Shackled City (Pathfinder) - GM_Chris

Game Master Chris Shannon 719

Round 1

Finneas releases his Fog at the Doctor's direction, then stares quizzically at Glim, next to Cog, with all of his weapons in reach.

"Probably won't need my sword I think."

He begins casting another spell.

Begin casting Enlarge Person, for myself or Glim. 5' step forward.

Round 1, Initiative 11, Location EA43->EE42

Atol watches the good doctor attack something invisible. Ahhh, it’s not the tree we face, but something hidden! Why does NOBODY tell me these things?

He casts Invisibility Purge and moves up so the creature is in the sphere (35’ radius at my present level, so I move to EE42).

Remember Prayer is going for a few more rounds.

Remember, anyone who had breakfast with Atol has 8 temporary hit points (likely spent already), +1 (morale) attack rolls/Will saves, and +4 (morale) on poison/fear saves from the heroes' feast for 12 hours.

Round 1, Init 17

Dyrant puts off the idea to put on a fog cloud now that Atol has taken steps to remove the invisibility from the creature.

Dyrant will begin a full round cast. SM V

Toffitt moves closer and manages to score a hit this time. The arrow from his holy longbow seems to penetrate deep.

Dyrant begins to someone some assistance.

Finneas lays down some fog and starts to enlarge.

Atol moves up to reveal the demon, but now it is covered in fog.

"I doubted you would honor the bargain, Toffitt, but I'd hoped the paladin would keep you in line. No matter. The pleasure of killing you all will be mine."

"AND MINE! AND MINE!"

From the cloud, a slimy ball of spit strikes Atol in the face. Toffitt can see the spit came from the larger head.
ranged touch spit: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36 DC 23 vs paralysis

Then Toffitt can see within the fog as the demon moves within the fog and the smaller head casts a magic circle against good.

Round 1
Glimmil = 5
Cog
Round 2
Toffitt = 19
Dyrant = 17
Finneas = 14
Atol = 11
Dyr'ryd = 5+ (-2 STR, -39)

Map

Red is the lava flow. Just a simple jump check unless you fall into it.

It's hard to put another layer on the Google spreadsheet, so the purple borders are the fog. Just don't have the time & energy to go into Excel for something better. I hid a lot of the columns and rows weren't not using. Hopefully that will make it easier to view the map on mobile devices.

Dyrant, lowest save is reflex.

Round 2, Init 19

"I forget that you are not truly fiends. No skill at drawing contracts with your foes. I for one have kept the letter of our agreement."

He fires at the creature thrice.

Holy longbow v. flatfooted: 1d20 + 11 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 27
2 Str damage +: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 2d6 + 7d6 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 1 + (4, 5) + (5, 4, 6, 5, 5, 6, 1) = 51

Iterative 1 v. flatfooted: 1d20 + 6 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 25
2 Str damage +: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 2d6 + 7d6 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 + (5, 2) + (3, 2, 3, 5, 6, 4, 3) = 39

Iterative 2 v. flatfooted: 1d20 + 1 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 23
2 Str damage +: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 2d6 + 7d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 + (1, 2) + (2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 5) = 25

Round 1, Init 5

Glimmil rubs his eyes for a moment as Dyr'ryd apppears and he beholds the abberation-man's abberant appearance.

He gives Toffitt a glance, as if to say I had this! and waves his mailed gloves at the double-man.

"Ha! Tricked you! Garl would be so proud!"

With a *pop* Glimmil is suddenly armed with Claw-Whomper. Remembering that he can no longer grant Cog his holy-wings, Glimmil clicks his boots and activates flying of his own as he advances into the room.

Standard to activate boots of flying. Swift to activate smite. Move action to advance to EE,40

Round 2, Initiative 11, Location EE42

Fortitude: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18 vs DC 23

Atol freezes in surprise, the lumpy spittle running down his face unabated.

Remember Prayer and Invisibility Purge are going.

Remember, anyone who had breakfast with Atol has 8 temporary hit points (likely spent already), +1 (morale) attack rolls/Will saves, and +4 (morale) on poison/fear saves from the heroes' feast for 12 hours.

Round 2, Init 17

Dyrant finishes his words of arcane might, calling the smallest angels from the heavens to aid them in battle. Dyrant will place them 50' from himself in and around EE37 at 20' up.

1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 Lantern Archons

(11 rounds/1round on Will save DC 25) Inflict penalties (-4 to AC, attacks, saves, or skills). Choosing -4 on all his AC. He cackles to sustain the effect another round even if they make their saves.

