[PFS_CORE_Aerondor] 05-Special Siege of the Diamond City (Inactive)

Game Master Aerondor

Okay. It's listed as Round 2, that's why I was confused.

Argus will 5ft step back and attack.

Cold Iron Glaive vs Wolf: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Clutching a vial of acid in one hand, Xusius moves and casts Acid Splash at the Blue Demon Wolf.

Acid Splash: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 3 - 4 = 141d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

@Argus: That was me putting things slightly wrong. It was just after round two that they appeared. The round counter is how long the ritual has been going on.
Gromther pounds the first wolf, while Lybram blesses the party.
fort: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Argus steps back and smashes the wolf coming from the other side, hurting it badly.

@Xusius, you should be at -8 to hit with acid splash unfortunately as there is -4 from into melee and another -4 from cover. I note you have scribe spell listed as a feat, I missed that. If PFS you get a free spell focus(illusion) instead of it. Also where does the +1 to damage come from
The acid focus doesn't exist in Core so far as I am aware.

Xusius sends out a blob of acid, but the confusion of the battle makes it hard to target accurately.

The master of scrolls keeps up the ritual.

Round 3, bold may post - active bluffs: Bless (+1 to hit)
Shaeri
Kinosis
Round 4
Wolves (blue) 12 damage
red 9 damage
Gromther
Lybram
Xusius
Argus

Shaeri will Elemental Ray Cold at Red

Touch: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT
The Demon horde has so far failed to get a beachhead into the city, being driven back over and over. They rally for one more attempt in their greatest numbers so far...!

SAdly the chaos of battle also gets between Shaeri's ray and its target.

Everyone remember, -4 for missile into melee, and -4 for cover. The cover rules effectively say "pick the best corner of your square, and draw a line to EVERY corner of the opponents square. If any go through an obstacle or another combatant, then they have cover from you.

Kinosis moves forward with the cold iron glaive drawn. Using the reach of the weapon she lashes out at the strong smelling wolf next to Gromther.

Reach Attack(Glaive): 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 4 = 22
Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

"Shelyn guides my blade. You will not live to see another day beast."

I think a lot of people interpret it differently but you're right. It is EVERY corner, not ANY corner. As for the other stuff, yep. I rarely play Core, so keep missing on some things. Thanks for reminding me.

Xusius launches another Acid Splash at the Blue Demon Wolf.

Acid Splash: 1d20 + 3 - 8 ⇒ (16) + 3 - 8 = 111d3 ⇒ 3

He then moves to provide a tiny bit of cover to Kreighton if the Red Demon Wolf breaks through.

Kinosis cuts the first of the wolves in two. The second leaps forward at the holy form of Lybram! He can feel the wrath of the abyss in the ferocious creatures attack
attack,smite: 1d20 ⇒ 16
damage,smite: 1d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 2 = 5
trip: 1d20 ⇒ 9

It tries to push him to the ground to savage him, but the priest's faith holds him strong. No demon will savage this community while he stands, and he will stand so long as he has breath in his body.

Xusius sends out another orb of acid, barely missing the last wolf.

The master of scrolls completes the first part of his ritual and moves to the next circle.

Round 4, bold may post - active bluffs: Bless (+1 to hit)
Gromther
Lybram 5 damage
Argus
Shaeri
Kinosis
round 5
red 9 damage
Xusius

Kinosis rushes forth ahead of the master of scrolls, prepared to defend him against any would be attackers that get to close.

Using Total Defense for my standard action. Brings my AC to 19

Gromther stands in unity next to the barbarian.

Total Defense as well. New AC is 19 too.

Desperate for room to work, Argus tries to move past the wolf to make room for himself...

Acrobatics: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (4) - 3 = 1

... and gets bit at for his troubles.

Well that's definitely gonna provoke! lol

Assuming Argus doesn't get tripped by the AoO, he will make an attack. Did someone cast bless or am I misremembering?

