GM.BastardBard's [PFS]#3-09: The Quest for Perfection—Part I: The Edge of Heaven (Inactive)

Game Master Neal B

"Let me take a look..."
The ifrit casts a spell and examines the items.
Spellcraft Potion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 "No idea."
Spellcraft Scroll 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 "Endure Elements!"
Spellcraft Scroll 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 "Somethin' else."
Spellcraft Cloak: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 "It's comfy. Not sure about the style. But yep, it's magic."

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 "Indeed. Wouldn´t mind it!"

[Dice=Spellcraft]d20+4 "Indeed. Wouldn´t mind it!"

Could you please specify which of the items you were attempting to Spellcraft? There are three items that haven't been identified, and a 15 isn't high enough to identify any of them...

EDIT: Xiao Hua, you also have Read Magic for that other scroll...

perception vs potion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Spellcraft vs scroll 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 Close...
spellcraft vs cloak: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

"It looks like that potion can heal a small amount. And this cloak adds to your resistance to various effects. I was never very good with scrolls, I'm not sure what this one is."

potion of cure light wounds and cloak of resistance +1

Xiao huo will gladly read whats on the scroll.

Xiao Hua is able to use Read Magic to deduce that the remaining scroll is a scroll of Spider Climb.

Moving along: after traveling about one-and-a-half hours from the site where you were ambushed by a Cave Fisher, you find your climb becomes easier as a narrow mountain path becomes evident.

A narrow path leads up the mountain, hugging a sheer cliff face to one side, while dropping off to the other into what appears to be the remains of a rock slide. Several alcoves have been carved into the cliff face, each containing a small stone shrine—some little more than simple standing stones, others ornately carved lanterns or small houses. The path is well defined, promising easier progress, and is a welcome break from the rough terrain leading up to this point.

We are now on Slide #6.

Anyone interested in identifying the shrines:

Also, this scenario places a lot of things on the map image that you wouldn't see/know about. So please role along with what your character is aware of and try to ignore things I've covered on the map, or lines I couldn't cover, until I state their relevance. Thanks.

The narrow path/ledge you are on is wide enough that you do not need to make a check if moving half speed; but is narrow enough that you will need to make a check if moving full speed.

Daji, knowing nothing of the local customs or religions, is curious about the shrines, and would inspect each one both with his eyes and, on the more intricate ones, with detect magic as he passes. Daji is, however, abnormally quiet, running his hand over the pommel of his weapon.

I hate thinking about religion.. ever since..

He is abruptly snapped out of his thoughts when he sees some stones in one of the simpler shrines move. Stupid curse..

Daji would be playing it safe and moving at half speed unless the group decided to rush

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 Just in case.

From the front of the group, Valon takes in the sights and sounds of the mountain pass. Time to time he moves forward rather quickly to get a look at the next shrine along the way before heading back to the others, and generally appears to have no difficulty moving along the narrow path about as quickly as he'd move on a wide, flat surface.

The lowest I could possibly roll on Acrobatics is 10, so do I even need to roll here? :P

Taking up the rear, Danny opts to take his time and keep an eye on anything trying to ambush them.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Wait for me! I've got little legs!

The Balrog looks at the shrines.
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
"Good luck. The shrines ward off evil spirits. Keep travelers safe."

The ifrit decides to move full speed because he's cocky like that.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Moved him a double move.

He has his whip out, but his shield is on his back (to avoid taking its additional -2 ACP), so AC is 17.

Xiao Hua slowly moves forward and keep in line with her companions.

Moving everyone along at their posted speeds, or at half-speed if they didn't post.

As the group moves along they see that the shrines have weathered away some details, and the alcoves have likely been used as shelter for tiny creatures at times. Evidence of falling or shifting rocks is apparent by the rubble roughly 20' below the path.

Do you guys keep moving along at this spacing?

Daji mutters something about someone being overconfident and continues moving carefully. "We're not in any rush here, are we? I'd rather not fall."

Daji will continue moving at half speed until asked to do otherwise

The Balrog lets Valon take the lead, and follows 15' behind the monk.

Spacing is fine by me.

Valon continues in the lead, being careful not to get too far ahead of the rest of the group. He stops briefly to peer over the edge of the path at the rubble below, then looks up above him at where it likely fell from.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Moving everyone else up a half-speed move, leaving Balrog to allow Valon to take the lead.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

As Valon passes The Balrog to take the lead of the party he fails to notice the creature hunched over gnawing on a bone. He is quite surprised as it drops the bone, and begins a raspy screech, as it charges straight for Valon!

Surprise round. Valon was only one with line of sight. I'll resolve its turn and then we'll go into regular initiative.

