The Red Arm of Absalom - Ongoing Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master GM Red

Sirettis sighs. "Finally. Uesugi, she has fallen asleep. I can disarm her, as it will be difficult to see her without darkvision. Go help our allies."

Sirettis flies up to the woman, kicks her weapons off the rooftop, and begins looking for the Runcarved Key.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

"Hmpf. Not trivial. Isa, do you see anything?"

"Darkness, darkness and more darkness." Isa chirps.

Gallix leans his head one way, then the other, stretching the muscles in his neck and allowing his vertebrae to crack a bit as he steps deftly along the roof and prepares to remove the green caster from the roof. ”Buh-bye,” he says as he stands over the man and raises his foot to begin stomping out a rhythm on his face.

Brawlers flurry, mutagen, inspire courage, good hope, haste
AC 24 this round

Flurry Unarmed strike: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 10 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 18 Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 18
Flurry Unarmed strike: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 10 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 21 Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 15
Iterative Unarmed strike: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 15 Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 17
Haste Unarmed strike: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 30 Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 13

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

“Don’t worry Isa, the mighty dragon sees the key!” Longjing sweeps down to pick it up and flee with it.

Cup makes her way out of the darkness, and then sees the two cultists hanging by their fingers on the roof. “You are on this gnome’s naughty list.”

She casts grease right under their fingers.

Yes, Pep made them fall with grease. Let’s see if they can keep sliding. DC 16.

D. heads west, and readies a blast for the 1st cultist to start casting.

Sorry I've been awol, I think I have the flu.

Seeing things more or less in hand, Mr Peppers takes the time to convert a magic missile spell slot into arcane power. Just in case. "How's it hanging up there guys? You ready to submit?" He calls up to the well greased cultists.

To which the cultist named Marv yells in return: NEVAH!

Using resolve
Fort save #1 (Good Hope+Song) vs DC 24: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 29
Fort save #2 (Good Hope+Song) vs DC 24: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 19
Poison rd 3 need one more save. Str 11

As the samurai hears the THUMP of the shinobi falling asleep on top of the roof he does his best to concentrate his chi on fighting the poison effects. Beads of sweat appear all over of his body as he does his best to force the poison out of his system.

Hearing Spirit's call he attempts to move but is at a loss in the darkness. "I will need assistance to leave this darkness! Secure the key and move away, Spirit. The shinobi must die! Little Dragon guide me to her." he yells this and reaches out letting Little Dragon give instructions on where the thief lies. He kneels down and holds her firmly so she does not move.

Retcon: Was going to end my turn but I'll attempt to CDG in the darkness. I need to do 2 full round actions to perform this as per rules. One to find target and one to deliver it.

"Ah yes. I will help you off the roof. A moment, please."

Longjing locates the Runecarved Key buried in the assassin's clothes and grabs it in his beak!

Reflex to hold on, green: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Reflex to hold on, blue: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Falling damage: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 4) = 6
Gallix punches the green-robed cultist's hands ruthlessly. He loses grip and falls to his death thirty feet below. Splat!

Blue tumbles down after him, landing in the remnants of green's body. He begins to cast... Care to take that shot, D?

D. pops from invisibility.

"No you don't."

Regular sand bullet, PBS, overflow, burn bonus, inspire, GH: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 21 Impact, PBS, overflow, burn bonus, inspire: 4d6 + 5 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 6, 2, 2) + 5 + 1 + 4 + 2 = 24

+50% for 36.

The cultist has no time to realize D's blast of sandy death is destined for his face.

- Out of combat! - What will you do with the assassin?

'sugi wantd to CDG her. D.'s all for that too. :)

"We have the key. We must return to Heidmarch manor, quickly. Either tie up the thief or slit her throat, I care not." Sirettis grabs some rope and puts one end in Uesugi's hand. "If you are going to execute her, you will have to do this outside of the darkness. I can strangle her for you, if you wish."

Uesugi still holding the thief shakes his head at Spirit "No there will be no mercy for this one..." and plunges his blade deep into the chest of the thief.

CDG: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (8, 7) + 2 = 17 Katana has Deadly feature

DC21 Fort Save or Die

As Uesugi prepares to deliver a fatal blow to the assassin, you begin to hear screams of terror and otherworldly roars all around you ...