Cold Iron Glaive vs Red: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Shaeri will try again, yeah I know the penalties, but she doesnt have any good options

elemental ray touch cold: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 15
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Lybram grimly looks at his wound. "That will leave a scar."
He then chops at the demonic wolf hoping to keep it at bay.
axe chop with bless: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
dmg cold iron: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

He then steps back hoping help from another will come and he might apply healing.

Kinosis and Gromther stand ready for the next assault.

@argus, is there a real you wanted to use acrobatics, rather than just 5' step back? I'm going to assume that would be your preference, but if you wanted acrobatics for some particular reason, let me know.

Argus steps back and delivers a viscous blow felling the second wolf.

In the calm, Kreighton continues his ritual, eventually moving to the third circle. Just as the ritual starts to reach a climax, another foul creature enters the battlefield! It snarls as it notices the master of scrolls.

Round 7, bold may post - active bluffs: Bless (+1 to hit)
Lybram 5 damage
Argus
Xusius
Gromther - full defence
Demon
Kinosis - full defence
Shaeri
end of round 8

At the time of my posting, Shaeri was in that square so I couldn't 5ft step back, but if you want to call it that way, I'll absolutely take the plan that doesn't get me gnawed on! :D

Argus raises his cold iron glaive, blackened with the ichor of the demonic wolf, and readies himself to strike at the beast.

Moving to the left and readying an action to strike the thing as soon as it comes within range. I'll roll the attack now to save time.

Readied Attack vs Green: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 = 14
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Given she did step back, Argus could have delayed. I'm pretty easy on how this goes for PBP in most situations. BTW you all have four rounds of actions for healing up etc if you want it.

Gromther will hustle to the demon. double move

Lybram will pull out his wand and tap himself.
wand of cow charge: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
"Ah, that is better."
wand of cure light wounds not of cow. Lybram doesn't want to eat grass.

@Lybram: It just squirts milk at the target. "Does a body good!" XD

@GM: Ah, I see. I appreciate that!

I think Argus is at full HP at the moment, so he'll spend the rounds cleaning some of the blood off the fancy cold iron glaive. :D

Xusius moves to help protect Kreighton Shaine.

Lybram's wand makes a very rural sound as he is healed.
You still get your normal action for this round as well if you want it.I'll let you do two actions next round, gota keep the action happening.

Argus stands prepared, his glaive ready to ... defend beauty.

Gromther hurries forward to try and get between the master of scrolls and the coming assault, whikile Xusius keeps watch over the ritual.

The demon charges forward, and is met with a mighty blow from Argus. The cold iron cuts deeply into it. It's own howl of pain is turned into a viscous assault on the paladin. Well, it would be if it wasn't so distracted by its pain.

attack: 1d20 ⇒ 1

Round 8, bold may post - active bluffs: Bless (+1 to hit)
Argus -
Kinosis - full defence
Shaeri
end of round 8
Gromther - full defence
Xusius
Lybram (may act twice)
Demon 12 damage

"Kreighton! Well met! These guys got you covered? Let me lend a quick hand..."

Kreighton utterly ignores the Varisian woman who just shrugs, weaves a quick spell, then takes off.

Another seeker aid token from Syeira!

Not sure why Lybram has two actions, but here goes.
round 1:
Lybram will put away his wand and advance with his cold iron axe out.

round 2:
Lybram swings a downard chop at the demon.
chop: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
dmg: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

"Die, foul beast! Back to the abyss with you!"

He then shifts back knowing the paladin will need to move back also.

Syeira is the best! Hoody-hoo!

I am probably making moving around in that blue circle harder than it needs to be lol. I keep moving the circle instead of me. Derp.

Argus steps back and unleashes another ferocious blow against the creature.

Cold Iron Glaive vs Green: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Phooey. Waste of a great damage roll.

Gromther scurries to the demon and finishes with a sweeping strike with his cold iron kama.