Glimmil joins the fight with a click of his heels and a pop of his glove.

Confident the demon can't see him, Toffitt fires away but the demon dodges his arrows.

Moving Dryant a bit so he can "see" the demon at the edge of the fog.
Dryant finishes casting and brings forth 5 archons holier than he is, but not very accurate. They manage only three hits.
displacement: 1d100 ⇒ 30 high good for archons
displacement: 1d100 ⇒ 94 high good for archons
displacement: 1d100 ⇒ 23 high good for archons
At least they think three hits, but it only turns out to be one.

Dyrant than moves a bit and tries to soften up the demon.
will save: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27

Finneas finishes enlarging and moves up closer.
Guessing Finneas is busy. I believe the enlarge finishes middle of this turn and then he can take a single move action. Feel free to amend.

Atol does nothing since he's paralyzed, but is still useful as his invisibility purge reveals the demon in the fog.

Round 2
Glimmil = 5
Cog
Round 3
Toffitt = 19
Dyrant = 17
Finneas = 14
Atol = 11 (2nd round of being paralyzed)
Dyr'ryd = 5+ (-2 STR, 39,5=44) -4 AC until Dyrant's turn.

Map

Red is the lava flow. Just a simple jump check unless you fall into it.

It's hard to put another layer on the Google spreadsheet, so the purple borders are the fog.

Demon still to go, but didn't want to lose all this.

The demon takes flight and 5' hovers (auto) to Glimmil and begins to claw at him.
"I have no use for your shiny armor so will happily shred it to pieces."

"YES! SHRED! KILL! MAIM!"

+28/+23/+18/+13
1d20 + 28 ⇒ (17) + 28 = 45
damage: 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (4, 5) + 13 = 22
-
1d20 + 28 ⇒ (17) + 28 = 45
damage: 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (6, 4) + 13 = 23
-
1d20 + 28 ⇒ (14) + 28 = 42
damage: 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (3, 1) + 13 = 17
-
1d20 + 28 ⇒ (9) + 28 = 37
damage: 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (6, 2) + 13 = 21
-
And yes to the retcon healing.

The smaller head does nothing.

Round 3

Finneas moves up and swings at the two headed creature.

"Give her to me!"

Move to 10' from him, Rage, Attack.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30
Damage: 3d6 + 21 ⇒ (6, 3, 4) + 21 = 34
Evil: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7

Glimmil's AC37 vs this baddie, so all 4 hit. Total damage sustained 22+23+17+21=83, taking Glimmil down to 64hp. Unless it was a mistake to add +28/+28/+28/+28 against him instead of +28/+23/+18/+13?

Glimmil totally overlooks the multi-headed do-badder as he peers into the fog, and his armor is nearly removed from his body in the process.

"Ow! Hey! Gah, I need to call on Garl again today!"

Glimmil quickly mends his wounds and floats into the fog for some cover of his own (EF,41) before testing Claw-Whomper for the first time since his strength was restored.

Lay hands: 8d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 5, 1, 3, 2, 6, 6) = 31

Claw Whomper #1 (smite, power): 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 5 - 0 ⇒ (12) + 21 + 1 + 5 - 0 = 39 for 1d6 + 5 + 8 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 8 + 14 = 29
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

Claw Whomper #2 (smite, power): 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 5 - 5 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 21 + 1 + 5 - 5 - 4 = 24 for 1d6 + 5 + 8 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 8 + 14 = 32
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11

Claw Whomper #3 (smite, power): 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 5 - 10 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 21 + 1 + 5 - 10 - 4 = 18 for 1d6 + 5 + 8 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 8 + 14 = 32
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

Oops. Yes, subtract 5,10,15. That looks like 2 hits.

Okay, add back 38hp, which puts Glimmil at a healthier 133.

Round 3, Initiative 11, Location EE42

I don’t know if I get a save each round or not, so just in case…
Fortitude: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29 vs DC 23

Atol likely continues to freeze in place. He tries regulating his breathing just so he has some control over his environment. He really tries to close his left eye to cleanse it of the spittle that still accumulates there.

Remember Prayer and Invisibility Purge are going.

Remember, anyone who had breakfast with Atol has 8 temporary hit points (likely spent already), +1 (morale) attack rolls/Will saves, and +4 (morale) on poison/fear saves from the heroes' feast for 12 hours.

