The Righteous Shall Rise...

Game Master verdigris

Cole looks very angrily at Joran. "You could not have told us last night that it would be overly warm - so warm we would need protection? Your usefulness seems to be decreasing not increasing..."

Joran flushes and flinches in the face of Cole's anger, "I didn't really think abou it. I thought this would be the last we dwealt with, when we had time. There is still the vampire and his spawn to deal with."

Aasimarra waits to see if any magical protections are forthcoming before moving forward.

"If you want me to go first, I'll burn...I'll burn for you, Cole. Just tell me what you need," Aasimarra says, but then stops to think, almost ready to reach in to his 'sack.

"But if we need fire protection, I can make that happen. A good knight keeps many shields in his armory...and, this, I can do."

If no one else has Prot Fire, Aasimarra will Fast Study, Resist Fire Communal, and cast is upon the party. 10 minutes to Aasimarra, Cole, Ely, Jurin, Joran, & Kastor. Screw anybody that calls Serra 'Rusty'. They can burn. ;)

"Don't worry Serra, I can do this. I have just the thing."

Jurin roots around his pack quickly, looking for just the thing. With a flourish he pulls out an apron that says "Kiss the Cook" and ties it on.

"Ok, I'm ready."

18: Jurin:

"ok, then let's head in. There may be some of Aponavicius’ salamander guards inside. but likely they'll be down below. This opens onto a high terrace. There's a cage to help get to the floor, unless any of you can fly?"

After all of the buildup (once everyone is ready) opening the door is somewhat of a disappointment, is it is actually rather cool. A hallway leads out to a broadening terrace, and a 10foot cage, though, just as Joran described*. Beside the cage stand two fiery lizards.

Round 1, Init 12

Y'all have Resist Fire 20.

1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18 Know (Planes)

"Yep, salamanders."

Aasimarra nods at Joran, appreciating the redemptive nature of his information. Without it, he party might have burned, and burned badly. With it, their shiny valor would carry the day...Aasimarra was sure of it.

Not wanting to affect Cole's aim, Aasimarra draws his wand of magic missile and fires at S1.

2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 2) + 2 = 8 force damage

Round 1 Init 18

K. Planes: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24

"Are you sure Serra?"

Jurin casts a quick spell before melee is joined.

Intensified Shocking Grasp.

Round 1, so far

Jurin casts a spell and sizes up the 'Mander quartet.

The two creatures on the ground floor rush the elevator, while one of the creatures on top begins to work the apparatus to bring them up. The other moves into position to hold off the intruders.

Serra fires off a magic missile at ComMander, to clear the way.

Ely and Cole are up.I'll wait for them before Joran and Jestaka go.

Round: 1, Initiative: 14

Cole would have cast Aspect of the Falcon after opening the door. Was there time for that, or was initiative sudden? If the latter, the spell has not yet been cast. Just let me know.

Cole lines up the salamander, steps back to give himself some room, and attacks!
bow (magic, cold iron, good): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 2 = 29 (point blank, bolstering)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 = 10 (point blank)

bow (magic, cold iron, good): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 2 = 23 (point blank, bolstering)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 = 17 (point blank)

iterative bow (magic, cold iron, good): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 = 26 (point blank, bolstering)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 1 = 16 (point blank)

All at +1 to hit if Aspect was cast.

"Serra what manner of beast is this? Are they magical beasts or something else?"

Cole: If he casts it After the door opens, then he hasn't cast it yet. If he cast it before the door opens, then just subtract one round for that and he has it in place.

Cole drills the creature, (ComMander) with multiple arrows, wounding him deeply, but he still blocks the passage to allow his companion to keep raising the cage.

My plan was after the door opened, so it has NOT been cast as yet.

"Serra what manner of beast is this? Are they magical beasts or something else?"

Aasimarra looks at Cole, shakes his head.

