[PFS PbP Gameday V] GM Karma's #7-17 Thralls of the Shattered God (Inactive)

Game Master -Karma-

Why can't I get through? Adeah wonders in frustration. Then she hears the sound of the newly-conscious celestial's voice, and it triggers a memory Adeah didn't know she had. Her eyes widen, but for a brief moment, see nothing of the room around her.

FLASH!
Around her a battle rages-- a battle fought not on the Material Plane, but among the denizens of the godly realms. Legions of angels and azatas clash with hordes of demons and devils. Bow in hand, she nocks arrow after arrow, her expert eye finding any opening in the enemies' defenses. "Leave no arrow in its quiver!" a lieutenant's voice shouts behind her. "Leave no sword unblooded!"
FLASH!

Adeah's consciousness returns to the room. She reloads her weapon, staring up at the creature with new eyes. I know where to hit him.

Spending a point of mental focus as a standard action to add evil outsider-bane to my musket.

"Do not fear my brethen!!"

Channel, same as before.

Channel Positive, selective: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 6) = 15

"Don't worry Valais, the important thing is that you snapped out of the demon's hold over you."

Free of Lakhtaris control, Valais decides to retreat from the room. "I am sorry, but it's best if I am not close to you. I fear what I might do if that thing gains control over me again.."

Shonne sinks another arrow into Lakhtaris, but unfortunately the demon is able to heal almost all of the damage. Lakhtaris slips out of Zaas' reach, and raises his arms high. "Mortals! Cease this pathetic struggle! YOU ARE STANDING BEFORE A GOD. KNEEL DOWN IN RESPECT!"

Greater command: Everyone make a will save DC 18 (enchantment) or use your next move action to drop prone. You can act otherwise, but must stay prone. Every turn after the first you get a new will save to break the command.

Round 4 & 5
=> Iskar (demoralized BBEG)
=> Zaas (missed with bite)
Valais (back in control - withdraw)
BBEG (command, fast healing) -4 hp
=> Adeah (mental focus -> bane)
=> Bunk (channel)
=> Isabella (calmed Valais)
=> Shonne (ranged attack, 10 dmg past DR)

Next up: everyone

will save (clear elven superiority): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 2 = 23

"'Respect'? You!? There is nothing on this world that could compel me to do that!" Shonne continues to grimly fire away at the demon at point blank range.

+1 comp longbow (cold iron, bless, gravity bow, point blank shot): 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 26
damage: 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 + 1 = 13

I keep forgetting or nearly forgetting bless.

Bless fills your allies with courage. Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.

will: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 = 13
Why do I keep kneeling?

As he kneels, Iskar reaches out to Shonne, "Bended knee seems good, but go get 'im. Zaas, her, usee my forces."

Conduit: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Cast Guidance on Shonne as standard. Swift, give Zaas 1d6 HP, Kneel because...why not...

Will: 1d20 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 5 = 11

Well...crap...

"Thank you Iskar. I think you have the right idea." states the eidolon ad he drops from the ceiling, kneeling after he slams into the ground.

Acrobatics as he drops?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

double crap

Will, Charmed Life and PfE: 1d20 + 3 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 3 + 1 = 26

"Iomedae would not want me to kneel before you!" Isabella shouts in defiance while she sheathes her sword and picks up her bow from the ground.

While under the effects of this spell, the target is immune to any new attempts to possess or exercise mental control over the target. This spell does not expel a controlling life force (such as a ghost or spellcaster using magic jar), but it does prevent them from controlling the target. This second effect only functions against spells and effects created by evil creatures or objects, subject to GM discretion.

Wouldn't we be immune to this?

Will Save: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 = 17

Kneeling time, I guess.

"Gaaht...ta...kneel"

Bunk's temple veins are pumping with stress.

Forgot to channel again...

3d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 6) = 12

Good catch, Adeah. I didn't realize PfE protected also against Command. So everyone can ignore Lakhtaris command, and act normally

Zaas doesn't have it, so his failed save stands. Iskar's only change is he stays standing

Sweet. Personally I think that part is way too powerful of an effect for a 1st-level spell, but there it is.

