For years a Pathfinder team has surveyed Qadira’s Zho Mountains in an attempt to reconcile its twisting valleys with a series of old maps recovered years ago on the Silken Way. When the team disappears soon after reporting a strange illusory effect in a mountain pass, the Society sends the PCs—funded by an unusual benefactor—to uncover whatever is hidden in those peaks and rescue the agents.
Female Human Druid 5; HP 33/33; AC 20 (t 11, ff 19); F +6, R +3, W +10; CMD 16; Spd 20 ft.; Init +1; Perc +13
Neha nods after the half-elf. "It's a good idea, but I too suffer from lack of coin. I am prepared to use nature's magic to provide some relief from the flames for myself and Arthac, though."
With an extra potion in Jarlaxle's hand, the six of you make your way back towards Crystalcrag's entry gate and towards the Fifth Facet tavern. Walking through the streets you notice that there appear to be fewer ifrit roaming the town than you saw earlier in the day, and many of those you do spy seem to be moving with cautious haste towards the palace to the north. Taking their place are far more oread citizens out and about. Jarlaxle hears snippets of Terran as you stride past. Are those them?...smith is handing out...scared off the bullies from...what are they and what...
The Fifth Facet itself is a square, two-story, stone tavern that sits on the main roadway of Crystalcrag. The smell of charred timber and cooked food waft gently out of multiple windows hewn into the building’s facade. Opening the door and striding in, you see that the tavern is packed, with the crowd exceeding the number of seats and tables. Conversation suddenly halts as socres of eyes turn to you, then continues in a more whispered tone. An oread behind the bar calls out at you in Terran - then seeing only one of you reacts repeats somewhat more simply in Common.
"You six! Come up here!" he barks in Terran at a group of workers leaning against the bar, who protest slightly but grab their drinks and move to make room. "A drink for each, on the house. For newcomers you have had quite the day I hear!"
"A ha'pint of your finest ale, barkeep!" Lem says as he bellies up to the bar, nodding his thanks to the workers who cleared space.
"It has indeed been a long day, thirsty work, but one filled with real progress...for the Revolution!"
Raising a curious eyebrow, Talevia walks up to the bar. It would be rude to refuse such hospitality seeing as how they are trying to make friendly with the Oreads. "My thanks, Sir." she says respectfully and nods gratefully to those who made them some room at the bar. "You have quite the crowd in here. Has word of our activities travelled so quickly that so many have rallied to the cause?"
"You have quite the crowd in here. Has word of our activities travelled so quickly that so many have rallied to the cause?"
"That is one way of putting it." the barkeep says with a grin. He looks around the crowded room. "Delgur" he says as he finishes pouring a series of ales for your group and extends a hand in greeting. "And the Facet has been getting more full for a while now. Since the last outsiders came - and 'disappeared' just like councilor Glaheri." The air quotes and tone are universal across all languages, leaving little doubt Delgur's idea as to why they vanished.
"For weeks people have come here who are more willing to speak of frustration or fear of Tygora. But even amongst friends, these thoughts are mostly whispers. You, you arrive and in a day poke a finger in her eye. Is that what you call 'Revolution'?"
Male Half-Elf Bard 7 (HP 45/45) (AC 20/11/19) (CMD 20) (Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +3) (Init +3) (Perception +13)
Jarlaxle grins broadly.
"Well, we came here seeking those who were lost, and found an entire town that had lost its way under the boot of a despot; we are more than happy to help you find your way to independence once again. Shake off your chains, and stand proud!"
Perform(Oratory) or Diplomacy (whichever is more appropriate), Heroism: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 2 = 25.
"By all means, we do not mean to imply that our work is done. But also know that part of our take away from this is to recover our missing friends. Help us help you, in order that it may also continue to help us."
Lem will attempt to aid Jarlaxle, preferably by adding a well-timed joke or two.
1d20 ⇒ 4 If perform-comedy or diplomacy apply, then +15. If perform-oratory, +5
With the whole tavern turning towards the sixsome as they stoke the fires of change, Jarlaxle's words seem to hit a nerve with most of the assembled gathering as they begin to speak loudly of their own grievances.
