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

Game Master TriOmegaZero

Mal 001 wrote:

It looks to me like it might not be possible to aid the knowledge:Arcana and sense motive checks. If they can, I'll aid Ammen's rolls, if not, I'll use my own following rolls

Your profile suggests you are level 12?

That's Deno'thar; looks like he posted with the wrong character...

Wondering if his knowledge on geography was as good as anyone's here, Ajax invokes his jade wayfinder and corrects any mistakes in Flyn's accounting.

K. Geography: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29 Add 2 if this is a jungle

Ajax also tries to recognize the draconic looking creatures with the aide of his wayfinder.

For Ajax's own edification.
K. Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
K. Arcana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Laara eyes the owl-people skeptically. Their contstant odd koans aren't exactly the half-elf's cup of tea. And worse, too many of the ones in the back keep chittering at them. Or at us. she thinks.

Still, if it's the quickest way to get them to get out of their way: Oh, that Arcadia! Yeah, I've heard a few sailors talk about that place back in the Shackles. It's a bit of a ways out in the middle of nowhere. Honestly surprised you managed to get off it. We can get you back on the right world all right, but I'm not sure your wings'll carry you the whole way alone. Of course, she looks at Flyn you also happen to be looking at some of the finest sailors around...

Bluff: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27

Aericus approaches the wyvarans, "It is an honor to be in the presence of mighty warriors such as yourselves. I am certain that you're very capable of handling nearly any enemy that would dare challenge you. I come the bearer of bad news though, an enemy far greater than any of us can face alone is literally tearing your world apart. With your help, we may yet stand a chance against this foe to win the day."

Diplomacy, if needed: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 34

With a little help from Deno'thar, Flyn explains the route across Golarion to distant Arcadia from the Isle of Kortos. A number of the Hhruul are able to listen with only minor distractions from Ammensura's dialogue with the rest of the delegates.

"It is decided. Your society proves to hold great scholars among the ranks and your arguments are found with merit. We shall assist in bringing order to this realm."

Well done! Which group do you wish to speak to next?

Flyn bows to the Hhruul. ”We appreciate your assistance in this matter and look forward to working with you in the future as well.”

Aericus just approached the wyvarans so makes sense to talk with them next...

Ammen heads up alongisde Aericus. Indeed, truly you are a mighty people he murmurs.

Auto aid his diplomacy if needed

Apologies, I missed that last night.

The wyvaren band snarls at Aericus' approach. "Pretty words from petty people. What use have we for thieves and murderers?" one answers back. "You have brought calamity to our homes, slain those who dared rise against you!" another shouts, a chorus of angry growls rising up.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

"I cannot speak for the mistakes of those in the past, but much of what you say are lies spread by the insidious Aspis. The truth is that if you don't help us, you and your world may be destroyed. Not by Pathfinders, but by an incursion of undead and astral forces. This demi-plane is incredibly unstable, aid us and you can save yourselves and escape before a cataclysm."

sense motive, heroism: 1d20 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 20 + 2 = 37

There is a rumble of angry mutters in Draconic, the wyvarens arguing back and forth at the truth of Aericus' words. Finally they turn back to the party.

"We will lead you in escaping this doom, and then find the lying snakes. They will pay for their trickery."

Two down!

As you approach the formation, the lead soldier barks a command in Tien. As one the group levels weapons, ready but not yet attacking. "The Faithful of Xiwu stand ready to engage our enemies. Prove yourselves not among them!" the leader demands.

Ammensura realizes that these soldiers remain loyal to Imperial Lung Wa and hold a strong sense of duty. As long as the fall of the empire isn't brought up they can likely be appealed to through the ideals of honor and sacrifice. (Intimidate/Profession Soldier) They appear to be ritually preserved in a psudo-undead state but the burial wrappings have been deteriorating. (Heal/Knowledge Religion)

Heal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

"You will desist in this violation!" the leader shouts, rage briefly twisting his features before returning to calm determination. A number of spearheads thrust toward Ajax threateningly.

Flyn tries to hide his concern, successfully resisting his instinct to reach for his bow, as the Tien soldiers thrust with their spears...lacking diplomatic skills, he looks to see if one of his other companions can calm the waters here...

GM: Can we retry one of the checks made by Ajax or are we limited to just one aid on those checks?

You may retry, at a penalty.

Deno’thar attempts to placate the leader. My apologies for my colleague. I assure you that we only mean to help. Would it be possible for myself or another colleague to aid you in your preparations instead?

