Siege of Serpents (Inactive)

Game Master DrParty06

"I don't know..." says Genta, indecisively. Renyrd howls, sounding almost wolfish, though a bit too high-pitched. Genta raises her hands. "Okay, okay, you're right. Center House, good plan. Let's go."

IC logic: Best to secure this area completely before leaving it to go elsewhere.

OOC logic: Since this is a PbP campaign, groups move from region to region slowly. Presumably the South already has a lot of people in it, and by staying too long we raise the risk we're still completing Southern missions when the South turns green.

"I'd say we get out of here and help out some of the other areas. It seems like there are plenty of Pathfinders running around here, especially now that they're more organized!"

Both in character and out of character, I think it'd be good to have this count as a separate region, to which we'll head next, since it does seem like there are a lot of people around.

@Nathan: Do we know how the color system works at the Grand Lodge, or is it something that we're not supposed to know in character, other than the vague "green is good, red is bad?"

In character, you notice that the fighting is dying down and even in the south vs. other regions, which is what the color system represents.

As you start moving toward the Center House, you notice a group of Pathfinders led by a male half-elf debating whether it is worth it for them to go protect the building. "Maybe now would be a good time to get out of here and never come back." says a human companion of the half-elf.

The half-elf replies, "I don't think I can do that, but I'm still not fully recovered from that bout of ghoul fever, I'm not sure I'm up to guarding anything, particularly that thing." as he points to the Center House. "Venture-Captain Kalistoff won't let me leave the Pathfinders; she has me logging my dreams at the request of the Decemverate, since I've been trying to sleepwalk in there." He again points toward the Center House.

"Leave when things are just getting interesting? Why so glum? This is when legends are made!" She bounces up and down excitedly, as she dances up to the group. "Oh my, this is all very symbolic. Your dreams are in there, you say? Why you must safeguard them, even as the society has been safeguarding them for you as you recover. Together, we are capable of so much more than apart."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23 to not get smacked for impertinence and eavesdropping
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (14) + 27 = 41

"Poor thing, sick with ghoul fever, are you?" asks Genta. Her bedside manner comes off as a little condescending, but nevertheless, she tries to think of something to alleviate her fellow half-elf's symptoms so he'll quit bellyaching. Renyrd jumps up into the man's arms while Genta thinks, believing as he does that cuddling a fuzzy animal like himself must cure all woes.

Heal: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

Genta gets a sense that he is no longer actively being affected by ghoul fever, but is having sleepwalking issues that cause him to walk toward the Center House, which he improperly attributes to the fever.

Yitza begins to convince them that they should continue to the guard duty, but they still look unsure of themselves. Perhaps some additional aid would convince them.

Gaevus decides to chip in. "You blokes look all right! Maybe you can help guard the Center House while some of the more well of us continue northward? It should be safe here--things are quieting down in the south. And maybe if you make sure no baddies get in, you might be able to convince the Grand Lodge to do you a favor and help you out with that sleepwalking ghoul fever you've got?" Despite not really knowing much about ghoul fever, Gaevus figures that guarding the house is the best thing for the society--and hopefully for this half-elf!

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 to aid Yitza's attempt to convince this group to guard the Center House (+4 Diplomacy)

With Gaevus's help, the group seems a little more confident in their abilities. The half-elf says, "I suppose running from my fears won't help them go away; I should confront them. Besides, it's just a building, what harm can it do to us."

You have obtained this success. Where was it decided to have it count?

Trouble still exists at the Mausoleum to the Northwest, the statue of Durvin Gest is running rampant to the South, and unknown problems await in the Northeast, where the Quadrangle is located.

Are both the NW and NE equally "red?" If so, I vote for one of those, though I guess clearing up the South isn't a bad idea.

As for where to go next, I sorta want to fight the statue, but maybe it's best that we move on? Also, we may get to all the encounters anyway!

In character, you notice that the fighting is dying down and even in the south vs. other regions, which is what the color system represents.

Clarify? But for the sake of expediency I vote arbitrarily for it to count for NW.

