PbP GD VII Assault on Absalom CORE Tier 1-2 (Inactive)

Game Master eddv

"Mon amis, I am fine weeth either way zou weesh to go, but I would prefer to engage the demon-flesh horde."

"Can swim, but do not know how to sail boat. Can push oar if someone else steers. Would prefer land."

"Yes, I prefer to feel the earth beneath my feet. Besides, someone" he says, jerking his thumb towards the cat "will complain incessantly if he has to get wet."

Panja looks stoically at Jangalee, then yawns.

By Land it is!

In the distance, a brass horn sounds a warning signal. A moment later, a Captain of the First Guard shouts for her force to ready for impact—a command that guards relay up and down the wall. A dark swarm of thousands of strangely misshapen creatures charges, throwing themselves against the stone walls and clambering over each other to reach the top. Despite many volleys of arrows raining down and boiling oil poured on them, the stubborn fiend-flesh creatures press on. In multiple places along the ramparts, soldiers of the First Guard have to draw their swords and engage the creatures in melee. Here and there, groups of nightmarish creatures spill through the line
of defense.

You end up being deployed by the walls of the city - trying to prevent the invasion by the demonic forces.

Ironically same map as before

A pair of red gelatinous humans climb over the walls to confront you.

Tolinath
Vulf
Jangalee
Xusius
Red Ivan
---
Red Jelly
Green Jelly
---
Telos
Panja

Dark Archive (1 time all undead gain confused cond 1 rd)
Exchange At the beginning of one encounter, treat all weapons as +2 higher than they are.
Grand Lodge: At the beginning of one encounter, gain 6 temp hp
Silver Crusade: 1 free use of Aid Token Healing w/o using Aid Token
Liberty's Edge: Gain 10 ft Movement at start of 1 encounter
Sovreign Court: 1 use of Timely Inspiration w/o using Aid Token
Scarab Sages: 1 free use Allied Offenseive w/o using Aid Token
1 time use: Demons Present? Add 4 to initiative rolls
1 time use: Undead Present? Add 4 to initiative rolls
1 time use: One PC can Reroll any D20 roll

Anyone know what these things are? We don't know if we can use any of the bonuses above. I think I used the 1-time reroll already, or was that a different boon?

Knowledge (religion) re fiend-flesh creatures: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Vulf considers the attackers attempting to discern if they are undead, rather than demonic in nature.

Announcing his conclusions, races forward to the steps to head off the invader. Double move

Just in case this helps with the fiend knowledge. Not mah turn yet.

knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

"Panja, don't go rushing ahead! Stay with me." Jangalee gives Panja the Defend command, then double-moves forward.

These are Ectoplasmic Humans . They are a mostly corporeal, slimy humanoid.

Their slam attack can scare you and they can air walk.

Xusius pulls out a flask of acid to aid his spellcasting. He moves up and casts Acid Splash at the red thing.

Acid Splash: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Are they humanoids or undead? Kind of important here. If they're undead we can use the boon to get an initiative boost, and we can use the undead-bane ammo we received. If they're human, favored enemy will work against them.

Undead

If we use the initiative boon, we can get Telos to go before the enemy. What do you folks think?

Ivan moves as far as he can, while drawing his hammer and sickle. "Arise, children of revolution! Day of Glory is at hand!" Double move and draw weapons.

Sounds like a good idea to me, Ivan.

Sounds good to me. Is that enough votes for a decision?

Might as well

Okie, assuming we've agreed on the initiative boost, and Telos gets to go in the first block...

Telos runs out behind Xusius rolling his fingers in a somatic gesture to conjure darts of force..

20', move action
Cast magic missile on red, standard action
Force damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Ok the group moves with great alacrity trying to combat the undead menace!

The group mostly jockeys for position (including Robot Tolinath) while Telos nails one with a force missile.

