[PFS] 6-99 True Dragons of Absalom by GM Upaynao (Inactive)

Game Master Upaynao

"Hmmm.... so the mirror is perhaps the source of the portal to our territory. Perhaps destroying the mirror will close the portal?"

What I'm reading that the mirror will bring us to the room with the portal? If so...

"Bah! Time to get this over and done with." Pethjun marches up to the portal and places her hand on it.

Vanarog proves that he is truly a master of the arcane, for only he deciphers the true purpose of the mirror sphere.

To make our reflections look funny!! Varanog tugs at the corners of his mouth while sticking his tongue out, and rolling his eyes. He makes groaning noises too, not that the silver orb alters sound any.

For long moments Varanog admires himself in the spheres surface, so regal looking, so fierce, **growl, growl**. Then he remembers something.

"WAIT! We can't leave this thing here. Otherwise the recalcitrant true-true bloodling will still be able to harm our holdings."

The mirrored pillars in this room do more than support the ceiling; they also act as a focal point for the mirror gates. One of the original four pillars was crushed when the tower sank, and now the mirror gate ritual is somewhat defective—and dangerous. The demiplane
that the device uses to complete its transportations now has a small hole that allows creatures from other regions of the Shadow Plane to slip through.

Pethjun activating the mirror gate creates an unexpected opening and attracts a pair of extradimensional shapechangers from a less-inhabited portion of the Shadow Plane. These smooth-featured, humanoid creatures appear to have skin made entirely of mirrored glass. DC 12 Knowledge Planes to ID

The creatures stretch out from within the pillars and begin to split apart.

Red Mirror Image: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Green Mirror Image: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Round 1
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Monster (Red MI 3) (Green MI 5)
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Skyrahk
Athrax
Varanog
Fazgyn
Pethjun

Seeing the mirror like creatures appear and start to split apart, Skyrahk quickly responds and starts to shriek in the direction of one of the mirrors, encompassing all members of that mirror into on blast of sound.

Sonic Damage vs Red Mirror and all of it's images: 1d8 ⇒ 2
Fort DC 15 to avoid being stunned 1 round.

Cast Sound Burst | 10' radius | Avoid allies but try to hit all Red Mirror and it's mirror images.

Does Varanog just know the subject of the planes check with 10 for 12?

Is there a map?

Pethjun is momentarily stunned when the mirror creatures pull out from the silvery surface, as she stares in horror at these unnatural beings. She then feels something and looks down, staring in greater horror at her shaking arms.

Afraid? How can I, the mighty Pethjun, be afraid!

So she does the one thing that she is good at to compensate. She attacks!

vs red
+1 rapier: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22 dmg: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
mwk razored tail: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

@Varanog- It is the same map as linked above. Also you cannot take 10 on knowledge checks in combat.

Athrax jumps back, "WHAT THE HECK!?! Why go after me? I didn't touch a stupid mirror. FINE! YOU WANT SOME FIRE DEATH? OKAY!"

The bomb leaves his hand and he takes a deep and slow breath, ready to savor the taste of the explosion and burning enemy.

5-ft step, Throw bomb at Green, draw an elixir (of shield) as a move.

bomb vs. Touch: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 for Fire: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1) + 3 = 8

4/9 bombs left

knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

The only additional point of information that Varanog wishes to know is whether or not high-intensity heat rays will reflect off of them.

Darting around to the opposite side from Pethjun, Fazgyn strikes at the mirrored creature with no hesitation!

Shortsword on Red, Flanking: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 = 24
Damage on Red: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6

Bewildered injury if the sneak attack goes through, -2 to hit with an extra -2 against Faz.

Varanog recognizes the creatures as Soulslivers. Varanog is mighty and knows much about the outsiders. He knows that they could succumb and be wounded by his heat rays, though they do have a bit of innate resistance to both fire and acid. Due to their mirror-like surface they are quite vulnerable to sonic effects and are able to heal rapidly. Fast healing

Skyrahk sends a concentrated burst of sound into the soulsliver. It's whole body vibrates and shakes a small cracks begin to form.

