Red Hand of Doom [E6] (Inactive)

Game Master Aldizog

Lord Jarmaath is inside the Cathedral in relative safety, though if he is alive or dead you do not know.
Two of his bodyguards lie in the street.
You can get into the Cathedral without crossing the Square; there are side entrances.
So, if you go to check on Lord Jarmaath, you would not need Martial Flexibility right away.

Misunderstood. Thought he was downed in the line of fire. I'll probably revise myself to check those that have been downed by the arrow fire.

"I think we should go for the sniper. As long as Lord Jarmaath is in the Cathedral, then he's getting helped and our job is to make sure nobody else gets hurt!"

Stealth: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29
Bran Perception, 30': 1d20 + 11 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 3 = 14

Bran makes his way towards the Western side of Cathedral Square, keeping to cover. An arrow flies out and strikes him!

Shortbow, PBS, Cover: 1d20 + 19 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 19 + 1 - 4 = 27 Hits vs flat-footed, and you cannot use Deflect Arrows if you are unaware of the attack.
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 + 3d6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 + (5, 5, 2) = 22

Bran, make a Fort save vs poison please.

You all look to see where the arrow came from.
Bran: 1d20 + 11 - 3 ⇒ (4) + 11 - 3 = 12
Tal'ariel: 1d20 + 14 - 3 ⇒ (5) + 14 - 3 = 16
Hamailii: 1d20 + 18 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 18 - 3 = 21
Mikail: 1d20 + 6 - 3 ⇒ (5) + 6 - 3 = 8
Trellara: 1d20 + 10 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 10 - 3 = 15
Nobody happened to see which building it was. This is how the mechanics of this encounter are supposed to work - Perception vs Stealth to identify the building.

What now?

You did not say you were bringing any NPCs for this encounter, so they are not here. The owls can be here, but I tend to think they make encounters a cakewalk given how beefed up they were in PF over 3.5. You can have them if you want but I think they will not be needed.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

He gets struck by the arrow and immediately takes a defensive stance. Unsure if the poison is settling in he moves towards the two fallen soldiers, "Come out coward!"

Isn't Sniping a -20 penalty in PF?

He's ready for another arrow, easier than catching a boulder.

If he was already considered Deflecting Arrows, he will spend his Move to look around again.

Possible Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 Minus any modifiers

Re: Sniping - Yes, but he has a thing.

Oh very cool.

Bran resists the poison. It burns, but Kurgess gives him strength.

Anybody else want to do anything?

There is no battle map for this part; you are in Cathedral square, on the western side. There are a number of buildings lining the side of the square. One of those buildings has a sniper.
Within the square, there are various things you can use for cover (wagons, crates, etc.).

I will assume you are in cover. Just looking for standard or move actions.

Mikail speaks the holy words of a spell and then moves swiftly out into the square and takes cover behind a wagon.

"Keep a watch for the sniper! I will try to draw them out."

Cast Sanctuary on self

After making sure the others are watching, Mikail stands up!

Talariel casts Expeditious Retreat, so she can be ready to close the gap quickly! She tries to maintain cover in the general direction the arrow came from.

Mikail presents herself as a target - does the Sanctuary spell protect her?
Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Not this time.

Another arrow flies out, but glances off the warpriest's shield!
Shortbow, PBS: 1d20 + 19 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 19 + 1 = 22

@Mikail, although your stat-line shows your flat-footed AC as 22, your profile lists your flat-footed AC as 26. I can see how it is at least 25, but where is the +1 sacred from? 'Sacred Armor +1' is an ability you activate and it gives a stacking enhancement bonus (or other +1 enhancement-equivalent ability). Like Sacred Weapon.

Stealth: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29
Mikail Perception: 1d20 + 6 - 3 ⇒ (13) + 6 - 3 = 16
Bran: 1d20 + 11 - 3 ⇒ (4) + 11 - 3 = 12
Tal'ariel: 1d20 + 14 - 3 ⇒ (11) + 14 - 3 = 22
Hamailii: 1d20 + 18 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 18 - 3 = 35
Trellara: 1d20 + 10 - 3 ⇒ (10) + 10 - 3 = 17

Hamailii catches a glimpse of a shadowy figure out of the corner of her eye. When she goes to look, it isn't there any more. But she knows which building the arrow came from.