Max smiles and gives the half-elf a comradely slap on the shoulder while casting Guidance on him (dc15 will, if he really feels like resisting a +1 boost) "Mayhaps those dreams mean that here is where you should be when danger calls. Cayden guide you, and fear no darkness"

The color system represents a proportional number of successes in an area compared to the number of tables. In character, yellow corresponds to an even matching of Pathfinders and Aspis in that area vs. red being more Aspis than Pathfinders. There is only 1 total success possible in the NE, vs. 2 in each other and 2 in any area. You've completed 1 each of the area specific in NW and S. The reassuring Pathfinders was the second of the 2 area non-specific ones. Something will happen when 2 areas hit yellow.

Well, that's not ominous or anything...

I kind of want to spread out our awesomeness to the NE, but I was/am equally happy with Aaron's NW suggestion before I read Nathan's reply.

"Fear no darkness, certainly," echoes Genta, retrieving her familiar. Renyrd winks at Max. "A rampaging statue of Durvin Gest on the other hand... maybe we should go deal with that. Besides, I want a chapter in my next book called 'An Uninvited Gest.'"

Even Gaevus groans at Genta's pun. Pointing into the distance with his scimitar, he says, "Shall we go to deal with the statue, then? Will my sword work against it, or is it too hard? ... Do we know anything about this statue other than it mysteriously came to life?" Gaevus starts trotting off back towards the South.

@Nathan: It's not possible for a sector to be green right now, right? Even if we smash this statue (oops) and apply the Pathfinder organization credit to the South? If so, then someone roll a die or flip a coin or something to see whether to apply our positive influence to the NW or NE!

I picked Northwest, since there's really no chance of Northeast even getting to yellow.

The tall statue cast in the likeness of Durvin Gest, the most famous Pathfinder of all time has come alive. Carved in a likeness of the adventurer in his later years—still dashing and bearing an assortment of scrolls and adventuring gear—the statue stares intently off into the distance, looking for the next Pathfinder to target. Beneath the statue, pedestals stand adorned with angelic figures and elaborate friezes showing some of the more memorable scenes from the Pathfinder’s long and celebrated career.
Roll20 updated. The dais and platforms are + 5ft.

Initiative
Gaevus, Genta, Ksarress, Yitza, Fetch, Max: Go
Statue

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (14) + 22 = 36
"Use adamantine! It's immune to pretty much all direct spells, and fire heals it - electricity is good for slowing it down if you've got it," says Genta. Renyrd barks. "Oh yes, and watch out for the poison gas."

Genta looks around, trying to gauge how she can help fight something that's immune to all of her magic. "Ksarress, your blade is adamantine, right? How would you like me to bring you up to his size? Just stay visible for a moment..." Unless Ksarress doesn't want her to, Genta begins the involved casting of enlarge person.

Gaevus hesitates. "Any suggestions? Sh-should I just run up to it and try to whack it with my blade?" Gaevus looks unsure if his metal can defeat the golem's metal. "I guess I could take a risk...." Gaevus delays slightly, in case the party has a plan--or a spell!

Do we know how much DR the golem has? I have Risky Striker for +6 damage, but I'm not sure if it will be sufficient. I also can't charge up the stairs, right? I'd need Max's help with that?

P.S. I got a Wand of Reduce Person a while back for kicks. I presume I gave it to someone like Yitza as a joke. It's up to you if/when you want to use it! This is probably and unideal time though?

Yitza sings to inspire the party.
"On top of old Gest-y, all covered with glitter,
I lost my last spell slot, for casting too fast.
Oh casting's a pleasure, and getting hit is a pain,
so I'll just stand way baaaack here, and sing the refrain!"

Max draws his shiny new Nodachi and stows the hammer, wondering if Ivan would prefer to try it out. "If someone has any acid or maybe a bunch of Lantern Archons up their sleeve, now might be a good time to see 'em"

"very well, I will prepare."

Ksarress flicks his shield behind him, pops a wand out of a wrist sheath and casts shield , before gripping his katana in two hands.

Max - Ivan would be taking a -4 penalty for using a mis-sized weapon and probably a -4 penalty for not being proficient with the weapon, which may or may not dissuade him from doing so.

Gaevus - Genta can (and basically did) tell you that it's very hard to hurt without adamantine.

Genta begins enlarging Ksarress, who shields himself.