Atol will be stuck for a while.

Round 3, Init 17

Dyrant glances at Atol with disdain.

(11 rounds/1round on Will save DC 25) Inflict penalties (-4 to AC, attacks, saves, or skills). Choosing -4 on all his attacks. He cackles to sustain the effect another round even if they make his save.
-4 AC & Attacks until end of next round.

I do hate it when others have blindsight or echolocation...

Toffitt attempts to tumble into flank with the conjoined monstrosities, drawing his sword and striking once he has flank.

Tumble: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (1) + 27 = 28

Dueling sword: 1d20 + 11 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 = 41
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 1 + 9 + 1 = 21 +2 Str &: 7d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 1, 4, 2, 3, 5) = 20
Dueling sword: 1d20 + 11 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 = 30
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 + 9 + 1 = 27

I forgot about concealment rolls earlier. High is always good for Glimmil.

Attack #1: 1d100 ⇒ 27
Attack #2: 1d100 ⇒ 98
Attack #3: 1d100 ⇒ 55

Blarg.

Hovering over the lava Glimmil swings three times at the demon, but only hits once even with Dryant softening him up.
displacement: 1d100 ⇒ 95 high good for Glimmil

Lost in thought as he tumbles forward, Toffitt is clawed by Dyr'ryd. He gives as good as he gets though as he scores a critical once he reaches a flank with Glimmil.
AoO: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (9) + 28 = 37
damage: 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (2, 5) + 13 = 20
Just double checking, but I'm calculating as if the dueling blade isn't good.

Dyrant finds the Dyr'ryd to have a strong will, but keeps up the lower AC for another turn while also hindering the demon's attacks.
will save: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31

The archons continue to fire upon the demon and double their number of hits to two--still more damage than Atol so far.
displacement: 1d100 ⇒ 32 high good for archons
displacement: 1d100 ⇒ 32 high good for archons
displacement: 1d100 ⇒ 83 high good for archons
displacement: 1d100 ⇒ 30 high good for archons
displacement: 1d100 ⇒ 15 high good for archons
displacement: 1d100 ⇒ 75 high good for archons

Finneas has to move 10' to get close enough for an attack so only gets one, but like Toffitt makes it count--with Dyrant's help.
displacement: 1d100 ⇒ 85 high good for Finneas

Atol continues to stand and do nothing since he's paralyzed.

Dyr'ryd responds to Finneas, "Her? Which one? I'm afraid it is much too late for you to take any of their places."

Round 3
Glimmil = 5
Cog
Round 4
Toffitt = 19
Dyrant = 17
Finneas = 14
Atol = 11 (3rd round of being paralyzed)
Dyr'ryd = 5+ (-2 STR, 39,5,37,53,6,3,41=-184) -4 AC until Dyrant's turn. -4 attacks, -2 STR

Map

Red is the lava flow. Just a simple jump check unless you fall into it.

It's hard to put another layer on the Google spreadsheet, so the purple borders are the fog.

Dyr'rd still to go.

Dyr'ryd tries to finish off Glmmil but fails to even get through his armor once due to Dyrant and Toffitt's hinderances.

"What was that Dyr?!?!"

+28/+23/+18/+13
1d20 + 28 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 28 - 4 - 1 = 32
damage: 2d6 + 13 - 1 ⇒ (5, 4) + 13 - 1 = 21
-
1d20 + 23 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 23 - 4 - 1 = 26
damage: 2d6 + 13 - 1 ⇒ (6, 1) + 13 - 1 = 19
-
1d20 + 18 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 18 - 4 - 1 = 18
damage: 2d6 + 13 - 1 ⇒ (2, 5) + 13 - 1 = 19
-
1d20 + 13 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 13 - 4 - 1 = 17
damage: 2d6 + 13 - 1 ⇒ (3, 6) + 13 - 1 = 21

The smaller head casts an empowered cloud kill (green borders) that catches everyone except Toffitt and Cog.
cast defensively: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (20) + 25 = 45 - That would've made a better attack.
CON damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2 +50% = 3 - DC 20 FORT save for only 1

Round 4, Initiative 11, Location EE42

Atol, frozen in place like a popsicle, slowly melts under the pressure of the cloud kill.
Fortitude: 1d20 + 16 - 6 ⇒ (20) + 16 - 6 = 30 (level drain) vs DC 20 (so -1 con)

Remember Prayer (last round) and Invisibility Purge are going.

