Test of Tar Kuata (Inactive)

Game Master Baerlie

As far as I know, campaign leadership hasn't taken a hard-and-fast stance on killing helpless creatures. It's a judgment call based on the situation. Personally, I don't think it counts as evil, although I'm fine committing an evil act as long as it's not enough to shift my alignment. Gotta keep Norgorber happy, after all!

I believe it's indeed a judgment call. The alignment system isn't very clearly defined, because it's all about perspective. Antipaladins are champions of "evil," and as far as Julian's concerned it's not an evil act to rid the world of such evil people.

And I didn't realize the boss wasn't defeated yet! The map looked fully explored, so I figured we were done! xD

"You did?" Julian asks as he looks at Dexter. "Well, I just happen to realize there's still their boss... You can have him?"

Julian takes a confused look around. "Though... I have no idea where to go from here..."

Really, the only unconscionable act here was Julian cruelly stealing the kills, while the devotee of Norgorber was politely asking permission first. :-P

"Deal. And there was another cavern to the west. I'd wager the boss is off that way."

Julian doesn't have a lot of patience, but he sticks to promises! ;)

Julian nods and gets moving. "Let's go then!"

He draws his katana again, considering he likely still needs it, and gives himself a quick tap with his wand of infernal healing.

"This wand makes my arm pits itch every time I use it," Julian comments while putting the wand away again, "but at least it does what it's supposed to do."

The only bad thing of be the only Good character of the party... :/

By the way, despite the fact that they are "champions of evil", nothing prevents that they can redeem themselves at some point in their lives. This is not about to simply kill someone "helpless", but someone completely unconscious and who is already been imprisoned. Anyway, I'm posting the action of Adowyn, which will interfere in the killing of defenseless men, provided by Julian.

Just after Julian stabs the first unconscious antipaladin, Leryn stands in his way to the another.

"Hey!", Adowyn exclaims, claiming for the magus' attention, "what are you doing?", she looks surprised by his actions.

"Look, we don't need more troubles that we already have here, right? Dexter was respectful when asked us if he could kill them. I showed my nonconformity and he respected me and I really appreciate his conduit", the hunter fits Julian in the eyes, "I'm asking you to don't do this. Not only because we need the information about their leader and someone of them alive could answer us, but as a matter of respect".

Adowyn makes a gesture to Leryn, who stands guarding the bodies of the enemies that survived the attack. "We got a deal to respect each other?", she asks Julian, politely.

Once solved the setback, Adowyn asks to other Pathfinders:

"Do any of you have a rope?"

She plans to disarm and undress one of the antipaladins survivors, tie him with a rope, heal him up with her wand and inquire him about their leader. Right for you, fellows?

Julian frowns as Adowyn gets in his way and starts talking about respect. "I respect you as my ally and therefor won't press this, but know I don't respect them the least bit. Make sure they're damn well tied, Adowyn. If they escape and spill innocent blood, it's on you."

He lets Adowyn do whatever, his own conscience as clear as hers. When she asks for rope, he tosses her his. "Here you go."

@Adowyn: From the way you wrote it I have a feeling you personally feel strong about this. I'm not keen on starting real conflicts, so I want you to know I'm just roleplaying my character. I have characters who would agree with yours, but Julian simply doesn't.

@Julian: It was not personal, really. I'm sorry if sounds like this way. I just acted like I imagine a neutral good character should act, It was definitely nothing personal. :)

Now... will we proceed with the plan that I suggested? Any other ideas?

Julian just wants to move on and beat their boss up, but go ahead and interrogate one of the captives. I'll just wait for everyone else to be ready to move on.

"If he escape, I will kill him", Adowyn was emphatic when said "I".

She takes the rope with Julian and ties one of the survivors, then the hunter draws her wand and heals the antipaladin.

wand of CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

When he open his eyes, Adowyn asks: "hey you, where is your f!&#ing boss? Is he like you? A slag worshiper of an evil god? Tell us or you will become cat's food", Leryn fits the captive in the eyes.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Pierre kneels in the blood of his fallen enemies. He shakes his head, muttering prayers to Iomedae, repenting for the blood of the foul offspring the group killed.

