PbP Gameday VII | PFS# 7-17: Thralls of the Shattered God, with GM Picatrix (Inactive)

Game Master into the aether

With a verbal command, "Flank Valais" Screech circles around and moves right next to her. Then on his own, "You no want to do this, think for self."he says to her in common, trying to talk her out of attacking them and resisting the demon's influence.

Rose shifts a further 5' and declares the demon up near the ceiling as the target of her Smite Evil. Then unleashes a flight of arrows at it.

Comp Bow 1: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Comp Bow 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Comp Bow Haste: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Know Planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

"I got no clue what that is, but Valais has a internal conflict and is some how not under her own control, but that shouldn't be a surprise in this place by now." The first part was directed to her target as she shot at it.....

GM, I would have included all that were in range which means Valais is in and the cat is not.

kn planes : 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

The thing is we have 6 PCs, 2 animal companions and Valais. So even with the cat out of range, that's still 8 potential targets and you can only choose 7 of them, so you have to pick one more to be out.

Oh Sorry! Enora is not included of course! ;-)

Izabela tries to reason with Valais, but her expression remains blank.

Edmund gets strong like bull and lets loose several arrows at Laktharis, one of which strikes home. Kissan moves to flank.

Kije grabs a scroll and goes invisible.

Tiki activates Kiti’s magic collar and the beast doubles in size! Kiti promptly starts attacking Laktharis, connecting with one of the gore attacks.

Rose tells her companion to flank Valais as well. She then declares Laktharis the target of her holy wrath and fires three arrows, one of which connects and feels fully effective!

Looks like Enora still has a turn this round! Enora, you’re up.
--
Round 2: the bold may act!
--
Edmund
Kije
Rhosalith
Enora
Tiki+Kiti
Izabela
Laktharis
Valais (see spoiler re: sense motive)
Notes: HASTE!

Enora makes a step and casts ear-piercing scream targeting the outsider above.

The target is dazed for 1 round and takes 3d6 points of sonic damage. A successful DC 16 save negates the daze effect and halves the damage.

3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 3) = 8

Status:
HP 45/45 | Temp HP 21/21 | Spells: 1st: 1/6, 2nd: 2/5, 3rd: 0/4 | Staff charges 2/10 | Reroll 0/1 |Rod of lesser extend: 1/3 | Wand of CLW: 10/10 | Wand of mage armor 3/5 | Bonded item spell 1/1 | Arcane Reservoir: 5/6 | Prescience: 5/6 | Active conditions: Mage Armor, false life, fly, mirror images 5

OK to be clear on who has Enora's Haste: She said she excluded herself, and the cat was not in range. So Valais does have it, as does Screech and all Pathfinders except Enora.

Enora caster level check vs SR: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Enora's spell has no effect on Laktharis.

Laktharis steps five feet and tries to cast a spell-like ability defensively.
concentration DC 25: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
Tiki, Kiti, Izabela, Enora, and Edmund receive a telepathic communication in their minds:
"I command you to KNEEL before me!!!"
DC 18 WILL or fall prone; failure means you save again next turn or remain prone.

Valais steps toward Edmund and lays into him!
claw 1, haste: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 14 + 1 = 32
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
acid damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
claw 2, haste: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 14 + 1 = 31
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
acid damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
gore, haste: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 14 + 1 = 25
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
acid damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
bite, haste: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 14 + 1 = 24
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
acid damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Looks like that KOs Edmund, so Valais takes her final attack on Screech.
haste attack claw, haste: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 14 + 1 = 27
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
acid damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

As Edmund falls, Kije weakly pulls at his hair. "Valais!" he yells. "What the Hell are you doing?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Unable to make sense of her sudden change of attitude, Kije steadies his nerves and prepares to strike, hopefully to only neutralize Valais and not kill her.

Kije casts true strike and steps away.

Bah! I didn’t notice that the thing stepped away last round! My own fault for not paying attention.

Will: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

Izabela moves over and lashes out at Laktharis! Using Lunge—we already determined that I can hit it from the ground

Whip: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (1) + 24 = 25 Oh for Pete's sake!

BTW, my Paizo account was doing something really screwy and refused to acknowledge that I was signed into my account—took me about half-an-hour to get this one post actually up. Anyone else facing that issue?

Same problems as you

Valais charges into Edmund, and try as he might, he is unable to avoid her terrible claws. Blow after blow falls on the archer before he crumples to the ground.

