The Waking Rune PFS (Inactive)

Game Master James Martin

It is rare enough to receive a summons from a Venture-Captain ordering you to drop everything, but to be told your meeting will be with a member of the Decemvirate?

Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch is waiting quietly in her rather crowded study. At the far end of the room stands Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin alongside a masked figure whose features are concealed by a dark robe and heavy cowl. Half a dozen other Pathfinder agents line the walls and face outward, concentrating on various spells that no doubt ward the room against eavesdroppers. Sheila motions to a small sideboard bearing refreshments before leaning over a small table laden with Thassilonian relics.

Ambrus Valsin steps forward and says, “My fellow Pathfinders, as you can see, the task that lies ahead transcends the interests of Magnimar’s increasingly esteemed lodge; it’s a mission that will affect the entire Pathfinder Society and merits the direct attention of the Decemvirate.” The hooded figure behind the Venture-Captain nods in silent agreement and then gestures for Valsin to continue. “Over the past year, we’ve received increasingly concerning reports from this region that the Lissalans have plans in motion to revive Krune, the Runelord of Sloth and one of the most powerful wizards of ancient Thassilon. We have set our own plans in motion to keep him in check if the Lissalans succeed, but Sheila Heidmarch has an ambitious plan regarding this threat.” He nods and steps back to cede the briefing to his colleague.

Sheila takes over, adding, “We recently acquired these refuge tokens and their command words. When broken, the tokens will take a handful of agents directly to Krune’s sanctuary. If he has yet to revive, do whatever you can to ensure he never does. If he does awaken, pray that he is too dazed and addled to command his full power. Whatever it takes, end this threat to Varisia—permanently.”

She then motions to the other relics on the table. “The Society has recovered Thassilonian relics , perhaps some through your deeds, and I would rather they be in your hands as you face Krune; they will do us little good in a museum if the runelord returns. Once you defeat him, take special care to recover his two artifacts: a dragon-tooth spear and a rune-inscribed rod. Once you are ready, I will show you how to use the refuge tokens. Do you have any questions?”

"Hello my lady Heidmarch. It is good to see you once more. And you, Captain Valsin. The runelord of Sloth, you say? Well, I suppose we can at least expect him to move slowly, yes? I am sure we are capable enough to handle such a task."

"We are to take on a Runelord!?" Ralph's eyes widen with excitement. "And no doubt his sanctum will be laden with his own tools and spellbooks! Having access to those treasures, and the prestige of having a direct hand in defeating a Runelord, will greatly accelerate my rise to the status of archmage! My magic should be up to it. No, it MUST be up to it. Failure is not an option here!"

Taking a deep breath, Ralph calms his own excitement and turns his mind to the practicalities of the task.

"Doubtless the society is aware that any Runelord, even one of the weaker ones like Krune, is no trifling matter. You already anticipate that he may be awake when we arrive, and have directed us to defeat him. Can I presume then that the society has also uncovered some of the secrets of his sanctum and how to weaken him or even use the sanctum's power against him? Also, tell me more about these other relics that the Society is placing at our disposal."

Are there any knowledge checks to make?

Venture Captain Heidmarch smiles, but it is a tight, tired smile. However it is the flat, genderless voice of the masked Decemvirate member who answers, “We know very little of the sanctum itself. The Master of Scrolls speculates that harnessing as much rune magic as Krune supposedly can would require powerful foci. If you can identify what these are and disrupt them, Krune might lose his greatest weapon. If you cannot find such foci, your battle will be all the harder. Do not fail.” There is something ominous in the masked figure's finality.

If you have access to any of the following from chronicle sheets: Replica dragon tooth longspear (stage I), rod of runes, acrimony veil, Lissala’s caress, Sihedron brand (endurance), and Sihedron brand (service), then you may make use of them for free during this adventure. If you don't, the Society is providing the refuge tokens; the rest is up to you.

"Hmm...The Runelord Krune. He was the Runelord of Sloth, was he not? An adept at conjuration magic, meaning summonings and dimensional travel, though to my knowledge each Runelord's sanctum is a demiplane to itself, so only specific spells will allow him to leave the sanctum."

"Anyway, a battle of attrition will strongly favour him, since he will be able to summon an army to himself very quickly. We want a fast and strong offensive and limit his capacity to act if possible."

Do we want to see if we can get a 6th character to join us, since we lost Aram? We probably want all the help we can get. A healer or high DPS character would be very welcome.

Can I roll a knowledge local or history check to learn about some of Krune's weaknesses, favourite tactics and his most famous tools? I ran a Rise of the Runelords campaign, so I know that each Runelord had at least an intelligent polearm. Any equivalent of Karzoug's robes of Xin-Shalast or his greater metamagic rod:quicken might also be recorded in some ancient writings that Ralph might have come across?

Exiel sucks in a deep breath as the venture captains give their briefing.