He'll offer healing and help but refuse to speak to the antipaladins. He touches lightly Adowyn's shoulder to inspire her the glory of Iomedae.

Touch of Glory: +6 on your intimidate check if the GM allows it.

Is anyone harmed? Pierre will heal anyone from the party, of course :)

Zahir stands beside Adowyn and stares menacingly at the prisoner, his two bloody short swords still in his hands.

Intimidate (aid another): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

I finally had time to go through the alignment part of the guide. The guide refers to 'killing of an innocent', which they are for sure not. They are evil, the captured, enslaved, maybe killed monks and who knows who else. From GM point of view there is no reason to stop Dexter. I'd have intervened if Dexter were member of the Silver Crusade faction or LG aligned, but he's not. And it seems you found a solution ;)

Adowyn ties up one of the antipaladins and heals him up so he can talk. The man, still bleeding and looking out of a swollen eye laughs (he has several teeth missing) and says "He's not like us. Compared to him we are just assistants. He's the priest! Face him in the Toxic Shrine down the tunnel to the west!"

The group moves on, further down the tunnel to the west and after 500 feet you finally reach the room at the end of the tunnel.

Greenish filaments crisscross this flooded chamber, whose pools of murky water release strange, foul-smelling fumes. Large boulders protrude from the water, many covered in profane markings and bloodstains.

On one of the stones in the water you spot the leader, a warpriest equipped with a greataxe, wearing a breastplate and a silver unholy symbol of Rovagug.

Round 1
Zahir
Adowyn
Julian
Dexter
-----
?
-----
Pierre
-----
Tasutek

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Dexter uses his wand, then approaches.

Divine Favor. Move action.

Just before continue through the tunnels, Adowyn gives a potion of mage armor to Leryn. (who now have AC 21)

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19 +3 of the aspect of the falcon, total of 22.

When see what would be the leader of the bandits, without saying a word, Adowyn suddenly fires two arrows against him.

mwk composite longbow + Aspect of the Falcon - Deadly Aim - RS #1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 252d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 1) + 2 = 8

mwk composite longbow + Aspect of the Falcon - Deadly Aim - RS #2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 182d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1) + 2 = 5

Just after the last arrow fly in the air, she noticed an unnatural thing and alerts her fellows: "Be careful! A creature lurks in the water and it constructed a web just above the water's surface", Adowyn points in the creature's direction in the water.

Leryn moves fast, as a feline that he is. Double move.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Zahir looks in the direction pointed by Adowyn and nods. He then casts a defensive spell on himself and moves towards the warpriest.

Shield of faith

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

"Say what? A web?"

Julian looks at the water's surface, but doesn't notice a web. "Where exactly? Is it all over the water, or in just one area?"

He decides to stay out of the water for now, and double moves toward the enemy's leader.

Dexter moves closer while Adowyn shoots two arrows at the warpriest. Both hit. Zahir looks around but does not see what Adowyn just spotted and casts a spell on himself. Also Julian does not see the web and moves closer.

Suddenly an horrific ugly creature gets up to the water's surface, opens its mouth and spits a web ball at Julian.
RTA: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
DC16 reflex or be entangled

everybody: please make a DC13 Will save vs. Horrific Appearance

Round 1
Zahir
Adowyn
Julian
Dexter
-----
Qlippoth
-----
Pierre
-----
Tasutek -13HP

the red dotted line marks the web area in the water

Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Save will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 To identify the creature

"Be blessed by the grace of Iomedae!" says the cleric, tryinf to catch up the others.

Wand of Bless! Please don't forget it :)

Adowyn's Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Leryn's Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Pierre catches up with the others and moves into the cave. The warpriest suddenly starts to sing an enchangint song in a deep voice.

Round 2 (+ bless)
Zahir
Adowyn
Julian
Dexter
-----
Qlippoth
-----
Pierre
-----
Tasutek -13HP

Charisma: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4

This sounds important. I think I'll use my shirt re-roll on this.

Charisma: 1d20 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (3) - 2 + 3 = 4

Effffff... Do I get to take my turn normally?

