Silbeg's Slayers: #3-21: The Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment (Inactive)

Game Master Silbeg

The brute stands close by Vox as the youth gets his paper and sketches everything, providing cover and ready to come to his aid and defense should anything try to waylay him while he is busy performing the task they have been assigned. He keeps his eyes open for threats, aware of how neatly they were corralled on the upper floor.

Roudantaimi turns to Ophichius and whispers back. "Ohhh... Shelyn loves statues! I think we still must do much good, before we are in statue-phase. But Poochie, my friend, when that day does come, we shall make you such a statue that all the ducks in all of Golarion will come to revere you! And then people will look at the statue and say: Look, there is Poochie, the Might Duck-warrior!"

Then, he gleefully joins the other in making rubbings of sargophagi carvings. Oh, Shelyn approves! This is like creating art, right? Or is just copying? Can't remember the tenets saying anything about copying... Mmm.. yeah, we're not exactly like creating anything new. But! We preserve the art, and this way we can have others enjoying it, while still leaving the originals in place. Yes, I'm sure Shelyn approves!"

So I guess with this we have completed Aram Zey's objectives? It looks like there's still one room at the end of the statue hallway (but we can probably reach from the other room, if we don't want to walk through these probably-trapped halls

"So..." the gnome asks once the carvings are rubbed, "Are we going after Dakang anytime soon?"

No extra rooms -- just couldn't see to the end of the hall with the gloves.

With Arturo making sure the hallway is safe, the group catalogs the statues. They are satisfied that they have completed their mission objectives, but somehow are dissatisfied in the idea of just leaving... now.

Lemme know when you are ready to go talk to the guards again... and move the minis.

"While I for some reason feel odd leaving already," Arturo begins, scratching his head, "I feel we ought to go back and deal with Dakang."

Assuming the group is willing, Arturo heads back to speak with the guards once more. He does so from behind the broad shoulders of either Ophiuchus or Strong Brute - preferably both.

If everyone is on board and the guards allow us to open a dialogue...

"Now my dear," Arturo tries to sound confident but not condescending as he tries one more time to convince the guards to force Dakang out, "With the evidence we have against Dakang, and this menace to the people that we have thwarted, we have more reason than ever to demand his presence. If for no other reason than he should thank us for saving his people from this fate, he should step forwards. If he refuses to, then that only proves that he is hiding something. Now, let us have him out here before some other peril befalls the temple. I'm not entirely convinced the last one wasn't his doing! The timing was certainly very convenient for a guilty man."

Arturo diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22 -- If required, aids appreciated.

Just to be absolutely clear, Arturo won't be doing this by splitting the party. He also wants the front-liners to actually be in front for this chat.

"Yes, it is high time for Dakang to answer for this deception. One of your supplicants was murdered in cold blood right in front of you for crying out loud! By a Dretch! Which was summoned by.... something or someone, we don't know who! If you continue to hide him, then we will have no choice but to believe you are somehow involved with all of this deception. There will be no summoning. Last time you went to get him and undead poured from the crypt. This time, you will stand aside as we enter in. No more getting jumped while some foul evil presence has a chance to summon demons to kill us while we sit out here unprepared."

Diplomacy, aid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Yes, let us confront this evil Dakang. How someone can be evil in place of so much good, so much potential to do good, I will never understand. We also need to find the evil that is animating these dead that now live."

Ophiuchus: Diplomacy Aid Another: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

With the help of the other two talking Arturo sees the guards relax, and seem more friendly, but also a realization of horror comes over their faces. (you have managed to move them from indifferent to helpful)

"Demons walking the courtyard, killing our people? Vicious undead lurking in the crypts? What has our leader done? Woe is us!"

Jaender: Diplomacy Aid Another: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Ophiuchus: Diplomacy Aid Another: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Arturo: Diplomacy - make request: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

"Yes, you should come with us, first. Korada's blessing still do exist here, even though it seems much has been corrupted."

