M Kitsune Bard (Flame Dancer) 5 | HP 12/33 +10| AC 19 Tch 14 FF 15 | F +8 R +11 W +7 +4 vs. Sonic, Language Dependent, Bardic | 4/15 bardic performance available | GM reroll used | wands 35/50 CLW 47/50 Comp Lang’s 39/50 Lucky Number| Spells: 1st 2/5 2nd 0/3 | Init +6 | Perception +10 | Lucky Number: 14| Condition: Heroism, Bear’s Endurance, bow in one hand
Kn: Arcana:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Realizing his shots would be blocked, Guy runs through the door hoping that he can move before the statue can react. He then runs along the bookcases to a spot he can fire from.
Provokes if the thing has combat reflexes.
Turning around, he then tries to shoot the statue.
+1 darkwood composite shortbow, Point Blank:1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 1 = 12 Cold Iron arrow, Piercing damage:1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9
“I don’t know if I can even hurt it with my arrows! If that thing is really made of stone, probably not.”
I think we should use our remaining Aid Token on the first hit that does damage.
LG medium male dwarf paladin (tormented soul) 3 | Perception +9, Sense Motive +7 | Init +1 | HP 22/34 | Spells active: Bull's Strength | Conditions: alchemical grease |LoH: 0/4 | Smite: 0/1 | Wand of CLW [42/50] | Lucky Number: 8 | AC 22, FF 21, Touch 11, +1 dodge vs. undead, , +4 vs. smite target, CMD 17 (+4 stability), DR 1/cold iron |Fort +6, Reflex +2, Will +6 (+4 racial vs. spells, SLA, +2 vs poison) | Speed 20ft.
Noting people darting past behind him, Torsten nods approvingly. "I'll try to keep it on this side..." And the best way is probably to grab the beast's attention violently.
Male NG Elf Magus (Mindblade) 4 | HP 27/27 | AC 19 T 14 FF 15 | CMB +3, CMD 17 | F: +4*, R: +5*, W: +4* | Init: +5 | Perc: +10, SM: +0 | Speed 30ft | Light at will, Psychic Pool 6/6 | Spells: 1st 4/4, 2nd 2/2 | Active conditions: none |
Wishing he had his trusty psychic weapon in hand rather than the cold iron blade, Taniian casts Scorching Ray in readiness. He then moves past Torsten, "'scuse me". I see no way to avoid an AoO if one is available
"Not made of stone, looks like it would make good kindling, I think I may put that to the test."Spellstrike
MW CI Elven Thornblade attack:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19Lucky number! +2 for 21"I feel lucky, oh so lucky..." Potential piercing/slashing/cold iron damage:1d6 ⇒ 5 Scorching Ray fire damage:4d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 2, 2) = 9
Spell Like Abilites: None. Special Abilities: None (technically) but I'll give you that you recognize that this animated object has extra attacks (3 total) and its 2 slam attacks can trigger a grab chance. You needed a 30 for a 3rd question.
Flip darts into the room, shares his knowledge and promptly deposits an arrow in the wall next to Guy's.
Torsten takes a hack, connecting easily with the beast. His axe seems to have trouble penetrating deep into it to disrupt the magic deep inside. (Hardness)
Taniian instantly recognizes a weak build aspect of the creature. Casting a spell and holding the explosive charge on his blade, he darts into the room and attempts to poke the quivering object. His blade connects and while the metal doesn't penetrate (hardness) the spell is still transferred with a blast of flame, burning a hole through the creature larger than expected. Fire definitely works.
Round 1
Flip & Big Sky
Torsten
Guy
Gordy
Taniian
Animated Vrock (-19)
Dana
Gordy would have had someone heal him with his CLW wand before this part. CLW wand:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Seeing Torston run into the room, Gordy quickly darts in after him and finds himself face to face with what appears to be an angry demon zombie. Reflexively, he pulls together a dart of water and tosses it at the Vrock, making the choice not to let his body take on the physical toll of turning his blast into a proper weapon.
