[Table Shieldwall] Daughters of Fury (Inactive)

Game Master Nathan Hartshorn

Note: I hate this map, I hate that its an isometric view, I hate that its been abstracted, and I hate that it is confirmed to be 5 ft per square. This mod needed a bit more polish before it should have been sent to print, but oh well.

The next morning your group heads out after recuperating. Vegazi knows where Eiseth's Roost resides, but the map you found also helps to get there. The weather is murky and overcast, giving you the ability to see many braziers lit along the 'path' to the top of the mountain. Looking up you can tell that the trek will be grueling, but it is doable. The 'trail' is rough and consists not so much a created walkway as the least obstructive path up the mountain. Any way to make the climb easier?

Don't know how much of an effect it'll have, but we could try Survival checks to navigate the path as easily as possible.

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

I'll probably memorize Marching Chant as one of my 2nd lvl spells unless there's a river, in which case I'd mem a "Hanspur's Flotsam Vessel" to navigate it upstream at no penalty...

Anthys will also look for an easy path up the mountain.
Survival, Scion: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 = 28

No rivers leading to the area unfortunately.

Picking the best trail up the path is difficult, simply for the fact that all the possible routes are rough. With all of your experience and expecting a fight you conserve your energy, choosing the most efficient ways up.

The steep, winding path up the mountain levels out at a flat, rocky expanse. A short flight of stairs carved into the mountain leads up ten feet to the east; a ruined staircase made of piled stones once connected that level to the one above it to the southeast. To the northeast soars a fifty-foot-tall cliff side leading to the mountain’s peak.

Standing in front of the stairs is a masked tiefling holding two hand crossbows. Next to her is a hellhound and the same bearded devil that you fought yesterday. Flying high overhead are four hell ravens fiendish eagles. The tiefling says nothing and just stares at you.

"Mornin'," Vindler says to the tiefling with a curt nod of greeting. "Fine weather we're havin' today. Good for climbin' and bein' out of doors."

The dwarf stands akimbo, his hand resting on the handle of his enchanted weapon, and he stares directly back at the tiefling who had devoted himself to bringing destruction to the town below. He sniffs, then spits on the ground to the side of the path before turning back to face the tiefling.

"Now then, I don't suppose you're likely to see reason, given that the few of us here have rooted out and bested every lackey you've sent out to trouble the good folks of Arwyll Stead. You seem like the type that's become something of a fanatic, takin' your beliefs and ambitions and combinin' em until they're one and the same. That's a sad state. I've seen it before. Inquisitors like myself are gifted by our gods to rid the faith of that kinda bad theology. So, friend, what'll it be? Ya want to reconsider your course a bit, or ya want to truly be the one who goes down as the fool who lead your tribe to its destruction?"

When the large fires burning on the plateau come into view, Berato calls for a halt to the climb and casts his long-term spells on the party.

10-ft. radius centered on Berato: Magic Circle vs. Evil = 60 min
Entire party: Delay Poison, Communal = 60 min
Anthys: Light = 60 min
Entire party: Bless = 6 min (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects)
Anthys: Align Weapon (Good) = 6 min
Berato: Bull's Strength = 6 min

Right before the last set of stairs, after they climb the switchbacks going to the last plateau, Berato adds a short-term enchantment to the list.

Berato: Divine Favor = 1 min

When Vindler speaks, Berato pats his shoulder in agreement:
Touch of Good: +3 sacred bonus on attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks, and saving throws for 1 round.

Anthys looks at the bearded devil. Is it still wounded?
He has his sword in hand, though lowered.

Where are we on the map?

Elaril stands behind the others, nothing prominent in hand, saying nothing but poised on the balls of his feet.

I've updated the map.

The masked tiefling points her hand crossbow at Vegazi, signaling her to come forward, but otherwise doing nothing to stand aside. The bearded devil nearby chuckles deep in its throat, "You ain't gonna convince Bax. Kelseph's youngest and most loyal daughter, she'll gut you before you even know what hits you if you try to get past her. Hand over Vegazi and the rest of you may live."

Anthys feels this discussion is unlikely to lead to a mutually amicable resolution.

"We are not handing her over."

Still, he looks to Vindlér before engaging in battle.

I've taken the liberty of posting an initiative order for when negotiations break down...

Order 1st Round
Elaril, Vindlér, Marcus
Netokkurai
Hell Ravens [4 remain]
Hell Hound
Bax
Berato, Vegazi, Anthys

Anthys right now has +2 Deflection (Magic Circle), +2 Shield Wall, and +3 Lastwall Phalanx, for a flat-footed AC of 30 (and flat-footed touch of 15).

Once he is no longer flat-footed, he will gain his +2 Dex and +1 Dodge (Heart of the Streets) for 33 (and touch AC of 18).

