GM Valen's PFS Quests - What the Helms Hide (10-16)(PbP)(Table 3) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

Black Midknight also advances, her own starry light spell already in place. She casts one of her long-term protection spells.

Barkskin

Ilathor simply plucks a stone from the ground and illuminates it. "What pitiful work! I agree Damhan, Droskar is the only one who could inspire such things," he says, still eagr to keep pushing forward to plump secrets from the allegedly haunted area.
________
Survival, DC 18: 1d20 ⇒ 6

As the hammer floats to his hand, Damhán shrugs slightly.

"Well that wasn't nearly as dramatic as I thought it would be." He mutters, before giving the hammer a tentative practice swing.

It is fairly obvious he has no idea how to use one properly.

Is there a reason we're in rounds? Doesn't seem to be anything to react to at present.

Is there a reason we're in rounds?

Yes...

Suddenly, Kazu alone hears the sounds of toiling and weeping coming from within the chamber, all around him.

Surprise Round!

Kazu alone may take a move or standard action.

Oh no, please don't let it be a haunt...

Kazu looks up quickly in alarm, but keeps composed enough to stay in the shadows. He quickly circles around to the opposite wall.

"Do you hear that?" he whispers urgently, wanting to know if he is enchanted or whether the effect is external.

Not much else he can do...

Oh no, please don't let it be a haunt...

Alas, it is indeed.

Suddenly, all around the room, appear several dwarves, each bearing the symbol of Droskar and drawing their hammers in preparation for an imminent attack from an approaching enemy.

Yet, as they ready, one of the dwarves begins to mutter incoherently, before inexplicably turning towards the others bringing his weapon to bear against his brethren. With looks of horror in their eyes, the other dwarves stand shocked before quickly attempting to defend themselves from the unexpected onslaught by their kinsman.

Without warning, another of the defenders halts his actions and begins muttering, before he, too, turns to strike his fellow defenders.

Progressively, one by one, each of the dwarves does the same. A cacophony of striking metal, battered rocks, and shattered bones erupts within the cavern as all of the dwarves break into a riot of muttered gibberish and violence. Each dwarf brings fierce, relentless attacks against the others until all, save one, are struck dead.

At last, only on dwarf remains standing. The din of battle now turns to an eerie silence.

But it lasts only seconds, before it is broken by the angry sobs of the last dwarf. In a mixture of anger and near disbelief, he looks down at the silvered hammer in his hand and chokes out the words, “This weapon struck no enemies, only my brothers and sisters. I have failed...”

This survivor then backs away towards the east, begging for his life, as, as if having come from the shadows, a female dwarf in a domino mask approaches him. She draws a blade and cuts him down, his body dropping in the same space on the northwest floor where once the pristine warhammer had lain.

The form of the female dwarf turns toward you, glaring. Crystal tears trickle from her eyes.

In an instant, the masked figure vanishes. Where once were seen the fallen forms of the dwarven defenders, now lie only bare, stout skeletons.

Witnessing the vision leaves a lingering feeling of great sadness among the members of the party. However, the feeling is found most profoundly, and physically, by the vigilante.

Black Midnight takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls for 7 minutes, due to the crushing despair she is experiencing.

The area now appears lifeless, the floor littered with the remains of several shoddy, uninspired statues carved from stone that have since been toppled and destroyed.

Remaining in Rounds

First Round (Post-Haunt Manifesting)

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions
Richard
Kazu
Damhán-Alla
?
Quintus
?
Ilathor
Black Midnight (-2 on rolls from despaired)
?

Although his feathers are standing on ends, Kazu keeps himself composed and continues keeping in the shadows. He quickly moves into the room. If it looks like he is keeping his distance from Damhan and the hammer, it is purely coincidental.

Double move, half speed due to stealth.

Ricahrd moves forward, to investigate.

Double move.

Damhán frowns slightly, having not encountered too many haunts before.

Still, he had attended the required class at the Grand Lodge, so at least had a small idea what they were about.

To him, it seems like the last one to die would be most likely to have the emotional distress to manifest this one... though what to do, to get it to rest, he has no idea. Finally he decides to just go with his usual response.

GM, what is that big square thing on the map near, I think that's Richard?