What is everyone else doing as Uesugi prepares his CDG?

Gallix hops down off the roof of the building, satisfied that the pesky cultists were down for the moment. Hearing the screams in the distance, however, he doesn't pause too long before he begins to move toward the sound of screams. "Good job, everyone. We have the key. Now, should we clear a path back to Heidmarch Manor or back to the cathedral?"

Sirettis applies the wand once more on herself.

CMW: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 = 9

The blood splatter matters not. She prepares to heal Uesugi when the sounds of the cultists echo through the area.

"Let us make way towards the Manor. We will have many cultists to kill on the way."

Mr Peppers perfect ears perk up at the sounds of things are aren't good "Oh, great, just what I hoped for... more mean, scary stuff!" He pulls out his healing wand and will give a hit to whoever is closest that looks more injured than himself.

UMD: Wand of CLW: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 191d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Not it! I didn't get hit too much there thankfully.
It was nice to help keep those casters on their heels throughout that fight. Definitely figured out I need to patch up my weakness with ranged combat though.

Fort Save, assassin: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Just after Uesugi drives his blade into the assassin's throat, she awakens, and with her final dying breath, she gurgles something cryptic.

"For ten thousand years we have slept, awaiting this day. Think not that you shall take it from us. You and I are merely pawns in a far greater game with a far greater purpose. In the name of the mouthless mistress to whom all fates are known, I damn you and all your descendents! Lissala, take my spirit to pay for my vengeance!”

As Longjing carries the Runecarved Key away in his maw, a portal appears just ahead of with a FWOOM. Then another pops open behind Sir D. Two more portals stretch open in the sky, untold masses of fiends and demons swarming out of them as Pathfinders fight on to stop the onslaught.

Three shadowy, demonic dogs step out of a set of nearby portals. If you want to take the Key with you, you'll have to defend it!

- Insert up to 2 rounds of buffs here prior to this fight - I have also repositioned most of you as I'd assumed you'd started to head out with Longjing and the Key.

____

Two of the shadow dogs gets the drop on the Red Arm. One charges at Uesugi...
Bite, Charge: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 2 = 221d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Trip: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

While the other opens its mouth and howls terrifyingly.
Everyone, Roll DC 16 Will or become panicked for 1d4 ⇒ 1 rounds

Runecarved Portal I
The whole party
Blue Dog

DC 20 Kn Planes. One question per 5 over DC! I'll figure out everyone's HP after this round depending on if you guys heal before this fight.

Sirettis ignores the woman's droning as the life bleeds our of her. She addresses Uesugi's wounds.

Healing: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (7, 3) + 7 = 17

She prepares to fly again as the portals open.

Will Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Annoyed by the howling, Sirettis flies 30 feet into the air and gauges the party's reaction.

I may cast Calm Emotions, based on how many people panic.

Will Save + Hope vs Fear, DC16: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 = 10

Prior to running for my life... Put this heal on whoever needs it, I'm barely scratched. Mr Peppers curses as his healing wand decides not to activate I must be getting rusty at this, come on now! He gives it another go as the sounds of screams grow closer. UMD + Hope: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 361d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

K Planes: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 = 17 "Scary dog scary dog! Run for your lives!"

I don't think I have any more buffs to apply to myself.

Will save, GH: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 = 19

Gallix grins through the howling. "Ah, c'mon, Peppers! Stick around for the fun!" With a step, Gallix moves closer to the shadowy dogs and starts throwing punches. Somehow, even from a pretty good distance away, his fists threaten to pound into the dog.

5ft step; Brawler's Flurry, Lunge, Outslug Style, Mutagen, Good Hope, Haste, Shield of Faith
AC 25 this round

Flurry +1 MCestus: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 21Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 17
Flurry +1 MCestus: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 22Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 19
Iterative +1 MCestus: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 15Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 14
Haste +1 MCestus: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 19Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 14

D. steps 5ft NE, to assist Gallix in hound slaying.

The air humming, he flings a sand bullet at the hound.

Will, GH: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 = 22

Sand bullet, overflow, burn bonus, PBS, GH: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 25 Empowered impact, overflow, PBS, burn bonus, good hope: 4d6 + 5 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (6, 1, 1, 2) + 5 + 1 + 4 + 2 = 22
+50% for 33. If the hound has a DR/magic, kinetic blast counts as magic to overcome that.

