Forgeborn map Armorist(Symbiotic Knight) / Incanter 6 || HP 53/60; g
YESSAI TURN
MOVE: move to J12, acrobatics to avoid AoO if needed:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
STANDARD: Fear Shroud, up to three enemies within 10ft must make DC 16 Fort [fear] (and they have -2 to this save) or be Shaken for 1d4 ⇒ 3 rounds.
NOTE: Yessai has a lot of abilities that buff nearby allies, some that are always-on auras. if you are near Yessai, check the sheet to see if anything will help you (AC and whatnot). Yessai is a super complicated PC to play for someone who isn't familiar (i doubt most of us are).
for instance, all allies within 20ft of Yessai get +2 morale to AC and Will.
Yessai moves up the stairs and under the flying gargoyle. Meanwhile, the first Gargoyle starts flapping its boney wings, and flies over the pit before turning invisible.
The map has been updated. Jan's turn.
Okay, I was going to post, but... I'm trying to figure things out.
#1: How high up is the flying gargoyle that I can see, and how high up was the other one before it vanished? I want to do an AoE effect and need to know who I can get in it.
#2: G2 is listed as invisible, but I went through the thread and can't find when he turned invisible; my last action I charged and he was still visible, then on his action he did a full round of attacks (Here is his post). Did one of the other gargoyles cause him to turn invisible? Or is it a typo?
If G2 is NOT invisible:
"Krezen, you're in the perfect spot."
Jan ducks and weaves as he moves up the stairs.
Moving 10' to L8
Acrobatics to avoid an AoO, +5 Daredevil Boots:1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36
Jan twirls his quarterstaff two-handed, and thrusts the end in towards the golem's spinal column.
G2 used Invisibility as a Quickened Spell-like Ability, after making a full round of attacks.
Okay, I see. I was confused because nothing was mentioned about invisibility in the post covering the monster's turn.
Deranged_Maniac_Ben wrote:
G1 was about 20 feet up. G3 is a little higher, closer to 25 feet up. They can both be targeted by one AoO pretty easily.
Okay, that works. Since huge creatures are normally between 16' and 32' tall, I am assuming here that they are around average height, or about 24' tall.
Jan looks around, trying to figure out where the two gargoyles went.
Want to see if I can tell if they moved since they turned invisible. perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11Meh probably not.
Jan calls over to Krezen.
"Krezen! Do you still have a warm feeling of closeness in your bones?" bluff (to pass secret message):1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20 Secret Message: Is the bone gargoyle still next to you? (you'll need to roll perception)
GM: I know this will not happen during this post, but if Krezen tells me the gargoyle is no longer next to him then can we assume I will adjust my targeting to match? I would assume it has moved 5' back in this case.
Jan presses his hands together and stares upwards.
concentration dc 19 casting defensively:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
He points upwards, and a cloud of golden sparkles shoots upwards into the air.
Casting my SLA glitterdust. I will target the intersection between Hathor and I (i.e. between J11 and K10) and about 25 feet up. This should get all 3 creatures in the area of effect.
See my SIDE VIEW diagram. The black line on the side view is the area of effect.
If it turns out that they are only 20 feet tall then I will have it go off 20 feet up instead which will mean I do not get G3 in the area of effect.
When the sparkles settle Jan drats up the stairs past the gargoyle.
Using Acrobatics to move to L8 (Or L7 if the gargoyle has moved back 5 feet):
As Jan's glitter spreads throughout the chamber, all three gargoyles are outlined in the dust. The two that are invisible haven't moved since becoming invisible.
However, their lack of actual eyes renders them immune to the blinding effect of Glitterdust.
Meanwhile, Hozela runs up the stairs and starts hurling magic missiles at G3:
Hozela's check vs SR:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 force damage:3d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3, 2) + 4 = 11
Now it is De'arv'ki and Mundarion's turns, which any of you may take.
Mundarion continues to shoot at the golem above him.
Has gravity bow running so might as well keep going. Shooting at G3 just like last round. Using PBS, Arcane Strike, and also +2/+2 from Inspire Courage.
