The Red Arm of Absalom - Ongoing Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master GM Red

Once the party recovers, they proceed to a small study.

Maps of varying sizes drawn on paper, papyrus, and parchment of dozens of styles cover the walls of this chamber. Most of these bear sketched annotations of some form or another, and bare, rectangular spaces in the cartographic wallpaper attest to maps that have been hastily removed. An enormous parchment map of the Worldwound dominates the east wall above a solidly built wooden desk covered in a haphazard array of books and papers. Scores of charcoal symbols and indicators dot this map, pointing out sites of interest that are named less often than not. A hand-sized statue of a fiend stands on top of the desk.

The books are written in an odd mix of Abyssal, Common and Dwarven.

"This feels...wrong." Valais shudders. "We should not be here."

Among Thurl’s papers and scattered throughout the desk’s drawers are 2 magical scrolls.

Mr Peppers takes a look around the caldron area with his pretty blue eyes and his journal out to take down notes. "Could you please heal the wounded Tiff while I study the area? We shouldn't move on until we're well healed of course. Feel free to use one of my wands if needed."

Detect Magic and take 10 on relevant skills around the caldrons and at the imp-like creatures.

Once they're ready Mr Peppers stows his journal once more and heads warily to the small room beyond. "Let me have a look first before you head inside please." He scans again for his favorite auras while noting the books and maps with interest. K:Planes + Boon: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 2 = 12 He pauses for a moment but doesn't recognize the statue.

Can take 10 on the rest of the checks. K:Planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

He takes a while but studies the notes and especially the scrolls (which he stows on himself...) and reveals what they say... Read spoilers cept the first DC23 K:Planes

Int, Druidic, Grippli: 1d20 + 0 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 0 + 2 + 2 = 5
Bebop hops from Tiffany's shoulder onto a book. "I know, Bebop. I don't know why I even tried figuring what was written in here!"

"What's wrong, Valais? Was this Thurl's office or something? It sure looks like an office! Not that I'd know, I mean, an office of mine would resemble something much more grand. Chic, if you will," she says with a curtsy.

I'll leave the scrolls to Dr. Pepper. ...And ninjaed 20 seconds. Nice one.

Edit
"Oh, right, let me tend to those wounds, guys. La la la..." Tiffany pulls out her wand and nurse hat, then taps Uesugi and Gallix a few times.
CLW Gallix: 5d8 + 5 ⇒ (3, 6, 3, 6, 6) + 5 = 29
CLW Uesugi: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (8, 8) + 2 = 18

"Ah! Much better. Thanks, Tiff!" Gallix stretches his shoulders as his wounds heal. "Now, let's see what's in these notes, eh, Peps?"

Linguistics, knows Common: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19

Valais stares at Tiffany. "You don't feel it? The malevolence?" She is unable to get more specific, and as she looks towards the entrance to the office she mumbles "Fools, bow to your superior!"

Small vermin have been following the party ever since they blew the gorgon statue off its hinges, feeding on the filth strewn about. But Thurl's office remains spotless. In fact you see insects and rats fleeing the room altogether.

While reading the scrolls and translating Thurl's notes, his knowledge of demonology goes beyond mere curiosity. Did he worship Baphomet? What did he keep secret from the Pathfinders? And who is this powerful ally?

2 more evidence points! That's 3 total so far.

As Mister Peppers finishes research, he takes a closer look at the statue. He has no idea what it is, but he does notice the carved mouth begins to move. Everyone hears it speak!

"Ah, Thurl, you’re back. I trust your little vacation to Jormurdun was pleasant and that my brethren did not demolish your laboratory in their conquest of Nerosyan. Now that I know where you are, I shall join you shortly. There are plans in motion that go far beyond our original compact, and I wish to make you a part of them."

The ground begins to shake. "He approaches." Is all Valais can mumble as the ground starts shaking. Something terrible is approaching...

You have plenty of time to turn and leave the laboratory. The incoming threat is beyond your capabilities to handle.