Fort save DC 15: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Athrax mirror image; 1=real: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Athrax leaps back away from the southern soulsliver and heaves a bomb at the creature's feet. The flames flicker up the glass-like surface, reflecting back at Athrax. While it seemed to strike the outsider Athrax can tell that all of splashed fire was resisted. Your bomb struck a mirror image so the real target was just hit with splash damage which it resisted.

Fazgyn tries to sneak an attack through the confusion at the opposing soulsliver.

Fazgyn Mirror Image; 1=real: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Both Fazgyn and Athrax seem to destroy a figment as two of the images vanish in a small puff of magical smoke. Pethjun launches into a full out assault.

Pethjun Mirror Image; 1=real: 1d3 ⇒ 2
Pethjun Mirror Image; 1=real: 1d2 ⇒ 2

the ravaging attacks leave the soulsliver completely vulnerable as everyone of it's images getting shredded in an instant.

Round 1
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Monster (Red -3; stunned) (Green; MI 4)
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Skyrahk
Athrax
Varanog
Fazgyn
Pethjun

@Varanog- you still there? If nothing by this evening I'll GM PC.

"EAT LASERS, YOU UNORIGINAL MONSTER!!"

scorching ray v red (ranged touch): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 fire damage: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 3, 2) = 12

Varanog raises his hand as a scorching ray of fire beams into the stunned glass-like soulsliver. It screams a hollow sound that seems to reverberate in the air. The scorching ray is partially resisted but still melts some of the glass.

After a moment it begins to shake loose the magical hold over it as the cracks very slowly begin to mend. The second soulsliver makes a beeline for Athrax.

Slam 1 vs Athrax AC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Slam 2 vs Athrax AC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Athrax scurries out of the path as a glass fist grabs at him.

Round 2
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Soulsliver (Red -9) (Green; MI 4)
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Skyrahk
Athrax
Varanog
Fazgyn
Pethjun

"No more tricks!" Fazgyn shouts, swinging both blades to end the mirror thing.

Shortsword on Red, Flanking, TWF: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 2 - 2 = 25
Shortsword on Red, Flanking, TWF: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 2 - 2 = 23
Damage on Red: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Damage on Red: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6
Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

Sticking with Bewildered injury if it's still standing.

Athrax easily ducks the clumsy attempts at him and then steps back to quaff his tasty beverage, flinging the empty flask to the side into a pillar, it shatters. He stares at the mirror beast and taunts it with his newly drawn shortspear pointing straight at the fiend, "Come at me, BRO!"

5-ft step, Drink Shield Elixir, Move to draw Shortspear.

Seeing that her attacks actually work, Pethjun's confidence starts returning. "HA! I will smash you to pieces!"

vs red: flank, power attack, dirty fighter, FCB
+1 rapier: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 2 - 1 = 26 dmg: 1d4 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 14
mwk razored tail: 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 - 1 = 10 dmg: 1d6 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 8

If red is already down from Fazqyn's attack, she'll move to attack green instead. Only first attack and no flank, i.e. attack 24, dmg 11

Skyrahk taps Varanog's shoulder since he is in front of her, giving him guidance on his next action.

Guidance: +1 on Varanog's next 1d20 roll.

Varanog fires off another blast at the mirror thing to his left before realizing that he's standing out front. He dives behind the more heavily armored cleric of Dahak. "What are you doing! I don't wanna be hit!"

scorching ray v green (ranged touch, guidance): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 = 16 fire damage: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 1, 3) = 11

Skyrahk helps guide Varanog's hand while Athrax taunts the soulsliver. Fazgyn's spear pokes holes into the mirror-like surface creating weak points in the structure. With one final jab the soulsliver violently bursts apart, wounding all of the kobolds in the room.

Jagged Glass Explosion: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7 Reflex DC 12 for half.
Green Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

With glass shrapnel coming at her backside Pethjun focuses on the enemy and lands a solid blow with her rapier.