The first floats right over top of Vukf, using its height advantage to try and wail on the Ulfen cracking his jaw with force and leaving his face covered in red slime

Miserable Slam, Will Save required on hit: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 1 = 171d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The other menacingly floats over to Ivan and does the same.
Miserable Slam, Will Save required on hit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 151d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Tolinath
Vulf -4 HP, will save DC 11 or be shaken
Jangalee
Xusius
Red Ivan
Telos
---
Red Jelly -2
Green Jelly
---
Panja

Dark Archive (1 time all undead gain confused cond 1 rd)
Exchange At the beginning of one encounter, treat all weapons as +2 higher than they are.
Grand Lodge: At the beginning of one encounter, gain 6 temp hp
Silver Crusade: 1 free use of Aid Token Healing w/o using Aid Token
Liberty's Edge: Gain 10 ft Movement at start of 1 encounter
Sovreign Court: 1 use of Timely Inspiration w/o using Aid Token
Scarab Sages: 1 free use Allied Offenseive w/o using Aid Token
1 time use: Demons Present? Add 4 to initiative rolls

Telos steps out to the side to get a clear view of the gelatinous humanoid, continuing his arcane assault with a confident smirk on his face.

10', move action

Elemental ray, vs red touch AC, into melee: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 6 - 4 = 12
Electricity damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Xusius throws out another Acid Splash at the red one.

Penalty for firing into melee is incorporated into the roll

Acid Splash: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 181d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

The magical might of Telos and Xusius combines to down the ooey gooey human! Leaving it a pile of red slime at Ivans feet.

Will save (DC 10: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Unfazed by the undead, but not uninjured, Vulf gives chase up the steps towards the creature. Move action

As he does so, he reaches for the holy symbol around his neck. Calling upon the power of the Father of Creation, a burst of positive energy channels froth from him, both outward and towards within.
Channel positive: 1d6 ⇒ 3 Undead gets a Will save (DC 14) for half.

Jangalee sighs as the nearer creature is destroyed, just as he arrived. He turns and slowly trudges toward the other one, scythe in hand and tiger at his heels.

"Arrgh... curse these stubby legs o' mine. I'll be gettin thar soon." Tolinath rushes around the building and what could only be guessed as a long slur of dwarven, Draconic and orc curse words trail behind him.

Double move

Will try to keep to the same status format that Eddv was using!
Will bot Ivan to head over with Jangalee... just slower =)

As the first creature falls, your sense of victory is short lived. Even as Jangalee moves off to help with the other, Ivan not far behind, a third glowing ectoplasmic form phases out of the wall back near where the first fell... only the gooey residue dripping slowly down the wall marking its passage. Its mouth opens as if sobbing in pain, and it glides soundlessly across the courtyard, hands reaching towards Telos like it is beseeching him for aid!

At the other tower, Vulf lifts the hammer-symbol of his god defiantly above his head, and a wave of energy bursts out all around. The wave hits the undead form nearby, that of a tall thin man with a weary expression, stooped over as if bearing a heavy load. The power of creation tearing at the negative energy holding it together and parts of its ectoplasmic form seem to tear loose, falling in small dripping globs to the battlements. It turns on him almost too quickly to believe, the tired look on its ghostly features suddenly turning to one of rage as it phases right through the parapet, five feet above the stairs behind him, its hands sweeping out in front of him, as if to trying to force the dwarf off the wall.

Vulf manages to step back quickly enough, avoiding the grasping arm, but as he does so, a fourth creature phases through the battlements behind him, arms open as if about to take him in an embrace. Looking like a mother welcoming her child, she... for it appears to be an old woman, stooped with age... tries to encase him in her arms with, a pleading look on her ghostly face!

It is all the dwarf can do to quickly change directions again, scrabbling to the side to avoid whatever 'comfort' she is offering. As he does so, the pleading look changes in an instant, becoming one of loathing and spite. Her mouth opens in a soundless scream.

Tolinath
Vulf -4 HP
Jangalee
Xusius
Red Ivan
Telos
---
Green Ectoplasmic Creature (-1)
Yellow Ectoplasmic Creature
Blue Ectoplasmic Creature
---
Panja

I hadn't noticed the terrain very clearly. Is it possible to pass through between the building and the rampart there, or do I need to go around?

I'd guess its just the roof that buts up against them there, if you're down at ground level, I imagine you can walk through just fine. We'll say count that one square as difficult terrain.

