GM Netherpongo's 6-98 Serpent's Rise (Inactive)

Game Master Nathan Goodrich

Zurnzal just waits, knowing how the rest of this will play out.

Total Defense.

Ralirio manages to stop laughing as he lies on the ground. "Loshari! I need help!" he cries as he looks at the assembled Aspis team defiantly.

Poor fool that doesn't have a morale entry....

Rataji, 322, Zurnzal & Shohiraj can take their turns!

The elf stalks forward a few steps, drawing one of her daggers.

"You were right to believe that this is a test. But you and your comrades are not the ones being tested, you are merely fodder for the one giving the test."

She launches the dagger through the air at the musketeer.

Dagger: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 131d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Hold still already while these Pathfinders finish the job.
Rataji will move up and use his Dazing Touch ability on Ralirio.

Dazing Touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

No save, he is dazed next round as long as the touch attack succeeds.

Shohiraj moves up quickly, sap in hand to silence the last threat.

Rataji: Keep in mind that is a HD check on that ability as well and it was close to mattering here. But in this case, he is dazed.

322's dagger goes wide of its target and clatters against the stone floor, but Rataji touches Ralirio and the gunslinger seems momentarily dazed.

"I'll get help! I'm sure you'll be fine!" Loshari yells as she runs down the hallway, her voice receding quickly as she moves away.

The party can act! In case it speeds things up, your target has 21 AC but with a -4 penalty vs melee, so 17 AC. He has 57 HP.

Marnarius grins, looking down at the Pathfinder. "Congratulations. You 'guarded' this chamber for a minute or so. Hope it was worth it."

Looking the Pathfinder right in the eyes, he takes his longsword in both hands and swings it down. He hisses slightly as the disruptive energy reverberates between them, but the grin never leaves his face.

+2 Vicious Longsword, Studied Target, Power Attack, Flanking: 1d20 + 14 + 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 14 + 2 - 2 + 2 = 35
S. Damage, Studied Target, Seething Hatred, Power Attack, Sneak Attack, Vicious: 1d8 + 9 + 2 + 2 + 6 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 2 + 2 + 6 + (3, 4) + (4, 6) = 44

Crit Confirm? +2 Vicious Longsword, Studied Target, Power Attack, Flanking: 1d20 + 14 + 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 2 - 2 + 2 = 20
S. Damage, Studied Target, Seething Hatred, Power Attack: 1d8 + 9 + 2 + 2 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 2 + 2 + 6 = 27

Vicious Damage to Self: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Swift action: Study target
Full-round action: Full attack

He's dead on my first hit, so not bothering to roll the second if that's okay.

Marnarius savagely cuts off the head of the hapless Pathfinder, leaving a nasty mess on the floor of the ritual chamber. A search of the bodies reveals that Telandril is still alive. You find:

With the Pathfinders defeated, you are able to perform the ritual outlined in Aram Zey's notes. The ritual takes 5 minutes to complete.

A thin slit appears down the middle of the tapestry, and then its whole center tears open in a deafening rip and a crack of thunder. Planar winds whip out from the frayed fabric for several seconds as purple lightning dances in the tattered wound. The gusts die suddenly, and the fabric stretches painfully to create an aperture nearly 10 feet wide, revealing a peaceful woodland occupied by a growing army.

A woman bedecked in chainmail and scars steps through into the room and then motions for those behind her to remain still. She surveys the chamber for a moment before a broad, genuine smile cracks her tough expression. “By Hanspur’s soggy hide, I never thought I’d see this world again.” She shakes her head and wipes away a tear before it can quite form. “The name’s Wolona, bronze rank. We’ve got good news and bad news on the other side. The good’s that everyone we expected to show up did, plus some more besides. The bad news is that some of them are starting to believe we’ve set them up.” Wolona clears her throat loudly as though no more need be said.

“The only thing keeping them from just killing each other and the rest of us is my promise that there would be a welcoming committee who might prove this place exists and that it’s not all a trap.” She starts to turn back to the portal. “Think you can give them a little pep talk?”

"I hope they haven't killed each other already," Wolona says before stepping back into the demiplane. She returns a moment later leading an eclectic entourage of about 15 delegates and war leaders, including humans, a halfling covered in bright war paint, a hag, a wyvaran, a yet, a pony-sized green dragon and more. They jostle one another in the suddenly-too-small room while inspecting the area and prodding the dead Pathfinders.

Everyone can give a speech/present a plan to the gathered leaders. The scenario permits the GM to grant a much larger bonus for roleplaying than I usually see, so if you want to ham it up it can really help. After you've said your peace, feel free to roll individually. There isn't a penalty for failing, so don't feel like you have to all defer to the best charisma-checker in your crowd. Relevant skills: Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate or Perform (Oratory). Just be sure your approach matches the skill you want to use.

