[PFS] GM kuey's The Cosmic Captive (#8-00) (Special) (Inactive)

Game Master kuey

Lumo runs up to the column, surrounding it with Bon. He swings the warhammer but does not place the blow well.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 2 = 14
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 5) + 9 = 15

Tofang steps back, retrieves his extract of shield and drinks it.

Shield AC +4 with 3 minutes duration.

Even as the many-faceted prison spins and reconfigures itself, it cannot keep pace with the combined efforts of the Pathfinder Society. A refreshing breeze pours from the immense orb, restoring the agents’ will to fight.

Table GMs, the Winds of Restoration condition is now in effect.

We have 74 out of 90 clues!

Bon Jon quickly imbues his arms with acidic power (Swift action to spend 1 ki to add 1d6 acid to my attacks for 2 rounds) and then unleashes a flurry of punches.

unarmed strike, inspire, flank: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
magical B dmg, dragon style: 1d8 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 2 = 12 + acid dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 3

unarmed strike, inspire, flank: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
magical B dmg: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 + acid dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 2

But he clearly needs to pay more attention to his foe's fancy footwork!

Jivan lets loose another flying copper coin, which smashes a large chunk of rock from the (orange) column's hip. Tofang quickly moves away and brings up his defences. The mindless creature lumbers after Jivan, the one who had damaged it significantly. It brings it longsword down hard upon the telekineticist. Thankfully, his force ward absorbed part of the impact, but he is still badly gashed across his shoulder.

At the other column, Eowyn's arrow chips a sliver off it. Andy manages to activate his wand but the magic missiles fizzles when they land. (Immunity to spells.) Lumo and Bon tag team in attacking this creature, both managing to land solid hits on the construct, cracking its structure severely. It steps away towards the giant hole in the ground to prevent further flanking and swings at Bon but the agile monk ducks away easily.

combat map
Bold may act
-------
Round 2: Status: inspire courage (+1 attack, dmg, save vs fear)
~~~
orange caryatid column (-25)
purple caryatid column (-19)
Jivan (20/27)
-------
Round 3:
~~~
Tofang (21/29)
Lumo
Bon
Eowyn
Genevieve
Andy

Jivan grimaces and shouts in pain, then retreats a quick step and fires back, returning blow for blow.

Kinetic blast attack, including PBS, inspire, and elemental overflow: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 18
Blast damage, including PBS, inspire, and elemental overflow: 2d6 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5, 4) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 18

Oops, I dug it up then got distracted and forgot about it!

With the orb continually weakened by the efforts of the Pathfinders, suddenly the trapped elemental lord releases a blast of refreshing
breeze that restores the Pathfinders' fighting spirits. Jivan and Tofang find their wounds closing, and all of you feel partially rejuvenated.
Other than the healing, ability damage are healed but none are damaged. Also, each of you regain one daily use of a class feature (e.g. one round of bard song), and recover one or more spells that has total levels equal to your character level.

Jivan calls out in pain before realising that his wounds have been completely healed by the Duke of Thunder. He sends yet another copper coin flying at the stone column, smashing it to smithereens!

combat map
Bold may act
-------
Round 2: Status: inspire courage (+1 attack, dmg, save vs fear)
~~~
orange caryatid column
purple caryatid column (-19)
Jivan
-------
Round 3:
~~~
Tofang (28/29)
Lumo
Bon
Eowyn
Genevieve
Andy

Delaying till after Bon’s turn.

Lumo hesitates a moment, eyes flickering from Bon to the space behind the column’s back. Then, he strikes!

Power Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 1 = 17
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 6) + 9 = 16

Sorrina Westyr’s image manifests to the Pathfinders, standing before a floating metallic cube scribed with countless shifting glyphs. “We have done it! Now how to open this—”

A great crack interrupts the Master of Spell’s musings, as an immense three-eyed giant with skin like hewn stone steps through a tear in space, with an army pouring out past her. The giant bellows so that all can hear. “I acknowledge your strength, little ones, for you have angered my benefactor enough to send me. I and my warriors, the Daemon Prayers, honor it with unyielding death. Seize the Vault! Slay them all!”

Sorrina Westyr urgently pipes in. “We just need a few more minutes to secure our prize and escape. Hold them off as long as you can!”

Table GMs, begin the final encounters.

I'll hold off on posting until I hear whether we have to keep fighting the column.