HP -7/32

Dying DC 17: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3

-8/32

Rose yells a command to Screech, its a trained trick so...."Screech, step towards me and wait for the cat to attack."
While she says that, she takes a step, getting closer to the fallen companion. She hopes that their friend that's dominated somehow will ignore the fallen one for a couple moments....
She takes aim once more at the demon thing up near the ceiling....
(Roses attacks are Smite Evil)
Comp Bow: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Comp Bow: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Comp Bow/haste: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Once the cat flanks with Screech, he attacks Valais.

Comp Bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6(add 2 to hit for flanking)
Comp Bite: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5(add 2 to hit for flanking)
Comp Tail: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3(add 2 to hit for flanking)
Comp Bite/haste: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10(add 2 to hit for flanking)

WILL: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 Is this an enchantment? I'm guessing it is greater command given the effect and concentration DC. If so Kiti succeeds due to the +4 morale bonus from her devotion ability.

Looks like Tiki and Enora still need the will save (and yes it was greater command).

Kije tries in vain to figure out what’s going on with Valais, then casts a spell.

The warpriestess lunges at Laktharis with her whip but misses badly.

Rose fires three more arrows, two of which strike true, and the demon is looking bloody. She commands her drake to attack Valais if/when the cat flanks. Looks like the cat’s last order was to flank with Kije; with Edmund KO’d I’m not sure if the cat would now move to flank with the drake. Thoughts?
--
Round 3: the bold may act!
--
Edmund
Kije
Rhosalith
Enora (DC 18 WILL save needed)
Tiki (DC 18 WILL save needed)
Kiti
Izabela
Laktharis
Valais (see spoiler re: sense motive)
Notes: HASTE!

Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Free action: Activating prescience 4/6 remaining: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Enora moves out and uses her staff of ember to send Scorching Rays at the demon.

Scorching Ray 1, touch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 ; Fire damage : 4d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 3, 2) = 12

Scorching Ray 2, touch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15; Fire damage : 4d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 3, 2) = 12

Status:
HP 45/45 | Temp HP 21/21 | Spells: 1st: 1/6, 2nd: 2/5, 3rd: 0/4 | Staff charges 0/10 | Reroll 0/1 |Rod of lesser extend: 1/3 | Wand of CLW: 10/10 | Wand of mage armor 3/5 | Bonded item spell 1/1 | Arcane Reservoir: 5/6 | Prescience: 4/6 | Active conditions: Mage Armor, false life, fly, mirror images 5 , Arcane barrier

WILL: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Using my folio reroll.

WILL: 1d20 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 3 = 25

Tiki manages to keep his seat on Kiti and he dismisses his own size change. He drops his bow and draws his lance.

Kiti is nudged forward and tries to gore the demon some more.

I thoink even atop his 15' mount with a reach weapon Tiki is one square too far away to threaten the demon. If I am wrong about this, add 4 to the attack rolls.

Gore (tusk blades): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20 Damage: 4d6 + 18 ⇒ (3, 4, 4, 3) + 18 = 32
Gore (tusk blades): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27 Damage: 4d6 + 18 ⇒ (2, 2, 2, 3) + 18 = 27
Gore (tusk blades): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 Damage: 4d6 + 18 ⇒ (4, 3, 6, 6) + 18 = 37

As to the Cat, if it's int stat is like a normal animals, it'd follow the last command. in my opinion. If it is smarter and able to use skills to revive it's master, i'd say it would do that.
Example, Screech has UMD and chance to revive Rose.

My understanding is that an AC would continue with its last command, so it would continue to flank. In general it wouldnt attack (since it wasn't given that as a command) but since she has an opportunity to attack the creature that dropped her hooman, it would be reasonable that she would seek to defend her master

Since her only move to be adjacent to Valais also puts her in flanking, I am going to just move kissan the 5 feet and then attack. Please feel free to use/ignore as you see fit GM

Bite, Flank: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 2 = 23
Damage, Bite: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Claw #1, Flank: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 2 = 23
Damage, Claw #1: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Claw #2, Flank: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 2 = 15
Damage, Claw #2: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Seeing her master fall at the claws of this... creature... Kissan roars as she leaps after the unholy thing.

Enora shakes off the telepathic command to kneel. Using her staff she sends some magical fiery rays at the demon.
caster level check for SR: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
She overcomes the spell resistance! But the fire doesn't seem to do much to the demon.

