Male Half-Orc M Half-Orc Normal AC: 36 Current AC: 36 T 14 FF 33 | HP 121/121| F +22 R +16 W +16 / +2 Heroism | CMD 28 | Init +5 | Perc +18(+4 On Beak)| Spells: Level 1 4/6 Level 2 5/5 Level 3 3/4 Level 4 0/1 | Bane 10/10 | Animal Focus 8/10 | Hunter Trick 4/7
Kramac is ready! Do we need to fill out any paperwork? Kramac expected some paperwork to request the hall. If not, then let us go speak with this devil!
Small point of order - Honeyed tongue is a personal spell. It appears that Barnette has a decent UMD check, so if you wanted to hand him your wand and let him cast it himself, that would work - but Aquila can't put it on him (as per my understand. I always acknowledge the possibility that I am wrong :D)
Small point of order - Honeyed tongue is a personal spell. It appears that Barnette has a decent UMD check, so if you wanted to hand him your wand and let him cast it himself, that would work - but Aquila can't put it on him (as per my understand. I always acknowledge the possibility that I am wrong :D)
You are right. I've actually never used the wand so the details are a bit fuzzy. Aquila will offer the wand to Barnette.
With that Zwei attempts to sneak into the lecture hall after the others have entered, his bow in hand. He finds a good position, preferably within 30ft, but settles for farther if needed.
Stealth: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (14) + 31 = 45
Zwei stands as the buffs go down, awaiting the entrance of the others.
Zwei moves into the lecture hall, closely followed by the rest of the party. They find it dimly lit by sconces set at regular intervals around the room, and its vaulted ceiling stretches 60 feet high. There are four windows set 20 feet above the ground one on either side of the southwestern corner, one on the northern end of the west wall, and one on the northern corner of the eastern wall. These windows are currently covered by heavy draperies.
Sitting behind the podium at the back of the room opposite the entrance is a heresy devil, the corpulent scholars of corruption and despair who seek to lead virtuous intellectuals astray with cleverly worded syllogisms and beautiful, yet hollow, rhetoric. He is currently studying a small object on the desk in front of him, but looks up when you come in.
GM Stuff:
1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28
Zwei:
You don't think the heresy devil noticed you when you came in.
Clearing his throat with a phlegmy sound, he chortles. "I told that delightfully broken little soul that I’m busy. Did she not pass along the message?"
The party is currently about 20 feet from the heresy devil, although there are four rows of desks and chairs between you and him (difficult terrain). I think we can do without the map for now, but I have it ready if you want to begin combat.
Clearing his throat with a phlegmy sound, he chortles. "I told that delightfully broken little soul that I’m busy. Did she not pass along the message?"
"Well actually, she asked us to pass you a message: Your reserved time in this lecture hall is past many time over, as is the availability to the Hao Jin memory engram. The lecture hall and the Hao Jin memory engram have been requested by our party so your imminent leave is required. I hope you have learned what you wanted, but according to the rules you'll need to go. My guess would be you understand rules and the importance of following them. Maybe our firm's senior associate can explain it in more detail. The devil is in the details you know."
[ HP 65/65 | AC 18/12T/16FF | Fort +8, Ref +9, Will +11 | Init +2 | Perception +2 | |Diplo +34| CMD 19 | Resist 5 Cold/Acid/Elect ]
active:
Mage Armor 10 hours
"Yes, well stated there my associate. Your most unholyness I regret to inform you that your use of the hall has expired, as has your access to the engram for the time being. You know how these Aximites are with their rules and regulations and such otherwise, I assure you us mere mortal would not dare to otherwise make our selves present, and can I add what an honour it is to bask in your corpulence. If you would please vacate the hall and hand over the engram we would be most appreciated" Barnette ends his statement with a flourish of the hand and a bow.
The floating devil snears at Barnette's request. "You could talk the Prince of Hell out of his horns, mortal, but you'll never get me to give up my treasure. I will now let you glory in the true power of words!"
The devil is unwilling to give up the treasure he has found and initiates combat. Please place yourself on the combat map in the highlighted area (except for Zwei, who can place himself anywhere within 10 feet of the red rectangle and who is currently hidden. I'm at work, so don't have time to post initiative, so please roll and post your actions. No one is considered to have surprise.
Garra will delay until Aquila gives the command to attack.
As a move action he will fly 5 foot back and take on eagle aspect senses.
Aquila will sacrifice his Transport via Plants to cast Summon Nature's Ally VI to Summon an Augmented Young Roc as a standard action. He will tell the roc to delay until Garra is in flank.
Aquila will command Garra to fly into flank.
