Exiel |
"Well, this thing seems to be a hard nut to crack..."
Exiel decides that it would be more productive to make sure his hard-hitting allies hit. Since the creature is already blinded, He decides to put the monster flat on its back.
Standard action casting true strike and then flying down to give Rhon a flank. If it does anything to provoke an AoO, I will attempt to trip it with my hooked lance. If not I will trip it on my next turn.
trip CMB roll: 1d20 + 13 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 13 + 20 = 48
Amsheagar |
Amsheagar moves closer to try and identify this thing.
Knowledge: 1d20 ⇒ 18Planes/Religion=30, Geography=32, Dungeoneering/Nature=34 Weaknesses, Resistances, Saves (Strong>Weak)
Amsheagar calls down a bolt of lightning, then shifts into a beast. I will wait until i hear about its weaknesses before shifting.
GM Aram Zey |
Amsheagar thinks that whatever this thing is, it belongs in a field of study that he has not been introduced to before.
But between being blinded and flanked by Exiel, the large creature presents an easy target for Rhon and Earl, who hew and hammer into it again and again. Between the two of them, the creature is ripped and pounded into submission, and eventually collapses.
It was some sort of variant golem.
As you catch you breath, Baba Yaga's mental prompts lead you to investigate a cavity in the golem's chest. You find a coffer, and within lies an old and worn masterwork cold iron ceremonial dagger .
"Ah yes, my athame. It has been so many centuries since I last saw or held it. Yes... this is what we need. But it is not complete yet. Due South from here, by the beach and along a cliff of stone lies a hidden cave. Find the three-headed beast within and bathe my athame in its blood. Then it will be complete and be strong enough to pierce the next layer of my prison. Quickly now! Quickly!"
With that urging, the voice of Baba Yaga falls silent once more.
Your sojourn south is uneventful and takes only a couple of minutes, you come to a cliff of broken slate slabs that rises from the sands of the southern beach, crawling with many varieties of ivy and numerous ferns. Hidden at the base of the cliff, barely visible in the shadows, is a narrow cave opening leading into the cliff itself. Peering inside, you can see that it quickly branches into a left and right passage.
Exiel |
"Two roads diverged in a yellow cave. Each this morning equally lie, neither grassy nor wanting wear. But only one way is the right way. Shall we go right?" Exiel muses idly, his rapier and shield at the ready.
I don't need any healing. Were any of us hurt during that fight? I think only the summoned creatures were squished?
Amsheagar |
Amsheagar looks at the two different directions, then speaks up. "We have an earth elemental with us. We could send him out to scout." He looks at Rhon. "Would your elemental be able to do it alone, or should I shift to join him?
Silver Crusader Rhon Delver |
"I've asked Earl to go take a look for us. Hopefully he will be able to identify which path we should take." Rhon waits while Earl scouts the way ahead.
Earl the Earth Elemental |
Earl quickly moves down the cliff and starts off exploring the cave to the right.
Amsheagar |
Amsheeagar smiles at Rhons question.
If something happens to him, will you know?
Silver Crusader Rhon Delver |
"Unfortunately no. Our relationship is more of a mutual agreement to work together rather than that of say a master pet bond."
Amsheagar |
Nodding at Rhon's words. "I'll go and keep an eye on him, make sure he gets back to you." Amsheagar shifts into an earth elemental and follows after Earl.
Pursnikkitty |
"Yeah Earl is nice Please watch out for him. I wouldn't want anything to happen to him like an earth dragon eating him. Do you think that could happen? I mean out there be an earth dragon around here?!?!" Purs continues to ramble on and looks around the area.
GM Aram Zey |
Sorry had an internet outage.
Earl is able to scout out the layout of the cave. It appears to be rather small with some large creature living in the Eastern branch. The Western branch doesn't go far at all, though Earl detects something strange about some crystalline formation in that branch, almost as if it moved a little of its own volition.
Exiel |
Assuming Earl shares the intel with the party.
"Well, I'm going to go ahead and guess that the large creature in the East is what we're looking for. Shall we?"
Silver Crusader Rhon Delver |
"Lets get this done."
Rhon takes up the lead as the group pushes into the East branch of the cave. "Keep a keen eye out for danger from all directions. Earl sensed some kind of crystalline formation that moved of its on volition in the West branch of this cave. It would be best we are not caught be surprise."
Perception: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (12) + 24 = 36
Earl the Earth Elemental |
Earl glides through the rock of the cave using his Tremorsense to monitor for danger.
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
Amsheagar |
Amsheagar follows the group under the ground.
