Twinhorn allies pour forth, bolstered by the successes on the field of battle.
The Pathfinders patch wounds and wrap themselves in magical protection as a new and terrible horror approaches, giant and terrible horror. This giant’s skin is dead black, and it wears a gold-inlaid breastplate, a headdress, and armbands decorated with skulls.
Knowledge (local) DC 29:
SHADOW GIANT
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
Wayang Magus (Bladebound) 11 | HP 102/102 | Cold 30 | AC 30^° (Blink) (Mirror Image: 4 images) | T 16^ (20 incorporeal)° | FF 27° | CMD 27^ | F +15 | R +11^ | W +11 | +2 vs. shadow subschool | Init +5 | Perc +21 (Darkvision 60 ft.) | Sense Motive -1 | Arcane Pool 2/10 | Black Blade Pool 1/3 | Dissolution's Child 0/1 | Light and Dark 1/1 | Reroll 0/1 | Active Spells:Ablative Barrier (45 points), Blink, Fly, Haste(^), Harrow (+1 weapon damage), Mirror Image, Resist Energy (Cold 30), Shield(°)
Standard Action
Shade casts Intensified Shocking Grasp and channels it through his blade.
Swift Action
He powers his blade with Arcane Strike.
Move Action
He approaches the shadow giant and attacks it his his touch spell become Spellstrike with his blade. Can just barely make it there with Haste.
Currently counts as Magic, Slashing, Silver, Cold Iron, Adamantine, Every Alignment, and Epic.
Faeranduil knows that shadow giants have no real resistances, though their cloaks innately can make their outlines blurry...
The still hastened party flies into action. Fade is up first, though the giant's quicken reflexes make the wayang pay for it with a swing from his great Terbutje AoO:1d20 + 23 ⇒ (13) + 23 = 36 for DMG:2d8 + 12 ⇒ (8, 7) + 12 = 27 and Fade gains a negative level!
The drain turns an epic hit into merely a solid one as shadow giant blood spills into the camp.
The giant, shockingly, is also fast enough to come after Sue on her way in. AoO:1d20 + 23 ⇒ (3) + 23 = 26 but it's a horrible swing. Unfortunately, Sue's attack fares no better.
Round 1:
Fade: Hit
Sue: Miss
Marta: Go
Giant: TBD
Magor: TBD
Theritis: TBD
Faeranduil: TBD
Theritis strides forward confidently and comes down with a powerful overhead swing.
CI greatsword with charge and PA to hit #1:1d20 + 20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 20 + 1 + 2 = 39 Cold Iron damage vital strike with PA #1:4d6 + 25 ⇒ (6, 5, 5, 3) + 25 = 44
L/G Female Aasimar UMonk/1 Inquisitor/15| HP: 148/148 (0/25 Ab Br)(0 NL)(0 temp hp) | AC/T/FF: 31/23/28 31/23/28 | CMD: 37 37 (+3/5)[coord def][RoTP] | F/R/W: 20/17/24 18/15/22 | Init: +11 (+2)[HuBl] (+4)[HAw] | Acro +21, Intim +37, Perc +30 (+2)[HuBl], SenMot +32, SpCft +5, Stealth +11 (+2)[HuBl], Survival +13 (+2)[HuBl] | Speed 30ft | Active Conditions: see spoiler for other effects; current effects: instrument of agony, Div Favor +3, shield, height aware, shield of faith, freedom of movement, ablative barrier, see invisible, heroism
Marta uses a swift action to activate Bane and does a double move to set up a flank. Marta uses a swift action to activate Bane and does a double move to set up a flank. If it has reach of more than 10', she will use acrobatics to get within 10' without an AoO.
Despite immense skill, the giant is ready, swinging hard at Marta AoO:1d20 + 23 ⇒ (12) + 23 = 35 for DMG:2d8 + 12 ⇒ (8, 5) + 12 = 25 and a negative level!
Magor and the elemental move, albeit different ways.
Theritis charges forth, and again the giant swings AoO:1d20 + 23 ⇒ (2) + 23 = 25 and misses! The mighty warrior makes it pay with a solid strike.
Apologies. I know you have it in your line, just too many numbers to mentally balance. That also means IT IS A CRIT! The giant still isn't down, but that makes your life a LOT easier.
Round 1:
Fade: Hit
Sue: Miss
Giant: ATK
Marta: move
Magor: Move
Theritis: Hit
Faeranduil: Go
Medda rides by, calling above the din of the raging battle, “The path is clear—we can reach the valley that holds the stone circle. Let us band together and stop the undead tide. I am concerned that some of the foul creatures had the name ‘Eshimka’ on their rotting lips. We must stand together and use all of our power to close this black portal before it’s too late!”