"My brother's been worked to the bone for the Queen and can barely afford to eat better than gruel.
"Samantha's had two children come out fire. Thanks to Tygora, they won't even look her in the eye anymore.
"We've been safe from the outside, but the weapons she;s been making. An army's good only to strike out, and then how safe will we be.
One by one, seated discussions become standing ones, and as August asks plainly for their help its met with a roar from the tavern. Oreads begin spilling out into the street, chanting and yelling as you see through the windows scores more respond and begin coming out from their own houses. Delgur the barkeep raises an eye at you. "Well, looks like you have your 'Revolution'. I hope for all of us you know what you are planning."
"We thought we might sneak into her keep, slay Tygora and free our friends. Any chance you have some fireproof armor or clothes laying around? Or a good way to sneak in? Barring that, perhaps you could provide us with a good distraction somewhere in the city, to draw off some of her guards..." Lem puts on his most winning smile.
Diplomacy:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33
"Sneak?" Delgur says as crashing sounds begin to join the yelling. "That ship may have sailed. But I am sure they will do what they can to buy you time."
Indeed, as you leave the bar and make your way towards the burnished palace your party sees oreads already assembling and sweeping through Crystalcrag. Squads of ifrit soldiers struggle to make their way through the crowds - and upon seeing you surge towards you - but the oread townsfolk hold them back. Outmatched in training and viciousness, its unclear how long the oreads can block the Queen's men with barricades and number,s but for now they are buying you a window.
As you near the palace itself, it looms before you. The massive fortified structure is an awe-inspiring blend of solid bronze juxtaposed with delicate, sweeping features that seem to defy gravity. Climbing the last of the expansive stone road leading to it, you come before a curtain wall of stone with a single barred bronze door set into its center. The immense door is far from the only problem you face however - two large creatures of pure twisting fire stand guard at the gate and flare at you as you approach.
Ignan:
New people. They are the ones causing trouble! Took our weapons away. Made the rock folk fiery! Tyogra wants them to BURN!
"I don't know if that crackling sound is a language or what, but I don't know what you are saying."
August would have cast mage armor on himself before approaching, but if that's not ok, then he will do that now. Otherwise, he will just move to where I put him on the map and use full defense.
Female Human Druid 5; HP 33/33; AC 20 (t 11, ff 19); F +6, R +3, W +10; CMD 16; Spd 20 ft.; Init +1; Perc +13
@GM Do we have a token for my animal companion Arthac? He's a Medium sized big cat. I thought I referenced him in recruitment but I might have overlooked it. He would have started combat next to me. I'll write out my actions as though he were there.
Neha reaches out to Arthac and places a blessing upon him to protect him from flames. She then utters "Attack!" in Druidic, the tiger's command word to engage the fiery creature.
Standard to cast protection from energy (fire) on Arthac (60 points of protection), move action to take 10 on Handle Animal to use his Attack (all) trick on the nearest foe.
On Arthac's turn: Arthac lunges at the nearest adversary (charging if necessary/possible or using a full attack if the creature closes to him first).
Talevia had no idea if the crackling sound was a threat or not but the creatures certainly did not look friendly. She drew her bow and nocked an arrow and fired.
Mage armor is fine August. Storming the gates of a castle is something you could definitely have prepared for.
And I did totally forget about Arthac Neha, my apologies.
While Neha prepares protections on her cat and August moves into position, The archer takes one look at the fire creatures and realizes they are definitively evil (faintly at least). She can't tell exactly what they're saying in Ignan, but suspecting its nothing good she fires at the closest target. The arrow lands into the creature, who seems somewhat discomforted, but part of its impact seems blunted as the wood burns before fully piercing it. looks like some DR.
With a roar, that creature charges towards the paladin, lashing out with a fiery slam. the blow scorches the paladin, and her clothes smolder and threaten to catch on fire.
Attack:1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 2 = 26 for damage:1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 Talevia needs a DC 16 Reflex save.
Meanwhile, the other guard steps to August and strikes at the monk twice. August's cautious stance allows him to easily dodge both swings however.
