Pathfinder Module: Down the Blighted Path (Inactive)

Game Master R D

The ghostly image of a young dwarven woman in a breastplate appears in the room, shuffling nervously and looking from side to side while holding an axe in her hand. She seems to hear the noises beneath, too. And she readies her weapon. Just then, a ghostly bulette erupts from the ground to pounce upon her/you.

Kelvor's readied attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24 (Since Kelvor didn't roll it, I'm taking the liberty.)

Terra and Kelvor strike at the creature. As they do, their forms seem to hazily merge with Delbera and all three seem to strike as one. In the moment that Terra and Kelvor are one with Delbera, they instantly realize that her spirit is re-living a moment early in her career--before she was a hero. She was afraid for herself and for her companions around her. She might have fled if not for the need to defend her companions.

The bulette strikes and mauls the spirit of Delbera while she (and the Pathfinders) strike back simultaneously and defeat it!

Delbera, Terra, and Kelvor all exhale with pain and a profound sense of relief. A thrumming chant of dwarven voices sounds through the hall, swearing, "We who are born with blade in hand." Terra and Kelvor instinctively know that this is only a portion of an oath.
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Was under the impression that normal attacks do nothing, only holy energy. But if that's not the case. Terra will ready an attack.

Normally, you're right. However, in this adventure they decided to use the haunt to give you clues about the backstory and facilitate the narrative. (i.e.: Get your characters to care about Delbera Axebringer and her people/legacy.) In this case, standing firm and readying an attack is the way to neutralize the haunt because it symbolizes Delbera's decision to overcome fear of mortality. This is one of the pivotal moments that sent her down a hero's path.

On a personal note: I think it's funny, though, that they still required you to hit the bulette which has an AC of 22. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

That's cool. I really enjoyed that. This is one of those things i feel that would have been great on a table experience.

"That was an odd sensation, however I thank you spirit for your aid."

Is the haunt over? Shall we move to the next room?

:)

As Terra addresses Delbera's spirit, she also feels somehow that she's addressing herself. Like she's begun forgin a connection with the dwarven hero. She also feels a small swell of pride--she's happy that her companions have taken up the oath, whatever it may be.

Yes, the haunt is over.
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While many of the valuables from this area (E15) have been looted, a few noteworthy items have been left behind:
- a +1 spear
- a +1 light steel shield depicting a Taldan wedding
- a mithral shirt
- a slightly vandalized suit of masterwork half-plate
- a masterwork longspear
- a masterwork composite longbow (Str +4)
- a bejeweled longspear sized for a pixie (worth 350 gp).
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Since someone put an arrow to the door of E16, I've revealed that area on the map.

Description of room E16 from outside the door: An anvil-shaped altar stands prominently at the northeastern end of this chapel. A cold furnace is cut into wall behind the anvil, while tools of the forge lie carefully arranged about the worship space. A blacksmith’s apron lies across the anvil.

Kelvor takes up the masterwork longspear, gazing upon its beauty and craftsmanship.

"I don't use any of the weapons" says Turen "So help yourselves to them!"

Anyone heading into E16? If so, the first person in may make a perception check.

Terra will walk into the room first, Anji following at a safe distance.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

If it seems safe Parkhtu will follow Terra to detect magic.

Kelvor, no stranger to clearing a room, enters with Terra.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

This area was obviously a chapel. You immediately recognize that the anvil iconography fits traditional dwarven practices.

Suddenly, the forge flares to life! Terra and Kelvor, having experienced the previous haunt, get the very strong sense that they've just walked into another. This one, however, feels very different.

The image of a dwarven girl—barely beyond puberty—appears beside the flames, hammering steadily as she melodically sings hymns.

"Mmmm, Terra, I'm afraid my singing voice is terrible. Perhaps you'd like to sing along with the young girl?" says Kelvor to the azata.

"I never really found dwarven chanting that interesting." Manaria says more to herself than anyone. "Anybody know what she is singing."

The eidolon azata looks funnily at Kelvor but nonetheless attempts to sign along and performs with mediocrity.