MI; 1=real: 1d5 ⇒ 5

Unfortunately, the attack manages to only take out one of the many images.

Round 2
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Soulsliver (Green -3; MI 3)
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Skyrahk
Athrax
Varanog
Fazgyn
Pethjun

Psst. ↑

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

"OUCH! What did I just say!"

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Reflex Reroll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Fazgyn nearly catches glass in the face before twisting out of the way. ”I said no more tricks...” he grumbles to himself.

Reflex DC12: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Skyrahk is able to avoid some of the shrapnel that flies toward her.

ref DC12: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Pethjun quite completely forgot about the glass explosion in her battle rage but just manages to duck from the worst of it. She wipes the blood from a cut on her cheek and goes for the remaining one, but unfortunately, only manages to take down one of the illusory images.

Reflex DC 12: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

The alchemist chortles as he swats most of the shards away, ignoring the few that cut him.

Yup, looks like we cross-posted at the same time. :)

Varanao mirror image; 1=real: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Varanog's scorching ray sears its way through another image. The soulsliver steps back, its body merging back into the mirror-like surface of the pillar. Simultaneously on the opposite side of the room it reappears, using the mirrors to travel effortlessly about the chamber. Its clawed hand reaches to Fazgyn.

Round 3
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Soulsliver (Green -3; MI 2)
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Skyrahk (26/29)
Athrax (26/29)
Varanog (19/26)
Fazgyn (26/29)
Pethjun (31/34)

"Oh yeah!? DODGE THIS! AKAGIYAMA MISSILES!"

magic missiles! v green (force damage): 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 = 7

"Stupid mirror man!" Fazgyn growls, swinging wildly to clear the illusions away.

Shortsword on Green, TWF: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 - 2 = 11
Shortsword on Green, TWF: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 - 2 = 12

He then steps back to draw it towards the rest of the party.

Well, I doubt those are within five...

"Bah! Coward!" Pethjun screams at the retreating mirror figure. When it emerges, she circles around the other side and jabs at it with her rapier.

vs green: power attack
+1 rapier: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 2 - 1 = 23 dmg: 1d4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11

Think it would get hard cover bonus.

Skyrahk pulls out her wand of cure light wounds and taps Varanog.

Wand of CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Athrax moves up and into a position to help his allies, without exploding them in fire. "STUPID EXTRA IMAGES! I'll try to get a few knocked out."

Move, Attack.

+1 shortspear + Flank: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7 for Magic/Piercing: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Skyrahk begins to mend Varanog's wounded scales while Athrax's spear jabs into the nearby pillar.

Varanog's superior mind begins to think of ways around the images and batters the creature with magical missiles that unerringly find their mark. Though Fazgyn's blade misses, the attacks are just enough to dissipate the remaining pair of images. The soulsliver doesn't even have a chance to recover as Pethjun's rapier shatters it just like the one prior. Glass shards explode all over the room, cutting everything within.

Jagged Glass Explosion: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5 Reflex DC 12 for half.

With a small bit of time the group is able to repair the defect in the mirror gate that allowed the soulslivers through. Now the mirror gate should operate correctly.

GM, I think Pethjun is down by another 2 hp. From the earlier sewer battles, which she had not healed from.

ref DC12: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 So now would be 24/34

Even as the shards of glass tear into her flesh, Pethjun grins maniacally and hisses. "You stand no chance!"

When she has calmed down sufficiently, she turns once again to the magic users of the group. "Now what? We destroy this?"

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Sidestepping the ensuing glass explosion thanks to experience, Fazgyn shakes his head. ”Now we go through the mirror and hope we don’t mecome mirror men.” he sighs in resignation.

Skyrahk pulls out her wand of cure light wounds and taps Varanog.

"WHOA! Watch where you poke that thing!" Varanog snaps. Then seeing the danger he ducks.

reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Reflex DC 12: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Skyrahk takes the full blast from the shattering mirror creature. Wincing from the wounds caused by this battle, she uses the wand to heal herself.