GM Aram Zey |
Rhon, Earl can carry you, but he cannot bring you under ground with him as you do not share his earthglide ability.
Amsheagar and Rhon lead the way into cave, with Purs and Exiel bringing up the rear.
With Earl's earthgliding and tremorsense, you can certainly gain the element of surprise. I have marked on the map where the creature is. Position yourselves where you wish, but if you are in his line of sight you will need to describe how and when you approach. Combat will begin either once you attack or once you are detected.
Amsheagar |
Amsheagar moves through the earth as his Earth Elemental form and positions himself on the inside of the wall, nearest to the cavern opening.
Exiel |
Seeing that his allies are attempting stealth, Exiel casts echolocation, on himself, as well as message on all party members and invisibility on Rhon, Purs and himself.
"Alright. We've not had the best track record at stealth, but this should allow us to at least get closer than we otherwise might. My spells won't prevent the enemy from hearing us though. I don't suppose any of you have a remedy for that?"
"Of course, we might also end up just rolling over whatever awaits us like a bullette over soft earth, so this might all be a pointless exercise anyway," he adds with a chuckle.
GM Aram Zey |
Ok looks like that will be all the preparation. Time to reveal the monster.
Amsheagar and Earl take up positions within the walls as Exiel, Rhon and Purs make their way forward through the tunnel.
1d20 ⇒ 2
Despite your lack of training in stealth, you are able to make it to the cavern undetected and even close a little with the lounging beast before it stirs, and raises its three heads. Before you is a large three-headed dragon, smaller than the one you encountered in Rasputin's lair, but with no less of a menacing expression.
"I smell you... I hear your breath. I feel your air. Where are you?" the beast snarls.
Rhon: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Amsheagar: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Exiel: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Purs: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5
???: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
The beast is fast.
Only Amsheagar and Exiel are up.
Amsheagar |
K.Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29 immunities, saves L-H, Special attacks Amsheagar takes a moment to study this dragon befor attacking.
Amsheagar |
Opps.. Dragons are Arcana... My old roll would be 25. Should i re-roll it for Arcana?
Exiel |
"Hmm... a dragon, is it. Spell resistance, breath weapon, all par for the course. But oh so smitable."
Deciding that he might take this battle as a warrior, Exiel opens with a siphon might spell.
Spell resistance: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26
STR siphon: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 DC24 fort
Amsheagar |
Deciding its better to take out the sight of this dragon, Amsheagar calls on the power of the sun and shoots a Sunbeam at the dragon.
DC 25 Reflect to Negate Blindness and Halves Damage
Beam 1/5: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 4, 4) = 13
Spell Resistance: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21
GM Aram Zey |
The creature is unique and unlike anything Amsheagar and Purs have seen or read about before.
1d20 ⇒ 13
16d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 5, 4, 3, 4, 1, 4, 5, 3, 4, 4, 1, 4, 2, 2) = 51
1d4 ⇒ 4
Amsheagar and Exiel unleash their spells on the dragon, and are surprized to find that it does not possess magic resistance. However its fortitude and dexterity are remarkable as it avoids the worst of both spells.
With a disdainful roar, the dragon takes to the air, flying up to 30ft above the ground and unleashing a ray on the larger, and thus easier, target. Amsheagar is struck by a ray of deep winter chill, and it numbs him to the bone!
The dragon made both of its saves.
Amsheagar takes 16d6 cold damage and 4 points of dexterity drain.
Pathfinders are up.
GM Aram Zey |
The creature is unique and unlike anything Amsheagar and Purs have seen or read about before.
** spoiler omitted **
Amsheagar and Exiel unleash their spells on the dragon, and are surprized to find that it does not possess magic resistance. However its fortitude and dexterity are remarkable as it avoids the worst of both spells.
With a disdainful roar, the dragon takes to the air, flying up to 30ft above the ground and unleashing a ray on the larger, and thus easier, target. Amsheagar is struck by a ray of deep winter chill, and it numbs him to the bone!
The dragon made both of its saves.
Amsheagar takes 16d6 cold damage and 4 points of dexterity drain.
Pathfinders are up.
Addendum: I just re-read my post. I did roll the 16d6 cold damage that Amsheagar took. He took 51 cold damage and 4 points of dexterity drain.
GM Aram Zey |
There's nothing stopping you from trying, but...
Reminder: Baba Yaga requires you to bathe her athame in the creature's blood. And you are already in combat.