Whoops, I forgot a couple of you had existing injuries. The HP is now updated, including Gordy's wand use. However, Gordy (-2) and Torsten (-1) are welcome to use more charges of their wands (or potions) to have healed up the damage if they wish.
Gordy's blast of water slams into the beast, blunted slightly but still ripping of a chunk of stuffing (hardness).
With three targets in front of it, the beast bites at Torsten, slams one arm at Gordy and the other arm at Taniian.
slam 1:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 for B:1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
slam 2:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 for B:1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 slam confirm:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16 for B:1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
slam grab vs. CMD:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
The jaws close around Torsten, crunching internal organs (7 damage).
Barely missing Gordy, the arm sails just past.
The other arm slams right into Taniian, though it doesn't quite knock him flat. Right as he goes to take a breath though, it wraps him up in a big hug (9 damage, grappled).
Rounds 1 & 2 Flip & Big Sky
Torsten (-8)
Guy
Gordy (-2)
Taniian (-9, grappled)
Animated Vrock (-29)
Dana
Bold may act.
Grappled:
Grappled: A grappled creature is restrained by a creature, trap, or effect. Grappled creatures cannot move and take a –4 penalty to Dexterity. A grappled creature takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls and combat maneuver checks, except those made to grapple or escape a grapple. In addition, grappled creatures can take no action that requires two hands to perform. A grappled character who attempts to cast a spell or use a spell-like ability must make a concentration check (DC 10 + grappler’s CMB + spell level, see Concentration), or lose the spell. Grappled creatures cannot make attacks of opportunity.
As Dana moves to get a better angle and the beast creaks its head towards Taniian, intending to crush him to death, a scene flashes into Torsten's head. A simple playground from his childhood? A bully picking on a classmate? None of this seems familiar, or was it just a story he heard? It doesn't seem right, it wasn't just a bully was it? It was someone closer and much worse. And it wasn't just a kid, it was his... sibling? It hurts to remember, or maybe it wasn't even his memory. A bubbling rage against the thing in front of him rises. He hears himself say the words like an echo "Yep, biting our faces off, told you!", but he isn't sure what the words mean or why he is saying them. Just that he must KILL THE EVIL IN FRONT OF HIM!
Coming to his senses, the tormented dwarf paladin's heart is pounding in his ears and breathing is coming in gasps. Before him are about eight pieces of the taxidermied statue, the largest is draped lifelessly over Taniian's shoulder. It slips slowly to the ground with a dull thud.
The rest of you aren't sure what you just saw, merely a flurry of hacks and then the beast was still.
Male NG Elf Magus (Mindblade) 4 | HP 27/27 | AC 19 T 14 FF 15 | CMB +3, CMD 17 | F: +4*, R: +5*, W: +4* | Init: +5 | Perc: +10, SM: +0 | Speed 30ft | Light at will, Psychic Pool 6/6 | Spells: 1st 4/4, 2nd 2/2 | Active conditions: none |
Taniian picks himself up and dusts himself off, wheezing slightly the whole time.
He turns to Torsten, "That was pretty amazing. Thank you for the rescue. Now let's see what this thing was protecting."
As he tries to move away he winces slightly then looks around at Flip and Guy, "Would one of you be willing to use my wand again, if we don't get jumped before then?"
When someone has time to use CLW wand on Taniian:
CLW healing:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 if needed for a second application CLW healing:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
I've been going since waking today and baby has decided to just scream constantly if not being held this evening so wasn't able to post until now (baby is still screaming, but his mom is giving it a try). I won't post much, but can at least move you along a bit.
Nothing immediate attacks you all after the animated construct falls and you all are able to quickly scan the books in this room. They appear to be a very large collection on demons and demonic rituals.
Opening the unlocked (and safe) door to the North you find a small two bed guest room. An elaborate portrait of Iomedae hangs from the western wall.