Marnarius steps forward, an unusually warm smile on his face. "Greetings! It's good to see you all here, finally free of your unjust imprisonment." He gestures to the dead Pathfinders on the floor, shaking his head mournfully. "We offered them every chance to surrender, but they wouldn't take it. They were too devoted to the Pathfinder's 'mission' of raiding your settlements without ever allowing you the chance to defend yourselves.

Too long have the Pathfinders been allowed to operate as they would, safe in this lodge, hopping into your world at a whim and taking whatever they wanted. But now you're all here. You can finally reclaim what the Pathfinders have stolen from you. Are you with me?!" He raises his sword high in the air.

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

you see this place? You are inside the stronghold of the enemy. You are behind their defences ready to launch an attack they cannot see coming, hitting directly at their most prized and valuable possessions. Take this opportunity to enrish yourself and slaughter the enemy when their defences are wide open. Please, kill, pillage and plunder. Enjoy yourselves and know that you have a back door out to escape with your loot, and it was the Aspis who gave this to you!

diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Shohiraj quickly snatches up the wayfinder and ring of protection +1 "Maybe we should have taken out the other one just for the spoils. Good work." Her thoughts linger on the woman that left just a bit longer "How long will that spell last on her? Do we need to worry about reinforcements returning very quickly?" A tinge of nerves in her voice.

--------

As the ritual is performed Shohiraj keeps out of the way and hidden near the door with a view down the hall. Her crossbow reloaded and across her lap. Another step taken, let's hope this one finishes smoothly too. Be home soon girls.

She stands and nods in greeting as Wolona emerges, letting the others do the talking. Her trepidation soon comes to fruit though as she's needed to convince the leaders to create mass destruction here and not within the tapestry.

"Who'd you rather fight? Yourselves or loot ridden Pathfinders?" She points to the corpse with the masterwork sword and armor. "They're so inept they never even took a swing."
Bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Sorry, Shohiraj wouldn't be a wordy character. Short and sweet.

I am not suited to give these people a "pep talk."

Of course you are, 322. Who better to explain to them the facts of life?

That is not exactly a motivating speech.

Nonsense. The truth is always uplifting. Go on, tell them.

The elf steps forward, and the shadows from the room’s corners cling to her like a spider's web. She smiles joylessly at the assembled warriors, takes a breath, and speaks.

"There are beings of unimaginable power who lurk and watch our world from the dark between the stars. They wait and watch as their ineffable plans - put in motion aeons before this world was made to serve as a prison for the Rough Beast - march slowly but inexorably towards fruition. We are, each of us, merely the vermin infesting the Rough Beast's prison, but we also, each of us, have a choice to be more than that. To be part of something greater. To accept our tiny parts in the great plan, and bring destruction to those who would impede it, those whose efforts might succeed in slowing the plan's completion by even a fraction of a second. We are all doomed whatever path we choose, but if we play our parts willingly and well, we will be rewarded with sweet oblivion when the great work is complete and those who resisted are condemned to an eternity of madness and torment and eternal life."

The elf's smile drops away and she stares at her audience expressionlessly. "Do you really want to live forever?"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

Joliryn just laughs and holds out her hand to the elf. ”Alternatively, you could have this highly capable agent sent to bring your sorry asses back. You need not be alive, and do those eyes look like they know mercy?”

Intimidate: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 14 + 2 = 26

Zurnzal always seems a step behind, but he does his best to reinforce his allies' speeches. "There's a reason we're here and those Pathfinders are dead. So I guess what I'm sayin' is, pick the right side, and we all get what we want!"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Shohiraj listens on to the others as they try to influence the group, doing her best to keep it together at their responses. What did I get myself into? Most of these people are monsters! I need to retire after this.

After your varied efforts at rallying the troops, they join together in a great war cry and begin moving their troops through the portal and spreading throughout Skyreach.

One of them, however, the green dragon approaches you. "While planning this expedition, I overheard Wolona saying that there would be a group sent to neutralize a powerful Pathfinder wizard. A wizard who, I have been led to understand, has a large collection of arcane books. Could this be true?"

Rataji respectfully addresses him in

Shohiraj raises an eyebrow at the question but remains silent as Rataji discusses things in the hissing tongue.

So is now where we escape or are there more quests to be completed?

Shohiraj raises an eyebrow at the question but remains silent as Rataji discusses things in the hissing tongue.

So is now where we escape or are there more quests to be completed?

We have one more quest to complete - ascend to the small museum where they are keeping the Sky Key and retrieve it, then we should meet a team with a specific password to hand it to on our way out.