With a final burst of power, the Untouchable Opal releases a wash of energy which decimates the last standing stone column. But the three-eyed giant waves his hand and the energy is stopped before it reaches his warriors. The horde rushes down towards the army of Pathtfinders. Your team quickly consolidate to face two creatures rushing at you. (Red) The fanged humanoid running towards you has hideously transparent skin, revealing the vivid colors of internal organs and ivory bones inside its body. (Orange) Meanwhile, flying in the sky is an emaciated, hairless canine has a strange air of menace and cruelty about it.

combat map
Bold may act
-------
Round 1: Status: Nil
~~~
Andy
red humanoid
orange canine
Eowyn
Genevieve
Jivan
Lumo
Bon
Tofang

kn planes : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

Regarding RED:

”Team, This is a native outsider. Use weapons that are good-aligned or silver-coated!“

kn planes : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

Regarding ORANGE:

”The other is an evil extraplanar outsider. Use silver weapons!“

Andy searches his memory for what these creatures may be....

Knowledge(Planes) vs. Red(DC=13): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Knowledge(Planes) vs. Orange(DC=13): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Looking for resistances; special defenses; weaknesses, in that order please.

...and shares what he knows with the group.

Andy also knows that the urdefhan is resistant to acid, and to magic in general. It is also immune to death effects, diseases, fear and level drains. Like undeads, they are healed by negative energy but damaged by positive energy. He restarts his inspiring song.

Tofang knows more about the yeth hound. They have a blood curdling howl that can cause those weak-willed to panick and flee. Their bites can shaken those with the strongest heart and cause those already afraid to cower in fear.

Before Tofang can share this though, the hound lets out a terrible howl that sends chills down your spine! (Everyone will DC12 or panick for 2d4 rounds. Don't forget the bonus from inspire courage!) The urdefhan points his finger at Bon as a sickly looking ray burst forth. The ray strikes the monk before he could dodge and he feels his strength draining from him (-4 Str or fort DC13 for half).

combat map
Bold may act
-------
Round 1: Status: inspire courage: +1 attack, dmg, save vs fear
~~~
red humanoid
orange canine
Eowyn (will DC12 or panicked 2d4 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3 rds)
Genevieve (will DC12 or panicked 2d4 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4 rds)
Jivan (will DC12 or panicked 2d4 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 rds)
Lumo (will DC12 or panicked 2d4 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6 rds)
Bon (will DC12 or panicked 2d4 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 rds; -4 Str or fort DC13 for half)
Tofang (28/29; will DC12 or panicked 2d4 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8 rds)
-------
Round 2:
~~~
Andy (will DC12 or panicked 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5 rds)

So re-starting song means no magic missile wand useage.

Will vs. DC=12: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 + 3 + 4 = 27

+5(Base); +2(Bard Song); +3(Fearless/Halfling Luck); +4(Well Versed(EX): +4 vs. bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependent attacks.). Not sure about the last one. If not applicable, please adjust accordingly.

It's good to be the Halfling Bard.

Other than the healing, ability damage are healed but none are damaged. Also, each of you regain one daily use of a class feature (e.g. one round of bard song), and recover one or more spells that has total levels equal to your character level.

Recovering one use of Hunter's Aspect, one 2nd level spell slot and two 1st level spell slots.

Eowyn Will: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 1 = 15
Genevieve Will: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6
Well, that's unfortunate. Kuey, Genevieve has a fly speed of 80', so that's a 160' double move or a 320' "run" action. I'll leave it to you to determine where she ends up after four rounds of that ...

As the hound howls, Eowyn grits her teeth and pushes through it, but Genevieve is clearly affected at a deep level by the sound. Despite her training, she flies off in terror. Cursing under her breath, she listens to Tofang's and Andy's descriptions of the new creatures. Bow still in hand, she casts a spell over her quiver of arrows, then moves to the side to let others handle the one on the ground as she calls upon the spirit of the mighty bull.
Casting versatile weapon to have her arrows overcome DR as if they were silver and activating Hunter's Aspect "Bear" for +2 STR.

Also, I had cast Lead Blades right as the first wave of caryatids arrived. Am I correct in believing that 4 minutes have not yet passed, so it is still active in case I switch back to melee?

DC 12 Will save, including inspire: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 = 10