What do you all do next? (plenty of time to use wands)
LG medium male dwarf paladin (tormented soul) 3 | Perception +9, Sense Motive +7 | Init +1 | HP 22/34 | Spells active: Bull's Strength | Conditions: alchemical grease |LoH: 0/4 | Smite: 0/1 | Wand of CLW [42/50] | Lucky Number: 8 | AC 22, FF 21, Touch 11, +1 dodge vs. undead, , +4 vs. smite target, CMD 17 (+4 stability), DR 1/cold iron |Fort +6, Reflex +2, Will +6 (+4 racial vs. spells, SLA, +2 vs poison) | Speed 20ft.
Torsten also moves to the west door, ready to intercept trouble if it comes out. "Let's secure the building against monsters first, but after that let's check that portrait. Either a message stuck to the back or a hidden wall safe - know your classics. Oh, and the trap that will typically torch whatever evidence is in there if you open it wrong.."
The three do their usual checks on the door, aided by Dana's oversight.
Dana, check your PM's when you get a chance, dropping out isn't as bad as we thought, though we would love to keep you for the whole thing!
Pulling open the door with Torsten rushing through, the group is merely confronted by more choices as they are standing in a small hallway with doors to the south, west and north. The south, presumably, leads back to the entrance room.
Torsten readies to rush in as usual, but when the door (opens into the room) slams up against heavy crates he realizes this storage room is jam-packed! The entirety of this room is littered with barrels, chests, and crates. The door to the room only opens about halfway before bumping against sundry containers.
The containers are so thickly packed, the group can only see about 10 feet inside. It would take a bit of time if you want to search the whole room, but if everything was moved around, some into other rooms, you could do it. What do you all do next?
820-11 | Grippli Sacred Huntsmaster Inquisitor | HP 18/26 | AC 16 T 14 FF 13 | CMB +6, CMD 15 | F: +5, R: +4, W: +6 | Init: +6 | Perc: +9, SM: +10 | Speed 30ft, Climb 20ft | Bit of Luck 1/1 | Spells: 1st 5/5 | Active conditions: Lucky Number 3!
Flip taps Taniian with Lucky Number again. "At the rate we're going, I'll need a new wand next mission!" Flip grins. "Let's see what we got, shall we?"
Female Roc Animal Companion | HP 13/13 | AC 22(26) T 15 FF 17(21) | CMB +3, CMD 18 | F: +2, R: +8, W: +2 | Init: +5 | Perc: +5, SM: +1 | Speed 20ft; Fly Speed 80 ft; Swim Speed 10 ft | Active conditions: Lucky Number 1 USED, Mage Armor.
Meanwhile, Big Sky has been hopping through the hallways at the same rate as Torsten and Dana. Hop. Hop. Hop. Hop.
Then she hears an off-screen inconsolable howling, high-pitched and far away. There it is, right beyond the fourth wall!
Big Sky calls out, "SCREEEEEEE!"
Translation: "GM, I'm sorry you're having an inconsolable day with the baby. This too shall pass, though I'm sure it seems like forever now. They get lonely sometimes if you're not snuggling with them in the nest."
Then she continues hopping after the team. Hop, hop, hop.
Male NG Elf Magus (Mindblade) 4 | HP 27/27 | AC 19 T 14 FF 15 | CMB +3, CMD 17 | F: +4*, R: +5*, W: +4* | Init: +5 | Perc: +10, SM: +0 | Speed 30ft | Light at will, Psychic Pool 6/6 | Spells: 1st 4/4, 2nd 2/2 | Active conditions: none |
"Thank you, friend Flip" Taniian addresses the Grippli as he feels a tap from the wand. "The luck you bring us all has been most beneficial and very much appreciated."
Taniian continues with the rest of the party to search the place. He will have by this time sheathed his cold iron weapon and manifested his mindblade instead.
Okay, since this weekend was a bit slow (darn baby rawr! :P) and we don't have combat left, I'll open up the last couple bits of this encounter at once so maybe we can get through another encounter before Act II starts. You all are more than welcome to RP reactions and actions for all below. DC 25 to pick both locks.