As Mundarion's arrow strikes the base of the gargoyle, its boney wings crackle, and its spine cracks clean in half! The skeleton ceases to flap its wings, and tumbles to the ground! When it lands, it sends a shockwave out 10 feet.
Everyone within 10 feet of where it landed who isn't flying (i.e., Jan, Yessai, Mundarion, De'arv'ki, Hathnor, and Hozela) make a DC 20 reflex save or take3d4 ⇒ (4, 4, 3) = 11 damage from a combination of the shockwave and debris.
Fragments of formerly-animated bone are strewn about by the crash, and the golem ceases to move.
G3 is now broken and out of the fight. The area where it landed is difficult terrain. De'arv'ki can shoot at another gargoyle instead, but it wouldn't matter since her shot missed anyways. Now, it would have been G3's turn., but since it is destroyed, it is Krezen's turn.
Actually, now that I think of it I'm not sure De would need to save either, since he is halfway up the wall.
If Mundarion's shot killed the gargoyle G3, can De switch targets to G1 for his shot? It should be still within 30 feet, so the roll would be the same.
Taking not of their advantageous position, Krezen smiles at the gargoyle - "Why would you put yourself in such a position? time to mow this one down Jan!" - and bashes it multiple times.
Actually, now that I think of it I'm not sure De would need to save either, since he is halfway up the wall.
If Mundarion's shot killed the gargoyle G3, can De switch targets to G1 for his shot? It should be still within 30 feet, so the roll would be the same.
Yes, De can shoot at G1 instead. I was mistaken a couple posts back when I said a 22 missed--it hits (that's what I get for posting updates when I can't check my notes for their statblocks, gah.)
De'arv'ki's shot damages the flying gargoyle, though it survives.
Krezen's first attack manages to crack the gargoyle's limbs, but it is still standing. His second and third attack are ineffective.
Sorjla, meanwhile, flies down and lands next to Yessai and Krezen, before firing her bow at the flying gargoyle:
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
...but her arrows seem ineffective against it.
The second gargoyle, the one on the ground, prepares a flurry of attacks. It swings its claw at Krezen:
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
...and its other claw at Sorjla:
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
...while leaning over to bite at Yessai:
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
...and swinging its poison-tipped tail at Jan!
stinger:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Forgeborn map Armorist(Symbiotic Knight) / Incanter 6 || HP 53/60; g
so the map is correct in that the only enemy Gemheart could see is... broken on the floor? and it would appear that people are being cut my invisible forces/enemies?
if hit, the target's space becomes overgrown with crystal and becomes difficult terrain (though I imagine this would fall at some point). It isn't spelled out in the rules for the ability, but gravity does exist, I assume.
furthermore, the gargoyle must make a Reflex save DC 17 or be entangled (as the condition) unable to move. Then it makes another REF DC 17 (with a -2 due to the entangled condition's DEX penalty) or plummets to the ground (unless its flight is magical).
On its turn, it can take a move action to break free, using Escape Artist or a STR check, either one DC 17; or deal 18 damage to the crystal, which otherwise disappears after 1 minute.
reflex save:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Gemheart's attack causes some scratches on the gargoyle, though its bones are resilient enough to resist most of the damage. Its unexpectedly quick flight allows it to evade entanglement, and Gemheart's crystals fall into the pit below with a clunk.
It is now Hathnor's turn (which any of you may take, as his stats are on the campaign info tab), followed by Yessai's turn (which any of you can take, due to OSW's absence. Or I can take Yessai's turn if necessary. One of you should take Hathnor's turn, though.
Though she too is unable to cause the creature much harm due to its resilience.
The flying gargoyle stops flapping its wings, and vanishes with a crackle of lights before reappearing on the lower steps, between Gemheart and De'arv'ki--it can teleport! Upon landing, it rattles its teeth at Gemheart but does not have time to actually attack.
What happens next depends on if he is still standing.