Bull Rush vs Flat-Footed CMD: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

No Improved Bull Rush feat. Valon, as you have Combat Reflexes, you can make an AoO if you wish.

As it comes into view you can see a humanoid that has long, sharp teeth, and pallid flesh that is stretched tightly over its starved frame.

Initiatives - bold may act:
Daji -3hp
Xiao Hua
Caleyn
Valon
GM-G
The Balrog -2hp
Danny

"What's going on up there? What's that!"

Daji will take two move actions to move 20 ft

Assuming we're still 1/2 movement speed

Yes. Still on the ledge is either half-speed, or the Acrobatics check mentioned earlier. Inside the tunnel/cavern, or in the rubble 20ft below the path: no acrobatics check necessary. (Though the rubble counts as difficult terrain)

Botting Caleyn due to player's request (connectivity issues)

Caleyn carefully moves up, while drawing her axe. Double Move at half speed.

"Wha--?" Startled by the sudden appearance of a screeching monster, Valon quickly lashes out with one hand as it charges him, but misses.

AoO: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Realized I could also take regular action. Adding that now.
The monk smirks, quickly shifting his weight and dropping into a fighting stance. "Nice try, ugly. My turn." He strikes at the creature with a back fist before following up with an elbow strike.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Flurry of blows: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Xiao Hua will quickly cast Daze on the creature.
Will 17

Several Pathfinders advance, while Valon lets this vile creature have what-for! It appears quite injured from the double-strike!

Xiao Hua: I moved you up at half-speed. Daze has a range of Close (25ft +5ft/2 levels), if you didn't move first the creature would have been out of range.
Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
The creature maintains its vicious slavering determination. Yes. I know the Will save didn't beat the DC, it didn't effect the creature for another reason.

The creature unleashes with all its fury at Valon, hoping for its next meal!
Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Claw1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Claw2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Valon gets a funny feeling from that bite.
Valon Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
and the other thing...
Valon Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Paralysis: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 rounds
It doesn't look like you have boons for either of the effects, but if you wanted to reroll either of those, I am okay with that. Just declare use of your reroll and make the post with your roll.

The group faintly hears some rasping and slavering coming from within the cave. Red moves up. Readied action.

Initiatives - bold may act:
Daji -3hp
Xiao Hua
Caleyn
Valon -2hp | Paralyzed 3 rds | "something"
GM-G Blue: -12hp
The Balrog -2hp
Danny

Daji, not at all confident in his acrobatic abilities, moves forward 10 feet.

Upon seeing Xiao attempt to cast something that didn't seem to affect the creature, he rethinks his spell choice and casts bless on the group. "Let's give these show-offs a fighting chance while we catch up."

"Hah! Have at you!"
The Balrog summons his arcane power, then lashes out with his whip. Doesn't provoke, and can deal lethal damage regardless of natural armor.
Attack, Bless: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 = 8
Damage: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Unfortunately, his whip catches on the rocks.
He takes a move action to ready his shield.

Danny moves carefully along the ledge hoping the rest of the team can handle the creatures.

Double move at half speed moves me 20 ft.

Oof, not great on those Fort saves. If you'll allow it, I'll eat the paralysis and reroll on the "something" since I think I know what that is.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Cursing xiao draws her wand of magic missle and a golden star slams into the opponent.
mm: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Valon, that is a fine use of your reroll. I ticked down your paralysis by one round.

Botting:Caleyn carefully moves up another 20 feet, just as a bolt of force from Xiao Hua's wand down's the blue creature!

As the first creature drops another one comes out of the cave hurtling towards Valon!

Bull Rush, Charge: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 2 = 20 which succeeds against a paralyzed Valon.
Fall Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9

The creature sends Valon flying off the ledge! Caleyn, seeing the creature's sloppy form in its rush takes the opportunity to attack it while its guard is down!

Greataxe, Power Attack, Bless: 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 1 + 1 = 5
Damage, CI: 1d10 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 3 = 7

But misses by a wide margin while trying to maintain her footing.

Initiatives - bold may act:
Daji -3hp
Xiao Hua
Caleyn
Valon -11hp | Paralyzed 2 rds
GM-G Blue: -14hp
The Balrog -2hp
Danny

Acrobatics: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (14) - 3 = 11

Daji, upon seeing Valon fall, is inspired to move as quickly as possible to get in range to help. He takes a double move to get in range. "Does anyone know if this thing is undead?"

Daji, is that Acrobatics check for moving at full-speed (in which case you'd need one for each move action) or is it for tumbling through a threatened square?