The maddening howl fills Jivan's ears, driving out all rational thought. He flees.

Will, ic : 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6

Using ‘lessons of Chaldira’ trait Reroll: Will, ic : 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 1 = 22

I assume we had a round to reload. Otherwise he does not move and reloads with an alchemical cartridge and shoots with cover malus.

Tofang shoots his normal pistol.

He infuses his gun with alchemical ordnance (free action 3/7 remaining this day) .

He moves to avoid cover and shoots at the mysterious dog thing.

Gun. PBS, ic, touch within 30 ft: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 26
Gun damage, pbs, ic, alchemical ordnance with Int 22: 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 + (6, 6) + 6 = 25 Last 2d6+6fire damage.

Will Save, DC 12: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7

Lumo hears that howl reverberate through his soul. The echo removes his faith, filling him with dread. He stammers, dropping his warhammer and running. "Gorum, where are you?" He then runs away.

Recovering one ki from the rejuvenation effect mentioned earlier

Will DC 12, inspire, draconic mettle: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 26 Bon Jon shrugs off the howl of the hound.

Fort DC 13: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 Half. Is this ability damage or drain?

Bon Jon watches with concern as some of his comrades run away, and then curses his folly for having no silver weapons. He curses again when he learns that the foe on the ground is resistant to acid. And then he moves forward to engage, drawing his seven-branched sword as he does.

swift action to activate Suli elemental assault ability to add electricity dmg to my strikes

+1 seven-branched sword, inspire, Str dmg: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
magical S dmg: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 + electricity dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Bon, it's strength damage.
Andy, I didn't get your actions for this round so will just use your backup actions from previous round, i.e. pew pew.
Eowyn, yes lead blades is still on.
Tofang, you would have a round to reload.

The bone-chilling baying strikes deep fear in Jivan, Lumo and Genevieve who turn and flee through the horde of Pathfinders and extraplanar attackers. Eowyn moves back and enchants her bow against the enemies' resistances. Tofang raises his pistol and fires a round at the flying hound, and while the bullet does not penetrate its magical hide as much as it should, the explosion is more enough to do heavy damage to it. (Due to pythagoras, it was actually out of your touch AC range, but you hit anyway.) Andy quickly follows up with shots of his own as two bolts of arcane energy slam into the yeth hound. The hound yells in pain and anger and changes straight down towards Tofang but his magical shield easily repels its sharp teeth.

Bon moves to engage the humanoid, closing in the distance and chopping into its flesh with his electrified exotic sword. The urdefhan returns the attack with a his sword and vicious bite but Bon ducks away from them easily.

combat map
Bold may act
-------
Round 2: Status: inspire courage: +1 attack, dmg, save vs fear
~~~
red urdefhan (-7)
orange yeth hound (-25; charged)
Eowyn
Genevieve (panicked 1/4)
Jivan (panicked 1/2)
Lumo (panicked 1/6)
Bon (-2 Str)
Tofang (28/29)
-------
Round 3:
~~~
Andy

Tofang steps back and reloads with an alchemical cartridge and shoots!

He infuses his gun with alchemical ordnance (free action 2/7 remaining this day) .

Gun. PBS, ic, touch within 30 ft: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 20
Gun damage, pbs, ic, alchemical ordnance with Int 22: 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 + (2, 2) + 6 = 13 Last 2d6+6fire damage.

Tofang's shot blows the hound's head apart. The decapitated body collapses on the ground.

(From what I've gathered, fear conditions continue even if the source of the fear is dead. Let me know if I got that wrong.)

combat map
Bold may act
-------
Round 2: Status: inspire courage: +1 attack, dmg, save vs fear
~~~
red urdefhan (-7)
orange yeth hound
Eowyn
Genevieve (panicked 1/4)
Jivan (panicked 1/2)
Lumo (panicked 1/6)
Bon (-2 Str)
Tofang (28/29)
-------
Round 3:
~~~
Andy

That's my understanding re fear effects, as well.

Jivan continues to flee, not caring that the source of his unnatural terror is dead.

Her bow enchanted, Eowyn takes aim at the flying hound ... and then watches it to two bullets from Togang's gun. Well, Alkenstar has all but made archers irrelevant these days ... doesn't have to be silver-coated if it blows their head off...

She lowers her aim and takes a shot at the undead...
+1/+1 for Inspire Courage, -4 attack for into melee
+1 Comp Longbow: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 - 4 = 4 damage: 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 = 10
...and curses as the string slips from her finger and drops the arrow on the ground.