This two-story building was once a shrine to Pharasma, before the Pharasmans completed a larger church in Brindol. Now it is a coffin-maker's shop called Discreet Departures. The proprietor, Worren Lasterman, has probably evacuated with the other civilians. Someone else is in the building now.

You all move to the entrance to the building, and are hopefully out of line of a shot. What do you do?

Map is updated.

Bran moves to open the door, alert for the bowshots. Using some of his mighty strength he tries to rip it off its hinges to use it as cover for the group.

Adrenaline Rush, probably can't Dare, doesn't seem fitting. If he can he will and will choose Daring Finish if the option comes up.

Strength: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 1 = 22

"Stay alert."

Do you have a shield? Going in loud like that cries for a trap!

Hamailii readies herself to storm in with her bow in hand and arrow drawn, or cast a healing spell on Bran.
Anyway, she is ready.

I actually use a shield but cover is different when it comes to ranged attacks. It's a long shot if it even technically works but I'm willing to take some improvised Tower Shield ACP if required.

Bran bursts the door open, though it isn't fully off its hinges yet. He can keep trying to get it loose - it would function as an improvised tower shield, but he is nonproficient so it would impose its ACP on attack rolls and ability checks (such as initiative).

Bran sees the display room of Discreet Departures. A number of coffins of different woods and styles are set out.

There are three doors in the south part of the room. Two are ajar, and Bran can see into those rooms a little bit from where he is.

Do you all move in?

He wrenches the door from the hinges and lets his nerves settle down, it was unwieldy, but it would help stop the poison from settling in on the others. "Stay behind the wall I have, there is poison in this sniper's arrows."

Getting used to his eyes, he shakes his head for a moment while the colour fades out. "Two doors open, one closed."

He slowly moves in, unconsciously sticking to where the shadow weighs the heaviest.

Fatigued for 2 rounds.

Everybody please place yourselves in the room if you wish to go in the building. Let's keep this moving.

Didn't see a map, my bad, does my new vantage point grant any more insight into the darker rooms?

Bran does not see anything in either of the rooms.
Hamailii, Mikail, are you in or out? If I do not hear from you in 24 hours I will bot you all as being in there with Bran in a position that I judge best.

As far as I knew, Mikail was still drawing the sniper's attention outside while the others snuck up on him...

Okay, then.

Bran takes the time to wrench the door off its hinges and enters the building. The party follows, except Mikail.

The sniper takes another shot, but Iomedae is with Mikail and the arrow misses.
Ranged Attack, Cover, PBS: 1d20 + 19 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 19 + 1 - 4 = 17

Bran, Tal'ariel, Hamailii, and Trellara enter the room... BOOM! two Lightning Bolts explode in the room.

I'm not sure how Lightning Bolt interacts with the cover from Tower Shields, or which way Bran has it facing, and don't care to wade into the minutiae of the rules here. So I'm going to say it grants everybody behind Bran (which is all of you) Evasion against Bolt #1. Your prior Communal Resist Energy has worn off by now.

Bolt 1: 6d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3, 2, 3, 1, 5) + 6 = 23
Bolt 2: 6d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 2, 3, 1, 5, 5) + 6 = 23

Bran 1, Fatigued: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 10 - 1 = 22
Bran 2, Fatigued: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 10 - 1 = 26
Trellara 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Trellara 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Tal'ariel 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Tal'ariel 2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Hamailii 1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Hamailii 2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Two hobgoblins with blue scaly skin suddenly appear in the adjacent rooms, having been Invisible.

Round 1
Tal'ariel
Hobgoblins
Hamailii -11
Mikail
Trellara -11
Bran -11

Tal'ariel is up, but I think she is botted for the time being. Given that they were invisible, I think she will go with Glitterdust to make sure they can't do that again, even though it is her last one. She can pick up a scroll of it after this fight.

Tal'ariel conjures a burst of glitter.
Will Black: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Will White: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Neither is blinded, but both are outlined.

Annoyed at the Tower Shield, the sorcerers cast a different spell. Three ghostly miniature dragon heads appear in front of each one, then dart out to bite at Bran, evading the shield entirely.

Round 1
Tal'ariel
Hobgoblins
Hamailii -11
Mikail
Trellara -11
Bran -29, Fatigued 1 round

I naturally resist 5 of that Electricity damage. Is that before or after the Tower Shield evasion bonus?