Remember, anyone who had breakfast with Atol has 8 temporary hit points (likely spent already), +1 (morale) attack rolls/Will saves, and +4 (morale) on poison/fear saves from the heroes' feast for 12 hours.

Fort DC20: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (16) + 25 = 41

Glimmil, in his enthusiasm, doesn't even realize the effects of the hideous cloud he's now standing in, and continues to wallop at what he perceives as the lone do-badder standing between the Cauldron Five and the salvation of Cauldron.

Claw Whomper #1 (smite, power): 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 5 - 0 ⇒ (7) + 21 + 1 + 5 - 0 = 34 for 1d6 + 5 + 8 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 8 + 14 = 33
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2
Conceal: 1d100 ⇒ 37

Claw Whomper #2 (smite, power): 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 5 - 5 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 21 + 1 + 5 - 5 - 4 = 25 for 1d6 + 5 + 8 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 8 + 14 = 29
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6
Conceal: 1d100 ⇒ 2

Claw Whomper #3 (smite, power): 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 5 - 10 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 21 + 1 + 5 - 10 - 4 = 25 for 1d6 + 5 + 8 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 8 + 14 = 32
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4
Conceal: 1d100 ⇒ 27

Low is bad. For Glimmil. :(

Glimmil frowns a little after his swings, realizing he was facing the wrong direction and had expended his effort swinging at thin air.

"Gah! I'm not used to swinging without Cog! I keep compensating for how I expect him to be moving!"

Correct: no holy on the blade. 4 Str damage total, by the way. :-p

Round 4, Init 19

Toffitt smiles as the demodand continues to mostly ignore him. His wounds begin to knit back together. "You know, one of the nice things about truly great holy warriors is the many loyal friends they draw around them. Strike them down, and their jihad continues. Like so."

He once again attempts to cut the conjoined awfulness into pieces.

Dueling sword: 1d20 + 11 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 = 36
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 9 = 26 & 2 Str +: 7d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 4, 3, 2, 4, 5) = 24

Iterative 1: 1d20 + 6 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 = 30
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 9 = 25 & 2 Str +: 7d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 2, 6, 6, 2, 6) = 27

Iterative 2: 1d20 + 1 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (10) + 1 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 3 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 9 = 24 & 2 Str +: 7d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 4, 6, 2, 1, 3) = 18

Round 3, Init 17

Dyrant glances at Atol with disdain.

Dyrant offers Finneas the favor of St. Cuthbert.

Fortune (2 round(s)) (Su) Ally in 30 ft can roll 2d20 for an attack, save, ability, or skill check (and take higher) once/rd.
He cackles to sustain the effect another round even if they make his saves.
-4 AC & Attacks until end of next round. Fortune for Finn 2 more rounds.

Round 4

Fort DC 20: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

Finneas continues to rage and assault.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34
Damage: 3d6 + 21 ⇒ (3, 4, 2) + 21 = 30
Evil: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 3) = 9
Cloud High Good: 1d100 ⇒ 63

"GIVE"

Greatsword: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Damage: 3d6 + 21 ⇒ (1, 6, 6) + 21 = 34
Evil: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4
Cloud High Good: 1d100 ⇒ 72

"HER"

Greatsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Damage: 3d6 + 21 ⇒ (3, 5, 2) + 21 = 31
Evil: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7
Cloud High Good: 1d100 ⇒ 81

"BACK!"

Attack #1 Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
Damage: 3d6 + 21 ⇒ (6, 2, 4) + 21 = 33

Attack #3 Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Damage: 3d6 + 21 ⇒ (6, 1, 6) + 21 = 34

The fog or the stinking cloud or the displacement. There are numerous excuses for Glimmil. Perhaps he can assign one to each of his misses.

Toffitt does much better with his echolocation. Much being a single hit even with Dyrant's help.

Dyrant assist Finneas and the archons pepper the demon with some rays. However, it is Finneas who gets in the last might blow that fells the demon.

Atol takes it all in , but continues to stand there.
3rd round of being paralyzed. Possibly the last round
3d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 4) = 7 Nope

Map

There's still the stinking cloud.I think Dyrant missed a CON save last turn vs. the stinking cloud unless he's become immune like Toffitt. So, the saves to be made this round as the party drags Atol out of the way until it dissipates are:
Atol - 1
Dyrant - 2
Glimmil - 1
Finneas - 1

Sorry, I missed the cloud kill.