She moves up closer, ready to fire at anything else that arrives, but ready to switch to her swords.

Bon Jon maintains the electrical power that is flowing through his arms and makes a flurry of cuts against the foul undead creature.

+1 seven-branched sword, inspire, str dmg: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16 Incidentally, my attack last time should have been 2 lower - I accidentally included a flanking bonus that I didn't have - but I presume a 28 would have hit anyway...
magical S dmg: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 + electricity dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

+1 seven-branched sword, inspire, str dmg: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
magical S dmg: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 + electricity dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

If it is still standing, spend 1 ki for an additional attack
+1 seven-branched sword, inspire, str dmg: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
magical S dmg: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 + electricity dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Bon keeps up his flurry of attacks on the undead-like humanoid. The first slices deep into its flesh while the other cuts it in half completely!

Combat Over! Status:
Bon (-2 Str)
Tofang (28/29)

Although you have taken down this pair of assailants, battle continues raging around you. Chaos rein around you, giving your team a brief respite. The panick effect eventually fades and the Pathfinders gather again, watching out for the next set of attackers.

The scenario doesn't give a time limit before the next combat other than to have time to heal. I'll take that enough time for the fear effect to fade.

Since Genevieve was panicked for 4 rounds, it will presumably take another 4 for her to return. If you're good with that amount of time I'll take it. If you think she needs a round or two into the next combat before she arrives, I can understand that also.

Since I'm not hurt, I'll use those rounds to cast Gravity Bow. It will last 4 minutes. Lead Blades, Versatile Weapon (silver arrows), and Feather Step are also still active.

Jivan makes his way back to the party, face flushed with embarrassment at his loss of control. "I am sorry for not being able to assist in the fight."

Also, since I have Quick Draw, all weapons are away; that way I can pull whichever I prefer for the encounter without having to take an action put anything away.

After about a minute, Lumo returns, face flush with anger. He says nothing to the group, just chanting prayers under his breath and beating his chest with the warhammer that he picks back up.

”Don’t worry Lumo! I almost peed in my pants... “ Tofang says with genuine dread considering the dangers they’re facing.

Waiting a bit to see if Tofang or Bon wishes to heal themselves?

Yes will use my wand of lesser restoration

Go ahead and backpost your healing while I move on.

The Pathfinders manage to regroup and huddle together, keeping a look around the chaos for any enemy that comes there. Unfortunately, the one direction they failed to look was straight up, except for Eowyn who spots two stony figures up at the roof just before they drops straight down on in front of the team. Unfortunately, they react fast, and before Eowyn could raise her weapon, they open their mouths and breath a barrage of rocks at the Pathfinders!

Mechanically, their stealth was high enough to beat everyone's perception except Eowyn, but their init beat hers.

combat map
Bold may act
-------
Surprise Round: Status: standard or move action only
~~~
red enemy
orange enemy
Lumo (surprised) (-7 or ref DC13 for half)
Jivan (surprised) (-7 or ref DC13 for half)
Eowyn (-7 or ref DC13 for half; -5 or ref DC13 for half)
Genevieve (surprised) (-5 or ref DC13 for half)
-------
Round 1: Status: nil
~~~
Andy (-7 or ref DC13 for half; -5 or ref DC13 for half)
Bon (-2 Str; -7 or ref DC13 for half; -5 or ref DC13 for half)
Tofang (28/29; -7 or ref DC13 for half; -5 or ref DC13 for half)

Reflex save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Half rounded up or down? I forget.

Reflex vs. DC=13 (7pt.): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Reflex vs. DC=13 (5pt.): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Andy tries to recall what he knows about these new attackers...

Knowledge(Planes) vs. DC=13: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Resistances; Immunities; Special Defenses, in that order as applicable, please.

...and shares what he may remember with the group.

Pathfinders push back the extraplanar mercenaries, which flee the Society's ferocious counterattack. The few remaining elementals fight to the last but quickly crumble under the assault. With the path back to the surface clear, Sorrina Westyr leads the way up to the portals, while Drandle Dreng organizes a quick head count, and begins ushering groups of agents back to Golarion.