If it isn’t possible I guess we can try the intimidation route mentioned above. I can aid automatically on intimidate (Laara) or knowledge:religion (Ammen) for a plus 4 depending on which route we go. Also let me know if you want a diplomacy for the above statement

Hey! Easy! Lara barks as the soldiers take an aggressive stance. Rushing to Ajax’s defense, the brawler stares daggers at the corpse-soldiers. A whole squad of you and you snarl at a single archer approaching? If we were your enemies I’m not sure I’d exactly be quaking. I had heard your army was pretty well known, was I wrong? Are you actually just a turtle ready to duck back into its protective shell? Or are you the strong soldiers they speak of willing to march ahead with pride?

Intimidate: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (5) + 24 = 29

Intimidate Aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
In Tien, ”Where is your honor? Do your duty to save your lands.”

The lead solider stiffens, before stowing his spear. "Or-DER, ARMS!" he commands, the formation returning to attention. "Long has it been since the Faithful encountered disciplined warriors rather than rabble. How may we serve?"

One success earned! This encounter has taken roughly an hour. Are we ready to proceed to the Muckmouth?

Roger that, GM

Flyn breathes a sigh of relief and murmurs lightly to Laara, "Nicely done, Captain..."

Looking to the others, he says, "Well done...one mission down...shall we proceed on to the Muckmouth caves? It'll be good to see Chief Oosthic and Essviss again...I hope the unraveling hasn't been too rough on them..."

Not exactly sure what just happened, Ajax is glad its over. Stroking Ara, Ajax repeats his Command, "If you smell something you can't see, nuzzle me."

To group, "If were fighting more undead, should we get a communal protection from evil?" Though Ajax, having become familiar with this party, releazes that the spell may not be natural to any of them.

"Ammensura, I have a scroll of protection from Evil. Could you hold it and use it on me if necessary? Thank you."

If the group is going to the area 1, Ajax will refresh his wand prep and bow drawn

Ammen takes the scroll. Certainly I can use it but such scrolls last very little time and if we are in a fight for our lives I may have to prioritise other actions. Well done everyone, we seem to be making progress, lets see if we can help the Muckmouths.

Ajax nods and smiles, "Yes, I would expect you have more powerful spells at your disposal."

The delegates depart to rally the rest of their peoples while the Pathfinders walk up the the fabric bridge that seems to be decorated partly as a muddy river cave system. After a short walk, the bridge ends at the mouth of a cave system quite familiar to Flyn. Lizardfolk guards raise hands in greeting and quickly usher you inside.

The Muckmouth tribe’s caves are dry but littered with the bones of cave-dwelling fish. In the central cavern, a small band of bedraggled lizardfolk watch as their ancient leader limps forward. Long strings of tiny bones dangle from her armbands, clacking on the stone floor. “Welcome, Pathfinder friends. I am Oosthic, and I remember my tribe’s debt to you for rescuing our eggs and our home. We must call on your strength once more. Our water has vanished. Without water, the Muckmouth grow weak. Many have perished seeking water in the ancient ruins beneath our home. The ruins are crumbling, and the living dead slither from the walls. I fear the serpent empire seeks vengeance against the Muckmouth for disturbing its ruins, but we had no choice. Destroy the undead and secure the lost magic of the serpentfolk for our tribe. The Muckmouth must survive!” Swaying forward she takes Flyn's hand gently in hers. "You have my thanks for returning to aid us once more. The children you saved have grown strong and love the tale of your bravery best. It will give them hope to hear you have returned again." She presses a waterskin into Flyn's hand with a toothy smile. "May this help you bring victory again."

Flyn receives his choice of a potion from the following list: bear's endurance, bull's strength, cat's grace, or lesser restoration. Ten minutes more have passed on spell durations.

Ajax asks the casters in the group, "Does anyone have a rod or some such device to extend spell durations?"

Ajax asks Oosthic, "Greeetings. We are eager to help. Can you tell us anymore about the undead or the ruins below?"

Bull’s strength, please...

As the chief takes his hand, Flyn kneels and brings her hand to his lips and gently kisses it, takes the offered waterskin, and then rises and bows.

Flyn speaks in their language. ”Kai Oosthic, batlh, Hoch law' bel, SoH je tuq toy' jatlhqa' … 'ej Satlho' nob. deeply 'IQ jIH 'e' bech tuq; 'oH chenmoH maH lugh. vaj laH undead roQ nuja' 'ej maHvaD Dev, chaH ngeH maH wItI'nISmo' raSmey quSmey mungDaj ghoS chaH …"

Deno'thar echos his colleagues statements, addressing the chief " I'm glad the society is able to come to your aid again in this hour of need. We would be happy to assist."