"A runelord...this should be...interesting," he says hesitantly, not nearly sharing Ralph's enthusiasm. Ralph was powerful, yes, but the runelords were POWERFUL on a whole other level. He nods at Ralph's queries.

Btw Ralph, the briefing already mentioned "a dragon-tooth spear and a rune-inscribed rod", which we need to retrieve. I'm gonna go ahead and guess that the spear is his intelligent polearm.

"Those artifacts you mentioned. Do we know what they are capable of? How much time if any do we have to prepare and do research?"

Nienna nervously bites her lip. She has never fought the Lissalians - although she has heard many stories of their strange rites from her lodge-mates - and now to face the Slothlord himself?

If he has such arcane protections, how are we to exit his sanctuary once the task is complete? Are these refuge tokens a one-way trip?

GM in the house?

GM traveled this weekend. He's back now.

Valsin shakes his head. "I am assured," He glances at the Decemvirate member, "That you should be able to find a way back if you keep the refuge tokens. But we know very little. The sanctum is heavily warded against divinations and spells. As for his artifacts, expect them to be powerful. Plan accordingly."

Alright, cast your spells, buy your things, because you're about to begin in earnest. Any last minute anything?

Nienna sidles over to Ralph, a wand in hand.

"I agree with you about the need to strike hard and fast. You look like someone with arcane talents - would you mind buffing me before we activate the tokens?"

If Ralph agrees, Nienna grins and starts pulling additional wands out of small pockets scattered across her clothing. "That's great! I can't tell you how much I appreciate this."

The final count is True Strike until her next attack roll, See invisibility for 20 minutes, Blur for 2 minutes, Gravity Bow for 1 minute, Protection from Evil for 1 minute and Abundant Ammo for 1 minute. She holds two other wands in her hand, absently-mindedly turning them over, before shaking her head and muttering "the entrance probably won't be underwater..." and tucking them away.

“Paranoid? Probably. But just because you're paranoid doesn't mean there isn't an invisible demon about to eat your face.” - Jim Butcher

Once everyone is ready, Exiel takes a deep breath, then begins casting spells. Alot of spells.

Exiel's list of buffs:
Heroism - 90 minutes
Barkskin - 90 minutes
Monstrous Physique - gargoyle form - 9 min
Mirror image - 9 minutes images: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Mage armor - 9 hours
Heightened awareness - 90 minutes
Shield - 90 mintues
Protection from evil - 1 minute
Divine favour - 1 minute

There's an item I may want to purchase, but I need to check my PDFs when I get home. If I don't post in the discussion thread before we break the tokens, don't worry about it.

"I"m not one for casting spells myself, but if any of you have some long-lasting charms that might aid myself or Naala, I'd appreciate the magic."

Finish prepping! Lorraine, true strike only lasts until the end of the next round. Just so you know!

Sheila Heidmarch shows you how to utilize the tokens by breaking it. She bids you good luck and with the eyes of the Decemvirate member upon you, you break the tokens. There is a moment of falling as everything goes black, then a sudden stop. You stand on firm stone, though the place you are in is as dark as dark can be. Those of you with darkvision see the following:

A small ziggurat emerges from the southern wall in this tomblike stone chamber. Most of the structure’s blocks are simple but precisely cut stone blocks, but in several places petrified humans—too finely sculpted to be carved—shoulder the burden of the blocks above with scarred backs and hands. A short, steep flight of steps ascends the northern face to a second tier, and to the east and west two are other sets of steps that lead to the ziggurat’s apex twenty feet above the ground, falling short of the thirty-foot ceiling.

If you have darkvision, Perception checks!

What if you carried a light source? I have a continual flame spell on my lesser empower metamagic rod. Do I get to roll perception?

Before entering, Ralph casts mage armor and overland flight on himself, and uses his ring of invisibility to go invisible.

Sorry, I didn't notice it ate my post yesterday.
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I am definitely casting the following buff spells.
Mage Armor on self - duration 10 hours (anyone else want one?)
Magic Circle Against Evil - duration 100 minutes
Bless - duration 10 minutes
Mirror Image images: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 - duration 10 minutes
drink Potion of Owl's Wisdom - duration 3 minutes
Haste - duration 10 rounds
Vanish - duration 5 rounds (will cast just as activating the token)
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I'm tempted to summon a creature but won't just yet.
I have Communal Protection from Energy if anyone has an idea what energy type might be needed?!?
I also have Greater Invisibility, so sing out when you need it.
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Lavode quietly mutters, Guys, I can't see anything. Should I send out some lights?
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Edit: Ignore that comment if Ralph is glowing up the area. I have lowlight vision. perception: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 16 + 2 = 21

In that case, you can all see the ziggurat. Roll Perception.

If Ralph is around, protection from fire is often a good bet.

Exiel casts one more buff from his newly-acquired spell-lattice.

