TOZ's Hao Jin Cataclysm [Gameday VIII] (Inactive)

Game Master TriOmegaZero

Flyn removes the other ranged threat, leaving only the devourer remaining.

34 Deno'Thar
27 Aericus
26 Flyn (Damage: 66)
25 Ammen
21 Laara
17 Red (Damage: 58, Blinded, Disoriented)
11 Ajax

Ajax goes on delay.

Aericus flies closer sending waves of electricity through his rapier once more stabbing wildly at the blinded creature.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 6 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 6 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 27
Damage: 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18
Shocking Grasp: 9d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 6, 2, 4, 3, 3, 5, 6) = 36
Spell Pen.: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 + 6 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 6 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 31
Damage: 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

Iterative: 1d20 + 7 + 6 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 5 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 6 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 5 = 26
Damage: 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

Haste Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 6 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 6 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 30
Damage: 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

Aericus slams his blade home over and over, but the electrical charge fizzles as it comes into contact with resistance. The giant still stands!

34 Deno'Thar
27 Aericus
26 Flyn (Damage: 66)
25 Ammen
21 Laara
17 Red (Damage: 137, Blinded, Disoriented)
11 Ajax

After letting Aericus have his fun, Ajax steps forward and unleashes a barrage of arrows durable arrows.

Adding Point Blank Shot + Bard Buff+Haste
Main: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (4, 5) + 10 = 19

Rapid: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (4, 6) + 10 = 20

Iterative: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (3, 4) + 10 = 17

Haste: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (3, 1) + 10 = 14

If creature is not dead...

Ajax orders Ara to attack (spring attack)
Spring Attack: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25
Bite: 1d4 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

With his own hail of arrows, Ajax causes the devourer to crumble into threads, drawn through the air to the dimensional tear from whence they came. All around you see defeated undead disintegrating into thread, covering over the tear in red, scar-like material.

A Craft (Cloth), Knowledge (Arcana or Planes), or Spellcraft check might tell you more!

Deno’thar thinks about the cloth.

knowledge:arcana 31, loremaster take 10

Deno'Thar realizes that the undead are not true undead, having formed from the unraveling of the tapestry and the out of control renewal mechanisms meant to recycle the souls of creatures born here. This is what gave them the ability to move through the ground and structures of the tapestry as easily as an earth elemental through rock. Collecting some of the leftover thread not yet drawn into scars, you think the thread will be helpful in further repairs.

One soul stitch acquired! The next part is imminent, please hold actions until the overseer makes the announcement.

**OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT** (1 of 2)

Aram Zey speaks out through the tapestry. “The soul stitching is slowing down! The undead are under control. But the tapestry remains in danger. Fight on!”

GMs, the Undead Contained condition on page 29 is in effect.

**OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT** (2 of 2)

Suddenly, it becomes clear that the astral invaders’ retreat is merely a ploy. More invaders pour through the rifts to reinforce their companions. Their reckless assault tears the holes wider, and the entire demiplane begins to shift and fold. Locations fade and vanish, reappearing miles away, now separated by a wide expanse of barren, rocky wasteland. The invaders continue to pour through, and the tapestry’s exhausted repair mechanisms cease to function altogether. The triumphant attackers converge on the Pathfinders scattered across the wasteland.

Then, the sky turns red.

A primal screech pierces the tapestry, and a colossal ruby-flamed phoenix appears in the sky, its wings nearly blocking the sun. It swoops across the sky at tremendous speed, its tattered feathers leaving a trail of smoke. With another screech, it flaps its massive wings, and countless fiery feathers shoot towards the invaders. As the feathers strike, they explode, incinerating much of the invading force. Then the phoenix turns its attention to the other outsiders—the mass of Pathfinders—and beats its wings once more. A barrage of feathers strikes the wasteland, and from each resulting inferno emerges a bird of pure ruby-red flames.

Aram Zey’s voice echoes. “Can you hear me, Pathfinders? The tapestry is in its death throes! You are cut off—I cannot help you escape. Destroy the phoenixes—perhaps their magic can repair the tapestry!”

Table GMs, the Tapestry’s Last Defense condition on page 29 is in effect.

Ajax turns to Ammensura, "Would now be a good time for a for a communal resist energy to fire?"

If the shaman does not cast the spell, Ajax will cast it on himself and one of his Pearls to cast it on Ara.

1d6 ⇒ 3

As the undead disintegrate, the Pathfinder forces feel a surge of inspiration! All PCs gain 30 temporary hit points!

All around, flaming feathers barrage the tapestry. The scattered demiplane natives are unharmed by the inferno, as is the landscape itself. Screeches echo across the ruby-tinted landscape, and the tattered birds of ruby fire close in.

Pathfinders, you have two rounds before the flock strikes.

If Ajax and Ara get Resist Energy

Ajax cast Cat's Grace on Ara and hits himself with another Gravity Bow.