He again holds his hands out, palms up, and the bones and remains littered around the room start to stir... though not of their own accord, as he tries to telikinetically remove them from the room where they died.

Or at least the last one that died... the others if he can.

It looks like a tent, and a pile of furs...? That is why I headed that direction... It is the only 'different' thing in the room.

GM, what is that big square thing on the map near, I think that's Richard?

I am going to say that it is a length stone pedestal that held a number of now broken statues.

First Round (Post-Haunt Manifesting) Cont'd

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Richard
Kazu
Damhán-Alla
?
Quintus
?
Ilathor
Black Midnight (-2 on rolls from despaired)
?

"Well this seems prudent..." Ilathor says as he pulls a wand out of his cloak and taps his head. Soon thereafter, several white ankhs begin to float around him. "The hammer seems vital, however I am unsure how we can use it to our advantage. At any rate, I suggest we vacate the room until we have a better idea of how to quell this threat."
________
Religion (Haunts): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
What can we do about haunts? Protection of Evil from wand.

The elf blood arcanist recognizes this vision as a haunt. Once a haunt has manifested, it is neutralized for a time, but not destroyed. Likewise, a haunt may be neutralized through exposure to positive energy, though not destroyed. A neutralized haunt can manifest again after some period of time, which varies depending upon the nature of the haunt itself.

To destroy a haunt, a specific action must be taken in the region to end the effect forever. This specific act is different for every haunt.

Haunts always arise from a source of terrific mental or physical anguish endured by living, tormented creatures. While still potentially frightening or even malevolent, some neutralized haunts can potentially communicate by using a code (such as one rap for "yes" and two for "no") in response to called out words, numbers, and letters.

Even such seemingly cooperative spirits are often unreliable, always cryptic, and never able to convey knowledge beyond what they knew in life. Some who seek to communicate with haunts carry flat, lettered boards known as talking boards, cone-shaped spirit trumpets, or writing planchettes—small, wheeled boards that write with chalk or charcoal pencils. While these are mundane items with no inherent magic of their own, in the hands of those with properly established rapports, these tools increase the efficiency of messages received from haunts.

"Maybe the hammer should now strike an enemy, if it only hurt friends so far?" Quintus suggests, although he has very little experience with haunts.

Delay to see if there are other enemies popping up.

Full of overwhelming dread, Black Midknight casts another spell, hoping this one will let her see what unknown horrors are waiting.

Casts See Invisibility

The cavern remains quiet and largely dark.

Second Round (Post-Haunt Manifesting) Begins

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Richard
Kazu
Damhán-Alla
?
Quintus (delay)
?
Ilathor
Black Midnight (-2 on rolls from despaired + invisible)
?

She didnt cast invisibility, she cast See Invisibility

Richard searches the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21.

She didnt cast invisibility, she cast See Invisibility

4

Oops. Missing that one word makes a difference.

Even with the benefit of magical sight, Black Midnight does not spy any threats within the immediate environs.

Richard, too, does not perceive any potential foes.

Second Round (Post-Haunt Manifesting) Cont'd

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Richard
Kazu
Damhán-Alla
?
Quintus (delay)
?
Ilathor
Black Midnight (-2 on rolls from despaired + see invisible)
?

Suspecting that whatever unholy manifestation might be further down the caverns, Kazu creeps out of the chamber and heads further in, still keeping to the shadows.

Double move, half speed due to stealth

Map adjusted to allow for Kazu's line of sight.

Second Round (Post-Haunt Manifesting) Cont'd

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Richard
Kazu
Damhán-Alla
?
Quintus (delay)
?
Ilathor
Black Midnight (-2 on rolls from despaired + see invisible)
?

With nothing coming at them, Quintus decides to follow Kazu - although he isn't quite as silent as the Tengu.

Double move

"Either blast it with positive, or leave it alone." Damhán calls.

He waits for folks to back out, then moves along with the rest to the north.

As some of the Pathfinders head further into the corridor ahead, they begin to glimpse some apparent openings in the rock walls that hint at the existence of additional caves or side tunnels, but nothing more.