Garra will attack
Bite:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23 for 1d4 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
New Initiative
Garra: Move + attack
Aquilla: Summon an Augmented Young Roc as a standard action. Move 5 foot back and 15 foot up
Beyschosz: 17
Zwei: TBD
Karmac: TBD
Barnette: TBD
Ruby: TBD
Lark: TBD
Garra is unsure if he's ever encountered hide as tough as the skin on the heresy devil, and is unable to penetrate it. (Attack misses).
The heresy devil curses and begins casting a spell (
DC 18 Spellcraft:
deeper darkness
) and the entire room goes black. (Beyschosz autosucceeds on his Concentration check to cast defensively and moves. The entire room is under a magical darkness effect, which means that even darkvision can't penetrate it).
Because your only opponent has gone everybody is up again (except for Garra and Aquila who should wait until everyone else has acted, just to be polite).
CG Female Varisian | Cleric (Varisian Pilgrim) of Desna 11 | AC: 20 (T 13, FF 19) | HP 91/91 | F +12, R +8, W +16* (+1 to all)| CMB +8, CMD 21 | Init +1 | Perception +5
Active Buffs:
Blessing of the Harrow (+1 insight to all saves)
Initiative:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Ruby smiles as she steps forward and casts a spell.
5-ft step west, drawing my weapon
Standard Action: Casting Blessing of Fervor. Unfortunately, I have to leave Aquila out of it.
Move Action: Drawing out a wand of Protection from Evil
With Karmac's help, Barnette remembers reading about Ayngavhauls, and after Karmac mentioned about their powerful abilities such as Blasphemy he cast Communal Protection from Evil on the party and shield on Lark.
Standard Action: Casting Blessing of Fervor. Unfortunately, I have to leave Aquila out of it. Move Action: Drawing out a wand of Protection from Evil
LARK - Eidolon wrote:
@Ruby
Barnette wrote:
With Karmac's help, Barnette remembers reading about Ayngavhauls, and after Karmac mentioned about their powerful abilities such as Blasphemy he cast Communal Protection from Evil on the party and shield on Lark.
Also drawing a weapon is only a (BAB>1) free action if combined with a regular move, not with a 5 foot step.
Because your only opponent has gone everybody is up again (except for Garra and Aquila who should wait until everyone else has acted, just to be polite).
Is it ok for Garra to move into flank now and (possibly) provoke an AoO in the process? Just to be helpful.
CG Female Varisian | Cleric (Varisian Pilgrim) of Desna 11 | AC: 20 (T 13, FF 19) | HP 91/91 | F +12, R +8, W +16* (+1 to all)| CMB +8, CMD 21 | Init +1 | Perception +5
Active Buffs:
Blessing of the Harrow (+1 insight to all saves)
Aquila Audax wrote:
Also drawing a weapon is only a (BAB>1) free action if combined with a regular move, not with a 5 foot step.
LARK - Eidolon wrote:
@Ruby
Barnette wrote:
With Karmac's help, Barnette remembers reading about Ayngavhauls, and after Karmac mentioned about their powerful abilities such as Blasphemy he cast Communal Protection from Evil on the party and shield on Lark.
Also drawing a weapon is only a (BAB>1) free action if combined with a regular move, not with a 5 foot step.
Sorry, I muddled up my entire post because I was trying to update from my phone. I cast a spell, drew a weapon, and that's it.
Male Half-Orc M Half-Orc Normal AC: 36 Current AC: 36 T 14 FF 33 | HP 121/121| F +22 R +16 W +16 / +2 Heroism | CMD 28 | Init +5 | Perc +18(+4 On Beak)| Spells: Level 1 4/6 Level 2 5/5 Level 3 3/4 Level 4 0/1 | Bane 10/10 | Animal Focus 8/10 | Hunter Trick 4/7
Initiaitive:1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 4 = 18
Please correct me if I am wrong - I believe I beat the Devil initiative, so I get two rounds worth of actions? Going to assume that for now - I'm back on my normal schedule (wife was out of town over the weekend so I didn't have much time free to post, but she's back now), so I should be more available to post if I need to edit actions
Ride check to swift mount beak:1d20 + 20 - 3 ⇒ (3) + 20 - 3 = 20
For his first round, Kramac will activate Tiger focus for his swift action, cast divine favor, then attempt to swift mount Beak and direct the bird to fly them both into melee. Beak will go ahead and bite the devil but I'll roll that in his post.
For his second round of actions, Kramac will full attack, using his swift action to activate a round of Bane: Evil outsider.
Please correct me if I am wrong - I believe I beat the Devil initiative, so I get two rounds worth of actions
Barmette rolled initiative for everyone who hadn’t rolled at that time, the GM corrected the initiatives and then Barnette removed his original post. Kramac wasn’t close to beating the devil, so just one round if actions for now
A small arrow flies from under a desk at the huge creature's head, revealing the small humanoid it originated from. Almost as quickly as the arrow appeared, the halfling disappears amongst the desks once more.