"Salamanders, I guess. Joran says they are hot. They look hot to me. And somewhat lizardy, I guess. Uhm...don't touch them, maybe?"

Round 1, Init 16

Knowledge(Planes): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

Eli steps forward, unsure about the dynamics of the traveling into the next chamber. When he sees a pocket of salamanders, he waits for Cole to finish his work at a distance, so throws a thunderclap into their midst.

Sound Burst- 1d8 ⇒ 2 damage, Fortitude Save DC 17 to avoid being stunned for 1 Round. I expect to hit the 3 in the back, as Sound Burst is a 10' radius.

as I've explained to Ely in chat, he can only reach Com, and so I'me moving his spell there.

ComMander stands strong, the very shadows of evil and chaos of the room swirling around to give him strength while slowing the thoughts and weakening their character.

fort save: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 2 = 31

Joran stiffens his resolve and casts blindness at ComMander.

ComMander: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

but alas, the Salamander seems unfazed.

Jestaka growls from behind, "Move over, little tin man! Let Jestaka clear the way!" rushing in, she tries, but fails, to shove Serra out of her way.

reposition: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18

Begin Round 2, Jurin is up, followed by the Sallies

Round 2

18: Jurin:

Round 2 Init 18

Jurin gamely moves in to get the Salamander Commander out of the way.

Move up and Spell Strike, Swift to Arcane Accuracy.

Magic Cold Iron: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31
Damage: 1d6 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17
Electrical: 8d8 ⇒ (4, 6, 6, 1, 2, 3, 6, 1) = 29

Round 2, Init 12

Y'all have Resist Fire 20.

Aasimarra grumbles as the loud, brash, and probably evil woman tries to push him out of the way. He does make away.

"EXCUSE ME!" Aasimarra grumps as he takes his girth elsewhere. He uses his wand from the back, letting others do the melee fighting this time.

2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 3) + 2 = 8 force damage @ Com Mander

Round 2, Init 18-

Jurin cuts down ComMander, leaving the way clear for the others, drawing a howl from Jestaka. "I was going to kill that one!"

PomMander keeps working the apparatus, drawing the other two Salamanders up the next 10 feet.

Eli and Cole are up!

Round: 2, Initiative: 14

Cole steps to the other side of the doorway so he can see a bit of PomMander and opens fire, snaking his arrows through the narrow tunnel.

bow (magic, cold iron, good): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 2 = 17 (point blank, bolstering)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 1 = 15 (point blank)

bow (magic, cold iron, good): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 2 = 34 (point blank, bolstering)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 = 13 (point blank)

crith threat bow (magic, cold iron, good): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 2 = 27 (point blank, bolstering)
damage: 2d8 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (4, 7) + 16 + 2 = 29 (point blank)

iterative bow (magic, cold iron, good): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 2 = 20 (point blank, bolstering)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 1 = 11 (point blank)

As he sees the second arrow land neatly, he mumbles, "Thanks Mathilda."

Round 2, Init 16

Eli slowly moves out of Jestak's way, readying a swing on any salamanders able to get past Jurin.

+1 Legendary Hammer, Bull's Strength: 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 - 2 = 26 for 1d12 + 5 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 6 + 2 = 16 damage

Round 2

Cole peppers the next Salamander with arrows, trying to stop his work. WIth the help of Mathilda, he does great damage to the creature, but does not get him to stop.

Eli let's the Barbarian take point, while readying to attack anything that gets past his companions.

Jestaka surges, taking a mighty swing at the Salamander.

attack on the salamander, raging, cuz that's what she does: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 222d6 + 13 ⇒ (6, 6) + 13 = 25

This drops that salamander as well, leaving the last two trapped about 5 feet down from the terrace floor.

Joran, visibly shaken by the barbarian's rage, coughs, "I'll uhh, just stay back here and watch for anything coming this way."