Perform: 1d20 ⇒ 10

"By the spirits, you really are terrible at this," says Kelvor to Terra. "Even I could do better than that."

Perform (sing): 1d20 ⇒ 20

A beautiful, untrained voice calls out a dwarven chant similar to what the young dwarven lass is chanting.

Knowledge religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Perform: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Parkhtu understands the origins and purpose of the song but without proper warm-up proves a terrible accompanying voice! Hopefully he quits before it's too late and instead tries to provide direction to Kelvor and Terra.

Turen looks at the image.

I don't have sing but?

Perform (comedy): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Perform (wind instruments): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Those of you who gaze upon the haunt feel like you and the young girl are one. The hammer you lift is so heavy. The anvil is so hard to strike. The heat of the forge is so hot. You feel extraordinarily tired. You're such a small child, but you want to work the forge; that's one way to express your faith!

Some of you begin to sing hymns along with the girl--who you intuitively know is Delbera. Thankfully, some of you know these hymns and sing well. Those of you who sing well seem buoyed by your/her faith. The hammer becomes easier to swing, the heat isn't so bothersome.

As you sing, you can hear more of the dwarven oath: "By sweat and blood, we have come here."
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You now have two "pieces" of the oath. The other one is: "We who are born with blade in hand."
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There's no loot in this room. Where to from here?

"Let's check the double doors to the west," says Kelvor.

Room E20

A brilliant crystal chandelier hangs in the center of this open room. Five portraits hang on the walls:

1) a Chelish man in plate armor pictured with a sword and shield,
2) a half-elven woman leaning against a bow,
3) a ruggedly handsome half-orc in long robes,
4) a Varisian woman holding a crystal ball, and
5) a muscular but maternal dwarven woman.

Several statues have been smashed to rubble, cluttering the floor. Part of the chamber’s northern wall has been torn down, revealing a once-secret door of bronze and gently shimmering runes.
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Rolling sense motive for the party

1d20 ⇒ 1
1d20 ⇒ 18
1d20 ⇒ 2
1d20 ⇒ 10
1d20 ⇒ 16

With these rolls, at least one of you can feel the swelling of evangelical devotion in your heart.
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A ghostly image of Delbera appears, frozen in fear. Another ghostly form— this one a half-orc man—falls to the floor beside her, gasping in short, ragged breaths. A stentorian voice booms through the grand hall.

“Pitiful girl. Do you really think what you and your companions have done here today has achieved anything but merely
slow my rise to power? I shall take great satisfaction in adding your corpses to my army.”

As the voice echoes, the shattered bits of statue assemble themselves into a 12-foot-tall form.

Statue Init: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18
Anji: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Bhuukka: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Kelvor: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Manaria: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Parkhtu: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Turen: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
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Gettin' Stabby with Statues
Round 1

Manaria is up

MAP (scroll down to the second slide)

As the party moves to the room crystal chandelier, Turen turns to the party while walking down the dungeon corridor. "I'm a bit rusty on my routine. Say...What did the skeleton order at the Inn? Ha...Spare ribs! Get it! Ha"

- - -

Seeing the ghost reminds him. "Hey..Why did the city watch let the ghost go? Anyone? Because they couldn't pin anything on him! Ha..." He slaps his side.

Can I sunder a statue like this?

Free action: Starting round with staff in one hand.

Manaria flicks her wrist. Her wand of shield drops in her hand and activated it.

She then shoves the wand back into her boot.

Done

Gettin' Stabby with Statues
Round 1
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Can I sunder a statue like this?

You're a barbarian. I think "rule of cool" says "yes!" :)

Also, my bad: the statue is large; I've corrected that on the map.
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The magus girds for battle with a shield spell.
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The statue takes a 5-foot-step towards the party and swings twice with stony fists. Only one of the blows connects with the Shoanti barbarian.

Slam: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10, Miss!
Slam: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23, Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
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Manaria--shield
Statue--slam
Kelvor
Anji+Terra
Turen
Bhuukka
Parkhtu
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Kevlor, Anji and Terra, and Turen are up!