Kama to hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
cold iron damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Kinosis stands at the ready, prepared to defend Kreighton with her life.

"If you need a breather I can switch with one of you." she yells to the team.

Using Total Defense again

And as easily as that the demon is put down for good.

@Lybram, you got extra actions as you had a few rounds to heal up before the second demon appeared.

Seconds later Kreighton finishes the ritual.

"My thanks Pathfinders!" says Kreighton.

"That should stop more appearing around here at any rate."

Where to next?

honestly unsure of where to go

We have been to all but the battle district and the outer district. One of those probably?

Didn't we start in the Battle District? I vote for Outer District.

Outer sounds interesting.

I believe we started in the woundward district, then confluence district, then Egelsee, and now I am not sure where we are. We almost went to the battle district second but it was noted as particularly quiet. They all show green. Are we supposed to figure something out from the note and go someplace specific? I have re-read it and still don't know what it is talking about. So I am okay with the outer district.

Lybram picks some grass and lets it fall. He then scratches his chin.
"Not sure I have a good plan that will stop all this, but we could try the more outer reaches of the city patrolling for any trouble. I think any demons we take down will help in bits and pieces"

Any place is pretty much as good as another. Is there any particular type of encounter you would all like to try? Anyone with a FJC they really want to try and tick off that I can help with?

That said, it looks like the outer region has votes, but do have a look at your FJCs if you are using them, and if we have time for another encounter I can try to give you a chance to do one.

You head off toward the outer district.

Outside the walls of Nerosyan, crusaders and Pathfinders alike move with haste to support those caught unprepared by the demonic onslaught. A single messenger bearing the Glyph of the Open Road on his steed’s barding approaches.
“Friends, we have one ship still in the docks. All the other vessels have all cast off, but this one needs to complete some last-minute repairs. Her captain is allied with the Pathfinder Society and has precious cargo bound for Absalom. Please go see to it that the ship is protected and gets out of port safely.”

I've never used the FJCs before but I'm interested in doing so. I don't know if there's a particular objective you think would be doable here, I'm all for that.

Argus nods enthusiastically at the the messenger. "O-of course. Any way we can help."

Venture-Captain Jorsal approaches on horseback at a gallop, stopping mere feet away. The captain is visibly worn from the siege, but he still gives a quick smile and a polite bow of his head as he steadies his mount.
“We’ve contained the demons within the city, but a new threat comes from the northwest. What we thought was the main army is merely the advance unit of a larger force that’s now on our doorstep. There must be thousands of the vile creatures in the host, but worst of all, they have brought siege weapons to their aid."

He looks around. "Leave the ship."

“The dreaded kakuen-taka, the swarm siege towers of the Abyss, now march on Nerosyan. As you’ve already proven yourselves quite capable, I need you to make your way to the northwestern ramparts and aid in putting Nerosyan’s own siege weapons to use. The crusaders are sending most of their troops out to battle the demonic towers before they can damage the walls, so every boulder and ballista bolt we loose against this horde will be an invaluable boon for those taking the battle to the heart of this Abyssal cohort."

“I am sending our most experienced Pathfinders to engage the enemy commanders directly, and they will be relying on your support. Other agents will try to send you reinforcements, so stay alert.”

With that, Jorsal steers his horse away and charges off to bring word to other Pathfinders in the city.

Feel free to use any buffs, abilities etc while you travel.

Heading toward the city walls you find few crusaders still manning them.

A senior officer approaches you and directs your team to a thinly protected section of wall- with a few large siege engines but not enough soldiers to fire them.

You are all given a quick run down of the machines. "The heavy ballista here in the middle, that is for using against the enemy towers. The not-quite-so-big ones to either side, use against closer targets, such as demons on the ramparts." He too dashes off to supervise another group.

Mechanics. Each weapon requires a crew to operate. The heavy ballista takes four. Luckily for you there are four artillerists looking after that. The smaller ones each require only one. Helping to load and fire a siege weapon is a full round action, and you must be next to the ballista to do so. It takes four rounds to load, aim and fire the large ballista, one full round to load the lighter ones, and a standard action to aim and fire it.