Fighting side-by-side, the Twinhorn following and Pathfinders have carved a path to the stone circle. This affords only a brief opening to stop the undead army, and the fighting will be difficult.
@Table GMs: You have until October 5 to run encounter J on page 38. The Uncertain Opportunity condition on page 38 is in effect.
My deepest apologies. I let the game get away from me. The giant only has a 10' reach.
The Twinhorns, emboldened by your success and the aid of Pathfinders everywhere pile on the damage, targeting the parts of the shadow giant you've already hit.
When Faeranduil's missiles strike the giant falls like a massive tree, dead in the camp's yard.
The clearing on the riverbank features a circle of standing stones with a large stone altar at its center. A shadowy tear floats above the altar, so dark that what little light shines from the stars seems to become trapped inside. Eight large tendrils of inky darkness coil around the menhirs as if keeping the stones in a stranglehold. Other tendrils lick out from the shadowy rift as if tasting the air.
Eshimka has torn open a jagged wound between the planes, creating an unstable gate where Ivvora defeated the nightwalker. The tear is quickly getting larger, growing by almost an inch per minute. After sending through its vanguard, Eshimka sent its lieutenants to organize the undead rabble and prepare for the nightwalker’s return.
One or more of Eshimka’s lieutenants guards the rift, killing any living creature that dares to approach.
Knowledge (religion) DC 21:
BODY SNATCHER
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
Knowledge (religion) DC 18:
FALLEN
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
L/G Female Aasimar UMonk/1 Inquisitor/15| HP: 148/148 (0/25 Ab Br)(0 NL)(0 temp hp) | AC/T/FF: 31/23/28 31/23/28 | CMD: 37 37 (+3/5)[coord def][RoTP] | F/R/W: 20/17/24 18/15/22 | Init: +11 (+2)[HuBl] (+4)[HAw] | Acro +21, Intim +37, Perc +30 (+2)[HuBl], SenMot +32, SpCft +5, Stealth +11 (+2)[HuBl], Survival +13 (+2)[HuBl] | Speed 30ft | Active Conditions: see spoiler for other effects; current effects: instrument of agony, Div Favor +3, shield, height aware, shield of faith, freedom of movement, ablative barrier, see invisible, heroism
How much time passed since the giant battle? You added in the heightened awareness effect, which Marta would have cast if she had time. I also need to know which buffs are still active so I can plan.
Faeranduil finds that there is a single Body Snatcher. They have an affinity to fairly high spell resistance as well as a resistance to positive energy from channels, while being immune to undead traits.
Alongside the Body Snatcher are four Fallen who are also resistant to positive energy from channeled energy among fire, and acid. Immune to undead traits. Weakness to bright lights as they have light sensitivity. Their attacks cause the wounded to be more susceptible to fear based effects. The fallen can also curse clerics, warpriests and paladins each day causing them to take damage to every one of their ability scores. Fallen are able to rejuvenate and cannot be disarmed. Fallen attacks deal negative energy as well as the weapons damage as you feel touched from the grave while remaining incorporeal.
L/G Female Aasimar UMonk/1 Inquisitor/15| HP: 148/148 (0/25 Ab Br)(0 NL)(0 temp hp) | AC/T/FF: 31/23/28 31/23/28 | CMD: 37 37 (+3/5)[coord def][RoTP] | F/R/W: 20/17/24 18/15/22 | Init: +11 (+2)[HuBl] (+4)[HAw] | Acro +21, Intim +37, Perc +30 (+2)[HuBl], SenMot +32, SpCft +5, Stealth +11 (+2)[HuBl], Survival +13 (+2)[HuBl] | Speed 30ft | Active Conditions: see spoiler for other effects; current effects: instrument of agony, Div Favor +3, shield, height aware, shield of faith, freedom of movement, ablative barrier, see invisible, heroism
So the Haste, Divine Favor, and shield from a wan have expired. Thanks.
Marta, once again, buffs up with a Shield spell and starts her third judgment of the day opting for AC and ST.
Knowledge Religion:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28, special defenses, and special attacks
Knowledge Religion:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25, special defenses, and special attacks
She does not move though, hoping for a lift from a neighbor. If someone asks, she will 5' step or move to a position indicated.
Marta works on buffing herself as she seems hesitant on moving first. The Body Snatcher holds it's position as it's tentacles writhe in sync with the tear in the Plane.