1d20 + 14 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 14 + 2 + 2 = 29 Fort Save (Dyrant) vs. DC 20 (heroism, heroes feast)
1d20 + 4 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 2 + 4 = 19 Fort Save (Lantern) vs. DC 20 (prot evil, unspecified)
1d20 + 4 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 2 + 4 = 18 Fort Save (Lantern) vs. DC 20 (prot evil, unspecified)
1d20 + 4 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 + 4 = 11 Fort Save (Lantern) vs. DC 20 (prot evil, unspecified)
1d20 + 4 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 2 + 4 = 20 Fort Save (Lantern) vs. DC 20 (prot evil, unspecified)
1d20 + 4 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 + 4 = 12 Fort Save (Lantern) vs. DC 20 (prot evil, unspecified)
1d20 + 4 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 + 4 = 26 Fort Save (Lantern) vs. DC 20 (prot evil, unspecified)

Toffitt quickly moves to Atol and pours an infusion down his throat.

An infusion of delayed consumption that automatically activates, granting Atol freedom of movement.

"Let us find the dragon again and destroy it."

Fort DC 20: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Finneas helps drag Atol out of the cloud and sinks to his knees, leaning on his sword.

I have to save her.
Male: You can't. We have to save Cauldron.
Fifth: He's right. This is part of the price.
I don't want it.
Male: Who does?

Fortitude: 1d20 + 16 - 6 ⇒ (5) + 16 - 6 = 15 (level drain) vs DC 20 (so -4 con total)

Atol coughs and sputters as he makes his way out of the cloud aided by Finneas. "Thanks for the freedom Doctor. Well done!"

He breaks out a couple pearls of power replenishing what spells he can. He wipes the last of the demon spittle from his face, and declares himself ready for the dragon.

"I have at least one more good fight in me, maybe two."

He casts Lessor Restoration on himself to try and mitigate the con damage 1d4 ⇒ 2 and immediately gets the spell back with a pearl of power.

"Anyone else suffering from this? I have one more casting of lessor restoration."

Remember that even if you made the save, you still take 1 point of con damage each round you're in the fog.

How far to the dragon? I remember it being close, and invisibility purge is a minutes long spell. Also, Dr. Toffitt, do we still have resist fire going?

Fort: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (13) + 25 = 38

Glimmil zips away from the fogs, dragging the body of the two-headed "man" somewhere clear of its noxious vapors.

After dropping it, he whistles for Cog and throws his arms around his companion.

"Did you see Finn's swing, boy? Wow, it was a big one!"

After ruffling his companion behind the ears, he rubs his eyes and checks on Atol, who he is happy to see is back to the world of the mobile.

As the conversation turns towards next steps, Glimmil nods his assent.

"It's dragon time."

Can Glimmil get 5 more charges from the party wand prior to the dragon assault?

Cure Light: 5d8 + 5 ⇒ (1, 4, 5, 7, 6) + 5 = 28

Toffitt gets a bit of healing as well.

CLW: 3d8 + 3 ⇒ (6, 1, 1) + 3 = 11

1d20 + 14 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 14 + 2 + 2 = 38 Fort Save

Dyrant hacks and coughs a few bits of phlegm.

1d4 ⇒ 4 Con Damage/half
1d4 ⇒ 4 Con Damage/half

He hands Atol a Pearl 2 for a restoration.

1d4 ⇒ 4 Lsr Restoration

* * *
Dyrant takes a bit of time to truly study the tree...to figure out if he can destroy it right now.

1d20 + 23 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 23 + 2 = 40 Know (Arcana)
1d20 + 26 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 26 + 2 = 43 Spellcraft
1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35 UMD

While Dyrant gazes, Toffitt harumphs and goes to loot the demodand.

With the battle over, Dyrant takes another look at the tree.

Thirteen branches sprout from a central trunk several feet across, twisting menacingly around the chamber to increase the diameter of the area occupied by the tree to nearly sixty feet. The branches are covered in wicked barbs, but each branch tapers to end in a hook. From each hook hangs a cage, and within each cage you see the slumped form of a humanoid figure. These must be the Shackleborn--individuals cursed by fate to be keys to unlocking the gate to Carceri.

Among the thirteen are the boy, Tarrem, and the dwarf, Zenith.

The tree is a truly a magic item equal to an artifact. Dyr'ryd was likely not lying when he said destroying it would destroy everything. That being said the tree itself appears only to be made of metal and ultimately could be sundered to bits.