Seeing a target, the parties favorite noticeable cat Arthoc steps up and strikes. Two claws hit air, but the critter's bite tears off a solid chunk of fire (that improbably leaves the animal completely unharmed).
Confirm?:1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 2 = 22 for more?:1d6 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 4 = 11
Intiative
Talevia -9hp, need REFLEX save
Neha
August
Blue fire thing
Green fire thing -18hp, charged Lem Arthac Jarlaxle
Amiri
As they get near the keep, Lem casts Heroism on Amiri and himself.
Meanwhile, back at the battle, Lem pulls out his metamagic rod and then begins telling the humorous story about the Fire Elemental that drowned in pool of burning oil.
Inspire Courage +2
So forgive the retrofix, but please add 4 to Amiri's to hit and add 2 to her damage. And add 2 to hit and dmg for Jarlaxle.
Current Buffs: Party: +2 competence bonus to hit and damage
+2 Morale bonus on saves v fear and charm
Amiri & Lem: +2 Morale on all attacks, saves and skill checks
Lem's dulcet tones ring out, emboldening his allies as he verbally diminishes his enemies. It seems to work, as when Amiri and Jarlale strike the fiery guard in front of them it's flames appear more smoldering and dimmer by the time they retract their weapons.
Intiative Inspire Courage is up (+2)
Talevia -9hp, need REFLEX save
Neha
August Blue fire thing
Green fire thing -53hp, charged
Lem
Arthac
Jarlaxle
Amiri, charged
The hit was sudden and more powerful than Talevia had expected. Or perhaps it was her inexperience fighting creatures as large as this one. She stepped back to get out of the flaming creatures reach and noticed that her clothing was starting to catch fire.
Ref Save:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 What do I need to do to put the fire out?
August Dupine was looking at a brute of a fiery creature, and not looking happy about it. Was sort of hoping for some help with the big guy, but her I am...
Not knowing if he can even damage the thing, he wades in to see what happens if he hits it. Taking a deep breath to center himself, he staps in and starts pummeling.
Swift to add 1 attack to flurry. 5' Step to close. Also using 1 of 3 uses of braid to apply additional strength damage to flurry.
Female Human Druid 5; HP 33/33; AC 20 (t 11, ff 19); F +6, R +3, W +10; CMD 16; Spd 20 ft.; Init +1; Perc +13
Careful to keep out of the monster's reach, Neha draws her sling and casts a lesser ward over herself. Meanwhile, Arthac presses his assault on the fiery creature.
Neha: move to draw sling, standard to cast resist energy (fire) on herself for fire resistance 10. Arthac (on his turn): full attack.
While Neha braces herself for a firefight, August finds he can damage the creatures - at least in theory. His first punch puts that to the test, but blows two and three deal solid damage to the roiling flame-being.
Unfortunately, back near the rest of the party, Talecia finds that her clothing is fully burning, singing her as the fire continues to spread.
fire damage:1d8 ⇒ 1
Talevia wrote:
What do I need to do to put the fire out?
You can try to stamp it out as a full-round action (giving you another Reflex save). Otherwise you'll burn for some number of rounds.
GM stuff:
1d4 ⇒ 1
Intiative Inspire Courage is up (+2)
Talevia -10hp, ON FIRE! Neha
August
Blue fire thing -30hp
Green fire thing -53hp, charged
Lem
Arthac, pending attack (see above GM!/me)
Jarlaxle
Amiri, charged
Female Human Druid 5; HP 33/33; AC 20 (t 11, ff 19); F +6, R +3, W +10; CMD 16; Spd 20 ft.; Init +1; Perc +13
GM Zoomba wrote:
Intiative
Inspire Courage is up (+2)
Talevia -10hp, ON FIRE! Neha
August
Blue fire thing -30hp
Green fire thing -53hp, charged
Lem
Arthac, pending attack (see above GM!/me)
Jarlaxle
Amiri, charged
I just realized I accidentally based Arthac's Power Attack stats on his CMB, not his BAB: he should only take off -1 from his attacks and add +2 to his damage with each attack. I also forgot to factor in inspire courage into Arthac's pending attacks. Sorry!