Tiki too summons the willpower to ignore the demon’s order. He dismisses the magic that had him small, then drops his bow and arms himself with a lance. He nudges his mount forward who promptly unleashes a series of gore attacks. (Yeah looks to me like Tiki is one square too far to threaten.) One of the attacks makes solid contact, although the damage seems somewhat reduced.

I’m good with y’alls interpretation of the companions’ actions.

Kissan moves to flank Valais with the drake and makes three attacks, but they’re not very effective. The drake also makes several attacks that are ineffectual.

Laktharis attempts to use a spell-like ability defensively.
DC 25: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
But loses the spell!

1screech 2kissan: 1d2 ⇒ 2
Valais attacks Kissan.
claw 1, haste: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 14 + 1 = 21
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
acid damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
claw 2, haste: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 14 + 1 = 31
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
acid damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
gore, haste: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 14 + 1 = 32
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
acid damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
bite, haste: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 14 + 1 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
acid damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
haste attack claw, haste: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 14 + 1 = 16
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
acid damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Looks like 3 attacks hit that would reduce Kissan to 0, but Kissan is showing some nonlethal damage which means the cat is KO'd, correct?

As a move action, Rose reaches down and lays hands on Edmund, LoH: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (2) = 3 healing and stabilizes.
She then nocks an arrow and lets fly again at their target, the demon thingy near the ceiling.
Comp Bow: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
"I can't hit the broadside of a barn, from the inside with the door closed.... I'd find a knothole that'd been knocked out and my arrow would go through without touching the sides of it."

Valais, you must stop this attack on your friends, that Demon over there is the cause of your pain"

Screech attacks again....

Bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Bite: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Tail: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Haste Bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Bolstered by his master, Kiti tries to gore the demon some more.

Gore (tusk blades): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25 Damage: 4d6 + 18 ⇒ (3, 5, 2, 5) + 18 = 33
Gore (tusk blades): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29 Damage: 4d6 + 18 ⇒ (3, 6, 1, 3) + 18 = 31
Gore (tusk blades): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 Damage: 4d6 + 18 ⇒ (6, 5, 3, 2) + 18 = 34

Nudging Kiti forward again, Tiki is finally close enough to stab the demon with his lance.

+1 Lance: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22 Damage: 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18
+1 Lance: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20 Damage: 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18
+1 Lance: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19 Damage: 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16

He fails to have much luck.

Oddly enough, I made those two posts in the reverse order as to how they appear to me. I posted for Tiki first and then for Kiti.

”Gotcha!”

Lunge and full-attack

Haste: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (18) + 24 = 42
Damage: 1d6 + 14 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 14 + (3, 3) = 251d6 ⇒ 6

Primary: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (9) + 24 = 33
Damage: 1d6 + 14 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 14 + (1, 2) = 221d6 ⇒ 2

Secondary: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28
Damage: 1d6 + 14 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 14 + (6, 3) = 291d6 ⇒ 6

Free action: Activating prescience 3/6 remaining: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Enora casts ear-piercing scream targeting Valais.

The target is dazed for 1 round and takes 3d6 points of sonic damage. A successful DC 16 save negates the daze effect and halves the damage.

3d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 4) = 10

Status:
HP 45/45 | Temp HP 21/21 | Spells: 1st: 0/6, 2nd: 2/5, 3rd: 0/4 | Staff charges 0/10 | Reroll 0/1 |Rod of lesser extend: 1/3 | Wand of CLW: 10/10 | Wand of mage armor 3/5 | Bonded item spell 1/1 | Arcane Reservoir: 5/6 | Prescience: 3/6 | Active conditions: Mage Armor, false life, fly, mirror images 5 , Arcane barrier

Rose lays her healing hands on Edmund then takes another shot at Laktharis but it flies wide. Screech attacks Valais again but is unable to do any damage.

Kiti lands three solid blows on Laktharis! And with the final blow, Laktharis becomes lifeless. Based on what happens after this, I’m gonna say Enora doesn’t actually cast a spell on Valais.

The moment Laktharis dies, his remnants rapidly decompose while colorful spirals of planar energy crackle and swirl around his corpse. A similar burst of violet energy rises from Valais’s kalavakus parts and joins the planar maelstrom around Laktharis’s body. The energy swirls into a small vortex before collapsing on itself and vanishing completely. Thurl’s notes fly off of the demon’s body and scatter about the room.

Valais breathes heavily. “He’s gone, I don’t hear him whispering in my ear any longer. Perhaps that is the answer? Perhaps we must track down the other demon Thurl used to build my body and destroy it. Whatever happens next, thank you for keeping me alive. I hope Thurl’s notes will help us.”

