To Judge a Soul Series (Inactive)

Game Master DebugAMP

"And now you surly wench, allow me to make my point!!!!! BWAHAHAHAHA!!!"

Mathilda, strike #1, RS, DA, PBS, Bless, Prayer vs Jujanil: 1d20 + 13 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 13 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 10
Mathilda, strike #2, RS, DA, PBS, Bless, Prayer vs Jujanil: 1d20 + 13 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 13 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 15
Damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 18
Mathilda, strike #3, RS, DA, PBS, Bless, Prayer vs Jujanil: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 14
Damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 16

Aldebert prepares to unload on Jujanil when his eye is distracted by a fancy bauble on a tithe plate, causing all of his shots to fail to wound the horrid creature.

Shahareen's aura shifts again and the spirit of Malikeen of Wanshou surrounds her, eminating 10 ft from her in all directions. "No... I shall be your shield!"

A protective ward eminates from her granting a +3 deflection bonus to AC to any allies within it.

Jujanil keeps her glare on Chaul and utters a curse at Wyrgan, attempting to drag down his combat prowess.

Bestow Curse for -4 to Attacks, Saves, and Skill checks. Will DC 18 negates

The monk in front of Chaul begins to try to take him down.

Flurry: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 161d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 Miss

Round 2:
Jujanil (1 damage, staggered)
Red Monk
Quinn
Wyrgan
Blue Monk
Green Monk
Chaul
Aldebert
Shahareen (-15)

WIL: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
Wyrgan shakes his head and steels his nerves to continue fighting..."Cease your deviltry you witch! I'll come for you soon!" he yells at her...

He then takes a 5 ft step and attacks the red foe once more

Bastard Sword+PA+2Handed+FF: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
DMG: 2d8 + 17 ⇒ (1, 2) + 17 = 20

Wyrgan's slash strikes true, severely wounding the monk.

I'll take Quinn's turn just to move us forward if you don't mind.

Quinn's Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 3 = 27
Quinn's Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 3 = 10

Quinn takes another deft slash at the monk and the last wound causes him to collapse to the ground. With the foe gone he turns his focus to the true threat. Study on Jujanil

Of the 2 remaining monks, one of them panics and flees through the portal, as though common sense came over him, but the second attempts to take down Shahareen.

Flurry: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 51d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 Miss

Round 2:
Jujanil (1 damage, staggered)
Quinn
Wyrgan
Green Monk
Chaul
Aldebert
Shahareen (-15)

Chaul's scimitar continues to attack Jujanil.
attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

He then reaches out a gentle hand to touch Shahareen.
CMW: 2d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 5) + 6 + 1 = 18

And then finally steps up to threaten the last monk himself.

"A fine collection of tawdry knick-knacks you have here! A pity they are so offset by your face. Which is ugly. For Taldor!!!" shouts Aldebert jovially towards the undead before shoting her again.

Mathilda, strike #1, RS, DA, PBS, Bless, Prayer: 1d20 + 13 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 13 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 = 25
Damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 15
Mathilda, strike #2, RS, DA, PBS, Bless, Prayer: 1d20 + 13 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 13 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 22
Damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 10
Mathilda, strike #3, RS, DA, PBS, Bless, Prayer: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 18

This time, Aldebert is able to sink all 3 shots cleanly into Jujanil. She seems to be able to resist some of the damage by the nature of her undead construction, but the pinpoint accuracy manages to deal her a hefty wound. Taking into account clustered shots which you have noted on your character sheet.

Shahareen begins channeling yet another spirit, this time that of Malash of Hongal and fills the room with his aura of courage and resolve.

Aura of Courage (Su): At 3rd level, a paladin is immune to fear (magical or otherwise). Each ally within 10 feet of her gains a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against fear effects. This ability functions only while the paladin is conscious, not if she is unconscious or dead.

Aura of Resolve (Su): At 8th level, a paladin is immune to charm spells and spell-like abilities. Each ally within 10 feet of her gains a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against charm effects.

Jujanil screeches as she shifts her glare to Wyrgan and then attempts to halt the barrage of arrows coming in from Aldebert.

Aldebert, Will Save DC 19 or be affected by Confusion

Posting Green monk's action now since I don't think it will affect the flow of combat at all. Will retcon it into place if necessary.