I just realized I accidentally based Arthac's Power Attack stats on his CMB, not his BAB: he should only take off -1 from his attacks and add +2 to his damage with each attack. I also forgot to factor in inspire courage into Arthac's pending attacks. Sorry!
Got it
Talevia quickly pats herself down, putting out the rest of the flames (though he'll probably need to pick up some more clothes back in Absalom).
The surrounded fire guard takes a step back, then lashes out at Amiri and her giant sword. The Kellid's clothes begin to smolder...
Green Slam 1:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20 for damage:1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Green Slam 1:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16 for damage:1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Across the plaza, his counterpart lashes back at August.
Blue Slam 1:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27 for damage:1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 Blue Slam 1:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22 for damage:1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Amiri and August each need a Reflex save to avoid the 'being on fire' condition.
Arthac tries to strike back as Amiri is hit, but the cat's attacks fail to get purchase within the flames.
Intiative Inspire Courage is up (+2)
Talevia -10hp, ON FIRE!
Neha
August -14hp
Blue fire thing -30hp
Green fire thing -51hp, charged Lem Arthac Jarlaxle
Amiri -6hp
Lem maintains his performance, pulls out a wand of cure light wounds, steps up and uses it on Amiri.
"Be healed, my old friend." CLW:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Current Buffs: Party: +2 competence bonus to hit and damage
+2 Morale bonus on saves v fear and charm
Amiri & Lem: +2 Morale on all attacks, saves and skill checks
Amiri's clothes catch on fire, but the smell of burning hair seems to only further anger the barbarian, who cuts down her target with a single swing.
fire damage:1d8 ⇒ 4 1d4 ⇒ 2
Seeing one guard down, Jaralxle hustles up towards the other elemental to aid August (and to get avay from the flaming barbarin). Lem in turn, carefully heals some of her burns while trying to avoid getting singed himself.
Initiative Inspire Courage is up (+2)
Talevia -10hp
Neha
August -14hp, need Reflex save Blue fire thing -30hp Green fire thing -51hp, charged Lem
Arthac
Jarlaxle
Amiri -2hp, ON FIRE!
With the flames on her person put out, Talevia turned her attention back to the fight at hand. She drew out three arrows and, in rapid succession, nocked and fired each one at the monster that August and Jarlaxle were fighting.
Talevia quickly nocks and fire three shots. The first hits, but the target deosn't seem fazed as the arrow strikes with little force. The second it barely dodges. But the third sticks into it, causing a spout of flame to shoot out.
Initiative Inspire Courage is up (+2)
Talevia -10hp Neha
August -14hp, need Reflex save Blue fire thing -36hp
Green fire thing
Lem
Arthac
Jarlaxle
Amiri -2hp, ON FIRE!
Just like his ally, August fails to avoid being set on fire by the elemental's attack. He is also like Amiri in one other, better way though: his flurry of attacks connects and connects until the guard finally drops.
COMBAT OVER!!!
August and Amiri's fires will go out after one more round
Amiri fire:1d8 ⇒ 5 August fire:1d8 ⇒ 3
Talevia -10hp
August -21hp
Amiri -5hp
With the guards down, you looks behind you to see the ifrit starting to regroup down below. The oreads are continuing to hold them off and knock out several of Tygora's forces, but their lines are beginning to break.
Once everyone's healed, he asks the group to gather at the door. Just before they enter (i.e. after checking for traps, making certain it's unlocked/we can open the door, etc), he'll cast Extended Haste on the party, and we can go in.
14 rounds of Haste on the party. Heroism on Lem and Amiri.
Recommend that while Lem is healing, everyone gets their min/lvl buffs up, or be ready to do it same round Lem fires up extended Haste.
Female Human Druid 5; HP 33/33; AC 20 (t 11, ff 19); F +6, R +3, W +10; CMD 16; Spd 20 ft.; Init +1; Perc +13
Outside the palace, Neha casts longstrider on herself and Arthac (using Share Spells), and magic stone on three adjacent pebbles, loading one into her sling. She looks back to the breaking line of oreads and says to her comrades, "Let's finish what we started!"