The north door is not trapped, though it is locked. Eventually, Guy works with his tiny tools and it clicks loose. Expecting trouble, Torsten bursts in as usual and sees a familiar sight... books.
Bookshelves line three walls of the room, each filled with tomes of varying size and subject matter. A door exits to the south and east.
Not wasting time reading through all the books you all check the next door and find it to be the last room. It, however is also locked. But after a few more tries, Guy is able to get this one open as well.
Rushing inside again, Torsten sees a well-made bed lies against the eastern edge of this room. Beside the bed is a small table. A piece of parchment rests on the table, the edges of which are embedded in cooled wax. Above the table hangs a framed portrait of a howling minotaur depicted as floating above a labyrinth made of pure ivory.
See maps page 2 for the parchment.
After a brief check, you can also tell that the painting of the minotaur is actually a secret peephole into the guestroom on the other side. And now that the lodge is secure, the group takes their time to look over some of the literature in the prior room as well.
DC 20 K: Planes:
These books detail specific rituals and rites of those devoted to demon lords.
What do you do with the information you have found?
M Kitsune Bard (Flame Dancer) 5 | HP 12/33 +10| AC 19 Tch 14 FF 15 | F +8 R +11 W +7 +4 vs. Sonic, Language Dependent, Bardic | 4/15 bardic performance available | GM reroll used | wands 35/50 CLW 47/50 Comp Lang’s 39/50 Lucky Number| Spells: 1st 2/5 2nd 0/3 | Init +6 | Perception +10 | Lucky Number: 14| Condition: Heroism, Bear’s Endurance, bow in one hand
Kn: Planes:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Guy nods his agreement with Torsten’s statement.
Flipping through the books, Guy says “I am surprised by the books, but have to agree with you, Taniian. They are the sort I would expect a demon worshipper to have, not someone intent on fighting demons.”
What would it take to notice that there is an area with no obvious entrances? The southwest corner?
Guy shakes his head and says “We best report this quickly. I hate to think about what sort of damage a traitor could do to the defenses of the city!”
I'll save you all the trouble with looking further in the lodge. Yes, you could move a bunch of crates (about an hour of work) around in the storage room and would discover a secret hidden door. However, it is heavily warded and also 'not in the scope of this adventure'.
One vote for reporting. One vote for hacking the traitor's head off.
Female N, looks like a Tian-Taldane human (actually mostly human Ifrit) | Psychic 9 | Reroll 1/1 | Chaldira reroll 1/1| Rod Extend 2/3 | Rod Piercing 3/3 | HP 66/66 + temp hp 0/0 | AC 20 T 7 FF 20 | CMD 9 | F: +10, R: +4, W: +13 | Init: +1| Perc: +13, SM: +16, Dipl (Influence): +21, Bluff (Deceive): +13 | Focused Trance 0/3 | Expanded Awareness 3/3 | Phrenic Pool 6/7 | Spells: 1st 5/8 + 1/1 DT, 2nd 8/8, 3rd 8/8; 4th 5/6 | Darkvision 60ft | Speed 20ft | Active cond: heroism
Dana is also surprised.
kn planes :1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
”I would not like to assume the worst. Trust that we are Pathfinders who stick together. Chaldira asks us to jump into battle but we should first understand what has happened here. We should report this immediately!“ she states.
Gordy shakes his head sadly. "I don't get why anyone'd wanna bring more demon's into this world. Don't they know that nothing good could possibly come outta that?"
The group quickly heads back to the citadel and reports their findings to the highest ranking pathfinder they can find who take them to Venture Captain Jorsal who advises that he will begin to look into it, but advises you all to keep this information to themselves for now before sending them back into the fray to defend Nerosyan.
As you speak with them, an aid attempts to resupply or heal the group's wounds.
resupplies run out this weekend and you've only used 1 of 3:1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 points of healing covers Torsten to full and Gordy only needs 2, so he's at full with his heal, regardless of the roll. Anyone want another MW cold iron weapon or some projectiles?
Heading back into the fray, the group is ushered into the Woundward District, the only location showing any real demonic activity.