Sorrina Westyr is among the last to step back onto the Isle of Kortos, carrying a beautiful, fist-sized opal that seems to glow with countless colors. Overhead, the once-radiant Aucturn's Tear gradually fades in brightness until it's imperceptible against the night sky.

The Master of Spells holds the immense gem aloft and speaks to the gathered agents. “We have accomplished a marvel today. I hold here an artifact in which dwells a powerful air spirit called Ranginori. Many ages ago, the Elemental Planes existed in balance, forces of good and evil locked in equilibrium. The elemental lords we know of today united against their benign counterparts, and claimed sole dominion. Scholars have speculated on the fates of the defeated, but no longer!”

A few scattered cheers well up from some of the more elementally inclined Pathfinders. Sorrina smiles at them indulgently, and continues.

“It will take time to confirm the outsider trapped within this opal is who he claims to be.” She starts for a moment, as if in response to a comment only she can hear, then looks up to the gemstone apologetically and adds, “Professional caution and courtesy, you understand.” She then looks back to the Pathfinders and continues. “If that's true, though, we now hold the essence of the lost lord of air, Ranginori, Duke of Thunder!”

At this, a wind whips around Sorrina, and she laughs.

“If we can free this being, imagine the history he can share with the Society, the good that might be accomplished. I cannot even begin to speculate on the ramifications for the Elemental Planes…and as word of our accomplishment spreads, there will be many thinking these same thoughts, and not with charitable intent toward us. We must be very cautious in the coming months I fear, and not least in verifying the truth of what we hold.”

“Fortunately, thanks to your efforts this evening, we have crippled key allies and armies of the elemental lords who opposed us. It speaks volumes of what the Society has accomplished in the past decade that I can sincerely state you defied demigods and emerged triumphant! It has been my privilege to have been part of that effort.”

Then Drandle Dreng totters forward, weaving and swaying as if still trying to adjust back to Golarian’s gravity. “We traveled to the stars, and showed those sanctimonious sycophants just what the Society can do!” Then he scratches his shaggy chin, muttering to himself. “Heh. Pathfinders in the Stars. Starry Pathfinders? Starfinders? Starfinder Society! Heh. That’s catchy... I’ll have to remember that.”

____

Huge thanks to all of the GM's, BR's, and players that made this go off successfully! This Special is by far one of the more difficult to organize for all of them and it went off spectacularly.

Cool! We collected enough successes collectively to end the scenario before the scheduled time. Anyway, those two mephits would have been decimated by you guys in a round with their low HP and DR against magic... (How could that possibly be a challenge for 6 x L3-4...)

As soon as Sorrina manages to lay hands on the Opal, it seems that whoever had sent empowered these elemental attackers realise the futility and withdrew them back to their planes. The two mephits crumble back into the dust and pebbles that they were form from.

A bloodied but triumphant looking Kai pushes through the crowd to come by your side. He pats each of you on your shoulders as he congratulates, "Good job Pathfinders! You have shown yourself to be fine exemplars of this Society through all these obstacles and tribulations. Come! The portals awaits! I've managed to wrangle from Drandle a round of drinks for all Pathfinders at the Wounded Wisp! It's been sometime since I've been and I'm missing a flagon of Heryn's honeyed ale! Come!"

Exeunt stage right and fade...

Tofang smiles hesitantly at Kai and bows.

He looks at his weapons and shakes his head. You were used to do good... but Eowyn was right...

The Vudran smiles despite the weariness weighing on his slender frame. "My thanks to you all. As good a team as any I have worked with before. Perhaps we shall see each other again soon...if not, fare you well!"

Lumo bows, still shaken from the experience. "It was good sharing the honor of battle with you all today. Thank you for everything." He cleans his weapons and walks away.

"I look forward to meeting you all again in the future."

”It was a pleasure to work with you and hopefully what we found on that planet is going to make a difference in the future because many people were injured and we as a community are now going to be hunted! I hope to see you all again in full health!“ Tofang says in an insecure voice.

Kai pats the wayang on the shoulder again reassuringly. "Fret not little one. So long as the Society stays together and stays strong, I worry not about that. We have gone through countless crisis but have always emerged stronger. And I have no doubt we will continue to do so."

GM: Will be deactivating this thread tomorrow so grab your chronicles if you haven't done so!

Bon Jon bows deeply to his comrades, pleased to have adventured with them.