How many rounds have passed since my haste (first round of undead combat)? It looks like 2 to me, based on Flyn’s question in discussion. Assuming haste is still up I’ll cast mirror image in round 1 and heightened awareness in round 2, starting an inspire courage then.

mirror image: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Yeah, yeah that sounds about right. Laara says as she clicks her heels together again. Hands racing to her pack, she asks So if this is a phoenix, any belief system all the better to punch them with?

Standard action to active winged boots. Laara also has 2 oils of Align Weapon she can pull and apply if one of the more knowledgeable Pathfinders thinks that would be useful. Also a scroll of Freedom of Movement.

Let's say one round interval between finishing off the undead and this encounter starting.

So is that three rounds total?

Correct.

Aericus will cast shield on himself, use a pearl of power to recall a shocking grasp, and tap Flyn with a charge of cure light CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5. Conveniently already flying. I think it's also a unanimous decision that Ammen is using a round to cast communal resist fire on everyone, whether he wants to or not.

Forgot a knowledge check, Arcana: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

All Aericus can think is "My, that is a big bird."

I didn’t realize we could already make knowledge checks.

loremaster take 10, 33

Deno'Thar is positive those are phoenixes, massive magical beasts of fire, but in his awe recalls little beyond their subtypes.

Ammen does indeed cast communal resist fire ion everyone (resist 30 for all) along with dazing call lightning (not using any bolts yet, it lasts 11 minutes) and reactivating his wand if heightened awareness.

Arcana, HA, Clear ear, heroism: 1d20 + 24 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 24 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 46
Happy for you to tell us interesting stuff but particularly interested in immunities and DR

Ammen has long enough to analyze the oncoming phoenix force to notice subtle differences in their structure. Realizing that like the undead, they are born of the tapestry rather than being natural creatures, they resist weapons not aligned with chaos instead of evil. They still appear to be fire creatures and thus immune to such energy. Ammen also notes the one rapidly approaching the party seems to be slightly immature and likely less potent in spellcasting. Firestorm is still in play, but heal is not.

I will let the group know what I have learned.

Get ready, this could be painful

Ajax looks at Deno'thar, "Any haste spells left? If not, maybe we should spread out?"

Spread out by all means but firestorm strikes a truly enormous area and being too far apart may make it difficult to support one another

"Then I suppose we stay together so that when it dive bombs us, the ground pounders have a chance to strike." Ajax smiles at Ara, commanding her Spring attack when she gets the chance. "You said it's resistant to all things not chaotic? Hmm I wonder how much damage I can do."

Deno'thar responds ," You're still moving fast aren't ya Ajax! "

We only used 2 rounds of haste in that combat, 3 rounds out of combat, so it'll remain up for another 4 rounds in this combat.

"I'll be able to avoid its DR, but that will only do so much for us."

Hearing the news of its DR, Aericus will use a swift action arcane point to make his rapier +5 agile, either during the 2 rounds or first round of combat.

The phoenix swoops in, coming low to the ground on its approach. Aericus, Flyn, and Deno'Thar are able to react before it closes the distance.

25 Aericus
20 Flyn
19 Deno'Thar
18 Phoenix
16 Ammen
12 Ajax
11 Laara

Par for the course. Do your worst, Pathfinders!

Aericus hastily flies up toward the phoenix moving blisteringly fast for the last 30 ft. Move action fly up 20 ft. and forward (have 90 ft. fly currently), standard action bladed dash.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 6 + 5 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 6 + 5 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 6 = 43 BAB, Dex, weapon, heroism, haste, weapon focus, Int
Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 5 + 2 = 19 Dex, weapon, weapon spec., +5 weapon

It's 3 size categories larger, so I'm allowed to share a space. Normally I'd take an AoO for that, but the bladed dash movement prevents that. The point is to make sure I can riposte on a successful parry with only 5 ft. reach. Parry is +16. I will attempt to parry all attacks and riposte at +22 if possible.

I'd like to activate the +10' movement speed, assuming it stacks with haste, for us as a party for this encounter, unless anyone objects.

Hearing that this creature uses rather potent spell like abilities, Deno'thar moves up to 30' away (70' of movement) and readies a sonic blast upon it if it attempts to cast a spell.

Maintain my Inspire Courage from the previous round, readied weird words. If my readied triggers, the inspire courage is gone until next round. Flynn goes before Deno'thar, so he'll get the +5 from me, before I move up. I'd delay this action until his arrows are sticking in the creature.

RTA: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 4 = 24 Damage: 4d6 + 10 ⇒ (2, 6, 6, 6) + 10 = 30
RTA: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 4 = 24 additional damage if hits: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 4, 2) = 14

Flyn draws a bead on the incoming Phoenix and cuts loose a hail of cold iron its way...