Second Round (Post-Haunt Manifesting) Cont'd

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Richard
Kazu
Damhán-Alla
?
Quintus
?
Ilathor
Black Midnight (-2 on rolls from despaired + see invisible)

"Kazu, no need to remain crouched low, we brought the pots and pans with us!" Ilathor jests as Quintus clangs up with the noiseless Tengu. "Let's see what other dated annoyances turn up in these caves!"

As Ilathor moves forward, an arrow flies toward him.

Ranged (shortbow): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

It barely misses the Pathfinder. Then, the source of the arrow makes itself known... with song!

"Something creeping in our home.'
Is it dwarf or is it gnome?
Either way we’ll stab it right,
Then we eat some meat tonight!
Steelfang slashers we the best,
Burn your banner, smash your crest!
Come and get us if you can,
Face our mighty goblin clan!”

Singer now revealed on map.

Second Round (Post-Haunt Manifesting) Cont'd

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Richard
Kazu
Damhán-Alla
?
Quintus
?
Ilathor
Black Midnight (-2 on rolls from despaired + see invisible)
Goblin, S (yellow)

Do they look like they've seen Kazu? His stealth check was here.

Black Midknight advances towards where the arrow came from. Still shaken by the haunt, she casts one more spell of protection on herself. Shield

Do they look like they've seen Kazu?

No.

The goblin (yellow) draws another arrow as she advances down the stone steps and takes another shot at the elf.

Ranged (shortbow): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Damage (P): 1d4 ⇒ 1

"Hitting longshanks hard! Not sure why."
"Still loose an arrow to make him cry!" chants the evil creature as he manages to sink an arrow into the mage despite the Pathfinder's magical protection.

Third Round (Post-Haunt Manifesting) Begins!

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Richard
Kazu (stealthed)
Damhán-Alla
?
Quintus
?
Ilathor -1 HP (protection from evil)
Black Midnight (-2 on rolls from despaired + see invisible)
Goblin, S (yellow)

Richard rushes back to the rest of the party.

Double move. Unfortunately, that is what I will have to do next round, as well...

Kazu creeps up the remaining distance with the goblin, weaving through through his teammates, leaping up to surprise him. He swings his clawed fist down upon his head.

vs yellow FF AC: Bludgeoner, Enforcer, Frightening, Scout's Charge
claw 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14 nonlethal dmg: 1d3 + 7 + 3d6 ⇒ (2) + 7 + (4, 6, 5) = 24
If hit, intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23 vs 10+HD+Wis to be frightened for 1 rd

Damhán concentrates and the bits of bone and remains that he'd pulled from the chamber start to gather around him. With a thought, he sends the pile of debris towards the goblin down the hall, like grapeshot from a cannon.

move action to gather power to reduce the empower cost to 0, standard to throw stuff at the goblin, using extended range infusion

empowered kinetic blast, overflow: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 1 = 15, for 2d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 4) + 6 + 2 = 17*1.5 = 25 damage.

The nimble goblin (yellow) manages to avoid the oncoming attacks.

Then, an arrow flies toward the tengu, who is no longer hidden from view.
Readied action
Ranged (shortbow): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Damage (P), sneak attack: 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (2) = 5

The projectile finds its mark, though just barely, sinking into Kazu's feather-covered flesh.

The source of the arrow is now revealed as another goblin (blue)[ begins to sing.

"Little bird, little bird, flies in the cave."
"Two in the bush is worth one in the grave!"

Now, revealed, the goblin (blue) takes a second shot at Kazu!
Ranged (shortbow): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Damage (P): 1d4 ⇒ 2

This time, the tengu easily avoids the arrow, prompting the goblin to run into a side cavern to hide.
Corridor above steps now revealed on map. Blue goblin's initial hiding place and direction of his retreat revealed on map.

Third Round (Post-Haunt Manifesting) Cont'd

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Richard
Kazu -5 HP
Damhán-Alla
Goblin, R (blue)
Quintus
?
Ilathor -1 HP (protection from evil)
Black Midnight (-2 on rolls from despaired + see invisible)
Goblin, S (yellow)

"Goblin, show us your true fighting spirit! Please the gods, and cut down your friend!"
As he speaks, Quintus touches the unholy symbol of Asmodeus, and suddenly his words are no longer mere words but the will of the Archdevil.

Cast Murderous Command on the yellow goblin. Will DC15

Then he moves closer to the goblin to witness his will being done.