Flurry: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 71d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
The last standing monk attempts to bring Shahareen down to the ground, but with the oppressive spells affecting him, along with his general ineptitude, he's unable to land a blow.

Round 3:
Jujanil (39 damage, staggered)
Quinn
Wyrgan
Green Monk
Chaul
Aldebert
Shahareen

Cahul's scimitar continues its work distracting the undead.
attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
crit ?attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
bonus damage?: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Chaul takes his own swipe at the monk
attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

"And now... Wait a minute. THAT'S MY TORQ YOU HORRID HAG! STAY WHERE YOU STAND, I SHALL BE BEATING YOU WITH MATHILDA FORTHWITH; THAT IS TO SAY AS SOON AS I'VE PLANTED AN ENTIRE TALDANE OAK INSIDE YOUR VINEGROUS BODY TROLLOP!"

Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Mathilda, strike #1, RS, DA, PBS, Clustered Shot, Bless, Prayer: 1d20 + 13 - 2 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 13 - 2 - 2 + 3 = 26
Damage: 1d10 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 = 9
Mathilda, strike #2, RS, DA, PBS, Clustered Shot, Bless, Prayer: 1d20 + 13 - 2 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 13 - 2 - 2 + 3 = 27
Damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 12
Mathilda, strike #3, RS, DA, PBS, Clustered Shot, Bless, Prayer: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 2 - 2 + 3 = 23
Damage: 1d10 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 = 9

Things do not look so good for Jujanil as the scimitar of force narrowly misses severing her entrails but compounded with Aldebert's bolts, leaves her reeling. "My thrall! Slay that hag quickly!"

Round 3:
Jujanil (70 damage, staggered)
Quinn
Wyrgan
Green Monk
Chaul
Aldebert
Shahareen

Bastard Sword+PA+2Handed+FF: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
DMG: 2d8 + 17 ⇒ (8, 3) + 17 = 28

Wyrgan moves forward and strikes out at the hag

Wyrgan chops hard but the floating head is to agile for him. She laughs and taunts Wyrgan... leaving an overwhelming compulsion for him to keep on attacking her... and only her. Quinn's eyes narrow and he charges in slashing hard with great concentration.
Quinn's Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 3 + 2 = 29
Damage + Studied Strike: 1d6 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 3 + 2 + (1, 3) = 13

The spirit of Bakten eminates from Shahareen and his potent powers of a medium flow through you all.

Everyone gets a +4 competence bonus to attack and damage

Jujanil attempts to tear at Wyrgan...

Slam: 1d20 + 10 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 2 - 1 = 11 Miss

She intensifies her stare at Wyrgan, sapping at his will...

Green Flurry: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 - 1 = 101d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 - 1 = 6
The final monk continues to flail pointlessly in Shahareen's general direction.

Round 5:
Jujanil (78 damage, staggered)
Quinn
Wyrgan (-3 to Will, Can only attack Jujanil. Not like he wasn't anyways)
Green Monk
Chaul
Aldebert
Shahareen

Chaul's scimitar continues to harry the hag
attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

His own scimitar works on the monk.
attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Perhaps frothing at the mouth, Aldebert continues his indignant attack upon Jujanil.

Mathilda, strike #1, RS, DA, PBS, Bless, Prayer, Bakten Power: 1d20 + 13 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 13 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 6 = 27
Damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 + 5 = 19
Mathilda, strike #2, RS, DA, PBS, Bless, Prayer, Bakten Power: 1d20 + 13 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 13 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 6 = 33
Damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 + 5 = 20
Mathilda, strike #3, RS, DA, PBS, Bless, Prayer, Bakten Power: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 8 - 2 - 2 + 1 + 6 = 24
Damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 + 5 = 22

Miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 2

Chaul cuts at the Monk, but as he does so a shadowy image flickers about him making his aim difficult. Suddenly there are several shadow clones of the monk in front of him and Chaul inadvertently hits a fake. The monk's eyes turn towards Chaul with a look of rage which suddenly shifts to a look of confusion as Aldebert's arrows all meet their mark. Jujanil slowly descends to the ground as the necromatic energy keeping her afloat wanes. The shadowy clones of the monk vanish, and a look of pure fright comes across his face. His demeanor markedly changes as though he suddenly has become another person and begins to panic.

