Elaril |
Elaril grumbles quietly to himself before following the others
"And here I was thinking we were done with this place..."
Vindlér Far-seer |
Vindler detects the mayor's displeasure with seeing the Pathfinders and gives it back in equal measure. "It appears the threat of the curses is more immediate than I was willing to believer earlier, Mayor Proum. I admit my error and ask your pardon." The dwarf clears his throat and shifts uncomfortably for a moment, then collects himself and continues. "We've discovered the infernal contracts detailing the terms of the curses that have afflicted your citizens. The contracts reveal that the two signees are one Bulvikauth and 'The greater powers of hell'. The people affected are considered objects as part of the bargain, and seem to indicate this Bulvikauth can only make three such contracts every day. What the greater powers get out of this is still unclear, but destroying one of the creators of the contract renders the entire thing null and void."
Now settled back into a more business-like report, Vindler feels more comfortable again and carries on, "Obviously, we're not going to be the ones to defeat the greater powers of hell, but we suspect this Bulvikauth is here somewhere. We are spent from today's earlier efforts in bringing down the rest of the orc tribe and their infernal leader, so we plan to rest the night. In the morning, we'll continue our search for this other signee and destroy them, and free your people from the curses afflicting them."
Anthys |
"This Bulvikauth does not know that we are onto it. I'd like to keep it that way. Keep this quiet and we will have the best chance of destroying the devil.
We will make our best efforts to find it in the morning. If you should hear of anybody else acting strangely, do not go investigate yourself; send immediately for us and send us to the site. I imagine the devil might stick around to watch its victims' torment for a while, and we will show up prepared to do battle."
GM Fez |
Mayor Proum gives a very sad smile, "Truth be told, I wish you were right and this was all a mass delusion. I appreciate your candor. I will also ask your forgiveness, you have saved more of our citizens than I can possibly imagine by taking out those orcs outside the town and my response to your leaving was...inappropriate to say the least." He listens to Anthys' request and nods in acquiescence. "You'll be the first to know."
The night will go smoothly, so what spells are everyone preparing for tomorrow?
Vindlér Far-seer |
Oh that's a good one! Vindler's stuck to his spells known.
Berato, would you be up for taking Invisibility Purge for one of your 3rd level spells today? Otherwise, I could pick up a scroll and try to UMD it since I don't have 3rd spells yet.
GM Fez |
I'll have Berato explain what spells he's praying for when he gets back.
The morning finds you refreshed and ready to hunt down a devil. Vegazi is taken by the mayor and council members to the Arwyll's mansion to start working out the details of her living in the city. A quick patrol of the town doesn't find anything suspicious, but that is broken when Terrin rushes to find you.
"I think the curse has taken one of the men you saved yesterday. He's gone mad, shouting about bearded devils torturing him and bringing him back over and over again. He's drawn his sword and attacks anything that approaches him. My other scouts have managed to keep him corralled in the barracks, but I'm not sure how long we can hold him there before someone gets hurt..."
Anthys |
"Let's go," says Anthys. "We kill the devil behind the curses, and they all should end."
Between Berato possibly casting Invisibility Purge as we approach the barracks, if he agrees to prep that spell, and both Vindlér and Elaril using the Wand of See Invisibility, we should be able to find the devil.
Berato Aquilinus |
Cleric Spells (Caster Level 6th; Concentration +11)
Orisons (DC 15) - create water, detect magic, light, guidance
1st (DC 16) - divine favor (D), bless, detect evil (60 minutes) x2, divine favor x2
2nd (DC 17) - align weapon (D), protection from evil communal x2, weapons against evil x2
3rd (DC 18) - prayer (D), invisible purge x2, holy javelin
Who's got a good ranged attack bonus for the holy javelin? Do we know something about that devil? feel free to suggest alternate spells.
Vindlér Far-seer |
Anyone who took damage yesterday, remember that you recover 1 hp/character level overnight. Vindler also would've healed himself and anyone else who needed it up to full in the morning.
Cure Light Wounds wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Cure Light Wounds wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
After hearing from Terrin
Once the team reaches the outside of the barracks, Vindler uses the wand of See Invisibility on himself, then hands it off to Elaril for him to use.
Berato Aquilinus |
If there was any wounded before bedtime, Berato healed them. He still had a significant spell load left in his brains...
GM Fez |
Map is updated
Following Terin you make it to the barracks in mere minutes, just as the doors explode outward and a terribly bloodied man scrambles into the courtyard. Terrin curses then calls out to him, "Val! Don't do this, just drop your sword and let us help you!"
Vindlér Far-seer |
Vindler extends a hand toward Val as his eyes go black and fill with golden flecks like stars. In a commanding voice, he calls out to the cursed soldier, "Hold."
