PFS PbP Gameday VI: DM Carbide's The Godsmouth Heresy (CORE) (Inactive)

Game Master John Woodford

"Let's draw it out wi..." Resolute cuts himself off as Dave rushes into the darkness.

"Well," he sighs, "I am not thrilled about purchasing a new Wayfinder, so I suppose it is in I must go."

But once Resolute arrives in the middle of the first intersection (can someone please move me?), and sees the foe they're facing, his look becomes grim.

"We've stumbled upon some sort of skeleton!", he shouts back to the group, "But it's heavily armored... And backed into a corner."

Resolute sheathes his Longsword, and reaches for his Warhammer (can't draw it until next round, although I still threaten with my Shield for now).

Move Action
Dale heads to where he can see just a finger of the beast.

Standard Action
He peers around the corner, shooting a Magic Missile its way.
Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Warren moves to a more advantageous position and uses her sling on the beast.

Sling: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Two Blades short sword clanged to the ground as he grasped for his holy symbol and moved forward to confront the creature. "Feel the blessing of holy energy upon your tortured soul!" he said as he presented the holy symbol.

Channel Positive: 1d6 ⇒ 1
DC 11 Will save. I guess he takes one point of damage no matter what.

Warren, it has cover against you, and without the Precise Shot feat you're at another -4 to hit it due to firing into melee.

The party moves in to surround the enemy as best they can. A tiny spark of divine energy from Two Blades sizzles on it, and Dale's arcane dart contributes a little more damage. Its only possible target with its ranseur is the halfling, but in the press it doesn't manage to hit her.

Round 2:

Initiative order

Two Blades
Dave
Jack
Dale
Warren
Resolute
Foe

Party up!

Sling: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

"Lets drop this thing, yes?"

Even though the angle is difficult Dave tries to strike the undead creature around the hard corner. sword: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 2 - 4 = 8dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4lt. mace: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 2 - 4 = 11dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 Frustrated, Dave never-the-less..holds his position.

Round 2 (ongoing):

Initiative order

Two Blades
Dave-acted
Jack
Dale
Warren-acted
Resolute
Foe

Neither Warren nor Dave are able to strike for effect.

Two Blades, Jack, Dale, and Resolute to go!

Enemy AC 19 T 11 FF 18 -3 HP

Yeah... with the tight confines of this combat, I really can't get in on the action, even with a ranged weapon. Put me on delay.

"Seems tough to hit. Going to continue my missiles."

Standard Action
Dale casts Magic Missile again!
Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Move Action
"I'll get out of your way Jack."
Dale moves a little further.

Still will be a miracle to hit but at least you can see it if you move up.

More of a Crit fish fest than anything.

Resolute steps up adjacent to Two Blades in the Shadows and swings a Warhammer around the corner.

Warhammer, cover: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 4 = 10
Bludgeoning: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Botting Two Blades for now:

Knowledge (Religion) check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

The Shoanti knows nothing more about this sort of undead. Seeing how little his channeled energy affected it, though, he retreats to give others a chance to strike it. He manages to dodge well enough to keep it from getting an attack of opportunity on him. Resolute misses it with his hammer strike, and Dale's missile chips away at a bit more of its substance. It continues to attack the only target it can reach, and this time it connects. Warren, take 9 HP.

Round 3:

Initiative order

Two Blades
Dave-
Jack-delaying
Dale-
Warren-
Resolute-
Foe

Everyone can act!

Enemy AC 19 T 11 FF 18 -7 HP

Warren, remembering the potions that were given to the group at the start of this adventure, pulls out her potion of Cure Light Wounds and quickly drinks it.

Potion CLW: 1d8 ⇒ 7 7/9hp

Keep in mind that it gets an AoO on you if you drink a potion in its reach (which you are).

GM does the creature get AoO's with a reach weapon while next to it? ie..like a monk can it take it's hand off the reach weapon and strike with a claw? This will matter because what I do next (unless it has combat reflexes). Because Dave is before Warren in initiative so most likely the creature would try to hit him first.
Dave feeling his sword is not an adequate weapon for killing this creature, simply drops it. He then draws a vial of holy water from his belt (provokes AoO; Dave's AC is effective 22 with cover) while shouting to Resolute, Resolute! Get in front of it and bash it with your big hammer..while I distract him with this! Dave brandishes his glass vial of holy water high in the air before coming down with it in an attempt to smash the contents all over the undead atrocity. (this would also provoke an AoO from the undead if it has combat reflexes) holy water smash: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 - 4 = 13 dmg: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

The water smashes all over the armored undead sizzling on it's little remaining tissue and bone. Whot! That works! Dave hollers..

Its claw strike is at +0, so it's not going to take the AoO.

Round 3 (ongoing):

Initiative order

Two Blades
Dave-acted
Jack-delaying
Dale-
Warren-
Resolute-
Foe

Dave's holy water finds its mark, burning into the skeletal warrior.