----
If G2 is down:
Jan darts past the ruins of the dead gargoyle, trying to get to the one remaining beast. He ducks, trying to stay out of the hands of the gargoyle as he approaches.
Moving towards gargoyle 1. If the rubble of the dead gargoyle counts as difficult terrain I can get to I 11; if it is not difficult terrain I can get to H 12. acrobatics to avoid AoO -5 full speed +5 daredevil boots:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31
"We need to bring it down somehow - arrows do close to nothing!" - Krezen roars, drawing his own bow and shooting a single arrow at the remaining opponent.
Krezen's arrow is barely able to scratch the gargoyle. Sorjla steps to the west, and unleashes a burst of positive energy on the group.
Channel energy to heal everyone within 30 feet (i.e. everyone), except the gargoyle. healing:3d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 4) = 7 Now it's Gemheart's turn.
Getting that error again where i cant post in gameplay. I hit submit and it acts like i hit preview and wont post for real.
attacking G1, preview shows 18 ranged touch to hit and 16 piercing damage
if hit, the target's space becomes overgrown with crystal and becomes difficult terrain (though I imagine this would fall at some point). It isn't spelled out in the rules for the ability, but gravity does exist, I assume.
furthermore, the gargoyle must make a Reflex save DC 17 or be entangled (as the condition) unable to move. Then it makes another REF DC 17 (with a -2 due to the entangled condition's DEX penalty) or plummets to the ground (unless its flight is magical).
On its turn, it can take a move action to break free, using Escape Artist or a STR check, either one DC 17; or deal 18 damage to the crystal, which otherwise disappears after 1 minute.
reflex save:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
The gargoyle is somewhat damaged, but avoids being entangled by the crystal, though its space is now harder to move in.
It's already on the ground, so nothing falls.
Hathnor approaches the gargoyle, taking an attack of opportunity in the process:
Gargoyle's AoO against Hathnor:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Hathnor makes it to the gargoyle, and swings his hammer at the monster:
warhammer:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
causing some minor cracking.
Yessai moves onto the rubble and also swings her sword at the gargoyle:
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
but her luck isn't so good.
swings the other claw at De:
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
while its poisonous tail swings at Gemeheart!
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 3, 2) + 3 = 10 Gemheart must also make a DC 20 fortitude save vs its strength-reducing poison.
Jan is not nimble enough to avoid being exposed during movement:
gargoyle's AoO:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
though the creature's teeth aren't able to hurt the aasimar.
Ooh! Jan's quarterstaff barely cracks open the creature's spine, and it ceases to move. It is just barely broken!
Combat over: you won!
As the final gargoyle ceases to move, an eerie silence envelopes the Grand Stairway. The boney devil-creature is utterly still, yet its empty eye-sockets continue to glow with a dim red hue. But for now, at least, the way to the second floor of the Pyramid is once again clear.
After a few moments of exhausted panting, the dragonborn Hozela remarks timidly
"I--I am not sure I deserve to be fighting alongside thee anymore."
Those who inspect the shattered remains of two of the gargoyles, or the mostly-intact body of the third, discover
perception, 20:
The boney remains of these creatures are slowly becoming paler, and a bit translucent, as if they are disappearing slowly.
What remains of the golems' stingers are still wet with a fiendish poison, and, unlike the bones, it doesn't appear to be fading. You can recover 3d4 ⇒ (3, 2, 2) = 7 vials of their poison if you want.
However, these golems did not carry any weapons of their own, aside from their bodies. They don't seem to have any non-poison treasure on their remains.
Knowledge (the planes) 20
Spoiler:
The bones of the golems are seemingly evaporating, as they are sucked back to their native plane, as the nine hells reclaim the ruined remains of its chattel.
As Gemheart's and Jan's eyes seem off today, Mundarion examines the gargoyle's remains as well:
Mundarion's perception:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
And since his sight seems to be hindered by the mental exaushtion of the battle, Sorjla takes a look as well:
Sorjla's perception:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
As does Hozela...
Hozela's perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
"The gargoyle's remains, they are fading."