With the last two salamanders trapped within the cage, it is only moments before they two are dead and the group is able to approach the corruption forge unimpeded, save for the atmospheric conditions (hot hot hot), and oppressive evil that permeates everything in the vicinity.

and you are out of initiative.

Cole grimaces as he plugs arrow after arrow into the helpless salamanders - stuck in their cages until death.

When it's done, he raises the cage and suggests they get in. As they descend into the next chamber, he casts Aspect of the Falcon.

His eyes become wide and raptor-like, and he grows feathers on the sides of his head.

"Let's go." he mutters checking his bow.

As they descend into the next chamber, he casts Aspect of the Falcon.

"Let's go." he mutters checking his bow.

Mathilda gasps.

Eli takes the lift downwards, then begins checking doors for sally-sign. He works his way counter-clockwise, leaving the double doors at the opposite end of the room until last. Check small room, then G-9, then G-8, then small room.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

Aasimarra moves his graceful girth angelic form down and around the forge area. He is not worried about the heat, but is mindful of the limited time on his resisting of fire.

"Come now, Kastor. Stay near me, mind you. And watch out for danger," Aasimarra commands his young, brave squire.

Aasimarra takes his time to inspect the magics on the forge of corruption, trying to figure out how to undo the terrible power therein.

1d20 + 16 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 16 + 10 = 32 Know (Arcana w/Identify)

"Almost makes you feel sad for them. Sad little lizards in their cage, nobody to love them. And then they get shot."

Jurin shrugs and accompanies the rest down.

"So...guess we need to destroy this?"

Please make a perception check for each room, G-7 thru G-9.

perception G7: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24
perception G8: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29
perception G9: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31

"Nasty looking forge. Let's press on for now - we can come back to clean this up later. I've spells running..." He's frustrated at preparing at all the wrong times.

Perception, G7: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Perception, G8: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Perception, G9: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

Eli joins the search for the Sword, not confident at all that it would be kept around the Forge. He looks, nonetheless.

"Joran, refresh my memory. Where exactly should we expect to encounter our prize? You've mentioned a vampire. Does it guard the Sword? How much further must we press?"

Aasimarra shakes his head while looking at the forge, unable to deal with it now.

"We'll have to consult with our advisors to fix this forge, Cole, if that's what we aim to do," Aasimarra informs, explaining the spoiler above.

* * *

After failing with the forge, Aasimarra waddles gracefully follows the others in exploration of the area.

Perception G7: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Perception G8: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Perception G9: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

Perception G7: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Perception G8: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Perception G9: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Jurin carries on, no doubt oblivious.

"Alright, on to the vampire sword then."

fwiw...

PerceptionG7: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
PerceptionG8: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
PercpetionG9: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16

"Oh, look! Just what we were looking for! Feathers!" she exclaims, her voice quivering with excitement. "OH! No, nevermind. Just dust bunnies."

"Cole, if no feathers -- what about that -- whatever that is that Rusty did to himself? What is that? Maybe I can do that?"

A small dais of steps descends into this oddly shaped chamber, while more stairs lead to the northwest and southeast. Lit candles surround the circle of arcane purpose scribed on the floor. Overhead, the ceiling rises nearly forty feet. A large crystal hangs overhead from a heavy chain, pulsing in the reflected light.

Inside, several creatures surround a glowing orange circle scribed onto the floor, their voices raised in malevolent insistence. Their slow, heavy chanting reverberates from the floor to a large crystal that hangs from the ceiling and back again, charging the air with anticipation. Tension seems to build in the ground beneath their feet.

Surprise round

Serra goes in the surprise round, followed by the bad guys.

Y'all have Resist Fire 20.

Round Surprise, Init 15

Aasimarra takes the briefest of looks at what's going on in the room and momentarily considers closing the door, but doesn't.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19 Spellcraft

He casts Haste on all the yahoos, including Kastor, but doesn't offer it to mouthy overgrown toothpicks that shoot arrows.

Surprise

Serra casts haste on his companions, drawing the attention of the tiefling.