Please set up a marching order while I get the map ready.

Did they answer Ajax's question

Deno'thar asks the chief quicky before they leave How long of a walk is it to the ruins?

Depending on the answer to that question, Deno'thar plans to renew his Heightened Awareness and Heroism.

I tenatively set a 2 by 3 marching order with the two melee in the front, followed by spellcasters and the two ranged in the rear. If anyone has any better ideas please rearrange accordingly. Deno'thar has the body guard feat and can aid another for a +8 on AC assuming he threatens the creature attacking you and is adjacent to you.

Ajax is good with that. Will cast Detect Snares and Pits for 80 minutes. But maybe we can Track the lost muckmouth?

Ajax queries, "Chief Oosthic, you mentioned that some of your soldiers were lost. If you have can take me to their beds, my companion might be able to track them by scent. If not, perhaps you can show us the path they took?"

Invoking his wayfinder..
K. Geography(T10) on Serpent Empire: 10 + 15 = 25
Geography includes (lands, terrain, climate, and people)

"None who return were close enough to see more than withered flesh and bare bones. Those that were never returned. I would tell you anything more than I could, but these creatures are unlike anything seen before." Oosthic answers ruefully. "Our scouts shall guide you to the ruins, through the tunnels some quarter of your hours. Take our warriors scents with you if it will help you find them."

No time given, estimate 10-15 minutes through the tunnels. The guides can warn you when you are almost there as well.

As we get closer Ammen will reactivate his wand of heightened awareness and tap himself with a wand of freedom of movement just in case. He adds in shield of faith and recovers it with a pearl of power.

I am all set

I’m good with Deno’thar’s suggested marching order.

Flyn nods silently and grimly at Oosthic’s mention of undead never seen before...the ranger has an intense dislike for all undead...

Once they start, Flyn will draw his bow and keep an alert eye out for any signs of danger or strange tracks...

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29
Survival (Tracking): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19

...when the Muckmouth scouts warn us we are almost there, Flyn will consume his potion of bull’s strength...

When the muckmouth scouts tell us the ruins are imminent Deno'thar casts mirror image.
Mirror Image: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Sorry: misses the posts last night as I seem to have accidentally ‘x’d out the ‘new post’ notice.
Being in front’s fine for Laara.

As the party approaches a tunnel opening, your guides stop and let you know the danger lies ahead. They will await your signal that all is clear before leaving the caves.

Outside, you find yourselves in a wide valley filled with crumbling buildings and a massive ziggurat.

Deno'thar spots the lurking undead to the east, two skeletal forms and one withered body with a crocodile head behind. A long purple tongue lashes about from the mouths of the two skeletons attempting to hide behind the crumbling stone. The animal headed figure does not appear to care to hide, standing tall and straight.

No mention of terrain hazards, so we will say the stairs on the map are shallow and the rise is only a few feet. I'll rule the crumbling walls are difficult terrain rather than blocking.

34 Aericus
29 Deno'thar
27 Ammen
27 Flyn
25 Red
23 Ajax
20 Laara
20 Green
10 Blue

Bold may act!

Aericus tries to recall if he has seen anything like these before, and comes up mostly blank.
Knowledge(religion) skeletal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Knowledge(religion) croc head: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

"Let's see if we can draw them in."

Aericus moves up, uses a swift action to pull a wand from his wrist sheath, and taps himself with longarm.

Current buffs: mage armor, longarm (10 ft. reach), rapier is +2 agile. Aericus has combat reflexes, and will take AoOs on any that move within his reach. He will also attempt a parry and riposte if successful on the first melee attack made against him. Currently +16, d6+10,(18-20, +22 to confirm), unless further buffed.

Deno’thar looks at the undead before acting.
Knowledge:Religion: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 16 + 2 = 22
Knowledge:Religion: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 16 + 2 = 37
He begins to sing a rousing Ballard to inspire his allies to battle and swiftly infuses his spear with arcane power. He then slightly steps forward and casts a quick spell. All within 30’ of Deno’thar are receiving a +2 morale bonus to attack and damage, which is everyone. All who can hear his song (also everyone) are receiving Inspire Courage as a 13th level bard (+3 competence bonus to attacks and damage) as well as a +3 morale bonus to saves against fear and charm effects. Arcane strike as swift. Casts haste on everyone, 5’ step up

Seeing skeletal creatures, Flyn fires a rain of blunt arrows at the nearest one (red)...