Pursnikkitty |
sorry...I had tried to talk to it before
Purs starts casting a full round spell. summon monster VII
"I guess he isn't friendly since he hit Amsheagar" Purs taps the side of his helmet with his open palm. "Stupid me...we need some of this things blood"
Amsheagar |
Not feeling too good from that last blast, Amsheagar tracks the Dragon as it flies into the air. Aiming his hand again, he fires off another Sunbeam at the dragon, before moving back into the wall and traveling up.
DC 25 Reflect to Negate Blindness and Halves Damage
Beam 2/5: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 4, 1) = 14
How high does these walls climb?
Silver Crusader Rhon Delver |
Rhon pulls out a potion of Fly, pops the stopper and drinks it down.
Earl the Earth Elemental |
Earl keeps himself within the rock while he moves into position for his coming assault.
Exiel |
"Hmm... so he's tough, but does not have spell resistance. Good to know. Let's work on that."
Exiel focuses Torag's divine power against the dragon, but at the same time adds a little of his own magic to unleash a dark ray of energy on dragon.
enervation ranged touch attack roll: 1d20 + 8 - 1 + 3 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 1 + 3 + 10 = 28
negative levels: 1d4 ⇒ 4
GM Aram Zey |
The walls of the cavern are 30ft at the edges and slope up to 50ft in the middle.
Purs begins summoning another creature to his side while Amsheagar fires another ray of light at the dragon, but again fails to blind it. Rhon and Earl prepare their assaults, while Exiel channels Torag's holy power into a dark necromantic spell that saps the dragon's very lifeforce.
Weakened by Exiel's spell, the dragon perceives the fell necromancer as the most dangerous present threat. He flies down to ground level and breathes a line of frigid liquid in a stream that catches Rhon and Exiel!
Rhon and Exiel each need to make a reflex and fortitude save against the breath weapon's dual effects.
Pathfinders are up.
Earl the Earth Elemental |
Earl comes hurtling out of the rock with a mighty stone fist pointed forward towards where the dragon should have been. Unfortunately for Earl the blasted creature had moved away before he could get his attack in.
Earl plummets back to the earth and lands with a massive crash. He then rises back up to challenge the beast once more.
Fall Damage 10 ft.: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Silver Crusader Rhon Delver |
Reflex Save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24
Rhon races across the cavern floor using his newly imbued power of flight. He comes to an abrupt halt right next to the dragon and assumes his Defensive Stance. He brings forth the power of the living stone to aid his attack and puts everything he has into this one attack.
Attack: +1 Ghost Touch Holy Impact Dwarven Waraxe, Power Attack, Defensive Stance, Stonestrike, Heroes' Feast, Invisible: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (20) + 24 = 44 (+2 if Earth Subtype or Construct)
Damage: Magic, Ghost Touch, Good, Slashing, Adamantine, Power Attack, Defensive Stance, Stonestrike, Vital Strike: 4d8 + 18 ⇒ (3, 8, 6, 1) + 18 = 36
Additional Damage if Evil: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9
Additional Damage if Earth Subtype or Construct: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3
Critical Hit Confirmation Roll: +1 Ghost Touch Holy Impact Dwarven Waraxe, Power Attack, Defensive Stance, Stonestrike, Heroes' Feast, Invisible: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (14) + 24 = 38 (+2 if Earth Subtype or Construct)
Critical Hit Damage: Magic, Ghost Touch, Good, Slashing, Adamantine, Power Attack, Defensive Stance, Stonestrike: 4d8 + 18 + 18 ⇒ (1, 1, 4, 7) + 18 + 18 = 49
Exiel |
Reflex save: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (13) + 25 = 38
Fort save: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (20) + 29 = 49
"Well if he really didn't like that, why don't we try it again?" Exiel muses as he fires another enervation ray at the dragon.
enervation ranged touch attack roll: 1d20 + 8 - 1 + 3 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 1 + 3 + 10 = 36
negative levels: 1d4 ⇒ 4 So.... this is going well. XD
Pursnikkitty |
A big elemental appears behind the dragon and attacks.
attack: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (8) + 26 = 34
damage: 2d10 + 12 ⇒ (5, 3) + 12 = 20
attack: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (5) + 26 = 31
damage: 2d10 + 12 ⇒ (7, 10) + 12 = 29
+2 if it's flanking with Rhon?
Purs casts another spell at the dragon. flame strike DC 23 reflex
damage: 15d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 6, 6, 2, 6, 3, 5, 5, 3, 5, 1, 4, 4, 4) = 64
SR if needed: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
Amsheagar |
Amsheagar moves partially out of the wall 30 foot up. Aiming at the dragon, He will fire his next beam.