Two fanatical looking dwarves appear from along the ramparts. Casting aside their cloaks, demonic runes can be seen etched all over their armor.

Status, bold may post ; round 1
Argus -
Kinosis
Shaeri
Gromther
Xusius
Lybram
Heavy Ballista - round 1
Dwarves.

Shaeri will head to a smaller one to help keep it reloaded if someone wants to aim and fire it

Just so I have this straight, are the dwarfs in demonic ruin armor attacking us? We still have to load and fire the ballistas while fighting.

"I seem to be the crazy crusader magnet." "Shoo! Go fight somewhere else." Lybram points at the oncoming dwarfs.
"Shaeri or Xusius, don't you have a bright, colorful spell that will knock these misguided dwarfs out?"

The dwarves are dwarves, but their armour looks like they probably hold allegance to a demon, and the way they are advancing on you with drawn axes... doesn't look like allies.

"Nope. Not trusting these two." Gromther kicks the ballista and sure foots his way over to the evil dwarves.

"And here I thought zou would nevair ask for me to cast zis spell. Zey look pale. Let's aid zem in restoring ze coloair to zere lives."

He moves and casts Color Spray at the two dwarves.

DC is 16.

I went into Herolab and got the updated stat block from it and pasted it to the Paizo site. It should be accurate now. I had tried to use one from PC Gen and it just wasn't right, obviously.

Stepping to the side, Argus brandishes his glaive at the oncoming dwarves.

"Cowards," he snarls. "You turn your backs on the light. Allow Shelyn to guide you to your masters' sides in the Abyss."

He swipes down at the nearest dwarf with his glaive.

Here's hoping the dwarf Argus is attacking is unconscious and stunned. :D

Cold Iron Glaive vs Yellow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

"well if they like shiny colors I MIGHT be able to get them" if Xyslus doesn't get them first"

willx2: 2d20 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7
Great, dwarves, bonus vs spells, check; Clerics, good will save, check; High wisdom, bonus to will, check. And I roll a 2 and a 5

The two dwarfs scoff as the puny elf tries to use magic on them. And then they fall over.

Just as you are celebrating, a lucky shot from the field lands near the large Ballista killing two of its operators. They gesture for two of you to come and help them.

And what are your plans for your two unconscious dwarves?

Remember, it needs four to fire. IF you are helping them, that will be your standard action each round, but you can still use a move equivalent action.

Status, bold may post ; round 3
Argus -
Kinosis
Shaeri
Gromther
Xusius
Lybram
Heavy Ballista - round 3

Argus has 50ft of rope. If the dwarf he attacked isn't dead/dying, he'll bind the two dwarves together with it. If he is dying, well, I guess go through his pockets and look for loose change. :P

The half-orc chuckles, but the scars and pocks on his face make actual smiling difficult, resulting in a strange rictus as he pulls out rope and sets to work binding their captive(s). "N-never seen arcane magic up close 'til today! That was w-wild."

He instinctively flinches from the ballista bolt landing and turns to the others. "Someone man that ballista! Soon as I'm done here, I'll help with this one." He nods at the smaller ballista next to him.

They are unconscious. You can easily bind them up.

The big one needs two extra of you. Each of the little ones needs either one or two of you, depending on whether you want to fire them every round.

Shaeri will continue to help the ballista

"That is a truly beautiful spell, Xusius. Thank you."

Lybram moves to help with the big ballista.

"Xusius and Argus, you work this thing here. I am moving over. Good luck and Erastil guide your shots."

Xusius moves to the smaller ballista and begins to man it.

"Ze Arcane majicks are most wonderful. Especially spells like zat one wheech are een my specialty school of illujean."

"Fine, I'll keep this one firing." Gromther reluctantly pick up the slack on the middle ballista.