The unconscious body is still lying on the floor near the tree.

What would you like to do now?

Enora does not attack Valais and immediately casts detect magic and tries to retrieve all magic items for future research.

She also starts to sort through the notes of Thurl.

"Let's do this quickly! The faster we finish this the faster we can get out of this hell-hole. 'Abyss-hole'? Whatever the correct syntax is, I just don't wanna be in this gods-forsaken place anymore!"

Kije lowers his arms slowly. As Valais seems to become herself again, he turns to the figure on the floor. "Can one of you healy-folks come over here?" he calls. "We've got an unconscious stranger over here." He studies the one-armed figure before him.

Knowledge (planes), Take 10: 10 + 13 = 23

"And what's this in the dirt?" he mutters to himself.

Rose walks to the body on the floor and Lays hands on him.
LoH: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (3) = 4

"Screech, come over here. If this guy gets out of line, be ready to attack...

Rose will pull her Cure Light wand if more healing is needed and use a charge at a time until he wakes up.

CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Yep. Kissan goes unconscious, but stable, after 15 damage

Edmund stands gingerly on his sore legs and looks about the room. His eyes lock on to the motionless cat and he springs to her side- producing a small wooden wand. Cradling the cats head in his arms, he whispers the command word and healing energy washes over his wounded companion.

10/27, 15NL

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 18/27, 7NL. Now conscious
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 25/27
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 27/27

As the cat shakes off his stupor, she begins to lick at Edmund's wounds. The human turns the wand on himself.

0/32

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 6/32
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 10/32
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 19/32
CLW, #9 in Scenario: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 26/32

Turning to Rose, Edmund nods his head in acknowledgement.

"I would just as rather get out of here, soon as possible. Let's grab what we can and see the sunlight for a bit"

Kije recognizes the armless figure as a raelis azata. After Rose’s lay on hands and 3 charges from her cure light wounds wand, the azata becomes conscious and introduces himself as Kitarlo. He tells you that only someone “pure of soul” (good-aligned) may cross the wards, touch the corrupted tree, and transform it back into a staff, potentially purging the corruption from a sacred relic of Sarkoris. The word “GRETAAK” on the ground is the command word to transform the tree into a staff. Kitarlo volunteers to do it himself if none of the Pathfinders are willing/able.

He excitedly listens to tales of your nightmare adventure, Thurl’s experiments, and Valais’s transformation. He takes pity at her situation, and admires her strength for retaining her mind against the demonic onslaught. He speaks directly to Valais.

“Your story intrigues me. I can ease your mind, but I cannot help you this moment. There is one possibility I know of, but it requires access to a very special library. In Heaven, there is a place called the Great Library of Harmonious Scripture, which, among other things, contains a record of every sacred ceremony that has ever been performed. A contact of mine owes me a favor; perhaps with his help we can get you the information you need to restore yourself, body and soul. Of course, your way also seems to work, though it requires much more violence.” He eyes the corpse of Laktharis. “What will you try first: hunt down and slay the other demon whose body is incorporated into yours or seek the help of archons, whose procedures can take many years to navigate?”

Valais’s eyes flit between the celestial being and the demonic corpse, and then land on her fellow Pathfinders. “You’ve helped me face what has happened to me as no one has before. I trust your wisdom. What do you think I should do?”

Tiki would be willing to touch the tree.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t play the scenario based on this choice, but...

Izabela has a look of concern in her eyes—they dart from Valais to the fallen demon over and over again. The Calistrian is dumbstruck at the azata’s question—her grip tightens around Apocrita and she realizes her answer: she’s a Calistrian.

Izabela’s posture raises back up and she looks beyond the azata, answering his question but not necessarily speaking to him.

”Demon-hunting or archon-persuading? My answer is this: I don’t care. I don’t care whatever choice is made,” Izabela moves swiftly, lashing with her weapon with a loud crack that makes everyone flinch. She meets the azata’s gaze, her eyes filled with absolute fury. ”As long as Thurl’s head goes on a pike for what he’s done!!!”

Tiki steps through the ward, touches the tree and utters the command word. What was once a tree instantly transforms into a magic staff.

Kitarlo examines the staff. ”I sense there is still an abyssal taint here. I believe I can guide you through a ritual to purify it completely.”

Regarding Valais’ decision: the scenario needs you to advise her. Looks like we have one vote for “I don’t care.” How would everyone else like to weigh in?