Round 1
Marta
-------------------------------
Body Snatcher
-------------------------------
Theritis
-------------------------------
Fallen
-------------------------------
Magor
Faeranduil
Fade
Sue
hp 57/57 | PfA 100/100 AC 17 (incl mage armor) | T 13 | FF 14 DR 10/melee or magic| CMD 18 (19 vs grapple) | F +5 | R +8 | W+9 (+2 vs enchantments) | I +4 | P +13 (+2) | Concentration +19 Elemental Manipulation 11/11 | Versatile Evocation 11/11 | Reroll 1/1 |
Active Spells:
Darkvision, Floating Disk, Heightened Awarenes, Mage armor, Life Bubble, Overland Flight, Protection from Arrows, Unseen Servant
Just before Magor takes of Faeranduil casts haste and follows up with a electricity ball to the group of undead, catching three of the fallen in it's radius.
Wayang Magus (Bladebound) 11 | HP 102/102 | Cold 30 | AC 30^° (Blink) (Mirror Image: 4 images) | T 16^ (20 incorporeal)° | FF 27° | CMD 27^ | F +15 | R +11^ | W +11 | +2 vs. shadow subschool | Init +5 | Perc +21 (Darkvision 60 ft.) | Sense Motive -1 | Arcane Pool 2/10 | Black Blade Pool 1/3 | Dissolution's Child 0/1 | Light and Dark 1/1 | Reroll 0/1 | Active Spells:Ablative Barrier (45 points), Blink, Fly, Haste(^), Harrow (+1 weapon damage), Mirror Image, Resist Energy (Cold 30), Shield(°)
Less than 10 minutes means still have Mirror Image ;)
Fade looks to Faeranduil and winks. "I got it."
Swift Action
Fade uses Improved Spell Recall to recall his Dimension Door spell. 2 Arcane Pool points used.
Full Round Action
Fade begins the age-old spell combat once again. He begins by casting Dimension Door and taking his comrades with him if desired.
He then steps to the side and unleashes an attack on GREEN. Took a 5 ft. step before attacking. (Fade has Dimension Agility so can act after casting Dimension Door)
Attacks are currently: Magic, Slashing, Cold Iron, Silver.
Sue, Marta, and Faeranduil: If you're willing, you can come with me to near the enemy. (Faeranduil, I suspect you might not want to, but the offer is open nonetheless)
L/G Female Aasimar UMonk/1 Inquisitor/15| HP: 148/148 (0/25 Ab Br)(0 NL)(0 temp hp) | AC/T/FF: 31/23/28 31/23/28 | CMD: 37 37 (+3/5)[coord def][RoTP] | F/R/W: 20/17/24 18/15/22 | Init: +11 (+2)[HuBl] (+4)[HAw] | Acro +21, Intim +37, Perc +30 (+2)[HuBl], SenMot +32, SpCft +5, Stealth +11 (+2)[HuBl], Survival +13 (+2)[HuBl] | Speed 30ft | Active Conditions: see spoiler for other effects; current effects: instrument of agony, Div Favor +3, shield, height aware, shield of faith, freedom of movement, ablative barrier, see invisible, heroism
Marta smiles as she is whisked onto the battlefield.
"It pays to be patient. Thanks for the lift!"
Marta steps up next to Fade and casts divine favor. Damage right now is too pathetic. She activates Bane as a swift action.
Is haste up? I thought that expired as it only lasts 1 round per level. Did I miss something or did Fade do a boots or Magus thing or something? anyway, I'm going to work on the assumption that no haste is active for Marta and I can add the +1 and extra attack if wrong.
If her longspear gives her an AoO, here are her rolls (up to 3 times with combat reflexes).
To hit:1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20 Damage:1d8 + 4d6 + 18 ⇒ (7) + (3, 2, 1, 6) + 18 = 37, second to last die is precision damage, last die is acid damage
To hit:1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29 Damage:1d8 + 4d6 + 18 ⇒ (4) + (3, 2, 6, 5) + 18 = 38, second to last die is precision damage, last die is acid damage
To hit:1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31 Damage:1d8 + 4d6 + 18 ⇒ (5) + (4, 3, 5, 2) + 18 = 37, second to last die is precision damage, last die is acid damage
Sue goes "Wheee!" as she tumbles through the dimensional door once again.
As she emerges on the other end upside down she stares down the body-snatcher, in that uncomfortable way that only paladins can do before walking 5-ft forward on her hands and shifting her weight so that she can unleash a flurry of fist at it.
Magor sinks deep into the earth's crust as Faeranduil sends the group into overdrive, firing a ball of electricity into the group of undead.