The first of the Aasimar takes you to the chapel, and with a quick blessing, the fountain fills with divine water from which blossom several perfect lotuses, seemingly out of nowhere. "Here, dip your weapons within the blesséd water and receive Korada's assistance."

Each may put a single weapon in, if they so desire.

Having had his fill of deception, the brute looks to Roudi, whom he believes can tell an evil thing from a good one, waiting for the gnome to indicate that dipping his weapon should be done. If Roudi incidates that he should, 'Sven' dips his scythe blade carefully in the waters, swirling it a bit before taking it back out, careful to let any extra water drip into the fountain before shouldering the weapon and getting ready to proceed.

"Mmmm, let me take look..." Roudantaimi says, squinting his eyes. There has been enough deception in this temple to make even the good-natured gnome suspicious of this blessing. The gnome calls for his patron, and Detects Evil from the fountain, reporting his findings for his companions. In any case, water and firearms do go well together, and the gnome keeps his guns away from the fountain. Instead, he takes a handful of bullets and dips them in the water. He takes the wet bullets, and wipes them with cloth, making sure they are dry before putting them back into the mystical dimensions of his bandolier.

Detect Evil on the fountain. Maybe someone can cast Detect Magic, too? If nothing suspicious is found, dip 5 bullets in there. Can a firearm bullet/cartridge be unloaded from the gun (other than firing away the old one)?

Jaender pulls his magnificent crossbow from the loop on his belt, and the case of bolts from the other side. Holding the bundle together, he dips the two deeply into the pool, allowing the water to go clear up to his elbows. After holding it there for a few moments, he pulls it back out, allowing the water to drip back into the fountain before taking a bolt from the case and loading the crossbow.

"Ready, fire, aim! Let's see what evil still remains in this place."

"My weapon has always been the instrument of good, but I remember other puddles of water that have a spitting problem like this one, back in Thronkeep. If more want to aid in my righteous quest to kill evil, I will gladly accept their offer of assistance." He draws his flail, and submerges it.

"Now where is you less-than-whole-digit leader? Much to discuss with that one."

The water in the font does indeed detect as magic, and definitely does not detect as good. Neither Jaender nor Ophiuchus are totally sure what it does, but they believe that it operates as bless weapon... though they are unsure how long it will last.

Roudi, I have no problem removing a bullet, but an alchemical cartridge would not be reusable.

"Well, I have two more of these anyway," Arturo shrugs as he dips his magical rapier into the water, "Can't see what harm it would do. Though, getting the blessing of a god of forgiveness and peace, I wouldn't be surprised if this made the weapon non-lethal in some way."

Arturo looks up with his wet rapier dripping on the floor, "Thank you for seeing the light, ladies. Now, let us see to Dakang."

Well if that is another trick, at least my damage comes from my spells... Now lets go burn something...

"Lead on ladies, we have evil to route from this place of peace and tranquility."

The Aasimar guards step out of the way, still unwilling to confront Dakang themselves, but not standing in the way of the righteous fury of the Pathfinders.

Bless weapon recipients: Sven on scythe, Roudi on 5 bullets, Jaender on crossbow, Poochie on flail, and Arturo on his rapier. It appears that Vox did not want to taint his glaive?

The heroes rush in to the spacious chamber, which contains a simple bed, a writing desk, and an enormous armoire. A Spiral of Korada is drawn along the north wall, but the drawing is made up of several small marks resembling double-headed arrows. A short stairway leads up to an archway blocked with a heavy curtain.

As the Slayers burst their way into to Dakang's inner sanctum, he flips a latch on his armoire and four aasimar zombies pile out. "I'd like to convince you that my deceptions and heresies were false, but I imagine the time for such has past. Prepare to face the chosen of Sifkesh, and become my next host!"

With that, Dakang scurries up the wall, and then his head explodes, revealing a giant, five-jawed worm, underneath! See the big picture on the tactical map

No surprise round, Roudi is up!