Yitza sings a folk song to inspire the party.

"Gaevus, if you charge recklessly ahead of us into battle I will include both your heroism and foolishness in my report of your death."

"Uh, okay! I guess I'll wait here with you guys, and hope that I can get in a fantastic hit (a panache restoring crit) or two? We'll probably be okay back here unless the statue can cast magic. ... It can't cast magic, right?" Gaevus falters briefly.

Gaevus grabs his Blue Scarf Swordmaster's Flair, concentrates on his martial abilities for a bit, takes a breath and a step forward, and then readies to retaliate if the statue comes near.

Gaevus uses the Blue Scarf (swift action, 1 panache point) to gain 10 ft reach, uses Martial Flexibility (move action) to gain Critical Focus, takes a five foot step forward (5 ft step), and readies an action (standard action) to attack any hostile enemy that moves within his 10 ft reach.

Fetch casts haste on everyone, as Ivan prepares to repeat the Renyrd maneuver, flying to an altitude of just over 10 feet more than the height of the Iron Golem.

Ivan flies forward some as the party gets hasted by Fetch.

Gaevus changes tactics from his usual form and hangs back.

The golem opens its arms wide and shakes its head at you, without taking any action.

Genta can tell you this is unusual behavior for a golem.

Initiative
Gaevus, Genta, Ksarress, Yitza, Fetch, Max: Go
Statue

Genta finishes her spell, enlarging Ksarress to twice his normal size. But when the incantation is complete, she says, "Hold on, don't attack yet, wait just a second. This is weird. I think there's something going on..."

Can I do anything to try and get a clue? Trying potentially useful-seeming rolls, if they're not applicable just say so.

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (20) + 22 = 42
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

The golem seems to be intelligent or as least be acting as if guided by someone with an intelligence score perhaps a certain elf oracle...

"...yeah, it might be planning to grab you if you gets too close," concludes Genta. "So you can attack it, but be careful moving in! Never seen a golem plan before... Hmm, maybe it's got some Numerian construction in it." Genta shrugs.

Quickly deciding that mobility is her best hope right now, she focuses her energy and lifts off the ground, flying up to Ivan's height, though not quite as close.

Genta spends a standard action to start flying and then moves.

Yitza keeps singing, but she tries to sense or at least guess the golem's intent...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (8) + 27 = 35 "Wow, your head is thick as a brick!"
Know(Arcana?): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 "Uh, I don't think it's magic guys..."

"Well, if I'm going to get grabbed, Yitza's got my back, right? It'll be great!"

Gaevus will start moving forward onto the dais. I'm not sure exactly what is and isn't difficult terrain here. Are there stairs leading up to the first landing too, which are difficult terrain? If so, then 60 feet gets me to where I am now, in which case Gaevus will ready an action. He prepares to attack the golem if it gets within striking distance (10 ft) from him.

@Yitza: Remember that liberating command has a 50 ft range at level 10, which is a 5 foot step away. However, it's an immediate action for you, so it shouldn't disrupt any of your actions!

Eyeing the stairs despite his large stature, Ksarress does the same thing, but first turns invisible.

"I think I'll try to distract it! A golem can't have super fast combat reflexes, right? ... Maybe the rest of you can get closer and back me up here?" Gaevus turns and blinks, suddenly realizing that Ksarress has disappeared.

I can try to go and set off its attack of opportunity (hopefully it doesn't have more than one), but I'd like to know if I can get a liberating command if I get grabbed. If I can't do damage to it with a normal hit, then a crit is unlikely to help, and I'll just try to trip it, I guess? Though it'll probably be super hard, my trips provoke attacks of opportunity because of Greater Trip.

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Overseer Announcement
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Gaining another 5ft of altitude, (I don't know how to add a number on roll20) Ivan strikes down at the Golem from the far end of his 15ft reach.

Bite Attack: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (17) + 26 = 43
Bite Damage: 1d6 + 31 ⇒ (1) + 31 = 32

Ever the optimist, Ivan attempts to trip the Golem
Trip Attempt: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (16) + 26 = 42

Max casts Righteous Might, becoming Large, and moves up 55' (to what should be a 5' step to put the Golem in his Reach next rd)

added my Magic Circle aura to my Roll20 self

While the golem does not react to Gaevus and the invisible Ksarress walking up, he is surprised by the extended reach of Ivan's bite, taking a bit of damage and falling prone (that barely made it). Max also joins the foray, becoming enlarged and more powerful as he does so.