Some unexpected knowledge checks can be helpful here. But I'll leave it up to y'all to figure out whioch one(s). :)

Don't know what this thing is. Don't care, thinks Kelvor to himself and he grunts under the attack by the statue.

He steps up and swings his mighty earthbreaker at the statue's arms, seeking to shatter them.

Improved Sunder CMB: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25 Damage: 2d6 + 24 ⇒ (6, 5) + 24 = 35
Iterative Improved Sunder CMB: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 Damage: 2d6 + 21 ⇒ (1, 1) + 21 = 23

Anji, a man of the book, thinks the situation through. But no matter how hard he thinks it, he knows nothing of the creature.

Kn. Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Kn. Planes: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

I'm getting lost in my tracking. Have we had a new day in this current scenario? Trying to figure out if I should ration my spells or if I've got a full arsneal

Unfortunately, we have not yet had a chance to rest overnight. No new day.

In that case..

Terra feels Anji's hand upon her shoulder as he bestows an arcane guidance on her. Taking a step forward, the Azatan comes toe to toe with the giant statue and attempts to knock it down!

5 ft step, full round.

+1 Longsword,guidance: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 1 = 21P/S+magic: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 Slam: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12B: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Kelvor attacks mightily! Though his assault is effective, he doesn't do quite as much damage as he expected. Hmm. This thing must have either hardness or DR (or both).
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Terra bravely steps forward and swings deftly. The sword makes contact with the statue. However, it does not seem to bypass the thing's hardness.
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Manaria--shield
Statue--slam
Kelvor--attack
Anji+Terra--guidance; attack
Turen
Bhuukka
Parkhtu
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Turen, Bhuukka, and Parkhtu are up! You can see cracks going up and down the statue.

Is this thing a giant? A statue of a giant?

Is this thing a giant? A statue of a giant?

Cool boon! Unfortunately, this thing is not a statue of a giant. The creature depicted by the statue is vaguely human in shape--2 arms, two legs, stands upright, etc. However, it has some distinctly non-human features. The adventure wants a knowledge history check to know more about the creature. It also implies a knowledge religion check to know one possible way to attack it. I would also accept a knowledge nature check to identify the general species of the creature depicted and a knowledge arcana to know what kind of construct this is.

Knowledge feature): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

Was that knowledge nature? If so, you get the strong sense that this is a stylized depiction of some kind of fey.

(You know how the Joker is stylized in the 90's Batman cartoon? Like that. This creature is definitely a villain in this depiction. It would take a successful knowledge history check to know why.)

Turen casts glitterdust on the creature and tries to blind it.

DC 16

[dice=Knowledge feature)]1d20+11

Woops. Yup, nature.

Parkhtu's life link absorbs 5 hp from Kelvor. He fully healed Kelvor after the duergar battle, so this should put Kelvor down only 6 hp at the moment.

As a swift action, Parkhtu bestows hope, giving DR 1/- to himself, Kelvor, Manaria, Terra, and Bhuukka. He then moves forward to flank the statue, staggered by the voices in his head for a few seconds.

Finally, he tries to rack his memories for anything he might know about this creature.

Knowledge nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Knowledge history: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Knowledge religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Parkhtu, you'll risk an attack of opportunity moving there. You OK with that?

Parkhtu, you'll risk an attack of opportunity moving there. You OK with that?

Life is pain when you're a life oracle, so bring it. Is it possible to be fighting defensively if I don't make an attack this round? If so my AC goes up by two, but any attacks like AoOs I make will have a -4 penalty until the start of my next turn.

As I understand it, you could have made an attack this turn. Happy to let you have the knowledge check for free.

Here's the result of your knowledge history check: This statue depicts "Audalot Karexin," a fey court necromancer from the subterranean city known as the "Court of Ether." Some years ago Karexin's growing undead horde began to encroach on the surface and attack small communities in Andoran. Delbera and her forces defeated Karexin and the undead. During the combat, Delbera slew Karexin and then faced off against Karexin's apprentice--a young sorcerer named Zohir Totek. In a moment of mercy, Delbera allowed Zohir Totek to live. Totek fled into the darklands.

aoo: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20, miss!