Oh, and as an extra special surprise, until I say otherwise, you will all need to roll twice, taking the low roll, due to the heresies you undertook! I will also let you all know now, that Arturo has taken 2 WIS damage, Jaender has taken 3 WIS damage, and Poochie has taken 1 WIS damage. This is from the meal, which was poisoned.

Oh, there is a surprise round... his f*cking head just exploded! Taking the low roll? This should end well...

Just out of curiosity, maybe you can't say... but is that only for the weapon dipped? Because Jaender will still tend to stick to his spells, and crossbow bolts aren't to effective against squishy zombies...

has nothing to do with the weapon being dipped. I will describe later

Ok, just wanted to make sure. This should be interesting...

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Ha! Evildoer revealed! You're lucky I vented some of Shelyn's anger on your minions, otherwise you'd be in trouble. Evil as you are, you are not beyond redemption. Surrender now, and we can resolve this peacefully." Roudataimi shouts form behind the corner. Perhaps if he had actually seen the true form of the creature that was Dakang, he would not be so keen on offering mercy.

Roudantaimi delays. Please make some room around the door so he could move in. Again, Roudi would prefer middle rank in marching order...

"Idiots! You think you can challenge Dakang? I, who have held sway over this temple for four hundred years, and have corrupted even the most devout followers of Korada?" He indicates the four zombies, who were obviously once aasimar, and are all wearing holy symbols of Korada. "I even hold the Staff of Korada, and have corrupted it to my use. You shall be no more than a minor setback to me, and once you are gone, I will have a new body, and new servants, and the mendicants that live at this temple shall accept my word over any lies you may have told about me!"

"Sifkesh curse these intruders to their DOOM!"
Standard action, casts Bane - everyone but Roudi and Sven are affected.

"Sifkesh, protect me!" yells out the demon priest, as a duplicate of him appears. Move action, copycat domain ability He then 5' steps up to the ceiling.

Vox, Arturo, Ophiuchus, Strong Brute are up

Ild like to use my reroll please. I know you should declare before the results are known, but PbP is a weird one and I would have known a 10 was insufficient. You can roll for me if you like, but I'll spoiler a roll just in case. I won't even open it! I'll follow up with a conditional combat post soon if I don't hear from you.

Ok, Arturo isn't affected by Bane... I get to affect him with OTHER stuff ;)

Roudantaimi delays. Please make some room around the door so he could move in. Again, Roudi would prefer middle rank in marching order...

Yeah, I totally thought he was, too. Vox and Jaender should be the ones in the rear, Arturo and Roudantaimi in the middle with Strong Brute and Ophiuchus up front.

Arturo rushes forwards, remembering what he is good at and leaping over an aasimar zombie and next to the bed behind it.

Acrobatics vs Leftmost Zombie (passing through square), panache: 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 11 + (3) = 19 -- vs CMD + 5
Acrobatics vs Middle-left Zombie (2nd opponent): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 -- vs CMD + 2

But assuming that succeeds...

"Ha! You slow moving mindless creatures are no match for my living legs," Arturo lines them up as they are distracted by Vox's enormous weapon on the far side, "Roudantaimi, aim well at the disgusting Dakang. Still not sure if he's more or less attractive with a four-pronged slug sticking out of his neck..."

+1 rapier, flank: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 2 = 18
Damage, precise strike, sneak attack: 1d6 + 4 + 1d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + (6) + (1, 3) = 19

Seeing his companion nimbly move behind the wall of undead creatures that looms closely at hand, the youth draws up his mighty hammer. As the weapon initially moves back, Vox is careful not to connect with his allies on the backswing, but then releases all hesitation as his strike lashes out.

"Einhardt, attack!" he yells, and the hammer swings forward.

Attack @ zombie, flanking with Arturo
attack, lucerne hammer(power attack, flank): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
damage, lucerne hammer(power attack, precise strike): 1d12 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (12) + 7 + (6) = 25

The brute moves up, brow furrowing as he feels somewhat...off. Growling through it, he seeks to introduce himself to the former follower of Korada in a rather violent fashion, swiping across with his scythe.