Mr Peppers' eyes go wide with trepidation "Ummm I don't like the sound of that, maybe we need to go.. now!" He grabs a few of the more important and incriminating documents and prepares to bolt back towards where they came.

"Time may be of the essence here, lets gather what we can for intel so we can get outta here!"

D. turns, knowing survival can sometimes call for a timely withdraw to fight another time.

"Agreed."

Tiffany thinks about toppling the spooky speaking statue, but bolts out behind Sir D, tying her purple nobles' robe tightly around herself to benefit aerodynamics. "Valais, come on, run! Damn, that thing was creepy!"

Uesugi withdraws his blade and guards the others while they gather whatever evidence they can. "Let us hurry. Facing off
against an Oni lord would not be wise especially with the information we have uncovered."

As you make your way out of the laboratory, you feel the ground rumble and shake. Several of the abyssal larva cases topple over and shatter upon the ground. Valais alternates between "We gotta get out of here! PRAISE HIM! Bow to you superior and beg for mercy! " as she runs upstairs. A cave in blocks off the northeastern passage. As you reach the stairs you hear a horrific, unnatural scream. "THURL! Where are you? We have much to discuss!" With the information you've collected you are not turning back, and you never get to see whom is calling Thurl's name.

As you emerge from the laboratory into the maze, you notice the walls extending into the horizon. A beast roars. As you travel through the maze, the source of the roars become clear:

A ghost of a minotaur emerges. "Hear me, enemies of the beast! I am Karsos, and you will pay for threatening my lord and master!"

The beast is hostile. Some of you have a chance to convince him to prioritize other teammates first.

GM, could Tiffany have conveniently quaffed her potion of Magic Fang before entering the maze? :)

"We're gonna pay? Do we get a discount, like that time I bought two frilly dresses as part of a buy-one-get-one sale? What ever do you mean? Please take this up with Uesugi first!" Tiffany demands.

Diplo: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Knowledge:Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 Mr Peppers is far too much into 'flight' mode to recognize the ghostly figure for exactly what it is.

"You have no quarrel with us, let us pass in safety, there is something coming that does not wish to speak rationally!" Diplo Aid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

"Peppers be ready with the shugenja wand this creature is living evil. We have not insulted or harmed your master and lord. We were here in search of some of other companions but have found no trace of them. We ask you to let us pass. Any quarrel you have is not with us."

diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

I reckon it has 3 or 4 CHA mod. We're looking at a DC 23/24 diplomacy. Unless already hostile, then it'd be out of our capabilities.

Aid diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 19
I have to play nice to an evil spirit....

"Your appearance speaks volume, spirit. We have no reason to lie, in knowledge of your prowess."

The ghostly image snorts. "No harm to my lord?" He glances at the smashed remains of the bull-and-dwarf statue. "Is that what you thought when you destroyed my master's mural? May your souls wander this maze throughout the afterlife!"

He lifts his axe and yells.

Round 1
Mr. Peppers
Uesugi
Sir D
Karsos
Tiffany
Gallix

Valais dives behind a wall as she realizes combat is imminent. Uesugi's instincts hold true, good thing he alerted Mr Peppers.

Sir D is alert as always.

Mr Peppers quickest on the draw, hauls out Uesugi's holy wand and attempts to get it to grant its blessings to the dull gray katana. "Hope this works..."

UMD Wand of Bless Weapon, DC20: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27 Wow! Finally a timely roll!

"Whoever said it was us who destroyed it?"

Empowered sand bullet, BB: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 25 Dmg: 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 5, 3) + 9 = 18
With bonuses, that's 31 dmg, magical.

Uesugi does not even hesitate as the spirit's rage takes hold of it. In shorter than a single breath he draws his katana watches it glow with an ethereal yellow haze - signaling Mr. Peppers' success with the holy wand - and propels his body forward into air at the spirit. His katana cutting through air

"Know this oni you have sealed your fate. When you greet your lord tell him he does not know who he deals with before he reduces you to nothingness for your failure."