"Sorry. Never did have much respect for the gods." She pulls the trigger twice in rapid succession.

Rapid Shot (musket) + evil outsider-bane: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 2 = 27
Damage: 1d12 + 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + (3, 2) + 2 + 2 = 17

Rapid Shot (musket) + evil outsider-bane: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 2 = 28
Damage: 1d12 + 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + (4, 6) + 2 + 2 = 15

It would make sense if Zaas climbs down first, and only then kneels down. But if you want to drop, you're allowed..

Yet another arrow of cold iron launches from Shonne's bow, and sinks deep into Lakhtaris. Bunk heals more wounds of everyone around him.
Shonne can apply Iskar's guidance on her next shot. Unless Iskar wants to change his action as he doesn't have to bend the knee

Next up: actions from Isabella and Adeah

"Iomedae would not want me to kneel before you!" Isabella shouts in defiance while she sheathes her sword and picks up her bow from the ground.

Move action 1: sheathe sword, Move action 2: pick up bow from ground

Looks like I ninja'd the GM.

lol

Ninja'd again :) I think I need to double-check after posting... :P

Slowly Lakhtaris descends to ground level, and tries to crush Zaas with his mighty pincer. But even when prone, the eidolon's defences are too formidable for the demon.

Pincer @Zaas, haste, PA: 1d20 + 16 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (5) + 16 + 1 - 3 = 19
damage: 2d8 + 8 + 6 ⇒ (6, 1) + 8 + 6 = 21

Round 4&5
=> Iskar (Guidance )
=> Zaas (Bend the knee)
Valais (bravely run away)
BBEG (attack, fast healing) -19 hp
=> Adeah (ranged attack, 12 dmg past DR)
=> Bunk (channel)
=> Isabella (change weapons)
=> Shonne (ranged attack, 13 dmg past DR)

Next up: everyone

Lakhtaris is now at ground level. Remember that it has 10ft reach, if you plan to move near it

"Yes, come down when I have my bow in hand!" Isabella throws her bow to the ground and quickly draws her sword. She then moves forward and circles around Lakhtaris, attacking the demon when she is in position.

Provoking an AoO
Parry: 1d20 + 14 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 14 + 3 = 29

AC is 27 against Lakhtaris (+3 deflection from smite +1 trait bonus from only 1 foe)

Smiting Attack: 1d20 + 14 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 14 + 3 = 33
Damage, no DR: 1d8 + 9 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 5 + 1 = 18

When attacked
Parry: 1d20 + 14 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 14 + 3 = 24
Reposte: 1d20 + 14 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 14 + 3 = 30
Damage, no DR: 1d8 + 9 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 5 + 1 = 19

"Someone grab my bow and Isabella's arrows."

Shonne drops her bow, kicks her heel back and up into the base of her sword sheath on her back with enough force to propel her cold iron longsword dramatically up and over her shoulder in a high lazy arc during which the light plays off of its cold ironness. While she does so her free leg kicks off the floor. She makes a spinning leap forward during which her body goes horizontal in relation to the floor. She lands perfectly her hand extended outward just in time for the sword hilt to arrive there. In other words, she takes a 5-foot step.

She brings her sword down.

mwk cold iron longsword (bless, flank): 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 1 = 15 damage (two-handed): 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Edit Well, when I started typing I was flanking.... :(

Sorry Shonne, I suddenly remembered that the tree was gone since it turned into a staff. I thought this was the better position

No worries. I doubt I hit it either way. Still, cool 5-foot step, right? ;)

Round 5

"Zaas, quit playing around! Get up there and bite him!"

"May my strength aid you further, my friend."

Iskar approaches his companion, carefully avoiding the enemies reach and touches him.

Life Conduit: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Move action to get to Zaas, Standard cast Bull's Strength, Swift sack HP to eidolon

Will Save w/bless: 1d20 + 1 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 5 + 1 = 23

As the half-orc touches him, his muscles seem to become more defined. He crawls towards the enemy and lashes out.

PA Bite w/Flanking & bless: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 29
Cold-Iron PA Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 + 4 = 12

Still prone, Crawl 5ft as a move (Provokes), Bite as a standard

Edit: Forgot Bless

If GM allows, I would alter my actions to standing as a move action then a 5ft into melee. If not, I'll stand next round and try not to make the same mistake in the future.