False life: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

With that final additional spell cast, he appears before the ziggurat and tries to take a look around.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Just waiting on 42 now?

Nienna scans her surroundings, arrow on string.

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29 with see invisibility up, +4 to locate traps.

The True Strike is the last buff I would have asked for. Is it a move/standard/full round to activate the token?
I would appreciate greater invisibility if you have extras - it would let me get my ranged sneak attack damage unless the creature has see invisibility.

...

I would appreciate greater invisibility if you have extras - it would let me get my ranged sneak attack damage unless the creature has see invisibility.

Add a Greater Invisibility on Nienna to the above buff list before we left - duration 10 rounds.

"What do you see, friends? I do not have terribly good eyes in this dull light."

42's Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Nienna, you spot a slight blur of movement from the top of the ziggurat, as if something or someone just moved around to the far side of it!

Exiel takes a deep breath as he surveys his surroundings.

"See, I was expecting that upon arrival we'd be jumped on by a small army of giants and demons. It seems too quiet. Anyone see anything?"

Have we lost 42 permanently? No post from him in the game thread since, well, ever.

Not certain. Let's give him a few days before we call him MIA. I'll NPC him if necessary, unless it looks like he'll die, in which case we'll just consider him a no-show. I don't like killing people who aren't here.

Exiel gets a distinct feeling that he's being watched. Not the party, him specifically.

Hmm... I really expected to be attacked upon arrival. I wonder if I can notice any residual energies?
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You folks want me to send out scouts?

sorry, thread wasn't showing up...

42 takes a small paper ball out of his bag. lights a wick on one end and tosses it out into the room. After a few seconds, it explodes. Inside the ball of paper is Flash Powder

Does 42 see anything in the moment that the flash happens?

"Scouts may not be a bad idea. No need for anything big yet though. Just creatures that can move fast and have good sensory abilities."

"Everyone, I think I saw something hiding behind the ziggurat."

"You there, are you friend or foe? Show yourself, and we may have a peaceful discussion. Continue to hide, and we will be forced to deem you hostile."

After speaking, Nienna begins to circle to her right to better obscure her position from the unknown creature.

Can we get a map up? Is the area indicated by Nienna small enough that a glitterdust spell will cover it? I think both our sorcerers have the spell.

"We're in the sanctum of a Runelord. It's almost certainly a foe. Step carefully though. I expect there will also be magical traps and wards set to debilitate any intruders who do not serve Krune. He, she or it could be trying to lure us over such a trap or into an ambush."

Ralph gets ready to launch a fireball at any creature that appears from behind the ziggurat and that looks hostile or dangerous.

Alden readies to help his allies.

42 pulls out his sword, getting ready to attack anything that comes his way.

Ralph, the map is up, we are at the bottom. GM, are you using natural lighting or did you draw a black box around everything else?

Mage Armor on self - duration 10 hours (anyone else want one?)
Magic Circle Against Evil - duration 100 minutes
Bless - duration 93 rounds
Mirror Image 5 images - duration 94 rounds
drink Potion of Owl's Wisdom - duration 25 rounds
Haste - duration 6 rounds
Greater invisibility on Nienna - duration 7 rounds
Vanish - duration 3 rounds
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You can hear Lavode begin casting a summoning spell.
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If nothing happens and he completes the Summon Monster II spell. It will be a small air elemental that I will tell (I speek its language) to look behind the pyramid then quickly circle around telling me what it sees.
I don't know how much of that you want to play out individually. If you want to just say in x number of rounds he tells you about Y, that is fine with me. If you want me to move it each round that is also ok.

As Nienna begins to move, there is a low throaty chuckle from the top of the ziggurat. "Welcome, curs, to the house of the Runelord Krune. May your stay be short and end in blood."

Initiative!
Lavode: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
42: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Alden: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Ralph: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Nienna: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Exiel: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Foe: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Surprise!

The shape atop the ziggurat seems to be that of a woman with the lower body of a snake and three pairs of feathered wings! With a murmured word, a fireball erupts in the midst of your band! Reflex Save DC 20 or else take 10d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 3, 3, 4, 6, 1, 6, 4, 5) = 37 fire damage!

Round 1:
29 Exeiel
26 Nienna
23 42, Alden and Ralph
11 Foe
5 Lavode

Everyone save Lavode is up! The figure is perched atop the ziggurat, 30 feet above the ground.

Would Kn. Nature help identify her?

Reflex Alden: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Reflex Naala: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

Alden takes the full brunt of the fire damage, his hair and eyebrows singed off completely. Naala is able to duck out of the way of much of the fireball, taking only half the damage.

Alden will spend his full round pulling out a potion of fly and feeding it to Naala. Then Naala will follow Exiel and aid his AC for the rest of the round. +5 Dodge bonus to AC

It would be a difficult Knowledge Planes check.