Charisma: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

"Humph! A Thognorok Qlippoth, an evil outsider! It has fire, acid and electricity resistance, so that you know, folks!"

Adowyn's Cha: 1d20 ⇒ 13 4 HD
Leryn's Cha: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (14) - 3 = 11 4 HD

Adowyn continues firing arrows against the cleric, now blessed by Pierre.

mwk composite longbow + Aspect of the Falcon + Bless - Deadly Aim - RS #1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 192d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 2) + 2 = 8

mwk composite longbow + Aspect of the Falcon + Bless - Deadly Aim - RS #2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 172d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 1) + 2 = 8

Leryn jumps to the "island" where Tasutek stands and bites him.

Acrobatics check, if needed to jump there:

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Then, the attack:

Bite atk + Bless: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 151d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Trip, if hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Ref vs Entangled: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Will vs Horrific Appearance: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Sickened for: 1d6 ⇒ 4 rounds

Julian manages to dodge the creature's web, only to be sickened by its disgusting appearance.

Will vs Enthralled: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
What does being enthralled do, I can't seem to find it? (Not sure if I do what I want to do this turn.)

Enthrall it's not dangerous, you just can't take any actions while the warpriest sings

Charisma Tasutek: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13

While Julian listens to the speech of the warpriest Pierre, Dexter and Adowyn start to jeer and hackle. Finally they stop the warpriest's singsong.
More rounds enthralled: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Adowyn fires two arrows at the warpriest and both arrows hit. Leryn jumps across the water and tries to get hold of the man, bit misses.

Round 2 (+ bless)
Zahir (will save required)
Adowyn
Julian sickened 4R, enthralled 3R
Dexter
-----
Qlippoth
-----
Pierre
-----
Tasutek -29HP

Did I mention that I don't like playing characters with spells? Too complicated...

Dexter circles the qlippoth, draws a javelin, and tosses it at the creature.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Will save DC 13: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Charisma check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Indifferent to the qlippoth's horrific appearance, Zahhir moves closer to the warpriest and casts another spell.

Divine Favor

I can't move my token right now, could someone move it 3 squares west of Julian (in Leryn's place as it is now attacking Tasutek)

Moved you

Dexter swings at the creature in the water and hits, but the javelin does not cause as much damage as it should. DR Zahir moves closer to the warpriest and casts a spell.

The qlippoth opens its mouth again and spits a blob at Dexter, but the blob hits the floor and you see the acid melting away the stone.
RTA: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Round 2 (+ bless)
Zahir
Adowyn
Julian sickened 4R, enthralled 3R
Dexter
-----
Qlippoth -5HP
-----
Pierre
-----
Tasutek -29HP

Pierre blesses Adowyn's longbow, knowing a good aligned weapon might be useful to bypass the creature's natural resistances.

Casting Bless Weapon.

Psst, Bless Weapon does nothing for bows. You can put it on one piece of ammunition.

that's true, I'm sorry, I'll wait for a note if you want to redo your action or keep it

That's what happens when you post too hastily. Sorry for that.

Pierre casts guidance on Adowyn and moves further. It stacks with bless.

Pierre casts a spell on Adowyn and moves further while the warpriest suddenly touches the wolf in front of him.
MTA: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Fervor: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2
not sure if the wolf gets an Aoo, this is a special attack and not a spell, not sure if I need to roll a concentration check though, I think it's similar to the channel energy ability of a cleric

Round 3 (+ bless)
Zahir
Adowyn (+guidance)
Julian sickened 3R, enthralled 2R
Dexter
-----
Qlippoth -5HP
-----
Pierre
-----
Tasutek -29HP

Fervor is an Su ability, so doesn't provoke.

Deciding to leave the qlippoth to the archer, Dexter leaps across the water to engage the warpriest.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Attack: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 = 12

Dexter's attack hits the warpriest in the face and the man drops into the acidic water.