Happy that his plan helped some of them out, Bran keeps the heavy door and moves over to one of the doors that they shut. "Bunch of cowards. Don't say I'm not clever."

He moves towards the closest doors and wedges the improvised shield and the himself against the door frame. "Get ready for the other one." It was between that or a coffin but I like the image of using a door to keep a door shut

Strength: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 - 1 = 12 Blockading one of the doors.

@Bran, you took no damage from Bolt #1 (Evasion, made save) and half damage from Bolt #2 (no Evasion, but made save), but I forgot your resistance. So 6 damage to Bran.

Hamailii doesn't seem active on the boards anymore. Mikail does, will send a PM. For now, botting both.

Hamailii uses her Blessing of the Faithful ability to give Bran a +2 sacred bonus to his AC. She also draws her wand of CLW and holds it out.
Mikail moves into the building (double move).
Bran holds the door shut.
Trellara takes Hamailii's wand of CLW and uses it on herself. CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Round 2
Tal'ariel
Hobgoblins
Hamailii -11
Mikail
Trellara -5
Bran -24

I put myself on the combat map. But I don't see any bad guys? Seems like our visibility into some of the rooms is blocked.

Correct. They are in rooms to the south, having shut the doors on their last turn. Bran is blocking one door with another door that he is holding as a Tower Shield.
I have made their icons visible where you last saw them.

Thank you, that really helps!

Tal'ariel pops out her Shield wand, uses it, then drops it and moves forward quietly.
Stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35

Yup I already took into account R. Elec. Glad to have this moving again!

Bran hears chanting from behind both of the doors.
Hamailii continues to use Blessing of the Faithful on Bran for a +2 sacred bonus to his AC.
Trellara moves up and heals Bran. CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Round 2
Tal'ariel
Hobgoblins
Hamailii -11
Trellara -5
Mikail
Bran -20

Continuing to move forward, Mikail opens the door before her and moves into the room, clearing the doorway for anyone wishing to follow her.

Mikail sees a draconic hobgoblin surrounded by 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 illusory images. The illusory images are also glittery (as the original was) and move around so it is hard to tell which is which.

Bran is up!

Feeling his energy return he continues to cut the hobgoblin off from his ally. "There is still the sniper! Let's get these guys done quick!"

Dropping the door with a thunk he moves into the room emboldened by Hamailii's magic. With a look of pure determination, he grabs his axe from his side and drops a slam down on it; hoping to slice up its images.

Attack, No Power: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Possible Damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

1-4 is image: 1d5 ⇒ 2
One of the images vanish as Bran's axe cleaves through it.

Round 3
Tal'ariel
Hobgoblins (White 3 images, Black ??, Glitterdusted on Round 1)
Hamailii -11
Trellara -5
Mikail
Bran -20

@Tal'ariel, what is your CL for Glitterdust? I botted you as having used your last one, because these casters started off invisible and I figured you wouldn't want to let them go invisible again.

Gah, my bad about the delay! CL 5 for Glitterdust.

Tal'ariel tumbles recklessly into the room to get behind the enemy, and then strikes!

Not sure if my prior round stealth roll would have any benefit, totally understand if not.

Acrobatics, full speed: 1d20 + 15 - 10 ⇒ (13) + 15 - 10 = 18
Attack: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 2 = 30
Image?: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Sure, I'll say that Stealth roll means he lost track of you and so didn't get an AOO as you got into position (otherwise would have).

Tal'ariel's sword looks on track to decapitate the caster, but alas, only strikes an illusory figment.

There is more chanting from behind the closed door from the other caster.

The hobgoblin facing Tal'ariel casts a spell.
Concentration: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27
Four ghostly dragon maws appear above his head and race forth to bite Tal'ariel. They are blocked by her Shield spell! The hobgoblin snarls and steps out of the flank.

Hamailii switches to calling the blessing of Desna on Bran's accuracy. +2 sacred bonus to attacks.

Trellara delays, not able to get to Bran and heal him at the moment.