Cast Hold Person; DC 16 Will save negates
Elaril |
"Ah guys... You might not be able to see him, but just inside the door is... well I think we have found the.. uh.. local part of the infernal contract."
Anthys |
"Elaril, Berato, can you make it visible?"
Anthys delays.
@Berato - I think you have to hurl the Holy Javelin. Typically when such weapons can be handed off, the spell says so, as with Force Sword.
GM Fez |
Elaril: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Vindlér: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Berato: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Marcus: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Val: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Bulvikauth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Will!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Val freezes in place, drawing a to those who can see it frown on the devil's face. It floats out of the building and hovers just above the door frame Reachable if you are adjacent to it, concentrating on something.
Order 1st Round
Bulvikauth [readied, invisible]
Berato
Val
Elaril, Vindlér, Anthys, Marcus
Berato Aquilinus |
Berato senses some trickery at work here, and moves behind Vindler, back against the wall, before casting Invisibility Purge, 30-foot radius, wanting to see what Val will do first...
Delay to put Berato's initiative with the rest of the party, then undelaying after Val's turn to cast Invis. Purge
Anthys |
"Marcus, Vindlér, with me!"
Anthys moves up and readies to Disarm Val if the cursed warrior comes within his reach. This will provoke an AOO, but if Vindlér and Marcus are adjacent, Anthys will have AC 28 even against non-evil foes (+2 Shield Wall, +1 Heart of the Streets) - and AC 30 against evil (Lastwall Phalanx).
Well that's not great, but it might be enough against a low-level scout.
Elaril |
Elaril can see it correct? If so, then he will cast Glitterdust using 1 AR to boost the Will Save DC to 20 before moving out of LoS.
GM Fez |
Yep. Vindlér gave you a wand to cast the spell before you got to the barracks.
Will!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Elaril's spell explodes just outside the door to the barracks, showing everyone the devil waiting just above.
Order 1st Round
Bulvikauth [readied]
Val
Berato, Elaril, Vindlér, Anthys, Marcus
Marcus Volso |
Marcus moves up, shielding Anthys and throwing a dagger to impede Val's movements.
Ranged Aid AC, Anthys, Point Blank Shot, Range: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 - 2 = 28
+5 to Anthy's AC vs. Val's next attack.
23 AC, 24 vs. Evil
GM Fez |
As Marcus moves into range the curse devil does something, sending a wave of negative energy out to sap the strength from muscles and bravery from will. Spell-like ability to cast Bane. Marcus and Anthys need to make a DC 14 Will save vs an enchantment (compulsion) [emotion, fear, mind-affecting] affect.
Val Will!: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Order 1st Round
Bulvikauth
Val
Berato, Elaril, Vindlér, Anthys, Marcus
Marcus Volso |
Will Save, Scion, Shake it Off, Lastwall Phalanx: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 12
"Oof."
Vindlér Far-seer |
Vindler moves up and creates an aura around himself and his team to further enhance their tactical abilities.
Move and a standard to cast Tactical Acumen, further increasing the effectiveness of Lastwall Phalanx and Shield Wall by +1. Swift action to activate Judgment of Purity (+2 on saves).
GM Fez |
Bulvikauth flies higher in the air, stopping around 20 feet above the ground before throwing a burst of concentrated magic at Anthys, Vindlér, and Marcus. DC 19 spellcraft check reveals it uses confusion
I'll need a DC 17 Will save vs an enchantment (compulsion) [mind-affecting] effect from Anthys, Vindlér, and Marcus or be confused.
Val snarls and waves his sword around, trying to keep everyone away.
Order 1st Round
Bulvikauth
Val
(DC 17 Will Anthys, Vindlér, and Marcus)
Berato, Elaril, Vindlér, Anthys, Marcus
Elaril |
Assuming A,V & M all fight off the confusion, Elaril will cast Haste. If someone fails, I will potentially figure out a new plan.
Vindlér Far-seer |
Will, Hardy, Lastwall Phalanx, TA: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 2 + 3 = 28
Now that the devil is out in the open, Vindler takes a moment to recall what he can of its abilities.
Knowledge (planes), Monster Lore: 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 4 = 23
I'd like to know any DR first. Let me know if I got a high enough roll to learn anything else.
Anthys |
Normally, readying changes your place in the initiative order so I don't think the devil would have gone again in its usual place. But we need to keep this moving so no sense trying to change anything.
Will, Shake it Off +2, Lastwall Phalanx +2, Scion: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 12
Well that's no good. Using my Folio reroll.
Will, Shake it Off +2, Lastwall Phalanx +2, Scion: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 29
"Elaril, it's out of my reach, hit it with something!"
