The Whispering Cairn (Inactive)

Game Master Death-Lok

Spells cast/requested by Valgrim:
Self: Lead Blades (10 minutes)
Friar: Bull's Strength, Shield of Faith, Death Ward, Spell Resistance (12 minutes)
Vug: Shield potion (12 minutes)

Vulcan reels from the wild historical visions.

"A dracolich... we're now on the trail of a dracolich! Who works for an undead god!! Makes me rethink every story I ever thought was to insane to be real." the sorceror shakes his head as he hovers, prparing to enter the monolith.

Vug has given Valgrim a shield extract for the day. Does he want another one?

Vug takes the opportunity to drink her extract of See Invisibility and she whips up and drinks an extract of Heroism. She also whips up an extract of Communal Darkvision and offers a sip to whomever wants one (e.g. Vulcan and Friar Feres).

"Valgrim, I have an extract of Arcane Eye; why don't you try scouting with it again? It worked well enough the f-f-first time against that ghoul guy."

So you have six ways to enter the ziggurat, two stairways from the outside and four secret doors near the top. Which one do you prefer?

Valgrim was referring to the extract given to him already by Vug. Just letting BT know that Valgrim takes it. As for Arcane Eye, we should have thought about that before buffing.

After the buffs, Valgrim opens the far Eastern door at the top and he leads the party inside.

In case you need it, Perception check: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (14) + 24 = 38..add +2 for stone, +6 for undead.

A long and winding set of stairs finally deposit you in a huge chamber, 100 feet square, encompassing most of the ground level of the ziggurat.

This once-grand chamber suffers from long neglect. The dark green stone floor of the temple lies broken in the center, giving way to a gaping pit. Writhing tendrils of sickening green vapor slither up from this pit only to break apart and fade before seeping much further into the room. Great pillars line the outside of the vast chamber, but those near the center of the room lie broken—blasted outward by whatever force caused the hole in the center of the room. Immense stone double doors stand in the center of each wall.

"That must have been some blast. Maybe from the magic that allowed... him to ascend?"

"Good thing, Friar cast Life Bubble on us. Hopefully it keeps the green vapors from affecting us."

Random roll: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Guess we check the Northern doors first!

As you open the northern doors you are greeted by an unnerving sight. The green walls of this room seem to writhe and glow with an unhealthy light. Scattered around the room are instruments of torture — rusted and pitted iron hooks, ancient blades, and other tools of horrid intent.

There are four beings in the room, a slender knightly figure flanked by three towering armored giants: a ghaele azata and three shield archons. Apart from the strangeness of finding good outsiders in a place like this, they seem to be somewhat... off.

Roll for initiative.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

A little help, here!

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Buffs:
Resist energy (fire)
Repel Vermin
Barkskin (+5 Natural Armor)
Communal air walk
Heroism: +2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks
Freedom of movement
See Invisibility
Keen Edge on weapon (15-20 critical range)
Bull's Strength (+4 Str)
Lead Blades (Falchion does 2d6 damage)
Shield (+4 Shield bonus to AC/immune to magic missiles)
Shield of Faith (+4 Deflection bonus)
Death Ward
Spell Resistance: 24
AC: 38
HP: 111/118

BT, is their alignment evil so the holy property of the falchion (+2d6) affects them or not?
Holy: A holy weapon is imbued with holy power. This power makes the weapon good-aligned and thus bypasses the corresponding damage reduction. It deals an extra 2d6 points of damage against all creatures of evil alignment.

Init1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Does Valgrim's roll count as aid another?

Yeah, that's fine. And the answer to Valgrim's question is Yes, they are evil.

Assuming Bubba shares.. "Corrupted celestials?? The servants of Kyuss will pay for this sacrilege! And holy brothers, you must fall. I will pray for your souls."

Bubba shares. And apparently goes close to last.

The corrupted archon cackles: "This is so nice. There hasn't been a proper death here for ages. And now you'll join my master's ranks."

Then he utters a terrible Blasphemy, sounding even worse for coming out of a celestial's mouth. [ooc]Will 21 or be dazed for 1 round and taking 5 points of Strength damage. If you save, you still take 2 points of Strength damage.

One of the archons teleports behind you, while the other two strengthen themselves with Divine Power, as their arms transform into spear and shield. Its Aura of Menace means that you need to make a Will 18 save or take -2 to attacks, AC and saves until you hit it.

Now you are up.

Will save vs Blasphemy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25

Will save vs Aura of Menace: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Do they all have Aura of Menace, or only the main one? That is, do we need four Will saves vs that effect, or one? I don't think my countersong will be effective against an instantaneous effect like this, is that correct?

The archons all have Aura of Menace, so you may need more Will saves if you approach them(the aura is 20 feet). And no, countersong won't help against Blasphemy.

Oh, by the way. If Feres did cast Spell Resistance on Valgrim, he is not affected by the Blasphemy.

Do the penalties apply only to interactions with the archon that I failed the roll against, or against any of them? And do the auras stack?