Negotiations have broken down. Ready to fight?

Sizing up the opposition, Elaril holds back on his offense for the moment. Taking stock, he casts Haste.

Vindlér calls a judgement down on his foes, drawing force from his god to protect him in a shimmering field. He readies his weapons for the fight to come. Marcus prepares to throw a dagger when the time is right.

Readied aid atk: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 1 = 26
Anthys will have a +5 (I think) bonus on his attack.

The bearded devil snarls and whips its glaive around, again opening portals to another realm, calling for reinforcements.

The hell ravens begin assaulting you as well, diving in from above to peck and claw at you. Assume they occupy the 5ft square above the targeted persons head.

Bite (Vindlér): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8
Peck (Elaril): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6
Eyes (Marcus): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10
Attack (Berato): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 2 = 18

The Hell Hound follows this assault up with a rush and a burst of fire. Affected: Anthys, Berato, Marcus (I think. 10 foot cones are weird and I can't find a good example of what one would look like.)

Burn!: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7 fire damage, DC 14 Reflex save for half
Recharge: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8

Finally, Bax opens fire with her hand crossbows, targeting the two members of your party up front Vindlér and Anthys.

Thrum (V)!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Thrum (A)!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Order 1st Round
Elaril, Vindlér, Marcus
Netokkurai [Starting to summon]
Hell Ravens [4 remain]
Hell Hound
Bax
Berato, Vegazi, Anthys

Reflex save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Magic Circle vs. Evil hedges out evil summoned creatures. Not sure if it applies to hell ravens or hell hounds

Maintaining his position in order to protect his friends with the magic circle against evil, Berato channels divine energy against the forces of Hell!

Alignment Channel against Evil, Will save DC 15 for 1/2 dmg, 30-foot radius: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 2) = 10 pts. of positive energy dmg.

10-ft. radius centered on Berato: Magic Circle vs. Evil = 60 min
Entire party: Delay Poison, Communal = 60 min
Anthys: Light = 60 min
Entire party: Bless = 6 min (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects)
Anthys: Align Weapon (Good) = 6 min
Berato: Bull's Strength = 6 min
Berato: Divine Favor = 1 min
Vindler: Touch of Good: +3 sacred bonus on attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks, and saving throws for 1 round.

HP 36/39

Reflex, Magic Circle, Shake it Off +3, Lastwall Phalanx +3, Heart of the Streets +1, Haste +1: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 34

Anthys dodges most of the flames, then strikes at the Hellhound.
Primary, Haste, Bless, PA, Aid: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 13 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 5 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 4 = 13
Weapon counts as Good and Magic.

Using Scion on the iterative.
Iterative, Haste, Bless, PA, Scion: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 2 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 4 = 14

Hasted Attack: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 13 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 29
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 4 = 18

"Vegazi, can you shoot the Devil?"

AC is now 34, touch AC 19.

Reflex, Magic Circle, Lastwall Phalanx, Shake it Off: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 23

Marcus tucks behind Anthys to shield himself from the worst of the flames.

AC is 23, 26 vs. Evil

The ravens and hound are not summoned...yet

Vegazi grunts, "On it," pulling two of her silver arrows out before launching them at the devil.

Thrum!: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 13
Thrum!: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 13

They hit, but don't scratch the surface of the devil at all.

Order 2nd Round
Elaril, Vindlér, Marcus
Netokkurai [Starting to summon]
Hell Ravens [4 remain]
Hell Hound
Bax
Berato, Vegazi, Anthys

Elaril studies the variety of foes surrounding them before calling out his recollections to his comrades.

Kn: Planes (Netokkurai): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
Kn: Planes (Hell Ravens): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27
Kn: Planes (Hell Hound): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19
Kn: Planes (Bax): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

Im working on the premise that Netokkurai is the same type of Outsider as our previous encounters in which case, Elaril's forthcoming Fireball will be converted to Electricity damage (or whatever his recollections deem appropriate).

Summoning his concentration, Elaril flings a crackling ball of lightning at the summoning creature and his nearby ally.

Use Versatile Evocation to convert damage type & Potent Magic / Arcane Reservoir to boost CL by 2

Lightning Ball damage: 9d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 4, 5, 6, 4, 1, 1, 4, 5) + 3 = 34
CL vs SR: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
DC 20 Reflex for half

"Keep formation, and we'll get though this safely."

Aid Another AC vs. Bax, Soft Cover, Range: 1d20 + 9 - 4 - 6 ⇒ (3) + 9 - 4 - 6 = 2
Aid Another AC vs. Bax, Soft Cover, Range: 1d20 + 9 - 4 - 6 ⇒ (16) + 9 - 4 - 6 = 15
+4 AC to entire team vs. Bax's next attack

Standard Action: Tactician, Share Covering Fire, 4 rounds
Move Action: Aid Another AC
Swift Action (1 Inspiration): Aid Another AC
Free Action: Draw Dagger

Daggers: 4/6
AC: 23, 26 vs. Evil

Also, I think anyone next to Anthys is protected from the crossbow shots by his missile catching shield. Eralil, do you want to step up so you're adjacent to him?