Jujanil's lifeless head hits the ground with a soft thud, cushioned by the trail of viscera. At the point where it lands, a series of pitch black cracks begin to spider out across the floor, clear to the wall, and slowly working their way up the walls of the chamber. The spirits of Shahareen's many former lives begin to fill the room, erupting from Jujanil's mouth in a dark miasma. The darkness is slowly absorbed by the spirits and suddenly in a bright flash, the room is clear and a halo of light surrounds Shahareen, with the voices of her past lives and it surges into her mouth. Her eyes lighten up and she stands tall, but the damage to the room seems to have persisted. Not only has it persisted... it's growing.

The monk moves towards his fallen comrade, and begins dragging him towards the portal and the cracks begin to grow.

Aldebert steps up to the viscera and, true to form, begins to beat the remains with the stock of his weapon. "Yes, I am quite aware of the conditions we are under, but I'm a man of my word you see. Agent Goodheart, would you be so kind as to snatch that torq on the shelf over there? Thank you."

Chaul quickly scans the rooms for any magical effects.

"Shahareen... we must leave quickly..."

The altars around the perimeter of the room all contain items that radiate magic, many of them strongly. However the cracks in the floor grow quite rapidly and an intense force begins pulling you back towards the portal! Shahareen quickly steps back through the portal and the surviving monk drags his compatriot through as well. Aldebert's torq begins hovering off of the collection plate and the room seems as though it will fall to bits any second! He gets one or two solid blows in on Jujanil's corpse before the shifting room makes it impossible to keep steady on his feet.

Chaul collects anything easily in range that he can get, and then dashes for the portal.

With a loud crack, the room begins to split in half and collapse in on itself. Wyrgan and Chaul each grab a vase of trinkets and bolt through the portal while Aldebert makes one last satisfying *crunch* before turning and bolting. Suddenly, the portal turns pitch black and a torrent of air comes jutting out, followed by every vase, box, and collection tray that was stored within the room. Several vases shatter, spilling their contents out on the floor, and several weapons that were mounted on the walls come dangerously close to causing injury, but everyone finds themselves sprawled out on what's left of the arcane circle at the top of the tower.

The crates and altar pieces all seem to contain relics of Shahareen's many past lives, along with all of the offerings made over the last few months at the front gate. One of the crates contains several texts of Jujanil's research.

Aldebert, you do get your Torq back and do not have to mark it as gone.

Wyrgan grabs a vase of trinkets and rushes to the portal to get out. Once safe, Wyrgan looks over the Jujanil research documents.

The largest and most intricately ornamented box is inlaid with black onyx, and contains dozens of journals. The earliest volumes, written in precise and methodical script, detail Jujaril’s plans to erase records of her existence. They speak dispassionately about “obtaining necessary sacrifices for my ascension to lichdom,” and describe how she planned to harness the combined power of relics of her past lives and a convergence of ley lines to fuel her apotheosis. The volume directly below those is covered in dried blood and pieces of viscera. The text below it is scrawled in large and messy letters, like a child’s first attempt at writing, and filled with profanities, confused rambling, and the often-repeated question “Where are my hands?” A second pile of volumes details Jujanil’s process of making sense of what happened to her when she awoke from her failed ritual. They include her bafflement that Ryuu stayed by her side after she lost her body and much of her mind, and her awe at the power she must have once had to enthrall him so thoroughly. The penanggalen’s words express a kind of twisted affection that she developed for the elf over the last 3 centuries. In the last few entries, Jujanil fearfully mentions a group of Pathfinders working with her latest incarnation, Bakten, and later smugly describes invading his mind and killing him from within in a psychic duel.

The remaining boxes and mantle pieces contain an object connected to each of Shahareen's past lives:

Calysses of Bachuan (Pirate): Darkwood ship’s figurehead depicting a kraken.

Marakutis of Zi Ha (Royal Assassin): Dagger inlaid with jade.

Elris of Tianjing (Missionary of Irori): Specialized strand of prayer beads.

Krenek of Dtang Ma (Dragonslayer): Earth breaker made from the head of an adult underworld dragon.

Qith of Zi Ha (Undead-Hunting Alchemist): Confluence of the Five Elements, Qith’s personal formula book.

Rianon of Minkai (Plague Healer): Fine set of robes and gloves lined with snow leopard fur.

Ilgafor of Zi Ha (General): Red silk battle standard embroidered with golden wings.