The dragonborn remarks,
"I cannot say to where, but they are dissipating slowly, either out of existence or to another plane. At least, the bones are. The poisonous stingers seem solid. If any of you deal in poisons, you might be able to recover some. These creatures seem to have nothing else of value, as their bodies were their weapons, and they are fading. "
Sorjla, in spite of her poor vision, comments
"In the decades I hath spent trapped in this demiplane, it is always one faction or another of the Pyramid's captives who seemed the most powerful. The inherent defenses of the Pyramid, such as the constructs that used to guard this stairwell, were always much less dangerous than the beasts thou hast just destroyed. What doth it mean if the Pyramid itself seems to be getting stronger? I knoweth not how it hath occurred or what it means. Perhaps one wiser in the lore of the Pyramid would know."
At any rate, there doesn't seem to be much more you can find in this chamber.
"Yep, I know close to nothing on poisons, and after this fight it would be stupid to kill myself" - he chuckles - "Though trading them for information would be a solid option if anyone would be interested"
"Well, that is that, then,"
Hozela responds.
"Some of my former comrades may be skilled with poison use, though they may be less than sympathetic to your goals. The leader of my tribe hath developed a cruel persona since entering the Pyramid, yet he and many of his followers seem content here. In any event, if it is still your desire to seek out the Otyugh Empress in the Shadow Halls on the third floor of the pyramid, the way forward now seems to be clear, at least back to the second floor."
Sorjla flutters around Krezen's head, and hums,
"I am drained and would need rest to recover my divinely granted energy."
You might also want to decide on a use for the large number of weaker NPCs following you. They're all non-gestalt and won't be leveling much if at all, so you may be able to think of something better than having all of them fight along side you.
So where are you going next? Up? Back to one of the factions on the first floor? Try setting up a base somewhere? <-- I think it was Gemheart who wanted to do that earlier, back when there were fewer friendly NPCs.
"The way seems to be clear for now. I think we should press on."
Jan turns to Sorjla and Hozela.
"Don't feel you need to fight alongside us. If your reserves are depleted, then just stay behind us. If a battle comes up try to stay out of sight. You can be useful in other ways."
I'm all for establishing a "base" but having fought past these guys I don't want to have to fight through here again. We may as well continue for now and "park" the NPCs later when we get a chance.
Beyond the door, on the second floor, a 20-foot wide corridor stretches to the south. It ends in a set of double doors. Just past the entrance to this floor, a second corridor leads to the east. Seven leering, aberrant faces hang on the walls here. Or, they might be leering, but the faces seem to be dead now. Two flank each door, and another three are evenly spaced along the western wall, across from the door to the east. The idols are vaguely humanoid, with long horns and mouths that gape open, revealing darkness beyond. Each face is 4 feet tall, with the mouth accounting for 3 feet of that length.
The floor is carved of marble, but has jagged cracks running throughout it, and shards of sharp rock just up from various places on the floor.
If you weren't looking carefully, your foot would fall on a sharp piece of marble. But since Gemheart has already been here and would presumably warn the others, you avoid stepping on a spike.
Gemheart:
Aside from the masks seeming more dormant, the chamber appears unchanged from when you were last here.
From the corridor to the east, there is a sudden clumping of boney paws against stone. Momentarily a group of four creatures run into view. They seem to be animated skeletons, but what should be their bones are black as obsidian. The skeletons, if that is what they are, resemble wolves. They speak in a deep eerie voice, though their words seem aimed at each other and not you.
"They come from above, take flight quickly! They would bring us back."
The wolves seem to be trying to dart around you, and run towards the grand stairway.
Reminder that a map of the second floor can be found in the campaign short description. You've just entered from the first floor, so you are at the northwest corner of the map (the door to the top of the Grand Stairway is just above A29-D29. The wolves are coming from the E35-M39 corridor to the east. The map only shows the parts of the floor which Gemheart and the others had explored before Jan and Krezen joined, so Gemheart knows the whole map whilst Jan and Krezen can only really see the chamber they are in and the immediate surrounding areas.