Full speed. Second check coming up

Acrobatics: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (11) - 3 = 8

Retcon

Daji successfully moves 20 feet up next to The Balrog, then looses his footing and falls down below.

Fall Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

"Ow.. You guys take care of that thing, I'll see if I can't help Valon!"

The Balrog attacks with his whip, but once again it isn't a great strike.
Attack, Bless: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12
Damage: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Danny pushes on, attempting to get close enough to help.

Double move again. 2d6 fall damage might kill me so I'm not taking chances.

Caleyn pulls back and takes a swing

Attack, Bless, Power: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 - 1 = 9
damage: 1d10 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 3 = 10

Pointing her wand at the new enemy Xiao quickly launches another star of pure force. mm: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2.
Then she slowly ducks behind her comrades to negate the chance of being bullrushed herself.

After Daji takes a nice tumble after not watching his step, Balrog and Caleyn each try to remove the threat the creature provides to no avail. Valon remains in his paralysis while Xiao Hua hits the creature with another mote of force from her wand.

The creature glares at Caleyn with an undying hunger as it lashes out to bite and claw her!
Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Claw 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Claw 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Striking Caleyn with one claw!
Caleyn Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 Success! No effect!

Initiatives - bold may act:
Daji -8hp
Xiao Hua
Caleyn -3hp
Valon -11hp | Paralyzed 1 rd
GM-G Blue: -14hp | Red: -2hp
The Balrog -2hp
Danny

Increasingly frustrated, the Balrog drops his whip (free), draws his sword (move), charges it with arcane power (swift) and attacks (standard).
Attack, Bless: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Danny moves another 10 feet along the ledge to finally get close enough to the action to hopefully help. He casts a spell and lightly taps The Balrog to infuse him guide his action.

Move 10 ft, cast guidance on the Balrog. Technically by initiative it would go on the attack above this to make it a 19 to hit.

nah, we're running block initiative. And even by initiative rolls, Balrog still acts before Danny. (he hit anyway, so it's beneficial for him to have the guidance on his next round).

If I'm not mistaken, it takes Daji a double move to get up next to Valon. Curiosity, I'm assuming it'll be a climb check to get back up on the ledge?

Daji picks his way through the rubble, trusting his companions to deal with the treat above, and stands next to Valon.

"Don't worry! I'll get ya up in a jiff!"

If by some miracle it's only a single move, Daji will cast cure light wounds on Valon.

Whirling her wand once more another mote strikes the evil thing unerringly.
MM: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Daji: Correct, the ground you are on is a bunch of rubble, counting as difficult terrain. As well as making Acrobatics and Stealth checks more difficult. Specifically from where you're at: yes, it looks like it is a climb check to get back up.

Caleyn winds up and takes another swing

Attack,Bless,Power: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 - 1 = 7
Damage: 1d10 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 3 = 16

Alright! Bumping it along another round today!

Balrog whips the creature across its face with an energized whip, and Danny comes to lend some magical support. Daji approaches Valon's paralytic body, and Xiao Hua hits the creature with another missile of force before Caleyn misses it on her next attack.

After that whip to the face the creature lashes out at The Balrog!
Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Claw 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Claw 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
With one claw scratching against the flesh that Balrog's chain shirt leaves exposed!
The Balrog: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 Success! No effect!

Valon! You are no longer paralyzed and may act as normal!

Initiatives - bold may act:
Daji -8hp
Xiao Hua
Caleyn -3hp
Valon -11hp
GM-G Blue: -14hp | Red: -12hp
The Balrog -8hp
Danny

"I'm going to kill you for that."
In a fit of Calistrian vengeance, the ifrit snarls and strikes back at the creature.
Actually using sword at the moment.
Attack, Bless, Guidance: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Ah, yeah, sword. I forgot that fact.

And with a savage strike The Balrog downs the creature! Out of Initiative!

Daji fishes in his pack for his potion of cure light wounds and imbibes it, then casts cure light wounds on Valon.

CLW Daji: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW Valon: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

He then takes an abnormally long time snaking his rope and grappling hook out of his pack before tossing it up the 20 feet to make for an easy climb.

Ranged throw, 2 range incriments: 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 - 2 = 0
... And again
Ranged throw, 2 range incriments, take 2: 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 - 2 = 0
Daji probably hit himself in the head or something
Ranged throw, 2 range incriments, attempt 3: 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 1 - 2 = 19

After a few tries, Daji finally makes his throw and hooks the grapple onto a sturdy rock on the ledge. "Everyone ok up there?"

The Balrog sheathes his sword, then retrieves his whip and hangs it on his hip.
He takes out his wand and heals himself.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Wand at 40