Wand of CLW on self: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Again easily dodging most of the shards, Athrax looks around for immediate enemies... other than his clan mates... then quaffs a potion. He looks at the mirrors and the room with a shrug, ”I don’t see any other exits but the way we came in, so must be through the mirrors. Stupid portals. Stupid Plane hopping.”

Drinks one of his potions of CLW for 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6, 1 of 2 used.

”Bah!” Pethjun sneers at the prospect of delving further into this. Taking a moment before entering, she seem to finally notice that she is injured. She pulls out her one healing potion and gulps it down.
potion of CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Then positioning herself in front as usual, she growls, ”Let’s go.”

Thanks Pethjun

Taking a moment to heal slightly before touching the mirror ball once more. Pethjun reaches out and lays his hand on the orb. The mirror ball frosts over, and then Pethjun catches sight of what appears to be the very top of tower. Polished mirrored marble covers the circular floor, spreading out in a forty-foot radius. A pile of gleaming copper coins with a dragon-shaped indent rests on the northern end of the platform. The platform is ringed with a deep violet stone. Beyond the edges of the platform, the dim lights of the city below are visible, accented by multi-colored glyphs adorning the sides of what appear to be massive termite hives in the distance.

Then slowly, a small shadowy dragon comes into view, staring haughtily at Pethjun and the team behind her. “What are you doing here kobolds? Did Jegan send you? Where is my army? Aren’t they ready yet?”

New map is posted as well.

knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

"It's really a tad too arcane to explain to someone not hatched of the magic blood. You understand of course." explains Varanog, Inexplicable Master of the Arcane.

"Shadrixis, I presume." Varanog performs a low sweeping bow to the great wyrmling. "About that army--"

What's the thing in the middle of the room?

A low, almost imperceptible growl starts arising from with Pethjun as she slowly circles the room, just so that should/when things go south, she has a clear path to charge. But she holds herself back for now, waiting to see if the others have some trick they would like to play. For they are kobolds after all.

Athrax moves up, mostly to get a bit of tactical space from his allies since dragons tend to breath on stuff and clumping up isn't ideal. He seems to be surveying the room.

"So this is the top of the tower, nice little digs ya got, shiny. I'm guessing that Jegan figured out pretty quickly that an army wasn't really any good against Kobolds, so no need for them. Anyway... here we are. So what's this army supposed to be doing? Conquering the world here or something? What sorta spoils would said army have access too then?"

Fazgyn stays quiet and unobtrusive, glancing around the empty tower top. Not much of a lair. Still not a good place to fight. The open air all around sets him ill at ease.

Skyrahk eyes the dragon but remains silent as she waits to see how it responds to Athrax's questions.

The dragon snarls. "Insolent whelps. You don't tell me what Army I do or don't need. You should be bowing before me. Worship me. NOW! Your god demands it."

Angered that you are not praising him, his attention drifts off to the center of the platform. Crisp air swirls around the unguarded edges of the spire's apex. A floating mirror-like sphere rests in the southern edge of the platform, while a larger sphere floats in the center. The central sphere lacks the mirror-consistency of the gate and instead swallows the already dim light of the region like a black hole.

So... Athrax is in position to attempt to take down said Dragon and honestly doesn't care that much about worshiping it. His motivations lie in a significantly different direction.

But I'm more than willing to give you all time to make your case that this dragon deserves worship or set up your own stuff, so I'll hold off on his actions for a bit... also he's sorta a coward so fighting this thing by himself doesn't seem like an ideal plan. But if he is reading the situation right, he thinks Pethjun is also preparing to fight.

Not so much a worship thing for Varanog as it is a respect thing. Sort of the way a chihuahua or corgi might react to meeting an actual grey wolf--pup or not.

knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

"Ooo That's really arcane." Some drool leaks from the corner of Varanog's mouth.

Okay, so the thing on the map is a 10' sphere of negative energy hovering just above the floor. I'm guessing it is opaque and provides a bit of cover.

Fazgyn is ready to fight or parley, whichever way the rest of the party wants to go. (We lost the one character that would REALLY want to parley.)