The new, pleading ectoplasmic creature elicits a mixture of pity and disgust from Telos. It causes him to recoil and back away from it. 5' guarded step.

Great... they just keep coming. Again he raises his left hand, and as his eyes glow blue it shoot outs a ray of crackling electricity.

Elemental ray attack vs blue touch AC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Electricity damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

I didn't realize I was up again. My apologies for requiring a bot.

Ivan sees another one coming, and heads back to protect Telos. He moves up and prepares to strike as soon as it comes.

Readied action to strike with hammer, one handed, power attack.

readied attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 1 = 61d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8

With his holy symbol still I'm hand, Vulf again channels the positive benwegy of the divine at his foes.
Channel positive: 1d6 ⇒ 4 Undead gets a Will save (DC 14) for half.

Xusius double moves up the steps to reach the top of the other wall and heads up to the parapet.

Jangalee squeezes through around the corner, then sighs again when he sees how far up the stairs the creature is. He stands at the base of the stairs, scythe at the ready, and points at the creature. "Panja, attack!"

Single move, readied action for Jangalee.

Panja bounds up the stairs and bites at the ectoplasmic figure!

bite, power attack: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 - 1 = 5 +2 if it can be flanked.
damage, power attack: 1d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 2 = 6

"Wait! How'd ye get her lad? I thought..." Tolinath looks at the small gap between the buildings and yells out "By Torag's third... Gah why dinnoe I think o' tha!"

Move and ready an action to attack if an enemy gets close.

Just as an aside, Xusius, it is somewhat confusing, as a fill in GM, when players use different tokens on the maps than they're using on the forums!

Seeing more enemies come through the walls to attack, Ivan immediately turns back to help Telos... but the halfling proves more than capable of defending himself, as he points one finger towards the oncoming creature, and sparks of electricity arc between the two. The ghostly being starts to spasm where it stands, until all of the ectoplasm holding it together suddenly liquefies, and collapses to a slimy pool on the cobblestones, even that quickly fading away.

Xusius takes advantage of the opportunity to hurry up the stairs to the ramparts on the right side of the gate, for a better view of what's happening on the other side.

And what that is, is Vulf on his own, trying to keep two more of the undead creatures at bay. Again, he raises his holy symbol, and again a wave of positive energy bursts forth, this time striking both the tall form in front, and the stooped old woman behind. Again the bright energy of creation tries to tear apart the negative bonds that seem to be holding these creatures together, bits of their being sloughing off and forming gooey puddles on the stones at their feet...

But as on the previous attempt, it only seems to enrage them both! The ghostly crone again tries to wrap him in her undead embrace, forcing the dwarven cleric to stagger backwards against the gatehouse to get out of her reach... which again pushes him right back into the reach of the tall thin creature floating behind him, who tries to slam its ghostly fist onto his head. Vulf manages to duck under that one too... starting to realize he's in a bit of a situation... so is glad to see his companions coming up the steps behind him!

Jangalee and his feline companion squeeze their way between the gatehouse and the nearby building, then the druid commands Panja to attack! The tiger bounds up the stairs, leaping up towards the phantom overhead, but his jaws close on nothing but air.

Note, no flanking here, due to Z-axis shenanigans!

Tolinath, having taken the long way around the building, comes huffing around the final bend, overly large axe in hand. Unable to proceed any further with the stairs blocked by furry feline, he instead waits for an opportunity to use the axe on anything that comes his way, though nothing immediately does.

Tolinath
Vulf -4 HP
Jangalee
Xusius
Red Ivan
Telos
---
Green Ectoplasmic Creature (-3)
Yellow Ectoplasmic Creature (-4)
---
Panja

back to you guys!

Panja continues his assault on the creature.

bite, power attack: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 3 - 1 = 17
damage, power attack: 1d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 2 = 9

claw, power attack: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 - 1 = 8
damage, power attack: 1d4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 2 = 5

claw, power attack: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 - 1 = 20
damage, power attack: 1d4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 2 = 4

Jangalee watches Panja work. "Vulf, come back down and let Tolinath at 'em!"

Jangalee again readies an action, leaving the spot next to the stairs available for Tolinath (if Panja didn't just destroy the one on the stairs).