"Afraid of dogs? Why would I ever be afraid of..."

Will Save, Good Hope: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 = 12

"Eeeeeeeeeeeeek! That is a scary, scary dog!" Cup hightails it out of there.

"A mere dog would never terrify a dragon."

Will Save: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 2 = 14

"Wa-a-a-a-ait for me!"

Will, Good Hope: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 2 = 4

"WOOF!"

Oh boy! We get to run now!

Sirettis sees the fear in Mr Peppers, Miss Poshkettle, the Mighty Longjing and even Oolong. "Remain calm."

Sirettis will cast Calm Emotions on all four of them. The spread is a 20 ft radius burst. I'm not sure if they would run before she can move. So... place them whereever you want to, GM. I know they can willingly fail the save, but it's a DC 18 Will Save to resist.

Will save, Uesugi, GH: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6
Sirettis, want to target Uesugi with Calm Emotions instead of someone else?

Just let Mr Peppers run away. He can blast from far away anyhow. And its safer there...

Uesugi gets to his feet, drops his blade and flees at top speed along with Mr. Peppers, Cup, Longjing, and Oolong. As Uesugi is running, the shadow hound grabs his ankle and rips a chunk of flesh off.

Bite: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 2 = 321d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Crit: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 2 = 13

As far from the red dog as possible, Sirettis conjures a wave of magical calm. It washes over the four, and they realize their panic is misguided.

Sir D's attack would have been brutal, but he finds that it blends into the shadows making up the mastiff. Gallix has better luck, and knocks the blue pooch out with three quick jabs to its snout.

It seems they have a sort of concealment.

___
Next round

The two remaining dogs charge forth at their nearest targets: Sir D and Gallix.
Bite vs D: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 141d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Bite vs Gallix: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 251d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Trip: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

D dodges the slobbering fangs of one of the mastiffs, but Gallix isn't so lucky, and the dog's teeth sink into his thigh.

-- Bold is up --
Sir D (-1, 1 con dmg)
Mr. Peppers (-15)
Cup (-22)
Uesugi (-25)
Gallix (-20)
Sirettis (-9)
Longjing (-8)
Dogs

Sirettis sees even Uesugi is fleeing, and decides to calm him down rather than Mister Peppers. "You are a noble warrior, Sir Uesugi. Do not succumb to fear!"

"Do you feel the dogs' fear subsiding?" Sirettis continues to float above. "Good. I will release you from my trance." She stops concentrating and allows their emotions to return to normal.

Hover, DC 15: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Maintaining her position, Sirettis wills the dog attacking D to sleep.
Slumber Hex: Will Save DC 19 or fall asleep for 7 rounds.

After his brief jog, and seeing his healing wand on the ground way back near the dogs, Mr Peppers stops and rests his hands on his hips and takes a few breathes. "Well they aren't so scary once you get a bit of space between them and you right?"

He points four fingers at the red mutt and 4 missiles fly out to greet it. Casting Magic Missile: Caster Check/Damage: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 284d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3, 4, 2) + 4 = 15

If they had concealment, we're entitled for a roll for a miss chance, aren't we ?
I'm useless otherwise.

D. turns invisible, and moves to south of the red mastiff.

I rolled it for you. It's spoilered above.

I probably would have rolled a hit. :)
That aside, it's not a set concealment, as in: i'd -Always- miss?

Gallix has used lunge during the previous round. Does that mean he gets 10ft reach for the purpose of attacks of opportunity? If so...

+1 MCestus: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 24 Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 16

With a muffled scream of pain, Gallix shifts away from the dog’s snapping jaws and repays its bite with a barrage of fists.

5ft step; Brawler's Flurry, Outslug Style, Mutagen, Good Hope, Haste, Shield of Faith
AC 27 this round

Flurry +1 MCestus: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 24 Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 17
Flurry +1 MCestus: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 21 Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 14
Iterative +1 MCestus: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 32 Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 17
Haste +1 MCestus: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 37 Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 14

Concealment Miss<50: 1d100 ⇒ 51
Concealment Miss<50: 1d100 ⇒ 83
Concealment Miss<50: 1d100 ⇒ 59
Concealment Miss<50: 1d100 ⇒ 36

Confirm crit?: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 21 Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 18

Oops, I never rolled a K. Planes check to identify the creatures.