Round 3
Tal'ariel
Hobgoblins (White 2 images, Black ??, Glitterdusted on Round 1)
Hamailii -11
Mikail
Bran -20
Trellara -5

Taking a step forward, Mikail slashes at the Hobgoblin with her sword.
Using Vital Strike

Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31
Damage: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (5, 8) + 5 = 18

He continues his assault to take out the images and the hobgoblin.

Power 2H: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Power 2H -5: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Damage: 1d12 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 6 = 15
Damage: 1d12 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 6 = 13

"Yield!"

Mikail, 1-2 is image: 1d3 ⇒ 1
Bran, 1 is image: 1d2 ⇒ 1

Mikail's swing is also well-aimed, but strikes a Mirror Image.
As does Bran's mighty axe swing.

Once there are no more images, Bran takes another chop at the hobgoblin, but fails to connect.

Trellara moves up and uses the wand of healing on Bran.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Round 4
Tal'ariel
Hobgoblins (White 0 images, Black ??, Glitterdusted on Round 1)
Hamailii -11
Mikail
Bran -17
Trellara -5

"Enough, your illusions are gone and you're next!"

Tal'ariel tumbles into position and strikes!

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22
Attack: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 2 = 28; Damage+Sneak: 1d10 + 11 + 2d6 ⇒ (7) + 11 + (5, 6) = 29
Crit?: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 2 = 25; Damage: 1d10 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

The hobgoblin caster is greviously wounded by Tal'ariel's strike.
Near death, the draconic sorcerer tries to buy some more time.
Concentration: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29
Images: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
He renews his Mirror Image, and is now surrounded by 5 phantom casters!

In the other room... 1d20 ⇒ 8 Something happens.

Hamailii continues to boost Bran's attacks (+2 sacred bonus).
Trellara heals Bran again with the wand. CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Round 4
Tal'ariel
Hobgoblins (White -42, 5 images; Black ??, Glitterdusted on Round 1)
Hamailii -11
Trellara -5
Mikail
Bran -11

Mustering his energy he tries to cut through the images once more.

"You are only prolonging this."

2H, no PA: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Damage?: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

2H, no PA: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Damage?: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

As you might expect, that is sort of these guys' plan. To buy time for each other and the sniper.

1-5 is image: 1d6 ⇒ 4
1-4 is image: 1d5 ⇒ 1

Bran knocks out two more of the Mirror Images.

Mikail is up!

Mikail grunts in dissatisfaction as the creature once again created the illusions of itself, but still slashes at one, hoping she has chosen correctly.

Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Damage: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (8, 6) + 5 = 19

1-3 is Image: 1d4 ⇒ 2
This guy is having a great run of luck with the spell...

Mikail's strike once again hits an illusion.

Round 5
Tal'ariel
Hobgoblins (White -42, 2 images; Black ??, Glitterdusted on Round 1)
Hamailii -11
Trellara -5
Mikail
Bran -11

Mirror Image is so obnoxious lol. I can't believe it's a second level spell truth be told. I wish there were better ways for martials to pierce illusions other than the Item Mastery tree.

Mirror Image is so obnoxious lol. I can't believe it's a second level spell truth be told. I wish there were better ways for martials to pierce illusions other than the Item Mastery tree.

Yes, it's a pain. Though normally the caster won't always have people hitting the images.

Most people won't let Blind Fight work so that's good to know!

Mirror image is indeed obnoxious. I wish magic missiles could be used to counter it. Or cleave. Really sorry for the delay. Also, I forgot my sword is goblin-bane!

"Just die already!" says the frustrated elf. She swings her sword once more, not knowing if she's striking foe or illusion.

Curve Blade, flank, Bane, no Power Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 23; Damage, sneak: 1d20 + 8 + 2d6 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (17) + 8 + (2, 6) + 2 + (4, 6) = 45
Image: 1d3 ⇒ 3 Booyah!

And the hobgoblin caster's luck runs out, as Tal'ariel cuts him down with a powerful swing.

Hamailii and Trellara delay.

Round 5
Tal'ariel
Hobgoblin (Black ??, Glitterdusted on Round 1)
Mikail
Bran -11
Hamailii -11
Trellara -5

Seeing the caster fall he lets out a battle cry. "One down!" Considering the situation, he moves to the first door and readies to open it when his friends move into position.

Mikail moves to the other door with Bran.

"When you are ready, I will throw open the door...move in as far as you can!"

Will open the door when all are ready!