Round 3 (+ bless)
Zahir
Adowyn (+guidance)
Julian sickened 3R, enthralled 2R
Dexter
-----
Qlippoth -5HP
-----
Pierre
-----
Tasutek -29HP defeated

As Dexter defeated the warpriest, Adowyn turns her arrows against the qlippoth:

(cold iron arrows) mwk composite longbow + Aspect of the Falcon + Bless + Guidance - Deadly Aim - RS #1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 252d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 5) + 2 = 13

(cold iron arrows) mwk composite longbow + Aspect of the Falcon + Bless - Deadly Aim - RS #2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 92d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 3) + 2 = 10

Leryn jumps back and gets close to the hunter. Double move.

Acrobatics (jump back): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Seeing that the follower of Rovagug is no longer a threat, Zahir draws his shortbow and shoots an arrow at the qlippoth.

Composite shortbow (divine favor, bless): 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 24
Damage (divine favor): 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 = 6

Julian pukes, then grins blissfully. "What a wonderful song that was!"

Sickened and enthralled make for a weird combination... <.<

While Julian pukes and claps for the warpriest's speech at the same time Adowyn shoots two cold iron arrows at the creature in the water. One of the arrows hits and pierces the creature's shell. Also Zahir's arrow hits the beast, but leaves only a minor dent in the qlippoth's body.

The qlippoth swims to the shore and bites puking Julian.
Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 + poison, Fort DC14 to resist

Round 3 & 4 (+ bless)
Zahir
Adowyn (+guidance)
Julian sickened 2R, enthralled 1R
Dexter
-----
Qlippoth -19HP
-----
Pierre

Dexter tries to jump over the water...

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Shirt Reroll: 1d20 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 3 = 30

...and runs past Julian to strike at the creature.

On my phone. Want to move just right of Julian, provoking an AoO.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 18 Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8

Pierre raises his arms and calls forth Iomedae's greatness, releasing a burst of healing.

"May Iomedae heal your wounds!"

Channel (excluding the Qlippoth): 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 2) + 1 = 6

Once he's done healing, the cleric steps back behind the rock.

Followed by Leryn, Adowyn gets more close to the creature, then shoots a single cold iron arrow against it.

(cold iron arrow) mwk composite longbow + Aspect of the Falcon + Bless - Deadly Aim: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 262d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 5) + 2 = 12

Leryn stands in front of his master, guarding her.

Readied action: bite the creature, if it enters in the Leryn's threatened area.

readied bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 81d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
trip, if hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Dexter jumps over the water, almost touching the acidic liquid, but finally makes it to the other side. He attacks the creature right away and hits. Pierre channels some positive energy on the group while Adowyn's arrow hits once more to kill the ugly creature.

combat over

I think we can waive the Aoos, beast is dead, you are the winners and no more encounters expected so any aditional damage on your characters are useles ;)

Upon defeating Tasutek and the qlippoth, you have eliminated the cult of Rovagug known as the Doomsday Knights once and for all. Any remaining prisoners emerge cautiously from the instant fortress, thank you enthusiastically, and accompany them back to Tar Kuata.

The commonly accepted path toward self-perfection rarely involves revelry, yet when you make your victorious return, even stoic Tar Kuata celebrates news of the cultists’ defeat. Bertrag narrates his account of your deeds, and Aeotsep warmly congratulates you on overcoming such a trial. Honoring their bargain, Itephta and Menkha formally transfer their Sky Key component to the Pathfinder Society. Itephta also gives you a sealed letter to deliver to the Society, extending his compliments and friendship. Finally, Itephta also offers them honorary admission to the monastery, should you wish to continue your studies.

When you present him with both the newly found piece of the Sky Key and the letter of praise from the monastery’s leader, Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir praises you for a job well done. He arranges to have a ship take him and several other agents to Absalom so that he might ensure the relic arrives safely. Acknowledging that additional security is always appreciated, he welcomes anybody who wish to join him.

For those with business elsewhere, he arranges for you transportation and wishes you the best wherever their next adventure takes them.

As soon as Adowyn's back is turned, Dexter slits the throat of the warpriest.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Pierre to his knees and prays hard as the sound of combat fades away in the caves. "Your glory shall be remembered, oh mighty one!"

Well done, folks! :) And thank you GM!