Scythe: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Scythe: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Damage, if it matters: 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (4, 3) + 7 = 14

By the way, no to meta, but if we were at the table I'd ask the Oracle to double check that Bless counters and dispels Bane (which it does). Just if.

Vox waits for Arturo to move into position, at which time he strikes at the undead aasimar. Unfortunately, he misses, but only moments after his failed strike, the rogue drives his rapier through a particularly vital spot, and the undead creature falls.

Then, the barbarian steps up, slashing with his war scythe. Unfortunately for him, luck is not with him, and his blow comes up a tad short. (Sven is now clear from heresy)

Poochie is still up, Roudi is still in delay. Zombies next.

"ah dead that live and will be dead again soon to not live. You will not harm my friends"

Closing his eyes, Ophiuchs calls upon the power of the great ones and fills the room with holy light.

cast bless

I assume you are casting to dispel the Bane, right? Done!

The three remaining zombies attack the Slayers.
Paleface attacks Arturo Swift action: Smite Good
Slam 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 slam damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7
Slam 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 slam damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7

Purple and The Tongue attack the Strong Brute (both smite as well, even if it doesn't work)
Purple Slam 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 slam damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Purple Slam 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 slam damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Tongue Slam 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 slam damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Tongue Slam 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 slam damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Have to run... will finish this later

If Poochie could move 5ft, then Roudi could come out of delay. Or then he'll wait after Einhart

Jaender is up... Roudantaimi delaying. (Roudi would be up, following).

Einhardt steps up, and attacks a zombie. However, the she-wolf has evidently had enough of tasting rotting undead flesh, so her heart wasn't into the attack, and she misses.
bite power attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Jaender flashes fire in his eyes, then moments later, fire from his fingertips, passing close attention to see how resistant this evil demon is.

scorching ray, ranged touch, point blank: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 for fire damage, pb: 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 5, 1, 5) + 1 = 16

-Posted with Wayfinder

Space opening in the wall of his companions, Roudantaimi moves quickly to the position. Noticing the hideous creature on the wall, the gnome paladin regrets all his words of forgiveness. "Gah! Ugly monster! Shelyn has no love for the likes of you. Corrupter, deceiver! ... Ugly!" 

The monster is a bit too far up in the wall, away from the optimal range of his pistol. But it is worth a try, at least his companions does not obstruct his line of fire. Feeling the mysterious curse bearing down on his gun-arm, the gnome pulls the trigger.

Attack Dakang - vs. Normal AC
Pistol, PBS, DA, range: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 2 = 16
Pistol, PBS, DA, range: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 2 = 14

Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 4 = 11

Jaender fires a blast of fire at the demon-cleric...
Spell Penetration: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
mirror image (1 hits target): 1d2 ⇒ 2 (pops image)

The flames do not actually touch the foul creature, instead 'popping' an image.

The gnome paladin then fires his gun, but uncharacteristically, misses!

Dakang then calls forth the blasphemous blessings of Sifkesh, spreading found putrescence between Arturo, Strong Brute, and Vox.
Inflict Light Wounds, Mass: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Arturo: Will: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 2 - 1 = 16 (Takes 5)
Sven: Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 (takes 11)
Vox: Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 (takes 11)

Dakang once again calls forth a copy of himself.

Vox, Arturo, Ophiuchus, and Sven are up.

Dropped my foe, so recovering 1 panache.

Arturo will delay until after Strong Brute, Vox and Ophiuchus, for reasons that will become apparent below... (note, I've not yet moved Arturo's token).

Sorry for the cascading "if - then - else" statements. Delaying until "something advantageous happens" in PbP is a bîtch. I can post now, and I don't want to hold up the action if I can't tomorrow (in-laws will be here).