Anthys drops his sword, then draws and throws a javelin at the devil. It isn't holy or magic or anything, so he hopes his strength is enough to injure the fiend.
Javelin: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
@Vindlér, I think Bane crossbow is the way to go here.
Berato Aquilinus |
Cleric Spells (Caster Level 6th; Concentration +11)
Orisons (DC 15) - create water, detect magic, light, guidance
1st (DC 16) - divine favor (D), bless, detect evil (60 minutes) x2, divine favor x2
2nd (DC 17) - align weapon (D), protection from evil communal x2, weapons against evil x2
3rd (DC 18) - prayer (D), invisible purge x2, holy javelin
Berato moves into the courtyard to follow the group, emanating invisibility purging divine power. He then casts prayer!
Prayer vs. SR: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 (if creature has no SR, there is no save against the effect)
Active buffs: invisibility purge 30' radius, prayer: 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.
GM Fez |
I understand the readying thing, but with the way the blocks have been working out I figured it would be simplest to keep it in its spot.
Vindlér recalls that Curse devils, or phiams, are constructs of Hell that exist outside the infernal hierarchy. They are forged by more powerful devils to hunt down mortals whose souls belong to Hell. They have resistance to non-cold iron or silvered weapons, as well as the standard suite of resistances all devils have immune to fire and poison, resistant to cold and acid. They also have a large number of abilities related to cursing people, as their name implies. bestow curse, blindness/deafness, bane, doom, and the like
I say cold iron in the write-up above, but that's only because I think the DR line in the book is wrong. It's listed as DR 5/cold or silver. Since energy is its own thing (and the devil has resistance cold 10) I figured this was a typo.
Anthys' javelin hits the devil and manages to do some damage, powered on as it is by Berato's prayer.
Order 1st Round
Bulvikauth -4
Val
(DC 17 Will Marcus)
Berato, Elaril (probably haste), Vindlér, Anthys, Marcus
Marcus Volso |
Will, Lastwall Phalanx, Shake it Off, Scion: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 20
"Stay close, I'll guard us!"
Standard Action: Tactician, everyone gets 4 rounds of Covering Fire.
Marcus throws a dagger at the devil, interfering with its aim.
Aid Another AC: Bane, Range: 1d20 + 9 - 1 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 1 - 4 = 22 +4 to AC for everyone vs. the Curse Devil's first attack this round.
GM Fez |
Everyone shakes off the devil's curse and prepare for its next wave of attacks.
Vindlér, I forgot you didn't actually do anything with your actions last round. What would you like to do? The devil is likely to change its actions depending on what you do.
Order 1st Round
Bulvikauth -4
Val
Berato, Elaril, Vindlér, Anthys, Marcus
Vindlér Far-seer |
Vindler pulls out his repeating crossbow and calls on Abadar to turn this into a weapon of his judgment against the devil.
Move action pull crossbow, swift action call Bane (outsiders - evil), standard to shoot
Rpt Lt Xbow, Bane, prayer: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 11 Cold iron bolt damage, bane, prayer: 1d8 + 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + (6, 3) + 1 = 15
GM Fez |
The devil barely blinks as Vindlér's bolt flies through the air. It throws another spell, this time aimed at Vindlér specifically. DC 17 spellcraft reveals blindness/deafness.
I need a DC 15 Fortitude save vs a necromancy [curse] effect or be blinded.
Val stumbles around, weapon prepared to strike at anyone that gets close.
Order 1st Round
Bulvikauth -4
Val
(DC 15 Fortitude save Vindlér)
Berato, Elaril, Vindlér, Anthys, Marcus
Vindlér Far-seer |
Fortitude, hardy, judgment, prayer: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 15 Noice!
Berato Aquilinus |
Berato casts "Weapons Against Evil" on Vindler's crossbow, three of Anthys' javelins, and two of Marcus' daggers.
He then moves right under the fiend, drawing his MW Consecrated Alchemical Silver Warhammer.
Anthys |
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Anthys actually only has two javelins total. Ranged combat is not really his thing. He's got a Cold Iron Dagger that Berato could also have targeted.
Javelin, Haste, Prayer: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9 With Weapons Against Evil, ignores up to 5 DR of an evil creature.
Elaril |
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Elaril concentrates briefly, spouts some arcane scripture & with a gesture sends a ball of lightning flying past the devil to explode in the air above it.
Cast Fireball and aim high enough above it that only the devil is hit by it. Use Versatile Evocation to change it to Lightning / Electricity. Use Arcane Reservoir to boost CL by 2 up to 9.
CL vs SR: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Electricity damage: 9d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 2, 1, 4, 6, 5, 3, 3, 5) + 3 = 33
Berato Aquilinus |
Impressive damage Elaril... that ought to give this devil a pause...