Challenge this spirit

katana 1st strike '2hand'+p.a: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 11 - 2 = 21
If hit=True Cornugan Strike (demoralize): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 6 + 6 = 25

katana 2nd strike '2hand'+p.a: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 - 2 = 8
If hit=True Cornugan Strike (demoralize): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 6 + 6 = 22

With Mr. Peppers's help, Uesegi slices through Karsos, scattering some of his ethereal mass into the the air. Sir D blasts him further.

Karsos lifts a chain around his neck, revealing an amulet in the shape of an inverted pentagram. "Curse all of you in the name of Baphomet!"

Will Save DC 15 for halve 3d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 2) = 8 negative energy damage.

He then sneers and retreats behind a wall. Uesugi gets an AoO.

Round 1
Karsos (27 damage)
Tiffany (8 damage)
Gallix (4 damage)

Round 2
Mr. Peppers (8 damage)
Uesugi (8 damage) (Can take an AoO)
Sir D (8 damage)

Does he move through a wall or go around?

He moves through the wall.

Will for half: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Damn, incorporeal really does a number on our damage output. :)

D. takes the dmg like a boss, slightly annoyed, but not showing it.
He heads forward, to near Gallix, readying a blast.

1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 28 3d6 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (1, 5, 6) + 9 + 4 = 25

I rolled everyone's Will Saves, so don't worry about that. Only Gallix resisted.

Seeing the creature flee Uesugi cuts through the mass of air that composes its body.

katana 1st strike '2hand'+p.a: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 2 = 23
If hit=True Cornugan Strike (demoralize): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 6 + 6 = 21

Mr Peppers frowns "Definitely incorporeal... need magic weapons or magic to harm it. That sword seems to work well though. Here." Mr Peppers pulls out another wand and taps Uesugi with it, helping to protect him from evil.

Protection from Evil, 1min

"Hunt smart, stay together."

"Alright guys, I've gotta do something totally weird. You may not recognize me anymore, but I'll be back, promise!" Tiffany shuts her eyes and takes on a shadowy black color. Two wings sprout from her shoulders and a beak forms on her face. Her waxy green screen grows feathers, and her hands turn into talons. When she fades back into view, she's not a grippli at all, but an eagle - with a coral bowtie in its wing.

She cocks her head as if to say Look at me, look at me! and then takes flight.

Standard to Wildshape, Move action to fly up 30 feet (or as high as this room allows if the ceiling is < 30 feet)

sorry I looked at the map an it seems like there is a wall stopping us from getting to the part where the ghost went. Is this correct cause I'm not sure where to move to?

Uesugi: You are correct, the ghost phased through a wall, so you can't go there directly. You know which way it went, so you can try to move in that direction. Based on how far you travel more of the map will be revealed.

Uesugi slices into the apparition as it retreats. Tiffany turns into an elegant eagle and flies thirty feet up, right below the ceiling. She peers over the walls and sees the minotaur's horns behind a wall.

"Tiffany direct me to the oni if you are able to see it." Uesugi heads off in the direction of the minotaur doing his best to hunt the creature down.

double move

If we aren't still in combat, or even if we are at this point, Mr Peppers stows the Bless Weapon wand and activates the Prot Evil wand on himself next, then Gallix, then D, then if in reach the bird. If something dramatic happens I reserve the right to change that!

Gallix smiles as the ghostly minotaur retreats through the wall. "Good choice to run before I got to you, Bessie. Now get over here so I can tan your incorporeal hide. I'd love to make myself a new pair of boots!" Gallix pops a cigarette in his mouth and lights up, beginning his transformation and increasing his musculature. As he takes his first few puffs, he runs after Uesugi. "I got your back, buddy. Let's bust some ghosts!"

Starting up my Mutagen for the next hour. Gives me 40ft movement. AC19 from natural armor bonus. More when I actually get into melee range.

As the ghost emerges from a wall, Sir D blasts it with more telekinetic force.

He reaches out and tries to touch Uesugi, reaching into his very soul.

Ghost Touch: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Ghostly Damage: 9d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 6, 2) = 29 Fort Save DC 18 for half damage.