With the hell hound in reach and Berato's blessings egging him on, Vindler
calls on Abadar to empower his weapon against the forces of Hell and brings his weapon crashing down toward the beast's head.

Swift action activate Bane (evil outsiders)
Bane 5/6 rounds remaining

Morningstar, bane, bless, touch of good, bane: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 2 + 1 + 3 = 22 Damage, bane: 1d8 + 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + (5, 4) + 4 = 19

I think I prefer using the front row as cover and being less accessible to a melee attack.

Netokkurai is the same bearded devil you fought (and electrocuted) before. The Hell Hound is vulnerable to the cold. The Hell Ravens are basic fiendish eagles, summonable by nearly any first year mage. Bax is a tiefling, though with clearly orcish heritage.

Netokkurai Reflex!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Bax Reflex!: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19 just missed it...
Concentration?: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

The bearded devil loses his place in the summoning and Bax only looks to be alive because of her toughened skin. With a roar, your front line is charged by the devil, glaive swinging wildly.

Glaive!: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 = 28

The Ravens continue trying to get through your formation.

Bite (V)!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Talon (V)!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Talon (V)!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Bite (E)!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Talon (E)!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Talon (E)!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Bite (M)!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Talon (M)!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Talon (M)!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Bite (B)!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Talon (B)!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Talon (B)!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage (Elaril): 3d4 ⇒ (3, 3, 3) = 9

Only the one hovering over Elaril manages to find purchase.

The Hell Hound lashes out at Vindlér.

Bite!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Bax pulls a potion from within her pouch and slugs it back, disappearing from sight.

Order 2nd Round
Elaril, Vindlér, Marcus
Netokkurai -34
Hell Ravens [4 remain]
Hell Hound -19
Bax -29 [invisible]
Berato, Vegazi, Anthys

Did you miss my attacks on the Hell Hound? I hit AC 27 for 13 damage, AC 15 for 14 damage (maybe a miss), and AC 29 for 18 damage.

@Anthys: did you activate your Lastwall Phalanx tactician thingy? I'll update this post and Berato's AC if you did... otherwise AC 24 if we are simply hasted and protected by the magic circle vs. evil

Berato steps to the east and shifts the Magic Circle's forward so that Anthys and Vindler can similarly step to the east and have some room to maneuver while remaining in the Circle!

"Vegazi! move closer east of Elaril! lest you wish to become the sole target of these fiendish eagles up above!"

Berato then reaches for Anthys' left shoulder and infuses the warrior with Torag's might!

Anthys: Touch of Good: +3 sacred bonus on attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks, and saving throws for 1 round.

AC 24; HP 36/39

I don't think he has, I was briefly confused about the AC boost from it in Anthy's post until I remembered he has the fighter's tactics advanced weapons training. Marcus has the feat normally, so is getting +1 from Anthys.

I have a 12th-level fighter that should be looking at this advanced weapons training thingy at some point... ;)

Advanced Weapon Training really is pretty excellent. At Level 10, Anthys will probably take Abundant Tactics; together with Gloves of Dueling, that would mean he could use Barroom Brawler 5 times a day.

Assuming that Anthys and Vindlér dropped the Hellhound; since Vindlér hit with a 22, then Anthys hit twice before, so that is at least 50 damage on it.

Anthys steps and attacks the Bearded Devil.
Primary, Haste, Bless, PA, Touch of Good: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 13 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 3 = 33
Damage (Good-Aligned Weapon): 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Iterative, Scion: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 3 + 2 = 33
Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Confirm?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Crit Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Hasted Attack: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 1 + 1 - 2 + 3 = 29
Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

So if all those hit... 57 damage.

I don't know how I missed those attacks on the hell hound. It should be much dead by now. The Hell's Ravens are not summoned (yet, they have a way of being summoned in once destroyed). They were brought over along with the Hell Hound.

Anthys' flurry against the bearded devil is swift and merciless, dropping the devil bleeding to the ground.

For lack of a better target Vegazi fires an arrow at one of the Hell Ravens.

Thrum!: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 27
Confirm: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 22
Damage: 3d8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 6, 5) + 3 = 16

Her arrow sends it crashing to the ground, expiring almost immediately.

Order 3rd Round
Elaril, Vindlér, Marcus
Hell Ravens [3 remain]
Bax -29 [invisible]
Berato, Vegazi, Anthys

Elaril flutters his hands and calls forth a burst of glittering dust to try and reveal the tiefling.