As Lem heals the injured, the rest of them move up to the massive doors and begin trying to open them. The massive bronze barriers prove an issue - each weighs hundreds if not thousands of pounds, and even with all your combined might you struggle to push them inwards. Suddenly, you hear a loud voice behind you - Valsog the slag giant's. "I would duck tiny folk!"
Hastily listening to him, you run out of the way just as a massive boulder careens through the air and crashes into the gate. As the doors smash inwards, you see the slag giant give a brief wave from the far edge of town.
Moving into the newly opened space, the fallen doors reveal a large courtyard, with weapons racks ringing the walls. You step into the grounds to see a female ifrit standing on a set of short steps, while two other scimitar wielding ifrit men ready their weapons before her.
The woman cocks her head at you. "Well, so you're who I've been hearing of. this should prove diverting then..."
August surges forward and delivers a low blow kick to the closer ifrit, who fails to dodge away in time. He moans from the blow. "That's it. You're first. I only wish I could kill you faster."
With a smile, the ifrit woman claps he hands together and a surge of light blasts each of the other guards. In a flash, their every movement appears quicker, and more dangerous. "Well, I suspect that could be arranged..." she smirks.
Initiative Haste is up
August
Ifrit woman Arthac Green ifrit, hasted
Red ifrit, hasted -10hp
Amiri
Talevia
Lem
Jarlaxle
Neha
From afar, one of the ifrit guards looks August over for a moment, sizing him up. He moves forwards with a frown. "This one didn't even bring any armor Phaneus. What sort of agitator is he?"
The other steps to the side and strikes out with two quick slashes of his scimitar. "One that won't be an agitator for long Ereon."
Female Human Druid 5; HP 33/33; AC 20 (t 11, ff 19); F +6, R +3, W +10; CMD 16; Spd 20 ft.; Init +1; Perc +13
Neha scowls at the ifrit woman. "The oreads don't want you harmed, for you are merely wayward children led astray by evil. We want to spare you, but if you resist us we will overcome you." She flings her first magical stone at the spellcaster, then gives Arthac the command to attack her, spurring him to rush toward her with his open jaws.
Neha: Standard to attack the woman with magic sling stone, move to Handle Animal (take 10) on Arthac. Arthac: full-round charge at the woman.
Lem begins telling some very baudy jokes about an Ifrit that fell in love with a water nymph, and was a wet noodle the rest of his life.
Move action: perform-comedy to Inspire Courage +2
Then he'll ready an action to take a 5' step into the square that Amiri will surely vacate, and then he'll be in range and will cast Hideous Laughter on the red Ifrit.
Readied Action: 5' step and standard action cast spell.
Will Save DC:16, +4 on the save if it does not have any Humanoid subtype.
Current Buffs: Party:Haste, Inspire Courage +2
+3 to hit (+1 Haste +2 competence)
+2 competence bonus to damage
+1 AC & Reflex Saves
+2 Morale bonus on saves v fear and charm
Amiri & Lem: +2 Morale on all attacks, saves and skill checks
At first, it doesn't seem as though Lem's humor translates well. Then suddenly the nearest ifrit falls prone in laughter "Haha! That's not very aristocratic behavior!'
Deprieved as his partner, the other guard gains a new one, as Amiri charges forward and delivers a harsh slice. Talevia and Arthac also fare well (less so Neha) and the woman grimaces as she is hit.
Initiative Haste is up Inspire courage is up.
August -16hp Ifrit woman -22hp
Green ifrit, hasted -29 hp
Red ifrit, hasted -10hp, laughing
Amiri
Talevia
Lem
Jarlaxle
Neha
Arthac
I added Inspire damage on Talevia and Arthac's hits because they were posted prior to Lem. Going forward, I am assuming you've remembered it and pre-included it in your rolls this fight.
"Yep, I appear to be easy pickin', don't I? You just keep jabbering, and I'll just show ya how squishy I am."
Dupine weaves and dodges as he punches and kicks at the guards.
All non-lethal. Haste adds an attack, and will use a Ki point to add another. Add 1.5x Str to flurry attacks for 1 round (last use for day). Concentrate on Red first, and if he falls move onto Green.
After flurry, take 5' step from between them to north of Green, working towards a flank.