Having gotten around to its turn again the golem stands up provoking from Ivan's bite. It then takes a 5 ft. step forward on the dais and breaths a cube of gas in the direction of Max, Fort Save vs. Poison, before picking up its fists as if a boxer.

Initiative
Gaevus, Genta, Ksarress, Yitza, Fetch, Max: Go

"Very strange! This isn't like any other golem I've seen." Genta circles Gest's statue in midair, observing it from all angles. "Maybe it's programmed to prepare and then react to enemies it detects in close range." Genta starts to reach for her notebook, to make some quick notes about the golem's stance. But she thinks better of it, and reaches instead for the rust-colored bag at her hip.

Bag of Tricks!: 1d100 ⇒ 16

Genta pulls the fuzzy ball from the bag and tosses it behind the golem (from Ksarress and Gaevus' perspective). "Wolverine!" she cries out, seeing what the ball became. "Try and get its attention!"

The wolverine full attacks. According to my calculations, it has a 1 in 14,400 chance of doing a single point of damage - two nat 20s to crit, plus two 6s on 2d6+4 to overcome DR. More importantly, it should provide some flanking.

"Here we go!" Gaevus shouts, moving around the statue provoking an attack of opportunity, parrying if required (since Yitza is out of range if he gets grabbed). "Maybe we can make a four-sided flank!"

Despite knowing that he can't do much with his magic scimitar, Gaevus tries anyway! He makes a risky attack against the larger target! These numbers assume he does not get grabbed.

Attack: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (15) + 25 = 40 vs. golem's AC
Damage: 1d4 + 20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 20 + 5 = 27 total damage (22 magic slashing, 5 precision, 0 sonic)
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (7) + 26 = 33 vs. golem's AC
Crit Damage: 1d4 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24 total damage (24 magic slashing)

Since the crit confirmation roll is relatively low, Gaevus will not make a trip attempt, instead observing how much damage he does.

Max opens himself to the spirit of Cayden and feels the reckless joy flow through him i.e. Rage

Fort: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35

He adjusts his stance 5' and swings his shiney new Nodachi
Attack: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (18) + 19 = 37 (if I'm flanking w/either the Wolverine or Gaevus, 35 to hit otherwise) Crit threat
Confirm: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (19) + 19 = 38 or 36 if no flank Confirm? If so:
Damage: 2d8 + 19 ⇒ (4, 1) + 19 = 242d8 + 19 ⇒ (2, 5) + 19 = 26 => 50 pts Magic Adamantine slashing

and brings the nodachi around for his iterative strike
iterative: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Perception: 2d8 + 19 ⇒ (5, 1) + 19 = 25 in the unlikely event that hits

Gaevus you should put parries in a spoiler ahead of time. He attacks you as you move up within 10 ft. then again as you move past.

Sorry, I should have thought of that. Going back in time...

Gaevus tries to parry the golem's fist as he first enters into range!
Parry: 1d20 + 25 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 25 - 4 = 31 vs. golem's attack
If he successfully parries, he will try to riposte!

As Gaevus runs past, he tries to parry a second crushing fist!
Parry: 1d20 + 25 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 25 - 4 = 41 vs. golem's attack
If the previous parry failed, he'll try to riposte now!

Now you can go back and resolve the previous post's actions. Sorry again for the confusion! I'll use the spoilers henceforth; I didn't think of that.

As Gaevus closes within its range, the golem punches out at him, nearly smashing the halfling to bits under its massive fist.
Attack: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (20) + 28 = 48
Crit. Confirm: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (15) + 28 = 43
Damage: 4d10 + 32 ⇒ (5, 7, 9, 9) + 32 = 62

Max finds a weak spot in the thick armoring of the golem, slicing through easily with his adamantine weapon.

Initiative
Ksarress, Yitza, Fetch: Go

Assuming Max can use agile feet on me or I can take advantage of being large, I will step up and full attack. If neither are true I will use mirror image and remain invisible while I get into position.