The youth sees his mustachioed friend hesitating, waiting for some event or trigger on the battlefield to occur before he enacts his next move. Vox sees one of vile creatures has already fallen and takes a swing at the next closest monster, hoping to do what Arturo has been waiting for.

attack @ next closest zombie, i.e. the one directly north of Einhardt
attack, lucerne hammer(power attack): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
damage, lucerne hammer(power attack): 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Growling as he feels the filthy negative energy invade his flesh, threatening to foul his essence. He shrugs it off, letting the burning passion in his blood spring forth as he again swings at the undead creature in front of him, trying to clear a path to Dakang.

Scythe, Rage, PA: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 2 - 2 = 12
Scythe, Rage, PA: 2d4 + 7 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (3, 1) + 7 + 3 + 6 = 20

Well, that sucked.

Clunking and ungainly moving into combat, Ophiuchus swings his mighty flail at the nearest Zombie Cleric.

"Dead, I will kill you. And you cleric that has done evil and called it good, you have much and more to answer for, and I will hear every last confession from your putrid mouth. This I swear."

Heavy Flail +1 + PA: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Flail Damage + PA: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

have't rolled over a 10 in 2 weeks, ugh

Sounds like you "Lorted" it. Both Sven and Poochie. Guess not going to Gen Con will do that to you :P

After both Ophiuchus and Strong Brute miss their targets, but Vox destroys his, Arturo decides that he still wants to live, and gulps down a very expensive (but not as expensive as a Raise Dead) potion.

The purple zombie pounds on the barbarian...
slam 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 slam 1 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
slam 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 slam 2 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The final zombie (already having expended its smite) attacks Poochie.
slam 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 slam 1 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
slam 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 slam 2 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Holy Craptacular rolls, Batman!
Of all the blows, the raging barbarian takes a single hit. He's looking a little worse for wear, but this fact has not penetrated his rage, yet.

Einhardt attacks the zombie next to her.
PA bite: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 bite damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 trip: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
She bites a large chunck of putrescent flesh out of the thing's leg, but the flesh gives way before she can pull it to the ground.

Jaender, then Roudi (turn 3)

All, please remember to roll spell penetration against Dakang, and the mirror image (roll 1d2, 1 is him).

Jaender snarls, his white tattoo-like facial decorations flaring with his temper. He resorts to a spell that cannot miss, and hopes his force of personality can penetrate the demons resistance

magic missile: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 1) + 2 = 6

spell pen.: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

-Posted with Wayfinder

The demon's resiliency prevents the wayang sorcerer's attack from having effect. The missiles splash off of him with out having any effect. (note, you can tell this is because of SR, not a spell like Shield)

Roudi is up, then Dakang

Einhardt actually get two trip attempts, so long as Vox also threatens the foe, because of their feats: tandem trip.

Einhardt trip attempt, roll #2:
trip attempt #2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Well, never mind about that ability being useful. That's too bad...

Is Roudi still rolling twice? And did the previous shot pop an image? Quoting Mirror Image: "If the attack misses by 5 or less, one of your figments is destroyed by the near miss."

Everyone is clear of the heresy points. On the previous shot, it was Jaender that popped an image... Roudi just clean missed.

Roudantaimi quickly picks up a paper cartridge from his bandolier, such invention saving a lot of time when reloading the gun. With his pistol once more ready to fire, the gnome takes aim on the wall-climbing Dakang, preparing to fire if the nasty creature starts casting spells.

Ready action: Fire if Dakang starts casting spells

Roudantaimi, I heartily approve of that action. Best thing a ranged guy could do in this situation!

Dakang then looks like he is concentrating on something (spell-like abilities do not have components, so cannot be spellcrafted, but they do provoke, etc. This will trigger Roudi's readied.)

Roudi shoots, but misses. However, he is close enough to pop the figment of Dakang. Dakang then releases the foul energy he had been building up at Vox, Arturo, and Sven.
Inflict Light Wounds, Mass: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Arturo: Will: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 2 - 1 = 18 (Takes 3)
Sven: Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20(Takes 3)
Vox: Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 (Takes 6)

Dakang then reinstates his copycat and steps closer to Arturo.

Vox, Arturo, Ophiuchus, and Strong Brute are up.