"I have decided that I, Gazwyr, shall become a part of your expedition," states the dragon, hardly allowing Rataji to answer him.

Wolona immediately takes notice of this pronouncement and runs over to interject. "Wait, wait, wait. Our side of this operation can't afford to lose a specialist like Gazwyr. If he's going to go with you, I'll need someone to take his place in the ranks here."

One of you can trade your character in for Gazwyr, a very young green dragon. Take any horse-trading over the dragon to the Discussion thread. Ultimately, if multiple people want to be the dragon we'll probably just decide it by 1d100 rolls. Respond on the Discussion thread if you're going to decline the dragon as well, so we know when everyone has had a chance to respond.

OK. Jhaemon should have Gazwyr's character sheet now, although I was spelling the dragon's name wrong this morning it looks like. Anyway...

Reassured by Zurnzal's assistance, Wolona proceeds to complete her own mission, leaving the Aspis team to claim the Sky Key as their own.

We need another set of Stealth/Disguise checks as the party moves toward the Selmius Foster Library.

Marnarius gives Wolona a hearty hand-clasp before they go their separate ways. "You still owe me a drink. Look after yourself out there so I can collect once this is all over."

Finally we're all out of that damned demiplane.

He casts one last hateful glance back at the Tapestry before heading off through the halls once more.

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Off we go then. Good lick Zurnzal, get plenty of loot and don't forget my cut.

Disguise: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

I'm going to use my reroll on that, +4 for stars.

Disguise: 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 4 = 19
Well, thats so much better...

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 2 = 20

Joliryn grins coldly and disappears once more into the shadows. Can't let some snot-nosed glory-hound dragon get there first and take all the credit - or all the loot, she thinks to herself.

Remember that we do still have the reroll from 322.

Yes - happy to use it when needed, but if we can save it for whatever we need to deal with to get the Sky Key, murder Aram Zey, and trap his soul in a magic lantern, that would probably be best.

A dragon! This should be very interesting.

"Gazwyr. I am certain that you will be important to the success of our mission. You expressed an interest in 'neutralizing' a certain powerful Pathfinder wizard. Do you mean Aram Zey? Would you be averse to killing him instead? It would probably be more efficient, and it would make my task of collecting his soul much simpler."

Shohiraj has her concerns but remains silent. Moving along near the head of the group quickly and quietly. Take 10 stealth: 25

A green dragon.. that should surely make us stick out LESS. Ugh.

Botting Gazwyr so we can get past this check.

Gazwyr sneaks about in the shadows of the hallways, flitting about from hiding place to hiding place.

Gazwyr Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Eww. Dice were bad. 322 was saying that she wanted to save the reroll for an encounter with Aram Zey, but it isn't actually any use there (this is the last opportunity) so Gazwyr will take the chance now.

Gazwyr Stealth Reroll: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

In a burst of youthful exuberance, Gazwyr begins dashing across an open spot of the hallway just as 322 hears a patrol approaching. She calls out to the statue of Dervin Gest, and an immediate boom follows as the statue makes chaos in the courtyards below. The guards are distracted, covering for Gazwyr's mistake.

With the patrols behind, you follow the directions through Skyreach and approach the Selmius Foster library. You approach a set of wooden double doors that bow slightly toward you. A mail slot is in the door. As you draw close, Shohiraj notices a trap on the door in the mail slot.

The human woman known as Shohiraj holds up a hand to signal the team to stop as they near the library door before backing up a bit away from it and pointing at the mail slot "There is a trap on there. I will try to disable it but as you saw earlier it is no sure thing. Please stay back and watch for guards."

Does she know what sort of trap that is? I'll spoiler the roll below, but may take other precautions if she has more info on what she's dealing with.

Shohiraj knows that the trap's trigger condition is visual and that it is a magical trap. Her effort to disable the trap did not set it off.

Sweat drips off her forehead onto the floor as she works to confuse and disarm the trap "That didn't work, I need to try again, give me more time."

She returns to work, trying another avenue. This time she pulls out her well used pad of magic eraser and starts wiping it across the runes from top to bottom. This seems to be working better.. I hope.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (11) + 22 = 33

As Shohiraj works with her magic eraser, the glowing runes inside the mail slot appear to dim and go out.

You hear the sound of spellcasting coming from inside the room.

The lockpick, trap eraser points into the room and starts mimicking spells being cast, then backs out of the way and draws her crossbow to help deal with the problem.

I've done my part, now let's get the muscle in there to take the heat.

Marnarius frowns. He says in a low voice, "Looks like we don't have the element of surprise. Any preparations anyone needs to make before we open the door?"

I can offer a displacement and maybe another heroism if someone needs it.

"The longer we wait, the more time he has to prepare," Joliryn counters. "Strike fast, or we'll have to wade through his magical messes to get the job done."