Fallen reflex saves:3d20 ⇒ (9, 11, 17) = 37
Diving behind the Menhir stones only a single Fallen is able to avoid the blast though they all mostly come out barely singed. Incorporeal.
@Fade- How many images did you still have up?
Fade blips from view, dragging Marta and Sue along with him as. Marta is able to ask for a small divine favor as fade and Sue pummel the body snatcher back into undeath before it has time to react.
As The trio enters the stone circle the tear in the Material plane reaches out further as unholy black tendrils reach out and snag the trio.
Black Tentacles:1d20 + 11 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 5 = 22
Though the trio is insanely lucky as they pass over the black tentacles a negative energy washes through the circle.
Damage:1d6 ⇒ 4*5=20 damage
The Black Tentacles take up the entire area of the circle. Also if you end your turn in the circle take negative energy damage = to 1d6*5 each round. DC 17 Will save for half.
Round 2
Marta
Theritis
-------------------------------
Fallen (Purple -25)(Yellow -25)(Red -12)
-------------------------------
Round 1
Magor
-------------------------------
Black tentacles re-grapple
-------------------------------
Round 1
Faeranduil
Fade
Sue
Wayang Magus (Bladebound) 11 | HP 102/102 | Cold 30 | AC 30^° (Blink) (Mirror Image: 4 images) | T 16^ (20 incorporeal)° | FF 27° | CMD 27^ | F +15 | R +11^ | W +11 | +2 vs. shadow subschool | Init +5 | Perc +21 (Darkvision 60 ft.) | Sense Motive -1 | Arcane Pool 2/10 | Black Blade Pool 1/3 | Dissolution's Child 0/1 | Light and Dark 1/1 | Reroll 0/1 | Active Spells:Ablative Barrier (45 points), Blink, Fly, Haste(^), Harrow (+1 weapon damage), Mirror Image, Resist Energy (Cold 30), Shield(°)
Re: Mirror Image. It's in my stat line.
Immediate Action
Fade feels the negative energy begin to wash over him and switches his Wayang polarity. Using Light and Dark Wayang ability to be healed by negative energy and harmed by positive energy for 1 minute.
As Medda and Anok join your group of Pathfinders around the stone circle, she assists you with the binding ritual. Medda thrusts Ivvora’s hilt into the portal, calling on Vildeis for aid. The shadow rift shrinks and closes, releasing a massive shock wave that knocks the Pathfinders, the Twinhorn warriors, and Medda to the ground. A field of dark, rippling energy remains, suspended above the stone altar. As Medda reaches out to pick up Ivvora’s hilt—the already broken blade now spider-webbed with new cracks—a supernatural silence descends. Only the telepathic rage of some unseen menace cuts through the quiet. “You dare to shut me out?” it rages. “I see you, but I do not see her. Where is the dwarf woman, Ivvora, who fought me so long ago? Has her mortal body failed at last? Has the realm of the living at last lost its protector? Know this: when the long shadows reach out again, I will grasp them and claw my way back into your world to see your flesh devoured by my children.”
Sound returns to the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, and Medda cautiously stands. “It seems that Eshimka still lives and has even left this foul scar on our world,” she declares. “If we are to believe its promises, the fiend will attack on the next winter solstice. If we are to survive, we must be ready. Nearly a millennium ago, Ivvora held the key to defeating Eshimka. By following her legends and discovering her fate, we may harness the same holy power that banished this fiend—and together end the beast entirely.
“When we set out, it would be the privilege of this following to have the Pathfinders at our side. But that is a trial for another day. Tonight, at last, we rest.”
@Table GMs: Please report your games and boons here. A roll of 19 or 20 wins a boon, and a d4 should then be rolled to determine which one.
And a big thank you to all of our players and GMs, for making Solstice Scar a fun and smooth experience.
hp 57/57 | PfA 100/100 AC 17 (incl mage armor) | T 13 | FF 14 DR 10/melee or magic| CMD 18 (19 vs grapple) | F +5 | R +8 | W+9 (+2 vs enchantments) | I +4 | P +13 (+2) | Concentration +19 Elemental Manipulation 11/11 | Versatile Evocation 11/11 | Reroll 1/1 |
Active Spells:
Darkvision, Floating Disk, Heightened Awarenes, Mage armor, Life Bubble, Overland Flight, Protection from Arrows, Unseen Servant
Boon:1d20 ⇒ 5
Faeranduil flies forward and surveys the area "I know where I will be next winter solstice... Thank you all, we are a great team. I hope that the venture captains will put us together for another mission."