Rose watches as the tree transforms into a staff and is impressed.
She listens to Kitarlo and the required Ritual.

As she considers the Ritual, she turns to face Valais.
"With all of the pain that you've suffered physically, I know you're tough. I'm sure it'll be extremely difficult whichever path you chose. But we have assisted Kitarlo and I take him at his word that he'll assist you if we ask.
I would suggest that you take him up on his offer, it will take time I'm sure, but I can not guarantee that I myself will be here to assist you. So take his help and free yourself of this curse."

Can we assist on these checks or must we make the checks solo?
Also I'd suggest we also all get Guidance cast for each check, I assume we have the time while we make them.

"Vengeance may feel better in the moment- but the cleansing of a holy ritual may clear the very soul itself." the young man says, almost as if quoting some previous saying.

vote for Heaven

As the tree becomes a staff, Edmund wonders out-loud at its make up . [b]"How did such a thing ever become a center-piece of evil.

You probably don't want me attempting any of the checks. My best is +11 diplomacy... so I still need 18+

"Vengeance may feel better in the moment- but the cleansing of a holy ritual may clear the very soul itself."

A crack sounds right next to Edmund’s ear.

”Bite your tongue before I bite it for you! I know what I said Now step aside while I show you how a real woman does it!”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32 ”Is the stick sexually attracted to Izabela?” he asks sarcastically.

”Valais, I believe research is the path to a cure! Not violence!!“ Enora says.

She assists in the ritual.

Spellcraft : 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

"I don't know about you, Valais," Kije says, he drawl starting to come back as the danger fades, "but if the other demon part of you is waiting in a place like this - or worse - then I would gladly face the boredom and stuffy judgement of Heaven rather than another taint-infused pit like this." He turns his attention to the ritual, accepting Edmund's blessing (should he still be willing to provide guidance to everyone making the check).

Spellcraft, Guidance: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 1 = 29

Yes, Edmund will cast guidance on the party as we look at the staff

Tiki is of no help in any of those skills. Can't even attempt 3 of them and cannot possible make the 4th.

Valais listens to the Pathfinders, then speaks. ”Hm. I will consider your recommendation, but I need some time to contemplate the problem. Thank you for your thoughts.”

The ritual commences, with the Pathfinders participating, or not, as their particular skill sets allow. With Kitarlo’s guidance and Izabela’s and Kije’s contributions, the staff is transformed from one made of fire blackened wood with cracks exposing glowing embers and dripping blood red sap, to a staff that quietly thrums with life energy.

Once the Pathfinders return to Starrise Spire, Venture-Captain Jorsal is eager to hear what progress they’ve made locating a suitable site for the crusade’s new fortress. Ollysta Zadrian speaks with Valais before addressing the team.

“I’m happy to hear that Valais’s mind is clearer; she seems happier than I’ve even seen her since we recovered her from Thurl’s laboratory. You’ve given her real hope, something she has lacked recently. Thank you.”

“Congratulations on making contact with such a powerful celestial ally. Kitarlo’s plan to gain Heaven’s aid could work, but archons often have larger concerns than a single mortal soul. Azatas have good intentions, but they always not reliable. I would hate to get Valais’s hopes up.”

Zadrian makes this concluding statement. “Ah, but now is not the time to fret about the risks in Valais’s future. Now is the time to celebrate the fact that she has a way forward, and that the Worldwound has lost a powerful demon that was tricking and exploiting innocent Sarkorians. Thank you, Pathfinders. May the Dawnflower’s light illuminate your path.”

In the coming months, Valais’s condition continues to improve. With only one demonic essence to counter, she enjoys the relative quiet within her mind. Though her dreams are still sometimes nightmarish and violent, she is hopeful, and she believes that she will one day fully recover.
--
Congratulations! You finally made it out of there, and you got both Prestige Points and ALL the boons! (Lucky for you the animal companions never actually did any damage to Valais or you’d have lost a neat boon). I’ll get chronicles filled out and posted later today. Thanks for playing all! It was fairly grueling to be sure, but I had fun and I hope you all did too.

:D

Enora bows and is truly happy that the team was able to assist Valais and retrieve an item of great power!

Thanks for Running, now to update Rose to 9th level for Part D of the Special that's been run over the past year. Now she'll be able to Ride Screech (under certain circumstances) That's with reduce person and lead blades, and now her mounted feats will be useful again.
Now to save up gold again because that Holy Avenger Dagger is expensive.

Thanks again for running.