Round 1
Karsos (41 damage)
Tiffany (8 damage)
Gallix (4 damage)

Round 2
Mr. Peppers (8 damage)
Uesugi (8 damage, Fort Save DC 18 to halve 29)
Sir D (8 damage)

Tiffany watches on in horror as Uesugi is sapped of his life force.

Maybe I should have stayed down there and helped. No matter, I can fight just fine from here! They're gonna LOVE this.

She stretches her wings out and swoops ahead, then begins cawing madly at the ghost - but her cawing isn't just noise, it's similar to the verbal components for a spell, and her wings move in erratic patterns making up the somatic.

You bastard, take this!

A surge of static electricity coalesces into a broad, searing hot bolt, which strikes the ghostly minotaur in the head.

Caster check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Lightning Bolt: 5d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 4, 3, 3) = 14

Use Natural Spell to cast Lightning Bolt. DC 16 Reflex halves. Those rolls though...

Did Tiff just cast lightning bolt as a bird? You don't see that everyday... Mr Peppers smiles a bit seeing the bolt of lightning and nods along "Lay into that thing quickly!" He concentrates a moment and speaks his Elven words and flicks four fingers at the small bit of ghostly Minotaur leg he can see around the corner.

Casting Magic Missile with +1 CL: Caster Check/Damage: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 244d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3, 3, 1) + 4 = 12

Move, cast and use 1 arcana for +1 CL on magic missile

"There you are!" Gallix steps up in a flash and lays into the ghost with all he's got. Thankfully, he's maintained enough of his wits to use magically empowered attacks, so he lays into the minotaur purely with his enchanted mithral cestus.

5ft step; Brawler's Flurry, Mutagen, Outslug Style all in effect. All attacks are magical.
AC20 this round from Nat Armor and Outslug dodge bonus

Flurry MCestus, Mutagen: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 12 - 2 + 2 = 22 Damage, Mutagen, Outslug: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 15
Flurry MCestus, Mutagen: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 - 2 + 2 = 29 Damage, Mutagen, Outslug: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 15
MCestus, Mutagen: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 2 = 23 Damage, Mutagen, Outslug: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 14

As attacks are unleashed like a dog upon a fox, D. steps 5ft past Mr. Peppers.

Air humming again, he blasts off another one.
Empowered sand bullet, BB: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 33 Impact: 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (4, 4, 5) + 9 = 22

+50% & 4 burn for 37.

Crit??: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 24 Extra: 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (2, 1, 6) + 9 = 18
+50% and 4 burn for another 31.

Unfortunately....incorporeal = immune to crits. XD

BZZT.. CRUNCH.. ACTIVATING UESUGI BOT

Fort Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Uesugi resists the soul-sucking touch! "Oni your attacks cannot penetrate my soul. You will fail soon and be purged from this place."

Uesugi's blade blurs across the maze, so fast that it nearly melds with the ethereal walls themselves. He slices directly for the ghostly creature's snout.

katana 1st strike '2hand'+p.a: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 - 2 = 29
If hit=True Cornugan Strike (demoralize): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Crit: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 11 - 2 + 2 = 14
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 6 = 19
Crit damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 6 = 19

katana 2nd strike '2hand'+p.a: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 6 - 2 = 23
If hit=True Cornugan Strike (demoralize): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Crit: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 2 + 2 = 19
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 6 = 12
Crit damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 6 = 15

ERROR.. CRITICAL HITS DENIED.. DEACTIVATING. SPLOOSH

Save those crits for your corporeal enemies!

Everyone seems ready to destroy this ghost, banishing it to whence it came.

Reflex Save, DC 16: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 The beast dodges most of the lightning bolt, but he's not ready for the rest of the attacks. Sir D, Uesugi and Gallix pummel the ghostly apparition.

Mister Peppers knows ghosts are fully affected by force bolts, so he hits the beast head on. With a final roar, the minotaur bellows "This maze is mine! A gift from Demon Lord Baphomet! It is mine, eternal!" Karsos fades away, seemingly confident despite his defeat.

Combat Over

"Is it... over?" Valais peeks her head behind a corner. You already see some of the walls fading away from the maze- no doubt an effect of the minotaur's haunted influence.