DC 25 Reflect to Negate Blindness and Halves Damage
Beam 3/5: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 3, 5) = 14
GM Aram Zey |
1d4 ⇒ 1
12d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 4, 1, 3, 5, 3, 5, 3, 4, 6, 6) = 44
1d20 ⇒ 1
1d20 ⇒ 13
1d20 ⇒ 14
Exiel completely evades the icy breath weapon, but Rhon catches it right in the face. He feels the rime creeping up around him, but the strength of the breath appears to have been weakened by Exiel's necromantic assault on the dragon, and Rhon barely manages to avoid being encased in ice.
Earl completely misses his attack, but Rhon makes up for it by closing in for a truly mighty blow. The dragon tries to swat Rhon as he closes in, but is caught off-guard by the sight of a flying dwarf and he whiffs his attack, exposing his chest to Rhon's axe in the process.
Exiel weakens the dragon further with another ray of dark energy, leaving the dragon a mere shadow of its former mighty self. Purs and his summoned elemental follow up with an assault of stone and divine fire, and the severely weakened dragon is unable to avoid the blast. Amsheagar finishes with his third ray of blinding light, and the heavily debilitated dragon finally succumbs, falling to the ground.
8 negative levels results in alot of failed saving throws.
Pathfinders are victorious.
With the dragon defeated, and at Baba Yaga's urging, you dip the athame into the dragon's spilt blood. The athame shimmers, then turns to solid gold.
"Yes, yes, it is complete! Quickly now, step into the pool! It will return you to your friend the wizard in the heart of my hut! Use my restored athame to break the next layer of my prison!" the voice of Baba Yaga cackles excitedly in your minds.
GM Aram Zey |
Assuming you step through the pool.
As you enter the pool, you once more experience a brief sense of disorientation as plunging into the pool causes you to emerge from the surface of another pool in the grotto at the base of the waterfall where you left Ralph. He is still slumped before the tree, looking as weakened as before. Vigliv, the Norn who you were introduced to a few days back, is waiting beside him, the matryohska doll nestled in her hands.
"You have returned," she says serenely.
GM Aram Zey |
Vigliv gives Purs a quizzical look.
"You have obtained the athame, have you not? I cannot imagine that my former pupil would have allowed you to return without it? As the chosen agents of Baba Yaga, it is for you to split the next layer of the prison. You need simply stab the athame into the doll and lay it into the pool."
She gestures slowly towards the pool at the base of the tree from which you so recently emerged.
Silver Crusader Rhon Delver |
"This Purs." Rhon grabs the matryohska doll from Vigliv's arms and stabs the golden athame into it before hurling both items into the pool with a bit of frustration showing in his normally calm demeanor.
I despise this much run around. If freeing Baba Yaga doesn't solve the greater issue that is currently threatening life itself, then I swear by all that is holy and good that I will end her myself.
GM Aram Zey |
Rhon good news, there are stats for Baba Yaga in the book. Bad news is that that's all the good news. ;)
The gold athame sinks into the doll easily, almost without resistance, and when Rhon throws the doll and athame into the pool, the crack created by the athame widens until it splits the doll in 2. There is yet another doll inside, though by this time is it small enough to fit within a single palm. The dagger itself slips out from the doll, and becomes cold iron once more, though it glimmers with some power still.
"Ah. Yes. YES! Almost there. A boon, my prettehs, for your efforts, eh?"
You each feel a surge of power within you. It quickly subsides to a low hum, as if there's something in your chest waiting to be released, and despite its source, it is strangely warm and comforting.
Pathfinders:
Each of you gains a contingent breath of life spell that will trigger upon your death.
You should be able to eventually identify that the athame is now a +3 cold iron heartseeker dagger, if anyone is inclined to use it.
Ralph Cauthorn |
Ralph is also partly restored by the surge of power, and as he takes in what has transpired, he speaks again.
"“The death of Baba Yaga is no small thing, and you have succeeded in finding it where none have before. Now that you have secured her death, however, you must also locate and obtain her life. Although Baba Yaga hid her mortality away so death could not find her, to be more than a walking corpse, she must still have life. To this end, she ensured that a wellspring of life would flow in an ever-renewing fountain for her purposes. Guarding and protecting this source of life she tasked to her daughters, the Queens of Irrisen. After one hundred years of rule, these queens rejoin Baba Yaga and take up the responsibility of ensuring that her wellspring of life never runs dry. Now you must face the queens of old to reclaim Baba Yaga’s life and escape with your own as well.”
"Baba, Kindly Grandmother, you must realize by now that this means I have discovered the secret of your immortality, and that these friends of mine will learn it too once they see it. I trust this is acceptable in their endeavour to free you?"