Cast Glitterdust on Tiefling’s previous location. Boost to DC20 with 1 AR.

Will!: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Bax appears again in a puff of glitter, injured and blind.

Order 3rd Round
Elaril, Vindlér, Marcus
Hell Ravens [3 remain]
Bax -29
Berato, Vegazi, Anthys

Looking at the map, the two enemies next to us are defeated but not taken off yet, right? Assuming yes for now.

Marcus will move up to the blinded Teifling, taking advantage of Bax's blinded state to kick out and sweep her legs.

Trip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 Against Blinded CMD, so probably a -2 Penalty. Triggers an AOO if she can take one while blind somehow.

Move Action: Move
Standard Action: Trip

Marcus drops Bax with a well placed kick. She remains eerily silent despite her eyes being shut tightly in pain and the electrical burns covering her body.

Order 3rd Round
Elaril, Vindlér, Marcus
Hell Ravens [3 remain]
Bax -29
Berato, Vegazi, Anthys

Vindler hurries forward, then extends a hand and calls out to Bax, "Stay down."

Move and cast Hold Person (Will DC 16 to resist)

That spell doesn't work on Tieflings, actually.

Ahh, because of the part-outsider heritage. Dang! GM, any chance you'd accept a retcon on that spell and allow me to cast Truestrike on myself instead?

Can we just say Vindler cast Tactical Acumen instead? I think it might work with Shield Wall...

Yes you can retcon that.

Thanks for allowing the retcon, GM! I'm gonna stick with Truestrike. We've taken out a couple of the nastier enemies and the one remaining enemy that seems to be a major threat is currently blinded and prone, so this seems like a good time to go on the offensive.

A new Hell Raven bursts from the fires of the braziers, swooping to attack Marcus. The others continue their attacks on Elaril, Vindlér, and Berato. These new ravens are considered summons

Bite (V): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Bite (M): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Bite (E): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Bite (B): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Damage (E): 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Bax spends time trying to get the sparkles out of her eyes.

Will!: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Order 3rd Round
Elaril, Vindlér, Marcus
Hell Ravens [3 remain]
Bax -29 [blind, prone]
Berato, Vegazi, Anthys

The summons cannot enter the 10-foot radius magic circle vs. evil sphere, so they cannot attempt their attacks on Elaril and Berato.

After the hell hawks attempt to plunge on them and are repelled by the protection sphere, Berato notices some of the fiendish flyers go for Vindler and Marcus up ahead. He moves the protective sphere up to them so that they can focus on Bax. He readies the powers of Torag to flow through Anthys when the warrior finally moves up to them.

**READIED ACTION TO TOUCH ANTHYS WITH TOUCH OF GOOD WHEN HE IS WITHIN REACH OF BERATO** -- Anthys: Touch of Good: +3 sacred bonus on attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks, and saving throws for 1 round.

AC 24 (more if Anthys has Lastwall tactician going); HP 36/39

Blind and prone... hardly heroic to defeat a foe in this way... but she has had the chance to ask for mercy and has not. Let's get this over with.
Anthys charges at Bax and brings his sword down on her.

Attack, Charge, Touch of Good, Scion, PA: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 3 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 13 + 2 + 3 + 2 - 2 = 26
Not counting her AC penalties for being blinded or prone.
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 4 = 11

Those birds are not summoned. The newest one (from the brazier) is, it is attacking Marcus.

Bax is killed unceremoniously, and still continues to be silent when the sword is driven through her.

Thrum!: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

Vegazi takes down another Raven.

Order 3rd Round
Elaril, Vindlér, Marcus
Hell Ravens [3 remain]
Berato, Vegazi, Anthys

Vindler moves and strikes at the summoned raven that is pestering Marcus.

Morningstar, true strike, bless: 1d20 + 7 + 20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 20 + 1 = 43 Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Since the birds will follow us anyway, I suggest we take a single move action after each attack, staying in formation, so as to keep moving to the top of the ominous map with our buffs intact, just in case there's something else to fight up there. Berato will act at the end of the initiative to bring the magic circle upon everyone. Is this ok with everyone?

Yeah, that sounds like a good plan. In this instance, I couldn't tell where the raven was, so I didn't know where to move to be within reach. GM, could you move me to the appropriate location to have been able to hit the bird attacking Marcus?
Otherwise, if I didn't need to move to attack the bird, I will take a move action as Berato suggests.

If Elaril can connect with a Burning Hands on more than a single Raven then he will do that, otherwise he will ready an action until such time as he can.

Burning Hands (Electric)Damage: 5d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 4, 2, 1, 3) + 3 = 17
DC18

Marcus will throw a dagger at a raven.

Attack, Point Blank Shot, Bless: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4