Could someone move Quintus' token next to the gobbo? I'm on phone...

was going to move you, but I think someone already did!

"Goblin, show us your true fighting spirit! Please the gods, and cut down your friend!"

"Now, that you mention it...," begins the goblin. (yellow)

"I would LOVE to!" she concludes with a devilish grin, before pondering "Now, where did he go..."

She looks around, both behind her and across the corridor.

Fearing that he has been discovered, a third goblin (red) appears from behind an outcrop of rocks with a vial in his hand. Tossing the vial towards amidst the pack of Pathfinders, he sings:

"Shatu, Shatu. When you learn?"
"Good to cut, but better to burn!"

Throw (alchemist's fire), range v. Llathor: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 2 = 10
Scatter: 1d8 ⇒ 5

The vial crashes against Black Midnight, splashing her and Ilathor.
-1 HP damage each

"Nice of you to show yourself, Mukrood!" announces Shatu (yellow), as she drops her bow and draws a finally crafted dogslicer. She approaches the other goblin (red) and swings her blade.
Melee (mw doglslicer): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Third Round (Post-Haunt Manifesting) Cont'd/Fourth Round Begins

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Ilathor -2 HP (protection from evil)
Black Midnight (-2 on rolls from despaired + see invisible)
Goblin, S (yellow) (murderous command
Fourth Round Begins
Richard
Kazu -5 HP
Damhán-Alla
Goblin, R (blue)
Quintus
Goblin, M (red)
Ilathor -2 HP (protection from evil)
Black Midnight (-2 on rolls from despaired + see invisible)
Goblin, S (yellow) (murderous command

Oops, kids pulled me from the keyboard. Just getting back.

She approaches the other goblin (red) and swings her blade.

However, the purveyor of vile vials avoids the blow.

Correcting the Initiative...

Third Round (Post-Haunt Manifesting) Cont'd/Fourth Round Begins

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Ilathor -2 HP (protection from evil)
Black Midnight (-2 on rolls from despaired + see invisible)
Goblin, S (yellow) (murderous command)
Fourth Round Begins
Richard
Kazu -5 HP
Damhán-Alla
Goblin, R (blue)
Quintus
Goblin, M (red)
Ilathor -2 HP (protection from evil)
Black Midnight (-2 on rolls from despaired + see invisible)
Goblin, S (yellow) (murderous command

Richard hurries forward.

Double move.

Black Midknight goes for a daring move and attempts to tumble through one of the open spaces near the goblins so she can get to the other side and provide a flank.

Acrobatics (avoid AoOs, crushing despair): 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 2 - 2 = 20

As she tumbles past, she tries to stab out at the nearest goblin (red) with her starknife.

Attack with Mwk Cold Iron Starknife (crushing despair, piranha strike): 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 2 - 2 = 11
Damage (piranha strike, arcane strike, crushing despair): 1d4 + 3 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 8

Sadly that's as far as she can get with one movement. She'll be in a better flanking position next turn

Damhán again gathers his kinetic power, as random bits of rubble start to shift in the hall before him. He then sends the debris hurtling across the intervening space towards the goblin throwing fire.

Again, 5' step, move to gather power to reduce the cost of the empower to 0, then extended range blast,

empowered kinetic blast vs red, overflow: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 = 22, for 2d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 6) + 6 + 2 = 18*1.5 = 27 damage.

Kazu understands little about why the goblins are fighting among themselves, but he cares little. He sees Black Midnight getting in position and decides to use it to his advantage, even if the situation is not ideal. With a feint and a tumble, he moves past both goblins to flank the fire throwing one with her.

acrobatics vs yellow: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34
acrobatics vs red: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

vs red: Bludgeoner, Enforcer, Frightening, Flank
claw 1: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 2 = 27 nonlethal dmg: 1d3 + 7 + 3d6 ⇒ (1) + 7 + (5, 5, 6) = 24
If hit, intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22 vs 10+HD+Wis to be frightened for 1 rd

If Damhan has taken it down, then Kazu will merely 5-ft step to full attack yellow. In spoilers below.