Communal spells in effect: blessing of ferver, communal protection from evil
Lark's greatsword tickles the devil across his belly, opening up a wound that drips acidic ichor. The creature seems to enjoy the pain as his eyes grow wide. (hit)
Garra takes another bite at the creature, but once again, its hide is too tough. (miss)
The rock has more luck as it swoops in and makes two effective talon attacks, grabbing hold of the devil. (Talon attacks hit and it and the devil are now grappling)
After their attacks, there is a swirl of vicious combat from the other Pathfinders who quickly bring it down in a steaming heap of its own blood and viscera.
COMBAT OVER
Sorry that I didn't write out everything, but you guys did more than enough damage to bring it down. The creature finally was felled by Zwei's shot and is now unconscious. As the last attack that hit it was from the merciful
You move over to the desk where it had been sitting and see a small device sitting there that looks like a cross between a puzzle box and some form of magical device found among the ruins of Numeria. It is approximately the size of a human palm and several points on it glow with a dull orange light.
”I think executing it for overstaying its welcome is a bit harsh and without explicid permission we might be breaking the rules of this plane, which we were requested to follow.”
Male Half-Orc M Half-Orc Normal AC: 36 Current AC: 36 T 14 FF 33 | HP 121/121| F +22 R +16 W +16 / +2 Heroism | CMD 28 | Init +5 | Perc +18(+4 On Beak)| Spells: Level 1 4/6 Level 2 5/5 Level 3 3/4 Level 4 0/1 | Bane 10/10 | Animal Focus 8/10 | Hunter Trick 4/7
Kramac reluctantly agrees with Aquila... I am loathe to let this wretched creature live, but we have agreed to uphold the good name of the Society and the Church of Adabar while here. Perhaps the inevitables will at least throw this devil in a nice dark hole for a good number of years for its unprovoked attack on us!
[ HP 65/65 | AC 18/12T/16FF | Fort +8, Ref +9, Will +11 | Init +2 | Perception +2 | |Diplo +34| CMD 19 | Resist 5 Cold/Acid/Elect ]
active:
Mage Armor 10 hours
Barnette heads back to the entrance to inform the clerk that the devil has relinquished the engram and has agreed to vacate the halls after a brief nap.
Male Half-Orc M Half-Orc Normal AC: 36 Current AC: 36 T 14 FF 33 | HP 121/121| F +22 R +16 W +16 / +2 Heroism | CMD 28 | Init +5 | Perc +18(+4 On Beak)| Spells: Level 1 4/6 Level 2 5/5 Level 3 3/4 Level 4 0/1 | Bane 10/10 | Animal Focus 8/10 | Hunter Trick 4/7
Before leaving, Kramac will pull out a pen and parchment and scribble a quick note.
Good librarian, you may wish to have someone come remove the devil before he wakes up. He may not be in a good mood when he comes around, and I would hate for him to cause any undue trouble for you or this library.
Aquila picks up the engram, but as he does so he feels momentarily transported and a vision appears before him. Although he is still standing in the Stylite, hovering hundreds of feet above the City of Cities, he is also standing in a magical workshop somewhere. His arms are now longer and feminine and when he sees a lock of bright red hair fall into his vision he realizes that he is reliving a memory of the Ruby Phoenix herself. Infused with the scene is the feeling of intense frustration, of having tried solving a problem hundreds of ways, but failing over and over.
He is whisked to another memory and sees her working within an infant form of what must be the demiplane. In this memory he is watching Hao Jin plant a few flowers in the soil within the Tapestry, but they never take root and always end up dying, no matter how many different permutations of the demiplane she attempts.
The vision then shifts to Hao Jin working on an enormous black sapphire radiating necromantic magic embedded in the floor of a room.
If you have played PFS #4-16: The Fabric of Reaility:
You recognize the black sapphire as the one from the Sacred Vault in the Hao Jin Tapestry.
Aquila understand that Hao Jin is using the sapphire to siphon off energy from dying souls departing the demiplane for the Great Beyond and infusing it into the fabric of the Tapestry.
The scene then returns to the garden from earlier, and is filled with relief and satisfaction as the flowers that are planted within the demiplane finally grow and mature.
The scene shifts once more to a time occurring many centuries after the first. Here Hao Jin is being confronted by a moth-winged olethros psychopomp who informs her that Pharasma has become aware that Hao Jin is stealing soul energy from her and is displeased. Hao Jin ignores the warning and leaves to visit Axis soon thereafter.