"KILL THEM!" she commands, then runs to the back of the room.

Her Schir take her at her word, rushing the door.

Round 1

23: Jestaka: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
22: Cole Zeff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
20: Elyanius Myoch: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20

Jestaka roars and rushes forward to meet the challenge.

Jestaka on closest schir: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 242d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 1) + 7 = 10

Cole and Eli are up!

Round: 1, Initiative: 22

"Cole, if no feathers -- what about that -- whatever that is that Rusty did to himself? What is that? Maybe I can do that?"

”Change shape? We’ll see.”

Seeing the scene, Cole swallows his fear, and draws upon the strength of Mathilda. He wants to target the foe in the rear, but instead takes shots at the rushers to try and open things up. He starts with Schir 3 and moves on to Schir 2 if he manages miraculously to drop it.

bow (magic, cold iron, good): 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 4 = 24 (point blank, bolstering, aspect, haste)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 = 10 (point blank)

bow (magic, cold iron, good): 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 4 = 22 (point blank, bolstering, aspect, haste)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 = 13 (point blank)

iterative bow (magic, cold iron, good): 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 4 = 21 (point blank, bolstering, aspect, haste)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 = 10 (point blank)

hasted bow (magic, cold iron, good): 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 4 = 20 (point blank, bolstering, aspect, haste)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 = 17 (point blank)

Cole takes aim at Schir 3, and though it takes all of his shots, he drops Schir 3.

Eli is up!

Round 1, Init 20

Eli observes the cluster of schir, and follows Cole's rain of arrows with a blast of light to discourage the demons at the door.

Cast Burst of Radiance(should peg all three, well, two...)- 1d4 ⇒ 1 rounds of Blindness, or Dazzled if they make a Reflex Save DC 17. Also, 5d4 ⇒ (2, 3, 2, 2, 4) = 13 damage, if they be evil, no save.

"Out of the way, demons." Though he can't see her, he is certainly aware of her command. "You! Stand down! Redeem yourself, as Joran and Jestak have done, and we need not fight!"

reflex save, schir 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
reflex save, schir 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Eli blasts the two remaining demons with a bright purity, dazzling one (schir 1), and blinding the other (schir 2).

Through the pain, Schir 1 strikes out at the person closest, Jurin.

schir 1, 1=jurin, 2=Jestaka: 1d2 ⇒ 1
schir attack 1, halberd: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 10 - 1 = 191d10 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7,
schir 1, gore attack: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 3 - 1 = 221d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
schir 1, possible crit on the gore: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 - 1 = 10

Schir 2 steps up, ready to strike at anything that happens by him.

Meanwhile, Joran calls from the back. "Hey, that looks like Chorussina! I never did like her! She's very uppity, for a demon's get. " He looks around, guarding the rear from attack. "Don't worry, I've got your backs!"

Serra is up!

Round 1, Init 15

Aasimarra delays, waiting for an opening.

Serra delays, looking for an opening.

from the back, Chorussina's voice begins warbling offkey, as she casts a spell.

Hmmm... I have an extra Joran for some reason. Nevermind, Jurin is up!

Y'all have Resist Fire 20 and Haste (round 2/8).

Round 1, Init After Chorizo-sina

Aasimarra looks into the room, watching the actions and hearing the words of Chorussina.

1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17 Spellcraft

Since he doesn't understand the spell, he choose to believe he is in no danger from it. He strikes out at the closest schir twice, then steps back to make room for others.

1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 1 = 15 to hit: (haste)
2d4 + 7 ⇒ (1, 4) + 7 = 12 damage.

Haste:
1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 1 = 11 to hit: (haste)
2d4 + 7 ⇒ (2, 2) + 7 = 11 damage.

Serra gets over his hesitation and strikes out at the closest Schir, but misses.

and Jurin is now up, again.