As they move through the streets, A fleeing citizen pauses for a moment upon spotting the Pathfinders. His face is a mix of fear and hope as he says, “By the gods, thank you for showing up! There’s a woman down the street defending an orphanage, bless her heart, but I don’t think she knows that all the children have already been evacuated... I’d tell her that her help would be more useful elsewhere, but her minions are terrifying. Maybe you can explain! I’ll go get some of the crusaders to help out.”
As you approach you see a young lady commanding a group of evil looking planar creatures who are attacking other evil looking planar creatures.
She seems to be in control of them and her side finishes off the others with a puff of smoke. She looks around to eye the group, "ya ain't demons in disguise are ya? If ya are, ya betta cruise off in a different direction. This orphanage is under MY PROTECTION!"
DC 15 Knowledge - Planes
or Religion, roll only one please:
The creatures under the woman's control are obviously Devils, and quite powerful ones at that. The creatures that were defeated appeared to be weak Demons. You know that Devils and Demons are polar opposites, though both evil. Devils are often contracted to do a very specific task.
M Kitsune Bard (Flame Dancer) 5 | HP 12/33 +10| AC 19 Tch 14 FF 15 | F +8 R +11 W +7 +4 vs. Sonic, Language Dependent, Bardic | 4/15 bardic performance available | GM reroll used | wands 35/50 CLW 47/50 Comp Lang’s 39/50 Lucky Number| Spells: 1st 2/5 2nd 0/3 | Init +6 | Perception +10 | Lucky Number: 14| Condition: Heroism, Bear’s Endurance, bow in one hand
Kn: Planes:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
A Chelish Orphanage here?!?
Guy hesitates a moment, seeing the woman and her accomplices.
“No ma’am! We are Pathfinders working to defend the city from demons.”
Gesturing back to the orphanage, he adds “The youngsters are already evacuated. Could you and your devils help fight the demons in other parts of the city?”
Diplomacy, if needed:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
While he is talking to her, he keeps a wary eye on the demons.
Male NG Elf Magus (Mindblade) 4 | HP 27/27 | AC 19 T 14 FF 15 | CMB +3, CMD 17 | F: +4*, R: +5*, W: +4* | Init: +5 | Perc: +10, SM: +0 | Speed 30ft | Light at will, Psychic Pool 6/6 | Spells: 1st 4/4, 2nd 2/2 | Active conditions: none |
K. Planes vs DC15:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
"Defending the orphanage is admirable but as my friend said, they have now all been evacuated. How did you become involved? Your assistance is most welcome during these troubling times."
M Kitsune Bard (Flame Dancer) 5 | HP 12/33 +10| AC 19 Tch 14 FF 15 | F +8 R +11 W +7 +4 vs. Sonic, Language Dependent, Bardic | 4/15 bardic performance available | GM reroll used | wands 35/50 CLW 47/50 Comp Lang’s 39/50 Lucky Number| Spells: 1st 2/5 2nd 0/3 | Init +6 | Perception +10 | Lucky Number: 14| Condition: Heroism, Bear’s Endurance, bow in one hand
Guy gives Torsten a sidelong glance and quickly explains “When there are demons around, devils tend to focus on killing them over other targets.”
With a wave at the woman, he adds “That and their ability to follow orders is likely why she chose to summon the devils.” Probably made a deal through Asmodeus too!
Flip takes Guy's explanation and relaxes. Devils keep their word. You just have to be damned careful how you word things.
"Madame, we would love your help defending the city. You are brave and strong, and your devils will at the very least do what they were contracted to do... Let's defend this city, so the evacuated children will have a home when they return."
And hopefully kill as many of both summoned types of fiend as possible in the process...
Guy cautiously whispers to his skeptical dwarven ally.
"Torsten, I've been on a whole lotta ships in me life, an' I know ya' don't always get t' pick yer crew. I think probably we shouldn't trust these devils one bit, but if they wanna give us a hand killing demons maybe we should let em. But I know ye' know a lot more about these outsider types then I do, so I'll be following ye lead."