@Zaas: sure, you can stand up instead of crawling.

Lakhtaris improved trip @Isabella: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22
As Isabella moves closer to Lakhtaris, she sees the demon swinging his pincer arm towards her legs. But easily she parries the attempt, and proceeds to strike a sizable wound on the demon. This maneuver also gives Zaas the opportunity to stand up, and sink his magically-enchanted teeth on his enemy. Shonne joins the melee, in a flair only elves could do. Unfortunately, her blade fails to find it's way to Lakhtaris' skin.

Round 4&5
* Iskar (cast bull strength)
* Zaas (Bite, 12 dmg)
Valais ()
BBEG (attack, fast healing) -49 hp
=> Adeah ()
=> Bunk ()
* Isabella (Smite 18 dmg)
* Shonne (melee, missed)

Next up: Adeah, Bunk

Adeah reloads and fires, aiming for the sweet spots shown to her in her vision.

Rapid Shot + evil outsider-bane: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d12 + 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + (5, 2) + 2 + 2 = 17
Rapid Shot + evil outsider-bane: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 2 = 29
Damage: 1d12 + 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + (4, 3) + 2 + 2 = 21

Bunk casts shield of faith on Adeah.

"May P'Tah's shield protect you from all harm!"

Adeah reloads and fires, aiming for the sweet spots shown to her in her vision.

Psst, bless!

Adeah Silversong wrote:

Adeah reloads and fires, aiming for the sweet spots shown to her in her vision.

Psst, bless!

Oh, right. Add +1 to those attack rolls, although since they're both touch attacks I doubt it'll matter.

Adeah's occult-powered bullets smash into the demon, tearing flesh. Also, up close, it looks like Lakhtaris' wounds are worse than it originally appeared *.

Lakhtaris takes a defensive posture and starts making some magic. Dark energies swirl around the demon's azata-arm and it reaches out towards Zaas. The eidolon feels it's very life force being drawn away, feeding the demon.

Cast defensively: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Touch attack @ Zaas: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 4, 1, 4) = 15

Lakhtaris, not feeling truly comfortable being flanked by the group of Pathfinders, rises again up into the air, out from their reach.

Lakhtaris moving 10ft up. Isabella, Zaas and Shonne gets AoO

Round 5&6
=> Iskar (cast bull strength)
=> Zaas (Bite, 12 dmg. got 15 dmg in return)
Valais ()
BBEG (vampiric touch, fast healing) -62 hp
=> Adeah (rapid shot, 18 dmg)
=> Bunk (Cast shield of faith)
=> Isabella (Smite 18 dmg)
=> Shonne (melee, missed)

Next up: Everyone

* This is totally not a GM mistake. You were uh.. just not looking well enough. Damage corrected now.

mwk cold iron longsword (bless, bull's strength, AoO): 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 1 = 23 damage (two-handed): 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

"Thanks for taking off again. Makes you an easier target." Pushing two more rounds into the chamber, she squeezes the trigger.

Rapid Shot + evil outsider-bane: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 30
Damage: 1d12 + 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + (4, 2) + 2 + 2 = 16
Rapid Shot + evil outsider-bane: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d12 + 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + (1, 3) + 2 + 2 = 20

"You don't look so good there friend. Here you go."

Swift Life Conduit Sac: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Moving towards Shonne, avoiding the enemies reach, he adds "You've got this! Would it help if you became taller? As I await your response, this might help"

Swift - sac health, Move, Cast Guidance on Shonne as a standard

PA AoO Bite: 1d20 + 4 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 26
AoO Bite Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 + 4 = 16

Zaas snaps at the creature as it takes off.

"Thank you!" snarls the creature, drool dripping from his jowls. "This thing is mine!"

No longer able to reach it, he moves over to the wall and climbs up to reach it better.

Lashing out, he tries to rip a hole in the beings side.