With that, the vision ends.
Knowledge planes DC 27:
The olethros psychopomps appear as moth-winged women who wear a spiral mask and a white, silken gown glimmering with tiny bronze mirrors. Psychopomps embody the natural cycle of birth and death; while most psychopomps are focused mainly on the transition between death and the afterlife, olethroses focus on birth, death, and the fate of those hanging in the balance between them.
--------------------------------------
When you inform the Librarian that the devil is unconscious, the petitioner claps his hands with uncharacteristic enthusiasm. "Oh good, I thought he would never leave. I'll get the cleaners to put him out. Good that you didn't kill him, that might have raised some eyebrows."
He takes a quick look inside the lecture hall and turns to you and smiles.
"And you didn't even bang up the place too much! Very good! I'm sure I will be able to buff out the claw marks the eagles left with little problem.
"As a small thank you for taking care of the devil, I can also give you a good price on a few of our more valuable magical tomes if you are interested. Best prices in Axis, I assure you! These are duplicates to ones we have in the library, you understand. We just can't afford to keep them on the shelves."
Aquila shares everything he has seen in the engram.
"Shall we use our collective knowledge to see what we know of this moth-winged psychopomp?" the halfling says while holding up his Pathfinder Chronicle for everybody.
CG Female Varisian | Cleric (Varisian Pilgrim) of Desna 11 | AC: 20 (T 13, FF 19) | HP 91/91 | F +12, R +8, W +16* (+1 to all)| CMB +8, CMD 21 | Init +1 | Perception +5
Active Buffs:
Blessing of the Harrow (+1 insight to all saves)
Knowledge (Planes) Aid:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Ruby listens to Aquila's description of his visions. "Hmm, that gemstone definitely sounds familiar. Not sure how I feel about using souls to keep the Tapestry in one piece, though."
Ruby listens to Aquila's description of his visions. "Hmm, that gemstone definitely sounds familiar. Not sure how I feel about using souls to keep the Tapestry in one piece, though."
"Yeah, sounds like she was so focussed to create the tapestry she lost perspective with regards to the costs this incurred!"
You leave the Stylite and proceed through the Travel Portal to a destination in Aktun, the domain of of the god Abadar. It deposits you on a small square in the middle of what look to be small, one- and two-story residential buildings that wouldn't look out of place in Golarion's more pastoral corners. A throng of petitioners all seem to be heading in the same direction, pouring through the teleportation portals from all over Axis. They crowd down a side alley that leads to a large wooden gate in a twelve-foot tall hedge wall: the edge of the domain of Chaldira Zuzaristan, the halfling demigoddess of battle, luck, and mischief.
Past the gate is a large grassy commons edged by large and inviting structures, most of whom seem to be made for less than the human-sized creatures. The petitioners all seem to be heading for the same building: a large tavern overgrown with ivy from which drift the sound of a strong singer accompanied by string instruments and flutes.
CG Female Varisian | Cleric (Varisian Pilgrim) of Desna 11 | AC: 20 (T 13, FF 19) | HP 91/91 | F +12, R +8, W +16* (+1 to all)| CMB +8, CMD 21 | Init +1 | Perception +5
Active Buffs:
Blessing of the Harrow (+1 insight to all saves)
"Ah, Chaldira! A favored companion of Desna herself!!! Oh, what a joy it would be to meet her in person. Yes, let's follow the crowd and the music, I think I could use a drink and some music myself."
You head into the Hearth-Grown House, following the stream of enthusiastic petitioners. Inside, countless chairs and tables are arranged in a large room around a central stage upon which sits a lillend azata singing a wistful song while accompanied by an unusual collection of natives of the Great Beyond playing an assortment of string and woodwind instruments. The air is thick with sweet tobacco smoke and the smell of good food and drink, while the audience of largely remade petitioners watches the singer with obvious enthusiasm.
“Pretty good, eh?” says a soft, metallic voice just to your left. “Emelliana the Muse, that’s the singer, she only comes here to the House when she visits Axis. It’s the only place she’ll perform! Everywhere else is too stuffy, she says.”
Turning to see who is addressing you see an unusual kolyarut inevitable with two additional attached arms leaning against the back wall. She, for the inevitable's voice as a decidedly feminine lilt to her voice, is watching the performance and puts a finger to her lips to indicate that she wishes you to remain as quiet as possible.
The inevitable is covered in dozens of small cuts, scrapes, dents, and scorch marks and is wearing a heavy leather apron long enough to be a skirt.
"Indeed, very beautiful! Very inspirational as well" says Aquila just loud enough to be heard. "and I can completely understand she considers most of the Axis too stuffy! I feel quite out of my element on this plane too!"