"AH!" Ilathor shouts, patting the singed fabric on his cloak. "Little beasts..." he grumbles. The Elf place his hands by his hips and thrusts them up above his head. "Now you've nowhere to run!" Lending credence to his words, a stone wall appears between the goblins' and their exits!
________
Silent Image to create the illusion of a stone wall rising to the ceiling. Only used four out of seven 10ft cubes to create the "base" so if he needs more to get closer to the ceiling, he will stack them on top. 1 Arcane point to make the DC 18 to disbelieve if they interact with it.

As the riddle his body, the tengu's claws swiftly drops the heavily injured creature to the ground.

Just, then, an arrow flies through the wall at the Kazu!
Readied action

Ranged (shortbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Damage (P), sneak attack: 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + (6) = 10

Revealing the presence of yet another goblin! (green)

Fourth Round (Post-Haunt Manifesting) Cont'd

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Richard
Kazu -15 HP
Damhán-Alla
Goblin, R (blue)
Goblin, H (green)
Quintus
Goblin, M (red) -22 HP -24 NL (unconscious)
Ilathor -2 HP (protection from evil)
Black Midnight (-2 on rolls from despaired + see invisible)
Goblin, S (yellow

Black Midknight vaults back towards the closest goblin remaining, hoping to move fast enough to avoid its attacks.

Acrobatics (avoid aoos, despair): 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 11 + 2 - 2 = 13

Though her quick maneuvers are far less deft this time, she manages a powerful knife thrust!

Attack with Mwk Cold Iron Starknife (flank, crushing despair, piranha strike): 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 2 - 2 - 1 = 27
Damage (piranha strike, arcane strike, crushing despair): 1d4 + 3 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 6

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Crit Damage: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (2, 4) + 8 = 14

Ilathor steps behind Quintus, pulls a wand and fires a bolt of force at the contained goblin. "Let's get this one and I'll bring the wall down!"
________
Magic Missile vs Yellow: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
HA! What a sneaky goblin, did Ilathor create the "wall" right on him? XD

"Very good, here's your reward."

Quintus takes a step closer to the goblin, and swings his heavy mace.

Attack : 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

@Ilathor - He was indeed within the wall when it formed. He also nat 20'd his Will save or else, it may have killed him!

As the vigilante tumbles by, the once murderous goblin turns her killing instinct towards the Pathfinder.
Melee (mw doglslicer): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Just missing the Pathfinder as she tumbles past. The vigilante then strikes a solid blow against the once murderous goblin (yellow), but one not as devastating as it first appeared. No crit : (

Her allies continue the assault. Bloody and severely injured, the goblin refuses to fall and, through sheer force of will through her injured body, she manages to sing,

"Will to kill, you within me made."
"Now, within you, I will my blade!

Drawing upon her waning strength for both song and swing, she lashes out at the vigilant in an effort to cut a way towards the cleric!
Melee (mw doglslicer): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

But, she did not have enough strength left within her to penetrate the vigilante's protective wear.

Fifth Round (Post-Haunt Manifesting) Begins

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Richard
Kazu -15 HP
Damhán-Alla
Goblin, R (blue)
Goblin, H (green)
Quintus
Goblin, M (red) -22 HP -24 NL (unconscious)
Ilathor -2 HP (protection from evil)
Black Midnight (-2 on rolls from despaired + see invisible)
Goblin, S (yellow) -9

With one of the goblins conveniently in front of him, Kazu lashes out with claws and beak, pummeling him into submission.

vs yellow: Bludgeoner, Enforcer, Frightening, Flank, Sneak Attack
claw 1: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 2 = 30 nonlethal dmg: 1d3 + 7 + 3d6 ⇒ (2) + 7 + (6, 3, 1) = 19
claw 2: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 2 = 20 nonlethal dmg: 1d3 + 7 + 3d6 ⇒ (2) + 7 + (5, 2, 5) = 21
bite: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 2 = 30 nonlethal dmg: 1d3 + 3d6 ⇒ (1) + (1, 6, 4) = 12
If any hit, intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27 vs 10+HD+Wis to be frightened for 1 rd
Debilitating Injury: Bewildered -2AC (-4AC for Kazu) for 1 rd per hit.

The singer is silenced by the feathered Pathfinder.
Goblin yellow is down and unconscious. On phone so can't update map.]

Finding most of the enemy out of sight from his current position, Damhán hastens to get into a better position.

Double move