To Hit: Dex+Base, Magic, Weapon Focus, Haste, Precise Shot, Improved Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim, Point Blank Master, Manyshot, Inspired Courage/Flagbearer
Damage: Strength, Magic, Deadly Aim, Clustered Shot, Gravity Bow Inspired Courage/Flagbearer

Magic Composite Longbow (Manyshot): 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 5 = 38
Confirm: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 5 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 5 + 3 = 33
Magic/Cold Iron/Crit Damage: 6d6 + 9 + 6 + 18 + 15 ⇒ (4, 2, 5, 1, 2, 2) + 9 + 6 + 18 + 15 = 64
Magic/Cold Iron Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 2) + 3 + 2 + 6 + 5 = 23

Magic Composite Longbow (Iterative): 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 5 = 19
Magic/Cold Iron Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (6, 1) + 3 + 2 + 6 + 5 = 23

Magic Composite Longbow (Rapid Shot): 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 5 = 31
Magic/Cold Iron Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 1) + 3 + 2 + 6 + 5 = 22

Magic Composite Longbow (Haste): 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 5 = 33
Magic/Cold Iron Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (3, 2) + 3 + 2 + 6 + 5 = 21

Assuming the three attacks over 30 hit and the 19 missed, Clustered Shot Damage before DR = 130

Concentration: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27
Concentration: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28
Dispel Check: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

Arrows and a single blade slash savage the great beast, but it remains aloft. The phoenix focuses on Flyn, gathering arcane power until Deno'Thar's sonic blast disrupts its focus. Turning its focus to Aericus, it concentrates again. Quite suddenly, he finds himself bereft of much magical protection, dropping softly to the ground. The great bird turns back towards the party with a screech as the arrow wounds begin to slowly heal.

25 Aericus
20 Flyn
19 Deno'Thar
18 Phoenix (Damage: 173)
16 Ammen
12 Ajax
11 Laara

Rest of the party is up. I believe that Aericus lost Fly, Haste, and Mage Armor or Shield, as Ammen's CL was too high for Resist Energy and Barkskin to be taken out. (Unless someone else cast Barkskin, I've lost track.)

If it's only been 5 rounds, then Flynn's Gravity Bow should still be going as it should last 3 minutes, right?

EDIT: I was looking at the wrong damage rolls, lol. My bad.

That is correct.

Ajax is not so keen on having the attention from the the bird and contemplates moving away from the group, but the Ranger steps up and stands shoulder to shoulder with Flynn and let's his arrows fly.

Haste+Bard-Rapid
Main attack: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 2) + 9 = 17

Rapid attack: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 4) + 9 = 19

Iterative attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 3) + 9 = 13

Haste attack: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 5) + 9 = 20

Ajax commands Ara to Guard out to the side.

Ajax also has Clustered Shots so = 69 before DR

The phoenix explodes in a burst of flame, quickly self-immolating until only a pair of tattered red feathers remains.

Handout is up on the slides, please decide what you will do with the feathers and then take 2 rounds to prepare for the next phoenix.

Edit: Adding some more info about the checks. You may use a soul stitch to roll twice and take the better when making the repair check. If you fail the repair check, it must be empowered by another table before it can be attempted again.

The barkskin was from Ammen, but I should actually lose the heroism from Deno'thar rather than shield/mage armor. I think that was still up? I'll recast fly and use my heightened awareness wand for the +4 initiative.

I can auto-aid the Arcana, Planes, Spellcraft, or UMD. Probably should just use both to repair.

Ajax queries the casters, "I have a Pearl of Power 2nd level, I could use it recast Barkskin but it could be used by someone else..."

Deno'thar can automatically aid on any of those and give a +4 bonus. I assume Ammen is doing a knowledge check

Edit: just realized we have 2 rounds, Deno'thar will cast another heightened awareness and then try to repair one of them.
Knowledge:Arcana: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (13) + 23 = 36

Amen reactivated heightened awareness and tries to empower the feathers rexpending burning entanglement.

Arcana: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (20) + 30 = 50

Ajax offers his Pearl of Power II if the Shaman wants to recast Barkskin on Aericus.

"I think we need to keep trying to stop these things from casting. How they know to dispel our buffs is a mystery, but clearly that last one wanted to do it."

Dealing with the feathers does not take up a round.

Deno'Thar works the magic of the phoenix feather, causing it to crumble to ash as it ignites ruby flames. The fire does not harm him, instead swirling into the air and up to the massive ruby phoenix hovering over the battle.

Ammen takes the second feather and quickly ignites it with arcane power. A junior agent rushes it out to one of the other teams while you prepare for combat once more.

Happy to redo barkskin if there is time.

Laara is pleasently shocked at the efficacy of the archers' barrages. Still, more are coming: the brawler spreads out amongst the barren arena and takes to the sky.

I didn’t lose barkskin, so no need to. The greater dispel just hit the CL 9 stuff.

Its a giant fire bird, I dont think it takes a genius to consider trying cold on it might be a good idea.