Knowledge(Planes): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16 Welp, I got nothing.

Mr Peppers watches on as Gallix the shadow boxing maniac starts throwing haymakers and jabs rapid fire Fists of fury right there!

Uesugi stops. Thankful of Spirit's. He turns around and looks at the creatures.

"More shadows? I would expect nothing less from these ones." Staring at his blade on the ground he reaches for his spare katana.

Will post later tonight

Uesugi charges right for the closest dog.

cold iron katana 1st strike '2hand'+p.a+charge+banner: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 - 2 + 2 = 9
miss chance 0-50: 1d100 ⇒ 43
If hit=True Cornugan Strike (demoralize): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
The pooch nearest Uesugi slumps down into a comfortable sleep while Gallix unleashes a combination attack of deadly punches. He takes down another dog!

Out of combat for all intents and purposes. Mr. Peppers keeps his MM.

We're at the point in the scenario where you're going to be fighting increasingly difficult waves of enemies. Up to Tier 12+. You have 2 rounds between waves to decide whether to continue and fight or summon Heidmarch's entourage and tap out. More fights = more successes = better overarching outcome, but does introduce more risk.

Gallix bends over, his hands on his knees, as he pants loudly in order to catch his breath. "Well, I think that's nearly enough for me. How about you guys? Whaddya say we call it a night before something really nasty pops up and eats us?" He pauses for a moment as he straightens up looks over toward whomever grabbed the Key last. "By the way, doesn't this seem like it's getting pretty intense for some old Key? Any of you guys have an idea why these cultists are causing such a ruckus about it?"

Mr Peppers cuts short his magic missile cast as Gallix pummels one and Sirettis puts the other to sleep. "Well, I'm down for a rest, its been a long couple days here. I'd love to take a look at that key up close and personal. Hopefully its not an artifact, those things aren't nearly so simple to figure out."

He beckons Longjing as he flies around with the key. "Come oh great dragon, lets have a look at that key!"

"I feel that Lady Heidmarch will know more about this item's significance. I hope it is worth the lives that were lost today." She hears the sounds of carnage. "Let us hurry to the manor before some powerful force overtakes us."

D. piles up the dead bodies, not with his own hands of course, perhaps new arrivals will think twice before coming the team's way.

As Longjing carries the key away, another group of Pathfinders wearing Heidmarch's official insignia notice your escape and rush into the area in time to stop the next band of enemies - what would've been a dangerous fight with three angry looking hellcats.

***OVERSEER POST***

A fanfare of trumpets blasts loudly, breaking through the roar of the combat and ringing of clashing blades. Leading a mounted battalion of armored warriors, Sheila Heidmarch and her husband charge through the streets, driving through the waves of summoned fiends and forcing them to retreat back through their gates to the netherworlds from which they were called. In a matter of minutes, their assault is complete and the streets fall quiet.

Sheila Heidmarch strides over to Prisim – ”You have the REAL Runecarved Key” then holds it aloft signifying a Pathfinder victory!

“Today, every one of you has contributed to a triumphant victory for our Society, and you have cemented our place in Magnimar. “I’m deeply honored that you have granted me your services. While my lodge is small, you have made it feel like a kingdom. Yet our victory today is somewhat bittersweet. It seems dark forces have surfaced in Varisia—forces which, before today, I was unaware of. I’m sorry to have thrown you headlong into the middle of such chaos. I have already sent word to the Decemvirate of today’s events and await their response. When I know more, I shall contact you, for I fear this key has somehow placed all of us in danger. Still, we should go forth, for now is the time to celebrate!”

***---***---***
Highest Point scoring tables by GM:
Redelia 121
Hmm 113
Aerondor 111
Silbeg 105
***---***---***

Thank you all so much for participating!

I would also like to express my gratitude to the fantastic set of GM’s and support crew I had working with me to make this a success, it really was a pleasure running this and that is certainly due to their fantastic efforts. Thanks also to the Online Venture Crew who always show enthusiasm and help pave the way for our events, and to Tonya for the Boons and Gift Certs.

And lastly – thanks to all the players out there (you!) who came in to this with a great attitude and really played in the spirit of it all, even when the Heidmarch family showed some total moral greyness!