The penalties are general but they do not stack.

Note that Vug has SR 20 from her Scarab of Protection.

Will save (with Heroism): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 2 = 22

Will save Blasphemy1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 2 = 26 Heroism
Will Save vs Aura of menace1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 2 = 26 Heroism

As the waves of vile energy wash over him, Vulcan's inner tempest protects him from the worst effects. He turns to glare at the Archon that teleports behind them, one hand creating a sweeping circular gesture as he chants the words to a spell, three swirling comets manifesting in orbit around him. His other hand gripping one of the rods on his belt, as he utters a single syllable, his body flickering in and out of reality.

Cast Vengeful comets, quickened Blink

The caster level check was 22, so Vug is still affected. And those of you that made your saves are not dazed, so you can act as you like.

Bubba will Inspire Courage. He came in last in the initiative derby, so I was waiting for the others to post.

Vulcan doesn't have Heroism, just Vug and Valgrim.

Save vs. Aura: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 = 28, +2 if it's an enchantment.

Vug delays until after Bub and then tosses a barrage of force bombs at the menacing archon.

With inspire courage and PBS and Heroism:
1d20 + 11 + 1 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 + 3 + 2 = 356d4 + 6 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2, 1, 1, 2, 3) + 6 + 1 + 3 = 21
1d20 + 11 + 1 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 1 + 3 + 2 = 346d4 + 6 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (3, 4, 4, 2, 2, 4) + 6 + 1 + 3 = 29
1d20 + 6 + 1 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 + 3 + 2 = 276d4 + 6 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2, 1, 4, 4, 2) + 6 + 1 + 3 = 27

Ref DC 22 or fall prone.

Bubba, at 12th level, IC is a move action for you so you could cast Haste Defensively as a standard action.

Round 1: Friar's Round
If allowable, I will bot Friar.
Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Will save vs. Blasphemy: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35...loses 2 points of Str
Round 1 action: Friar takes a 5' step to G44 and casts Prayer defensively: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32 vs. DC 21..success!
SR check vs. Archon: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
SR check vs. Archon: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
SR check vs. Archon: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
SR check vs. Azata: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a –1 penalty on such rolls.

Round 1: Valgrim's Round
Valgrim delays to go last in the Round and then moves to G38, incurring AoO from Shield Archon (AC 39 if Hasted, 38 if not). He then attacks the Azata with Vital Strike, Power attack, and fighting defensively (getting +3 dodge bonus to AC):
Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 17 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 33
Damage: 4d6 + 25 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 4, 5) + 25 + 1 + (3, 6) = 52

Valgrim HPs: 111/118
AC: 41/42 (if Hasted) (enemies take -1 on attacks if SR check was successful!)
All buffs listed before with Prayer

SR check for Prayer vs. Vug: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

Good point Vug, forgot about SR.
SR check vs. Valgrim: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13..fails (Valgrim does not receive benefits of prayer)
SO attack roll in previous post was 32 and damage roll was 51.

Vulcan doesn't have Heroism, just Vug and Valgrim.

Save vs. Aura: 1d20+6+2, +2 if it's an enchantment.

Vug delays until after Bub and then tosses a barrage of force bombs at the menacing archon.

With inspire courage and PBS and Heroism:
1d20+11+1+3+2; 6d4+6+1+3
1d20+11+1+3+2; 6d4+6+1+3
1d20+6+1+3+2; 6d4+6+1+3

Ref DC 22 or fall prone.

Thanks for the reminder. Looks like a 24 makes it though.

Missed that, thanks. Haste was indeed what Bubba would have done.

Bubba is also down two Strength.

Vug's barrage of bombs hit the fallen archon hard, and it topples. It rises again, steps forward and stabs Feres for 13 points of damage. The other archon fails to penetrate Valgrim's armor with either its AoO or its full attack.

The azata glares at Valgrim (Will 18 or be shaken) and concentrates all of its malice in a single touch. Cast Harm on the defensive, 130 points of damage, Will 20 half. Then the third shield archon uses its power to switch places with the azata.

Then you are up again.

BT, just reminding you of Valgrim's SR 24 but I will assume the Harm spell penetrated.

Will save vs. shaken (fear effect): 1d20 + 11 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 3 = 31
Will save vs. Harm (spell): 1d20 + 11 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 4 + 4 = 33
Valgrim HPs: 46/111

BT, interesting question:
Valgrim currently has Death Ward on.
Death Ward states that subjects are immune to negative energy-effects.
Harm charges a subject with negative energy that deals 10 points of damage per caster level (to a maximum of 150 points at 15th level).
Does Death Ward make someone immune to Harm?

Hah, you are right. Death Ward should protect you, and the azata failed to overcome Valgrim's spell resistance anyway. Since it doesn't have Spellcraft enough to discern that Valgrim was shielded, I stand by the action. So correction, no damage to Valgrim.

Awesome!