Round 2
23: Jestaka:
22: Cole Zeff:
20: Elyanius:
16+:Schir 1: (-18hp)
16-Schir 2: (-31hp)
14: Joran:
11: Chorussina:
11-: Serra:
2: Jurin: (-11hp)

Jurin does something, to be decided this evening, probably against Schir 1, followed by Jestaka, who rushes forward to attack the blinded Schir.

attack one, Jestaka against Schir 2: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 212d6 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (2, 3) + 7 - 5 = 7
attack 2, Jestaka against Schir 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 142d6 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (6, 3) + 7 - 5 = 11

Cole and Eli are up

Sorry, I forgot that the Schir have SR. Please roll for that if applicable

Mathilda tries to create a null sound node to counter Chorussina's offkey warbling with a sharp inhale of outrage. The result is beyond less than aesthetic, and she cries out instead.

"Everyone! Stop them! They're trying to beat on our Cook!"

Round: 3, Initiative: 22

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 1 = 11 (-1 due to environment) vs DC 20

Cole frowns, not liking wizards in the back, but he continues to focus on the nearby Schir. (2 then 1)

bow (magic, cold iron, good): 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 4 = 35 (point blank, bolstering, aspect, haste) Crit Threat
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 = 10 (point blank)

bow (magic, cold iron, good): 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 12 + 4 = 26 (point blank, bolstering, aspect, haste)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 = 17 (point blank)

iterative bow (magic, cold iron, good): 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 4 = 20 (point blank, bolstering, aspect, haste)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 = 17 (point blank)

hasted bow (magic, cold iron, good): 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 4 = 33 (point blank, bolstering, aspect, haste)
damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 1 = 16 (point blank)

- - -

crit threat bow (magic, cold iron, good): 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 12 + 4 = 32 (point blank, bolstering, aspect, haste) Crit confirm
damage: 2d8 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (4, 3) + 16 + 2 = 25 (point blank)

Cole, in a hurry to get back to the caster in the back, downs both of the Schir up front! I knew I should have added more demons! ;)

Considering this turn of events, Eli and jurin are up, with Jurin having two rounds worth of actions. This will move in him the initiative order, possibly smoothing things out.

Round 2, Init 20

Eli takes advantage of his increased speed to enter the room, past the downed Schir, making his way 50' into the large chamber. He skirts what looks like an interesting array of strange letters on the floor.

When he brings the demoness within his sight, he lobs a burst of sound at her feet, hoping to stun her into obedience. Cast Sound Burst, Fortitude Save DC 17, to avoid being stunned, 1d8 ⇒ 7 points of sonic damage. 1- directly at her feet, 2- five feet in front of her 1d2 ⇒ 2

"Oh LOOK! There's a crystal hanging from above! Do you think it can be shattered?!"

Round 1

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

"She's making an invisible wall. Naughty naughty."

Jurin rushes into the room making full use of his Haste, avoiding the same runes as Eli and searching for the boundaries of the Wall of Force.

I'd like to get to her so I'll move up to the Wall in turn 1 and then activate Fly and try to skim over the Wall by going near the ceiling in Turn 2.

Eli shakes his hammer at the woman, as Jurin informs him his magics are likely going to fall flat. "That's unfortunate. Too optimistic to think she'd just stand there and take her punishment like a good demoness."

Round 2

22: Cole Zeff:
20: Elyanius:
20-:Jurin: (-11hp)
16+:Schir 1: (-18hp)
16-Schir 2: (-31hp)
11: Chorussina:
11-: Serra:
2-: Jestaka:
1: Joran:

Round 2, continues

Eli's spell resounds off the invisible wall that the demonic tiefling erected for her protection. It echoes back, nearly catching Jurin in the wash of it as he charges up.

Chorussina grins, and casts another spell.

Jurin flies to the top of the wall. Though he pokes and prods, he does not find an opening.

Joran waits for the others to move in before following, ready to guard the rear again.

Joran moved to go last. Serra is up