Feel free to make an attack, if you wish.

Feel free to make an attack, if you wish.

As a result of his oracle curse, Parkhtu can't act in the surprise round, or in the absence of a surprise round is staggered on the first round of combat.

As a result of his oracle curse, Parkhtu can't act in the surprise round, or in the absence of a surprise round is staggered on the first round of combat.

Okie dokie. Thanks for the reminder. :)

Gettin' Stabby with Statues
Round 2
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Manaria
Statue
Kelvor
Anji+Terra
Turen
Bhuukka
Parkhtu
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Manaria is up!

No save against the glitterdust? Bhuukka hasn't gone yet, either.

Manaria cast bladed dash and flies toward the statue.

bladed dash: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 4 = 271d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

No save against the glitterdust?

Apologies if the save fell off my previous post.

Will vs Glitterdust: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (16) - 4 = 12

Turen tosses a handful of magical sand at the creature's eyes. It's form doesn't blink, yet somehow it seems to lose visual focus.
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Bhuukka hasn't gone yet, either.

Bhuukka informed us that he's super busy IRL. He's more than welcome to post actions if and when he is available.

Moving with amazing alacrity, Manaria strikes at the construct. Unfortunately, the attack is insufficient to cut through the enemy's stony exterior. (Hardness of 8.)
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The statue slams twice at the spot where it knows Kelvor to be:

Slam: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23, Miss Chance, high roll is a success: 1d100 ⇒ 22, Miss!
Slam: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28, Miss Chance, high roll is a success: 1d100 ⇒ 93, Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

The Shoanti takes 12 more HP of damage from the enemy's blind attack.
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Manaria--Bladed Dash
Statue--Slam
Kelvor
Anji+Terra
Turen
Bhuukka
Parkhtu
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Kelvor, Anji+Terra, Turen, Bhuukka, and Parkhtu are up! (Bhuukka may post two actions, if he's available.)

Finish him!

Turen moves and tries to hit it with his crossbow.

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Sorry, I noticed Bhuukka's posts in the other chat late yesterday, hopefully he can rejoin later.

Parkhtu feels Kelvor's pain as the life link transfers 5 more hp. Kelvor only took 11 hp after DR 1/-, so he should be down 12 right now by my calculations.

+1 Longsword: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Sorry, I noticed Bhuukka's posts in the other chat late yesterday, hopefully he can rejoin later.

I'm very sympathetic to his situation, too. I had to do something similar a while ago, and it was awful.

At this point, he's done enough for a chronicle sheet. So, I'm happy if he can pop in now and again and blow off some steam by kicking butt!.
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Parkhtu and Turen strike in rapid succession, almost as one. Though the statue looks a bit more cracked, it remains standing.
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Kelvor, Anji+Terra, and Bhuukka are up! This thing is teetering.

Kelvor, seeking to finish the thing off, swings his mighty earthbreaker at the statue!

Improved Sunder CMB: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 18 + 2 = 37 Damage: 2d6 + 24 ⇒ (6, 1) + 24 = 31
Iterative Improved Sunder CMB: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 2 = 14 Damage: 2d6 + 21 ⇒ (3, 2) + 21 = 26

He then moves, hoping to trick the now blind statue into striking at the same (now empty) spot as before.

With a mighty blow, Kelvor drive his weapon deap into a crack. The statue splits apart and crumbles.

Combat over!
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The runes on the northern door of this chamber are Dwarven, and in that language read, “Those who stand against injustice, those sired by the will to defend, announce yourselves and enter.” Even a cursory investigation shows that the door is locked and magically sealed.
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The five portraits are worth 200 gp each, but no merchant in Davarn will buy them. This place is a museum and this is their cultural heritage.
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Map has been updated.

On the next round, as Parkhtu absorbs 5 more hp of damage from Kelvor, he pops out his wand of cure light wounds and pokes Kelvor.

wand of CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Should just be down 1 hp now.

Parkhtu then pokes himself a few times.

wand of CLW: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
wand of CLW: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6