Mage Armor on self - duration 10 hours (anyone else want one?)
Magic Circle Against Evil - duration 100 minutes
Bless - duration 93 rounds
Mirror Image 5 images - duration 94 rounds
drink Potion of Owl's Wisdom - duration 25 rounds
Haste - duration 6 rounds
Greater invisibility on Nienna - duration 7 rounds
Vanish - duration 3 rounds
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shoulda cast the prot fire - sigh
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reflex save: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 18 ouch that hurts HP: 25 of 62
concentration: 1d20 + 10 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 7 = 20 carp, lost the sum mon 2

42 feels the heat of the flames approaching and tries to get out of the way, but failing to do so. He takes the full force of the blast.
reflex: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

He takes a good look at the creature, trying to figure out what it is. Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Questions, Defenses and Special Attacks.

42, you can identify it as a legendary creature called Kurshu the Undying, the supposed Herald of Lissala herself. It's an outsider, with all associated traits, but beyond that you know nothing.

I'm going to assume she's evil then, and add my protection from evil bonus.
reflex save: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24
Exiel grunts as the fires burn off his false life ward. He looks to the creature trying to figure out what on Golarion it might be...

knowledge planes: 1d20 + 4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 3 + 2 = 17
Not with that roll...
...and concludes that it is a mutated chicken-medusa cross-breed of some sort.

Nonetheless, it is clearly a servant of Krune and an adversary. With a furious flap of his gargoyle-wings, he launches himself up at a steep angle towards the strange creature.
fly check DC20: 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 3 = 24
Phew. Success. But remind me to get some way to boost my fly checks next game...
Exiel somehow manages to heave himself up through the air towards the creature.
Assuming the Ziggurat is at a 45 degree angle, her elevation is 45ft. Exiel will fly 55ft up and 5ft laterally towards her.

He draws back his trusty cold iron hooked lance and stabs at the creature.
attack roll: 1d20 + 5 + 5 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 5 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 37
damage roll: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 = 10
confirmation roll: 1d20 + 5 + 5 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 5 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 30
crit extra damage roll: 3d8 + 27 ⇒ (1, 7, 1) + 27 = 36

Ralph tries to identify the creature before taking action.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

knowledge planes: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (17) + 20 = 37

If 42 was able to identify the creature, Ralph should be able to get at least 1 question. He wants to know about resistances and immunities. If he gets 2 questions, he wants to know the creature's saves.

Reflex: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24

Given that Nienna is invisible/off to the side, was she caught in the blast at all? Assuming Kurshu is evil, otherwise -2

Nienna dodges the fire nimbly, taking only partial damage. In return, she makes the creature do it's best impression of a porcupine.

Modifiers: Between entering the portal and then perceiving/moving, I assume True Strike has worn off? Nienna has Sniper Goggles, Improved Precise Shot (ignore partial concealment/cover) & Clustered Shots (on full attack, total dmg before applying DR). If the first arrow connects and her sneak attack goes through, she can study the target as an immediate action and gain +2 to following attack and damage rolls.

Atk1: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26
Dmg1-Magic/Adamantine/Piercing: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 3) + 3 = 7
Dmg1-Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5
Dmg1-Sneak Attack: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 4) = 9
DmgManyShot-Magic/Adamantine/Piercing: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 3) + 3 = 7
DmgManyShot-Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10
DmgManyShot-Sneak Attack: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 3) = 9
Atk2: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25
Dmg2-Magic/Adamantine/Piercing: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 3) + 3 = 11
Dmg2-Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8
Dmg2-Sneak Attack: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 5) = 12

She ends her attack with a five-foot step to the south to make it more difficult for Kurshu to identify where she is located.

Nienna, don't forget we were hasted by Lavode. You've got 1 more attack.

Shouldn't try to post in the middle of the night. Thanks!

Lavode's god leans down from the heavens, adding 1 to each of Nienna's previous attack rolls.

HasteAtk: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (19) + 20 = 39
HasteDmg-Magic/Adamantine/Piercing-Holy-Sneak: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 3) + 3 = 82d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 53d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 5) = 12

42 says to Alden "Lets get her." he then casts blink and moves up the pyramid to end his turn beside her.

Is she at the top of a 30ft pyramid, or is she flying 30ft above the top of the pyramid?

Also waiting for the answer to my question (or 2 questions) before I decide on my action.

Exiel's gargoyle form launches into the air, flying at the creature. He attacks, but the thick skin of the creature seems to blunt his strike!

Ralph, 1 question. Resistances and Immunities: Resist cold, electricity, fire, sonic. She is on the top of the ziggurat.

Nienna's invisible attacks do hit the creature, though it seems to do less than it should!

42 blinks and moves up next to her, as she lashes out to slam him! AoO: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22 She misses, distracted as she is by Exiel.

Ralph is up, then the creature!