"Then let's head in."

Assuming no one objects, Marnarius will open the door.

"If you're looking for a hero I'd be glad to step in" Shohiraj volunteers. If only he'd offered that sooner!

I guess the only thing I really need to know is how many rounds you guys are going to spend casting buffs before the door is opened. It sounds like one or zero?

Zero for her part, 1 if Raj buffs her.

Same for Marnarius, he’ll wait if one of the casters wants to buff but personally has nothing to do..

Gen Con should be done now, so we'll try to get this rolling again. I'll post the door open, but if anyone decides that they want to cast buff spells, the bad guy will get more rounds as well. I put Shohiraj in front since she was jimmying the door. If you take a buff round, you can move party members around more.

This tall library is ringed by a walkway around its perimeter, which provides access to a second level of towering bookshelves. A broad Qadiran rug leads to a short pedestal within a tall glass case that itself sits within an inscribed circle, all cordoned off by a velvet rope suspended by brass poles. A strange armillary pulses with energy from atop the pedestal. Several plush chairs and a few low tables bearing curiosities and curios line the lower floor, and tow decorative suits of armor stand at attention, each with a crossbow resting against its shoulder. Heatless torches blaze with remarkably even light in sconces throughout the room, and a tall pendulum clock on the eastern wall ticks each passing second.

A familiar-looking man stands before you: Rataji has been attempting to mimic him throughout your Skyreach expedition. This is Aram Zey.

"Intruders, and during the Grand Convocation no less. How bold. You stand before the Master of Spells. Who sent you?"

"Watch your steps Ladies and Gentlemen. The floor here isn't very friendly to visitors." She points to the affected squares then to the armor with the crossbows.

"We were taking a guided tour until our guide wandered off." She bluffs, if you can call lying through your teeth as much. Bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

The unnamed elf glances from the real Aram Zey to Raj and back. She lets out a quick giggle, then says, "For some reason, I thought you would be taller."

She pulls the lantern from her pack, turns to the dragon, and says (in Draconic), "如果你仍然感兴趣，那就是巫师."

"No matter. I will find out all your secrets after you are captured. Come."

The short conversation is sufficient for Rataji to cast a spell before combat begins. Aram Zey is entering initiative, so you guys might want to do so as well.

Aram Zey Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 - he's not a diviner!

Rataji Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Marnarius Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
322 Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Shohiraj Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Joliryn Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Zurnzal Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Initiative Order:
Shohiraj & Marnarius
Aram Zey
Zurnzal, Rataji, Joliryn & 322

Is he still flat-footed?

Rataji will cast displacement on Shohiraj before combat, then will cast see invisibility on his first round, letting the party know where Aram Zey actually is.

Imposter! Kill this impudent cretin. He's over there.

There hasn't been a surprise round yet, so yes.

Displacement is up, and I'll let you know what See Inivisibility reveals after it is cast on Rataji's first in-initiative turn.

Thanks, wasn't sure since you described him casting a spell.

Unable to see a few seconds into the future where Rataji will inform them of Zey's actual location, Marnarius focuses on where he believes Zey to be. He takes a step into the room, (carefully avoiding the tiles Shohiraj pointed out), and draws his bow, quickly firing two arrows at 'Zey.'

"You should have never messed with that damn Tapestry," he hisses. "You're going to pay for trapping us in there."

Masterwork Composite Longbow, Studied Target, Point Blank Shot: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 2 + 1 = 27
P. Damage, ST, Seething Hatred, PBS, Sneak Attack: 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 + 2 + 1 + (2, 5) = 21

Masterwork Composite Longbow, ST, PBS: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 15
P. Damage, ST, SH, PBS, SA: 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 + 2 + 1 + (5, 6) = 23

Move action: None
Free action: 5 foot step
Free action: Draw bow
Swift action: Study target
Full-round action: Full attack

Thanks for the buff!

Shohiraj doesn't wait any longer, she fires her crossbow at the man's throat then hops into the room, avoiding the trapped tiles. "Spread out as best you can and we'll end this quickly." She directs the group.

MW Light Crossbow: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 251d8 ⇒ 5

Does it really look to you guys like you are able to just move diagonally out of the hallway into the room to avoid the trap? That looks like a hard corner to me. I'm seeing the dotted lines as defining the hallway you start in, with the door in front of them. Which is rough, because you don't have time to disarm it right now. I'm open to hearing differing opinions, but we'll need to resolve that soon.

One attack each strikes Aram Zey, but he seems unfazed by the wounds. "Feh. I've known trainees that could do better," Aram Zey says as he begins conjuring a spell.

Shohiraj, Marnarius, Gazwyr & Joliryn need to make Will saves.