Without his profane influence, you are able to escape through the basement entrance. Valais hesitates.

"No, I cannot. I don't...I don't know what I am anymore. How can I face the outside world?"
What will you do with Valais? She clearly doesn't want to leave. You'll want a Diplomacy check to convince her.

Sorry I posted this morning but I guess it didnt get posted after all. Good rolls Roboshark! ALSO: Please add another 6 damage fir each hit. I challenged the mino spirit.

"It is over Venture Captain," the samurai sheathes his katana."Where shall we head to now?"

"Look, Valais, the way I see it, you gotta make yourself useful, no matter what your circumstances, and I can see a couple ways for you to do that. One, you stay here and do what you can to purge this place of all this mess that Thurl has been up to. Or two, you come with us to Jorsal's lodge, where you can give them information on what Thurl has been doing and let them handle the rest." He takes a step closer to her and lays a hand on her shoulder. "If you want my opinion, I'd say get outta here and go stay at Jorsal's lodge. You might even meet a mage of some sort over there that could help you disguise... er... what Thurl did. If you want," he adds quickly.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

"Try looking at it this way. It is still you, in that body. Since what did i say earlier, deeds, not appearance."

"And you could even wear a veil or something similar."

Tiffany swoops back down, landing next to Mr. Peppers, and sheds her feathers and wings, turning back into her familiar grippli form. "Well that was fun! I only wish I got to use a little more eagle magic, but you guys are just too fast. No one messes with the Red Arm!"

She walks over to Valais and places her green hand on her shoulder opposite Gallix. "You're safe now, girl. But you can't just stay here, not after everything you've been through. Come on, we'll get you out of here. Like Gallix says, Venture-Captain Jorsal will definitely be able to help you out with your situation!"

Diplo Aid, Guidance: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Uesugi looks on as Valais hesitates "You are unsure what to do Venture Captain? You are a Pathfinder. We must report must we not and you cannot be turned out. WE must cooperate with one another and turning on backs on a Pathfinder in need is not our way. Come with us Venture Captain Jorsal will help you through this."

diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Encouraged by the Red Arm (plus Tiffany), Valais nods and follows out of Thurls lodge. Some people do look at her with a mix of confusion and fear, but you are able to reach the Starrise Spire without trouble.

That's 2 more evidence points. That's 5 total!

---

Venture-Captain Jorsal offers his hand. "Valais. I promise you we'll do everything in our power to help you. I don't know if we can restore you, but you are a Pathfinder. We don't let anyone behind." She replies with a clawed hand, which he shakes without an ounce of hesitation.

"Yes. I am a Pathfinder." She grins before leaving the briefing room. You have never seen her walk with such enthusiasm before.

Jorsal turns to you. "Good job, Pathfinders. Your act of humanity has impressed me. Thank you."

Venture-Captain Jorsal looks out the window and clears his throat. "That confirms it; Thurl is a traitor, my hunch was correct. But I did not expect this level of corruption. How many years did he know about Sky Citadel Jormurdun? Must have been long before the Society did."

"Ugh. And the experiments he performed. Dealing with fiends like that...what evil has he unleashed?" The captain paces the room for a bit, deep in thought. One of the cursed books falls over and breaks his concentration. "Rest for now, all of you. You deserve it."

The sun rises the next morning. You live another day, but the experience in Thurl's lodge is not easy to forget.

The End

That's it, folks. Good job, Red Arm! Any downtime activities you guys are doing?

Yes, i'll have to recruit more staff.

Faction card: Forgo your Downtime to reinforce your political connections. Doing so requires a successful Knowledge (local) or Knowledge (nobility) check (DC 21 = 15 + your character level).

know:local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

No downtime stuff here. Thanks for running, Chadius! That was a cool one!

I think most card objectives can be completed while also doing your day job fyi.

Also to second Gallix: Great game, a bit fast paced but fun. I was very concerned with the first fight. Golems suck. I guess I'll need to learn some no SR spells besides glitterdust.