Just to make sure I haven't missed something over these days, current buffs include heroism, bard song, haste, a magic circle against evil,

"The Order of the Nail can and will grind even the likes of you to dust!"

Ksarress drives forward in with the signature onslaught of his order while channeling infernal power. strength is now 34, ac 28

first attack, breaking invisibility:: 1d20 + 12 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 - 3 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 - 3 - 1 + 1 = 45
crit confirm: 1d20 + 12 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 - 3 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 - 3 - 1 + 1 = 40
damage: 2d6 + 2d6 + 18 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4, 2) + (3, 3) + 18 + 9 + 1 + 2 = 42
crit damage: 2d6 + 18 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5, 6) + 18 + 9 + 1 + 2 = 41

haste attack:: 1d20 + 12 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 - 3 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 - 3 - 1 + 1 = 31
damage: 2d6 + 2d6 + 18 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5, 6) + (3, 5) + 18 + 9 + 1 + 2 = 49

ki point attack:: 1d20 + 12 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 - 3 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 - 3 - 1 + 1 = 37
damage: 2d6 + 2d6 + 18 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + (1, 3) + 18 + 9 + 1 + 2 = 36

iterative attack:: 1d20 + 12 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 - 3 - 1 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 - 3 - 1 + 1 - 5 = 36
crit confirm:: 1d20 + 12 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 - 3 - 1 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 - 3 - 1 + 1 - 5 = 39
damage: 2d6 + 2d6 + 18 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1, 5) + (3, 5) + 18 + 9 + 1 + 2 = 44
crit damage: 2d6 + 18 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3, 5) + 18 + 9 + 1 + 2 = 38

total damage assuming ac of 31 or less: 41 + 41 + 49 + 36 + 44 + 38 = 249

This ridiculous damage brought to you by teamwork! Once again the "take random levels in things that boost strength and attacks and have the entire party buff you" strategy seems to work. Max you also forgot your haste attack, which I guess matters if I can't full attack.

There was also flanking, but it looks like you included that. Go teamwork!

At this point just showing off, Ivan descends from above:
Five foot flying down, then full attacking

Bite of Opportunity: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (11) + 28 = 39
Bite Damage: 1d6 + 31 ⇒ (2) + 31 = 33

Bite: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (16) + 28 = 44
Bite Damage: 1d6 + 31 ⇒ (3) + 31 = 34
Trip Attempt: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (15) + 28 = 43
Subsequent attacks presumably against AC-4

Claw: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (15) + 28 = 43
Claw Damage: 1d6 + 22 ⇒ (2) + 22 = 24

Claw: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (14) + 28 = 42
Claw Damage: 1d6 + 22 ⇒ (6) + 22 = 28

Assuming 43 hits:
Rend Damage: 2d6 + 31 ⇒ (2, 3) + 31 = 36

Slam: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (18) + 28 = 46
Slam Damage: 2d6 + 22 ⇒ (2, 3) + 22 = 27

Hasted Bite: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (17) + 28 = 45
Bite Damage: 1d6 + 31 ⇒ (1) + 31 = 32
Trip Attempt: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (2) + 28 = 30

Raw damage: 214. Net damage assuming DR 15: 109

Oh no! I only just realized that I have Critical Focus (from Martial Versatility before), and I totally forgot to include that in my crit confirmation rolls--that might have tripped the golem and helped Ksarress. Sorry guys! It's too late now, I assume, since everything has resolved. Also because Ksarress might have just destroyed a prized Pathfinder statue in the name of "order."

@Nathan: Did Gaevus's standard attack on his turn resolve? Was 33 sufficient to crit? (I'm leaving out the Critical Focus bonus, since that was my fault.) Asking for a friend. Who is panache.

Also OW, 62 damage? REALLY? I think Gaevus is now a half inch shorter! Luckily, Ksarress seems to have done quite a bit of damage too....
HP: 14/79

EDIT: Never mind, I just saw Fetch's attack. Whoo, teamwork! I guess Gaevus took the readied action crit to the face for the team?Whoo!

I haven't been online, but I could totally have the golem re-roll that crit