Friar's action: Round 2

Friar takes a 5' step back to G43 and goes on total defense, raising his AC to 30 (I am assuming Friar buffed himself with his minute per level spells as well, like Death Ward and Shield of Faith).

Valgrim's Round 2

Valgrim goes on full attack vs. the archon in H39!
Hasted Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 17 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 29
Damage: 2d6 + 26 + 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) + 26 + (6, 4) = 43
Primary Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 17 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 36
Damage: 2d6 + 26 + 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 26 + (3, 6) = 41
Secondary Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 9 ⇒ (17) + 17 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 9 = 34
Damage: 2d6 + 26 + 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) + 26 + (3, 6) = 45
Tertiary Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 13 ⇒ (20) + 17 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 13 = 33
Additional Damage: 2d6 + 26 + 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) + 26 + (6, 3) = 43
If he dies beforehand, apply remaining attacks to archon in H37.

EDIT: 2 possible criticals!
1st confirmation roll: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 9 ⇒ (9) + 17 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 9 = 26
Additional Damage: 2d6 + 26 ⇒ (1, 1) + 26 = 28
2nd confirmation roll: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 13 ⇒ (17) + 17 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 13 = 30
Damage: 2d6 + 26 ⇒ (4, 4) + 26 = 34

Buffs:
Resist energy (fire)
Repel Vermin
Barkskin (+5 Natural Armor)
Communal air walk
Heroism: +2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks
Freedom of movement
See Invisibility
Keen Edge on weapon (15-20 critical range)
Bull's Strength (+4 Str)
Lead Blades (Falchion does 2d6 damage)
Shield (+4 Shield bonus to AC/immune to magic missiles)
Shield of Faith (+4 Deflection bonus)
Death Ward
Spell Resistance: 24
AC: 39
HP: 111/118

Valgrim drops one of the archons and wounds the other.

Vug, Vulcan and Bubba still to go.

Vug throws some more force bombs at the remaining archon.

With inspire courage and PBS and Heroism and Prayer:
1d20 + 11 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 246d4 + 6 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2, 3, 2, 1, 3, 4) + 6 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 26
1d20 + 11 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 226d4 + 6 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4, 4, 2, 1, 3, 4) + 6 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 29
1d20 + 6 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 146d4 + 6 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3, 2, 4, 4, 3, 1) + 6 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 28

Is the map up-to-date? There appear to be three A's left; I assume one is the azata?

Computer here is crap, so I can't access the map. After Vug's barrage there should be one archon standing and the ghaele is the G to the far right in the room. Will update when I get home.

Bub and Vulcan still to go.

Bubba, there is a wounded sword archon up in squares H 39-40/I 39-40 (since he is Large) and the Ghaele in M40.

OK, so the one adjacent to Friar and I is no more.

Bubba tumbles into the room to aid Valgrim, drawing his rapier and threatening the fallen one. Move to J41 to set up the flank, draw rapier as he moves, fighting defensively.

Acrobatics using Versatile Performance: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (9) + 22 = 31

Attack: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 2 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

The archon, seeing its comrades fall, switches tactics and strikes the glass walls with its spear, once behind Valgrim and once behind Bubba. Out of the cracks crawl a myriad disgusting green worms. Valgrim's Repel Vermin keeps them at bay but Bubba is overwhelmed and takes 7 points of damage. He also must make two Fort 20 saves, one to avoid being nauseated and one (vs poison) to avoid taking 2 points of Int damage. The ghaele casts Greater dispel magic at Valgrim, but only manages to strip him of his Death Ward.

Then you are up again.

Flying through the air Vulcan points at the Archon, shards of razor sharp ice streaking towards the corrupted celestial. Cold Ice Strike 12d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 6, 5, 6, 2, 2, 2, 1, 4, 1, 2) = 33 Following the attack with a thunderous roar that hammers his opponent with sound. Shout 5d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 6, 6, 3) = 21 sonic deafened for 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10 rounds

Fort DC 20 vs nausea: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 Urk!

Fort DC 20 vs poison: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 D'oh!

Are the worms undead?

The worms are not undead themselves.

BT, your map shows 2 archons, when only one remains, and the ghaele.

"Vug, take the shield archon down. I'll get the ghaele."

Vug throws even more force bombs at the remaining archon.

She grumbles to herself: I don't know why Valgrim is always trying to boss me around. Do I boss him around? No. Because I believe in common courtesy, dagnabbit."

With inspire courage and PBS and Heroism and Prayer:
1d20 + 11 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 356d4 + 6 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3, 3, 2, 4, 2, 1) + 6 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 26
1d20 + 11 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 276d4 + 6 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1, 4, 3, 3, 1) + 6 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 26
1d20 + 6 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 196d4 + 6 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2, 2, 1, 4, 4, 3) + 6 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 27

The archon resists Vulcan's magic, but Vug's bombs prove its undoing. As a matter of fact, she can aim the last one at one of the wormswarms.

Valgrim and Feres to go. All archons down.