Grabbing one of the maces from his belt, two Blades attacked the skeleton, smacking it with the weapon.

Lt. Mace: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 201d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Between that and the holy water, the undead finds its final rest.

Out of combat!

A search of the crypt reveals a small amount of valuable grave goods. In addition, the skeleton is wearing half-plate, and its ranseur is well-made (i.e., masterwork).

ETA: The door in the east end of the room is not secret from this side. There is a rune carved into it.

Resolute turns his attention to the littlest member of the party after the skeleton crumbles.

"You fought bravely. Hopefully Desna is finished frowning on you this day, and the luck of your race can begin to show itself."

And then he considers the armaments at their feet.

"Elves rarely bury their dead with material possessions. It seems to be a predominantly Human practice. Is this suit of armor forbidden for anyone else to use? Or has its corruption ended its ownership?"

Dale smiles as Resolute gives a small Desnan phrase.

At Resolute's second statement, Dale responds, "I'm not sure, although gnomes bury their dead with valuables all the time! Well, that is if someone doesn't get the envious of some of it first." I don't actually know Golarion-lore wise but it seems par for the course for gnomes.

Dale casts his old standby Detect Magic just in case.

As far as Dale can tell, there are no magical auras in the crypt.

"It's not magical, so likely not cursed as far as I can tell." Dale chuckles at the mischief of entering a thought into the party's heads of cursed items, but isn't telling a lie.

"Why me? Is it because I try to be brave? Because I am the small one? Why me? Warren asks, clearly confused. All things being equal, though, she is glad she thought of the healing potion she received.

With the skeleton dispatched, Two Blades headed back to where he dropped the short sword and retrieved it. As the group talked about the armor, he shook his head, "If any one can use it, be my guest. I find it too heavy and have no clue about the weapon it was using." he said.

Resolute turns one of the heavy sleeves over, shaking out the bits of bone that remain.

"Would a Mariner find this too cumbersome? You look built for this the best. I prefer something lighter. Although the polearm I could use, if nobody else wishes."

"Resolute, if you need it, feel free to take it."

Warren walks over to the door and attempts to check it for traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Warren observes no traps on the door.

Resolute sheathes his sword and secures his shield to his backside as he grips the Ranseur firmly in both hands.

"Both my Longsword and my Warhammer are of Mastercrafted quality, should anyone else wish to supplant their current weapon for the duration of our excursion."

Statblock updated to reflect 2 less AC.

Warren attempts to open the door. If it is locked she will attempt to pick the lock.
Disable Device(Lock): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

"Come on guys, this way!"

Dave scratches his stubble on his chin. Never thought of wearing a dead mans stuff before and I'm thinking I don't want to start now..But your blade does look fine,,may I have a pass with it? After swinging it through the air a couple of times Dave whistles, *whistle* it's balance is far better than me own..if your sure you not be mindin'; I'll take you up on your offer to borrow it, till you be needed it again. Dave looks at the blade in admiration.

Dave then falls in right behind Warren as she opens the door, he's standing in front with Resolute right in back of him.

FYI I moved Dave, Resulote, and Warren's pawns to represent her checking the door (picking the lock if necessary) and then moving back (Warren) to third position as Myself and Resolute take up the Vanguard. I assumed she ment the door marked secrete when she checked for traps.(guess it's visible from this side? Or someone made a perception check and I missed the post). Anyway will leave it up to the rest of the players to decide where they want to place their pawns.

FYI I moved Dave, Resulote, and Warren's pawns to represent her checking the door (picking the lock if necessary) and then moving back (Warren) to third position as Myself and Resolute take up the Vanguard. I assumed she ment the door marked secrete when she checked for traps.(guess it's visible from this side? Or someone made a perception check and I missed the post). Anyway will leave it up to the rest of the players to decide where they want to place their pawns.

My post from 3:07 PM yesterday noted that the door was not secret from your side.

The door is not locked. However, it opens only a foot or two before running into something with a dull thud of stone on stone. The impediment can't be seen from your side.

"Hey, Resolute, Bash on this door. Can you get it to open more?"

"Perhaps with a smile from above..."

Str check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Str check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Str check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Str check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Str check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Str check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

LMAO

It's a hard slog, but Resolute is able to push whatever is blocking the door out of the way--at least enough out of the way that the larger members of the party can get out without having to squeeze. The first thing you notice is that the object that had to be moved out of the way is a white marble statue of a beautiful woman with wild hair, brandishing a ranseur in one hand.

Then you look out at the room. It takes a moment to realize what you're looking at, because the scale is so vast. The ceiling of this cavernous chamber vaults to a height of sixty feet from the floor, forming an architectural wonder unsupported by any visible columns or buttresses. You stand on a wide ledge encircling the room ten feet above the floor level; looking down at the floor you see an inlaid spiral symbol, along with eight staircases leading up to the ledge you're on. The statue you stand next to is one of eight, evenly spaced around the room--seven are carved from white marble, and the eighth is carved from some black stone. There are bronze doors to the east and west off of the ledge. Thirty feet overhead (so forty feet from floor level), a wide stone bridge arches over the chamber from north to south, and you can see part of the massive double doors at either end, likewise made of bronze.