Toffitt rummages through Dyr'ryd's pockets, but finds no pockets. He does wear a ring of evasion and a medallion of thoughts though. He also has a metamagic rod of extend spell stuffed into his belt.

The dragon is a 5 minute walk back through the tunnels.

Finneas helps drag Atol out of the cloud and sinks to his knees, leaning on his sword.

I have to save her.
Male: You can't. We have to save Cauldron.
Fifth: He's right. This is part of the price.
I don't want it.
Male: Who does?

Female: Hello, my love. That's the most reasonable I've heard you sound in a long time.

Atol, frozen in place like a popsicle, slowly melts under the pressure of the cloud kill.
[dice=Fortitude]1d20+16-6 (level drain) vs DC 20 (so -1 con)

Just CON "damage" from cloud kill so the lesser restorations will work.

The half-orc stands, hacking from the effects of the cloud kill, hefting his sword before turning to the tree. The odd symbol on his forehead stands out in the glow of Atol's invisibility purge, the same symbol on all thirteen victims in the gruesome cages above.

"Dyrant. How do we stop it? We have to close the gate. If we...if we kill them, does that end it? Can we still end it?"

"I don't know. I don't...know...the magics are too strong..." Dyrant says, having no answers from the mortal realm. He looks down at the floor, breathing hard.

He snaps his fingers and looks around.

"Do we have 10 minutes? Do we wish to ask Aralynn to commune with the celestial powers? We could have guidance here...if we would risk it."

Toffitt takes the ring to Atol, and offers the medallion to Dyrant.

"If you believe ten minutes will give us more than the magic spells we'll likely lose, I am for it. I for one believe we should end things with the dragon. But perhaps Aralynn can reveal unknown weaknesses that it possesses."

"The dragon is nothing, Doctor. It means nothing. It guards the ones who did this, but if we don't stop this then the dragon doesn't matter."

There is a crackle of energy around Tarem's cage and it glows brightly before there is a final CRACK like a bolt of lightning...and Tarem is no more. His ashes dance in the air inside the cage, the energy refusing even his remains to rest or escape.

Finneas stares as the boy is obliterated.

"I don't think we have 10 minutes Dyrant."

The oracle of Kord moves to the base of the tree, preparing to hack it apart.

Atol moves up with Finneas, ready to aid him in his attack on the tree, even while he says, "The dragon may very well have the key we need to destroy this tree quickly, or it may have been a ruse to try and kill us conveniently. I just don't know..."

He trails off, "Finneas, do you really think you can cut this tree down in time?"

If Finneas begins to hack away, Atol will grant him the strength of the gods* for the first two rounds of attacks.

*Strength Surge(sp): +7 to any strength related task for the next round (attack, damage, CMB/D, etc.)

Glimmil, halfway towards the cave's exit, pauses and looks over his shoulder at the others.

"I know a weakness all dragon's have..."

With a *pop*, Glimmil's hook-hammer appears and he waves it.

"Claw-whompers and Garl Glittergold's favoritist paladin, Glimmil Cobwaddle!"

With a *pop*, Claw-Whomper disappears again and Glimmil grips his lance and points towards the exit.

"Unless we need to question the dragon instead of slay it? I tried really hard to talk to the one that was carrying me around, but all it would say is 'hey little gnome I bet you're gonna taste good' and things like that..."

Glimmil snorts at the absurdity.. he's a full two inches taller than his brothers and is completely befuddled why a dragon would call him little...

Dyrant gives a slow nod to Finneas, offering his blessing on the tree cutting.

He knows that it probably isn't the right answer, but the only answer he has at the moment.

As Finneas goes to cut, Dyrant searches his memory for any reasonable clue that they might have for a solution to this.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 Int Check

I dunno what to do. I think the Dragon thing is a red herring.

Dyrant reviewed the notes that indicated a fail safe existed and Dyr'ryd appeared truthful when saying the dragon had it. The dragon was obviously working for the Cagewrights, but not charged with protecting the entrance to the area. He let the party go since doing so didn't violate the terms of his agreement. It's safe to assume the dragon has what the party needs.

Dyrant rubs his chin, considering.

"Finn! Wait! The dragon!" Dyrant interrupts Finn. "I think that does make sense in retrospect. We can try to defeat it...or merely pay it off as it has no more reason to guard what it does. It might see reason. In either case, expect fire when we return."

Dyrant looks to race back to the dragon's lair.