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26, for 3d8 + 3 ⇒ (5, 2, 6) + 3 = 16 damage.

...only to be pithed like an olive on the end of the creature's spear, which goes right through his right flank.

In a frenzy, the creature attacks its new target...

Spear: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26, for 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 damage.

Claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 damage.

Claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage.

...thoroughly mauling the poor barbarian, who remains standing through sheer force of will alone.

Round 4: G(-14), Madok(-26), Darvan(-12), Odo, Triccio, Billin

Party is up.

I got nothing for this foe. Looks like our money is mostly on Odo. Dos somebody want to take a quick look at Trig's sheet and see if there's a better option than shortbow?

Using the last of his transmuted ammo, Billin lets fly at the creature.

sling attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 23
damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 9

Odo grits his teeth at the grimness of the situation, loads, and fires again.

Sling, smite: 1d20 + 6 - 4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 - 4 + 3 + 1 = 10

Oh, for goodness' sake

Trig keeps singing and looses his thrid arrow.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 .... damage 1d6 ⇒ 2

Nice, Billin.

Edit: +1 to hit and damage for singing. Not that it matters. Can't believe I've been forgetting to add bardic performance to my own rolls.

Odo looses another sling-stone, but just can't seem to hit the creature in front of him.

Triccio has better luck, managing to hit the creature, but his arrow simply bounces off the devil's thick hide.

Billin, however, slings another surprisingly accurate stone, which strikes true with enough force to actually harm the creature, which snarls in pain.

Round 4: G(-18), Madok(-26), Darvan(-12), Odo, Triccio, Billin

"OW."

Does Madok want to do anything else?

I believe he collapses in a heap. Crits are a dangerous mistress.

Darvan pulls a wand out of his belt pouch and taps Madok with its tip.

Move action: Draw wand
Standard action: Activate wand
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Madok has the Diehard feat, and a Con of 20. I did not want to assume.

Still waiting on confirmation from Madok...

Crumples for now.

Madok, realising that staying vertical will most likely get him killed, elects to fall unconscious.

Darvan draws a wand, and taps Madok with it, but the barbarian remains unconscious.

The creature then steps over Madok's unconscious body, and continues its assault upon Darvan...

Spear: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22, for 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage.

...skewering him with its spear, and raking him with one set of claws.

Round 5: G(-18), Madok(-21), Darvan(-22), Odo, Triccio, Billin

Party is up!

Odo loads and fillings another bullet, muttering, "Dawnflower, give me strength to win through this fight. My companions need me."

Sling, smite: 1d20 + 6 - 4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 - 4 + 3 + 1 = 19 YES, I think that's got him
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 8 + 1 = 13 Doubled smite damage for first hit if evil outer planar and no DR

After several near misses, Odo's aim is finally on target, and he lobs a golden-glowing sling bullet straight into the creature's forehead!

It stands swaying for a few seconds, before toppling over, its spear tumbling from its suddenly nerveless fingers to clatter upon the ground.

Combat over.

Searching the area reveals a Masterwork spear (on the devil), and a Masterwork heavy steel shield emblazoned with a bull's head. Of more specific interest, however, is a tattered book, wrapped in a dirty leather bag, hidden underneath the shield.

The book, written in Common, is the journal of one of the ancient cult’s slaves and describes her recruitment, enslavement, and the initial assault of Sarenrae’s crusaders on the Citadel, including a graphic description of the battle-crazed dervishes' slaughter of many of the Citadel’s slaves.

After all, there is no more terrifying thing that a righteous man hell-bent on 'justice'...

The doors at the end of the bridge are warm to the touch, but after careful inspection, do not appear to be trapped.

Let me know what you would like to do next ;-)