Two Blades identifies the symbol as that of Pharasma, and figures that this was once the cathedral for the ossuary. It's of a different architectural style from the Gothic cathedrals of the modern day, though.

Dave lets out a low *whistle* and squeezes his way in to the room. Well if this place isn't impressive I don't know what is by the Gods! Dave pushes through the narrow gap and positions himself about 10ft to the right of the statue of the woman with the ranseur. Anyone know what this room was used for? Dave is speaking to no one in particular..assuming that the party will follow him in to the room. Just-in-case, Dave has Resolute's blade in one hand and his light mace in the other.

"Damn..." Warren whistles appreciatively at the grandeur of the room. As she steps in, she takes the time to get a good look around...

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

"Wowee look at all of this! They definitely should put this place to use again!"

Dale casts Detect Magic as he follows the party.

Which statue is carved of black stone?

Black statue marked.

Dale detects magical auras on all of the statues in the spell's range. Warren doesn't notice anything in particular. Perhaps because she wasn't focusing on any specific part of the vast chamber.

Starting with where you are and going clockwise, the statues (all human) depict:

A woman with a ranseur (this is the one you've already had described)
An unclothed and voluptuously-depicted woman with a two-headed guisarme
A short, smiling man holding a longspear
An obese man carved so that his flesh appears to be rotting, carrying a scythe
A handsome, bearded man in extravagant clothes, wielding a lucerne hammer
An imperious, heavyset woman holding a mirror in one hand and a halberd in the other
A tall woman with three faces looking in three different directions and six arms; one face is kind and the two arms on that side cradle a baby, one face has a stern expression and the two arms on that side hold an hourglass, and one face has a crazed look and the two arms on that side are entwined with thornless rose vines (this is the black statue)
A tall man with gems set in his forehead wielding a flaming glaive

Warren, remembering the potions that were given to the group at the start of this adventure, pulls out her potion of Cure Light Wounds and quickly drinks it.

[dice=Potion CLW]1d8 7/9hp

Almost forgot--a CLW from a potion is first-level, so it cures 1d8 + 1 HP.

Even the nature-oriented elf is in awe of the cathedral.

"One thing I do admire of Humanity is that when they put their mind to something they are truly capable of great feats."

Two Blades joined Dale as he started to scan the room, looking to see what they were dealing with.

Do not have Spellcraft but looking to see what the sources were and point it out to those that do.

Dave looks around in awe knowing he has very little knowledge or skill with such things. Should we split up and explore in two teams or stick together? ask Dave. Seems we've stumbled upon an important room, probably deserves investigation. Warren , Two blades, and myself can circle one way around the chamber, while Resolute, Jack, and Dale circle the other way. Dave looks for conformation that his plan is a good one. We can inspect each statue that way, and meet in the middle on the other side.

"Hrm, all the statues have magical auras, but I can't figure out what they are."

It's usually a Knowledge (Arcana) to figure out what a magical aura is, which Dale doesn't have. Spellcraft is for magic items, which Dale does have. Have a feeling these full sized statues are not a wearable magic items. XD

Have a feeling these full sized statues are not a wearable magic items. XD

Not for you, anyway. (They're not actually figurines of wondrous power sized for Colossal creatures, alas.)

A cursory examination of the ledge and the statues reveals nothing more than that all the statues have magical auras. Two Blades recognizes the black statue as depicting Pharasma in her triune aspect as Goddess of Birth, Death, and Prophecy.

Anything more will require Perception checks at specified locations. Incidentally, once you pass through the door and it closes behind you, it's very difficult to see from this side.

Realising that the door is *extremely* hard to spot, Jack slowly moves around the room, specifically checking out each of the statues, and seeing if they, too, have secret doors behind them.

Perception 'Take 20' = 27, but specifically only on the statues / the walls behind them.

Jack's careful searching pays off, as he finds secret doors behind each of the statues. However, the statues will have to be moved to give access to the doors. (You realize that that was what Resolute was doing--sliding the statue a short distance across the floor by pushing on the door.)

For clarity I've labeled the different areas in the cathedral with their heights.

"We have 7 white statues, one of which we have already investigated, and a single black one. Hopefully not all of them are guarded by such powerful undead as the armored skeleton. And we have the doors as well. Many choices."

Resolute pulls out a small piece of chalk from his belt pouch.

"I shall mark which paths we take as we explore. It's as easy to get lost underground as it is in a forest."

A tall man with gems set in his forehead wielding a flaming glaive

Warren, seeing the glisten of the gems, walks over to that statue to give it a good look. "WOW, have you ever seen gems as nice as on this guy... Family jewels, maybe? She giggles....

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

"Indeed I have, and weapons just as sharp. Be careful."