PA Bite: 1d20 + 4 - 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 - 2 + 2 + 1 = 23
Bite Damage (Cold-Iron): 1d6 + 4 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 + 4 = 13

Move action, provoking to get in reach of creature. Standard to bite with PA, bless, bull's str

Attack of Opportunity, Smite, Bless: 1d20 + 14 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 14 + 3 + 1 = 27
Damage, no DR, Smite: 1d8 + 9 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 5 + 1 = 21

Isabella hits hard, puts her sword away and returns to where she dropped her bow.

Bunk channels positive energy again, selecting the evil Laktharis out.

"Hold the line, my brothers!"

Channel: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 4) = 13

A storm of steel and teeth, Isabella, Shonne and Zaas batter Lakhtaris into very bad shape as the demon tries to take distance to the Pathfinders. And then he's easy pickings for Adeah musket, which truly proves out to be a bane to the demon. The moment Laktharis dies, his remnants rapidly decompose while colorful spirals of planar energy crackle and swirl around his corpse.

Attracted by the death-scream of the demon, Valais returns to the room. A similar burst of violet energy rises from Valais’s kalavakus parts and joins the planar maelstrom around Laktharis’s body. The energy swirls into a small vortex before collapsing on itself and vanishing completely. All the remains of the demon is a pile of paper sheets which the winds from the fading vortex starts to scatter around the room.

Valais grabs one such sheet flying in front of her, realizing these are notes of Thurl's experiments on joining flesh of humans and demons. "He’s gone, I don’t hear him whispering in my ear any longer. Perhaps that is the answer? Perhaps we must track down the other demon Thurl used to build my body and destroy it. Whatever happens next, thank you for keeping me alive. I hope Thurl’s notes will help us," she says, waving the sheet of paper in her hand.

Next to the protective circle, the now-conscious azata starts standing up painfully.

Isabella picks up her bow and stores it. "Valais, you mentioned that you were 'pulled' here. Is that also gone? Or is there another place that pulls at you now?"

Isabella walks to the azata and draws her wand "Hello, I am Isabella. We are members of the Pathfinder Society and here to help one of our own." she points at Valais before continuing "Can I heal you further?"

Well that's a relief. I was starting to worry about my ammo!

Adeah shoulders her musket. "Don't mention it. I'm sure Iomedae's Finest here," she nods toward Isabella, "was all too happy to get rid of another demon. Me, I'm just glad I learned a new trick-- shooting two bullets at once!" She chooses not to comment on the vision she had, or her sudden intimate knowledge of the demon's weak points.

"You are correct, Isabella" Valais answers. "The 'pull', as you call it, is gone. The whole strange feeling, is gone. Now if I would just get rid of this other demonic part..." she says, rubbing her arm.

The azata nods to Isabella. "Well met, Isabella," he says in a voice most captivating. No one can quite say what language he is speaking, but everybody understands him with perfect clarity. "I thank you for your offer, but my wounds are too severe for your magic to heal. But I can at least stand again, thanks to you. I am Kitarlo. I followed the demon Lakhtaris here, and placed his ward around the tree to prevent him from using it. Unfortunately he bested me, and kept me here ever since."

Kitarlo looks at Valais. "You were here to help this one? Did you succeed?"

"Thus far...."

sense motive (hunch, guidance): 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 1 = 15

Isabella looks at Valais for a few seconds

I assume detect evil does not show an increased level of evil

"Yes, we have succeeded here. Now there is just the matter what to do with that staff. The tree was holy to the people here... Does anyone know how to turn the staff back into a tree?"

"If I may be so bold, why were you following the demon? And when did your capture happen?"

As the smoke clears, Iskar chuckles. "A tad anticlimactic, don't you think? Oh well. Least the annoyance is gone."

Walking over to his companion, he scratches his head. "You ok? Here you go."

Life Conduit: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Life Conduit: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Looking towards the stick. "What was it she said when she picked that up? Perhaps it can be replaced in a similar fashion."

as life conduit expired, used last 2 rounds of it

Apologies for the long post, but I'm trying to tie up some loose ends here. Post is divided in three parts, and there's something in each I'd like some reaction from you...

Isabella detect no evil from Kitarlo, and Shonne feels he speaks the truth.