"I'd love to come downstairs, however, I am bit preoccupied at the moment with this frightful creature that doesn't have the decency to know when he is dead or else doesn't care to acknowledge it." says Vulf.

" Didn't expect them to start coming through the wall of all the unholy things," he mutters to himself as he considers possible exit strategies.

Delaying at the moment until I can see a way to avoid an AoO or decide to eat it.

The tiger will clear a path =) Check the map.

Vulf carefully progesses down the steps. Withdraw action

Xusius moves up and stops. He is too far from the last thing to hit it with an Acid Splash and doesn't want to use his only Magic Missile yet just in case.

Sorry Vulf, I wrote that sort of assuming Panja had taken the near one down.

Seeing the resulting puddle in front of him, Telos turns his head and listens for where the rest of the action is proceeding. He runs towards the opposite ramparts.

40', double move.

OK, keeping things moving!

Panja tears into the ghostly form hovering over Vulf's head, tearing at whatever substance holds it together until he can no longer do so! With a silent scream, the tall ghost dissipates in an explosion of slime, leaving the tiger's muzzle covered in gooey ectoplasm... much to its dismay.

The way now clear, Vulf quickly withdraws from the front line, moving down the stairs off the battlements, leaving room for Tolinath to move up!

As the ulfan man withdraws, Tolinath races up the steps to take his place, his giant axe in hand. With a single mighty swing of his blade, he finishes off the final spirit, as its form to suddenly collapses, leaving a slimy trail across the stones behind it.

In both directions, up and down the wall, you can hear the sounds of chaotic battle raging on, in stark contrast to the pristine and extravagant homes all around you!

Even as you take a moment to recovery your breaths, you hear the sounds of hoof beats approaching quickly from further to the west.

Siege Lord Wynsal Starborn himself rides at the forefront of several other heavily armored mounted soldiers. Seeing you, he points your way, then changes direction slightly to intercept. He reins in his horse to stop before you, and motions you forward.

"You there!" He calls, as he removes his steel helmet, shaking out his long braided hair, beaded with the teal and gold colors of Absalom's flag. He gives you all a respectful nod, and a congratulatory salute.

"Pathfinders, right?" He says, with a respectful nod and congratulatory salute as if he already knows the answer. "I am Wynsal Starborn, once captain of the First Guard and now the Siege Lord ensuring Absalom's safety. You fought bravely, and thanks to your help, I think we've got the situation under control here."

He frowns slightly, as he looks towards the walls. "I am less confident about affairs beyond our gates."

"Though..." He pauses for a moment, as if weighing options in his head, before continuing. "We could seize control of the tides of war with a targeted strike by capable operatives like you."

He eyes your reaction before explaining further. "As you probably noticed, those fiendish abominations are quite tough, but they’re not very organized. In fact, I saw two groups of them fighting each other... at least until one of the minotaur commanders sorted them out. We might be able to use their lack of discipline against them!"

"So that's where we need your help. I've heard the Pathfinder Society has already done a great deal for the city today... and while I’m reticent to ask more, I cannot afford to surrender your expertise. I ask that you go beyond the wall, sneak past enemy lines, seek out one of the minotaur Champions they call Rakmool Bloodhorn. Find him, and kill that horned beast."

He clenches his fist for emphasis. "The First Guard will be ready to exploit the opening."

You guys have a moment to recovery, than over the wall you will go!

Vulf uses his wand on himself.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

"Anyone else need some healing?" asks the cleric.

Telos looks himself over. No, I'm good!

He fishes a wand out of his pack and taps himself with it.

Wand of mage armor, +4 armor AC, 1 hour

This provides you with extra protection if your armor is light or missing, as I wear none. Would anybody else like a go?

Can anybody use a non-stacking +4 armor bonus?

Jangalee grabs Panja by the muzzle, wiping off as much ectoplasm as he can before the tiger decides to try licking it off. "We are ready. These fiends must be destroyed."

Jangalee's got armor, but Panja could use a hit of that mage armor, if you're offering.

Mrreow! Panja squirms and grumbles as Jangalee wipes his face, moving away to sulk once he is released.