Malash of Hongal (Peacemaker): Scroll of illuminated prayers to Shelyn wrapped around a wand of holy shield.

Shahareen sits calmly in the middle of the room, with a relaxed look on her face. "It is done."

"Such odd documentation here" Wyrgan tells the others after reviewing some of the writing. "The Malash of Hongal seems like an interesting read though."

"We are glad glad we were able to help Shahareen."

"So the descent to undeadhood removed Jujaril from your soul's pathway? " asks Chaul, interested in how the chain of events around such unique souls happens.

"And what happens when you, the thirteenth, or with the 'removal' of Jujaril... 12th incarnation eventually dies?"

Aldebert looks around him as he lays his second blow into the mass of viscera. "Hmm. Quite. Well then you reprehensible hag, it seems that your shoddy Tien craftsmanship is once again preventing me from dealing with you in a civilized manner. I shall be back, and on that day, prepare for a thrashing!" And in a manner most undignified for a member of the Phalanx, he begins running back towards the portal.

The others can only watch in amazement as Aldebert appears on the other side, diving through the portal and landing flat on his face. Rising back up painfully, he asks: "Has my mustache suffered injury? And what is all this? What in the name of the lords of Order has caused such precious antique to be spat out of the ether? Is this another Tian custom?"

Finally gathering his wits, he finally asks, looking fiercely out of his depth: "Lady Shahareen, can you explain what has been going on? I'm sure agent Drammarson is onto something, but you seem to have insights that we yet do not possess. We will need to report this, and I pride myself on reporting our activities in great detail."

Shahareen sits down, looking completely exhausted but happy. "Let us return to Amanandar and I'll explain what I can."

~~~Some time later, back at the Sanctuary of the Unbound Knot~~

"I must extend my apologies for the manipulations of my old self, Bakten. It was necessary to unbalance his karma such that he would be reborn one last time and continue his fight against Jujanil. Now that the struggle is over I intend to spend this lifetime repairing the damage in Ayajinbo and Dallo."

She leads you into Bakten's library, and brings the remainder of Jujanil's tomes in to join the rest of the biographies. "All of the work of my past life will be organized and delivered to the Lantern Lodge. I hope that the knowledge stored within them will prove to be a great help to the pathfinder society. And do that end, I hereby bequeath Bakten's former home, this Sanctuary of the Unbound Knot, to the Pathfinder Society. I recommend you consider it as a potential site for a future Pathfinder Lodge."

"Why thank-you! says Chaul, surprised at the revelation.

"Good deeds are their own reward, but I confess it is nice to sometimes see tokens of appreciation."

He shakes his head.

"I still don't understand how you came to be. You are the last incarnation of Bakten? What happens when you die?"

Aldebert nods. "So Bakten engineered the destruction of his own legacy so that he could ascertain who was the missing incarnation? That sounds positively Taldane! I take it there was no easier way, such as divination spells or communion with the plethora of gods Eastern and Western that populate our fine planet?"

"Bakten had discovered much about Jujanil through his skills as a powerful medium, able to consult the spirits of his past selves. When you first met him he even knew where to find her, but at that time he was far too old and frail to confront her himself. As it happens, Bakten was a very prideful man, and felt that only his personal intervention could destroy Jujanil. To that end he felt it necessary to ensure that his karma was unbalanced so he would have another life to dedicate to that pursuit. For Jujanil, if Bakten were to pass on to nirvana, she would have been free to seize control of what remained of his soul and roam the land. With her threat removed, I do hope I can mend the damage that was done and finally pass on at the end of this life."

She stands at ease and smiles. "But no rush in that of course."

Chaul nods his head. "So you are not the result of Jujanil's descent into undeath so much as Bakten's thirst for another incarnation?. "

He shakes his head sadly.

"The complexities of such an existence make my head spin. Will you meet Bakten in Nirvana, or will you be him?"

She nods to Chaul. "Bakten did not pass into the next life, I am he now. With luck and much hard work, we will all be at peace at the end of my life."

With that, you find yourselves the caretakers of the Sanctuary of the Unbound Knot, heroes of Amanandar, and good friends with Shahareen. Hopefully with time, these new relationships will prove fruitful for the pathfinder society, but for now it's time to take some well earned rest and prepare for your trip back to Absalom.

~Fin~

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