"A few weeks, perhaps? I am not sure... Lakhtaris has kept me hanging between life and death for the most time," Kitarlo says. "I had been secretly assisting the Fifth Crusade against the Worldwound, when I noticed this mangled kalavakus demon sneaking out of Nerosyan. I knew he was up to no good, so I followed him here. As he came straight to the tree, I assumed it was important to his plans, whatever they were. So thus I decided to create the ward." Only then he realises the tree is missing inside the circle. When the party explains how the tree transformed into the staff, Kitarlo understands it is one of the powers of this magic staff to transform into the tree. "But I feel the staff tainted by the energies of the worldwound. I know a ritual to cleanse the staff, but I am too weak to perform it. But I can teach you to do it, if you'd like."

If you want to try the cleansing ritual, roll Knowledge (religion), Knowledge (history), Spellcraft, and Diplomacy (DC 25 for all). Each PC can try any or all of them, but you need to succeed only once per check.

-----

Valais tells her story to Kitarlo, who listens intensely. After a moment of considering the situation, the azata replies: "Your story intrigues me. I can ease your mind, but I cannot help you this moment. There is one possibility I know of, but
it requires access to a very special library. In Heaven, there is a place called the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture, which, among other things, contains a record of every sacred ceremony that has ever been performed. A contact of mine owes me a favor; perhaps with his help we can get you the information you need to restore yourself, body and soul. Of course, your way also seems to work, though it requires much more violence." He eyes the corpse of Laktharis. "What will you try first: hunt down and slay the other demon whose body is incorporated into yours or seek the help of archons, whose procedures can take many years to navigate?" Valais’s eyes flit between the celestial being and the demonic corpse, and then land on her fellow Pathfinders. "You’ve helped me face what has happened to me as no one has before. I trust your wisdom. What do you think I should do?"

-----

Sensing some change within the temple, the Sarkorian cultists cannot wait any longer. They start swarming into the room, exhilarated. "Is this it? Is this the holy place of our ancestors? It must be! Glory to Lakhtaris!"

Besides these, is there anything else you'd like to do in the temple, before heading back to Nerosyan?

Aid on Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

"Yes, please tell us the ritual, we will attempt to cleanse the staff if it is in our power to do so"

Isabella tries hard to understand the things Kitaro says on the ritual, but fails to execute the proper rituals.

Isabella carefully considers to Kitarlo's words to Valais. When Valais asks for her opinion she does not hesitate long before replying "While violence has it's place in purging evil it is my opinion that violence should be used as a last resort. Another path is offered to you here. If I can help you on that path you have my aid. But you will also have my sword if you choose the path of the sword."

Isabella stands by while the Sarkorians rush in. She steps out of the way and studies their reaction to the room.

Aid on Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Spellcraft w/guidance: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 = 25

Considering the azata's words, Iskar grasps the arcane components. However, some of the finer points escape him.

Iskar would gladly cast guidance on all attempting to make these rolls.

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

Looking over to the celestial being, Iskar states "My apologies, but I've not had much luck waiting on the gods to do much. I've spent more time fixing their mistakes. I suggest seeking out and destroying the other demon. Zaas and I would gladly aid you in the matter."

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

"Laktharis? Wasn't that the..." Iskar begins, stopping short. "Yes, glory to your god." grumbles the half orc.

Nevermind the adventurers that made it safe for you to enter. No...glory to the evil being we killed... the green skinned man's mind wanders as the acolytes charge in. Although unimpressed, he does keep an eye out for their reaction.

We should probably disable that last trap we ignored. If we don't it could prove problematic in the society using this place as a base

Aid Diplomacy w/Guidance: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 1 = 18

"We would assist you in your cleansing, if we can grasp what it is you need us to do. It's been a long day."

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

The quadruped nods at Iskar's words. Looking toward Isabella, he adds "Although violence isn't clean, it is at least honest and straight forward."

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

Hearing the acolytes cry out for Laktharis, Zaas quickly takes up a defensive posture between them and Iskar.

Is this day not over yet? They look soft at least; it could go quick

Waiting to see their response he holds fast, trying not to provoke them.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Religion: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Bunk hums and looks at the tree.

"I think I know what to do."