To Hit: Dex+Base, Magic, Weapon Focus, Lesser Bracers of Archery, Precise Shot, Improved Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim, Deadeye Bowman, Point Blank Master, Manyshot, Favored Enemy, Inspired Courage
Damage: Strength, Magic, Deadly Aim, Clustered Shot, Favored Enemy, Inspired Courage

Magic Composite Longbow (Manyshot): 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 4 + 5 = 31
Magic/Bludgeoning Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 6 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 + 6 + 4 + 5 = 23
Magic/Bludgeoning Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 6 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 + 6 + 4 + 5 = 28

Magic Composite Longbow (Iterative): 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 4 + 5 = 31
Magic/Bludgeoning Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 6 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 + 6 + 4 + 5 = 25

Magic Composite Longbow (Rapid Shot): 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 4 + 5 = 26
Magic/Bludgeoning Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 6 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 + 6 + 4 + 5 = 24

Just a heads up if these creatures have DR: Flyn has Clustered Shot so all damage is totaled before subtracting DR...

...and then moves back 5' to see what he might recall about these particular undead...

Knowledge (Religion) Gatorhead: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + 6 + (6) = 27
Knowledge (Religion) Skeletons: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 6 + (5) = 16

ETA: Sorry, GM, Aericus noted that I missed a Haste attack as well...will add below against blue if that's OK...if not, no worries...

Before moving back, Flyn fires his haste attack at the blue skeleton...

To Hit: Dex+Base, Magic, Weapon Focus, Lesser Bracers of Archery, Precise Shot, Improved Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim, Deadeye Bowman, Point Blank Master, Manyshot, Favored Enemy, Inspired Courage, Haste
Damage: Strength, Magic, Deadly Aim, Clustered Shot, Favored Enemy, Inspired Courage

Magic Composite Longbow (Haste): 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 4 + 5 + 1 = 41
Magic/Bludgeoning Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 6 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 + 6 + 4 + 5 = 28

Deno'thar recognizes the skeletal creatures to be mohrgs, created from executed murders to continue killing. He recalls their most distinctive feature is their paralyzing 'tongue' of entrails.

As Flyn pulverizes the first one with a hail of arrows, he realizes they may be the minions to the creature beyond. Both Deno'thar and Flyn recognize it to be a cursed king, created from the body of a rebel leader or false prophet by the true pharoahs as punishment for standing against their rule.

Common traits they are said to have is insurmountable resistance to weapons (DR/-), vulnerability to fire, an aura of commanding presence (cowering within 30ft on a failed save), and most dreadfully a bestial curse that falls on any creature nearby when destroyed. (Save vs Cha/Wis damage, eventually turning into an animal per baleful polymorph.)

All of the undead appear to have strange tatters hanging from them, frayed tassels and strands of fabric exactly like those of the bridges connecting the sites of interest the Society is working in. They seem almost like unraveled thread on a rug or tapestry.

34 Aericus
29 Deno'thar
27 Ammen
27 Flyn
23 Ajax
20 Laara
20 Green
10 Blue (Damage: 28)

Remaining party members may act. Edit: Added damage from haste arrow.

Ajax is most impressed with Flyn's efforts, "Aye, you are the best I've seen." Inspired by the bard as well as the elven ranger, Ajax follows suite, clustering his arrows as the archer before him.

Bow feats: Rapid, Improved Precise, Point Blank, Clustered.

To HIt: +13 BAB,Dex +2 Bpw +5 Bard -2 Rapid Shot +1 Haste
To Damage: +2 STR +2 bow +5 Bard

Attack on Blue unless LOS is blocked, then Yellow with ImPS
Main Attack at blue: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 5 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 13 + 2 + 5 - 2 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Rapid Shote at blue: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 5 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 13 + 2 + 5 - 2 + 1 = 36
Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Iterative at blue: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 5 - 2 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (11) + 13 + 2 + 5 - 2 + 1 - 5 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Haste Attack at blue: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 5 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 13 + 2 + 5 - 2 + 1 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Given Ajax commands Ara to defend him just in front. Will place Ara on the map

EDIT: These are suppose to be blunt arrows on the skeleton as well.

Do I know the range on the bestial curse?
Deno’thar quickly adds after realizing what the foes are, “ Careful pathfinders, the skeletal creatures can paralyze you and the one with a crocodile head is more fearsome. It is resistant to all weapons and those near it when it dies become cursed.

Ajax fills the second mohrg with more arrows, but is unable to bring it down in the same way Flyn did.

34 Aericus
29 Deno'thar
27 Ammen
27 Flyn
23 Ajax
20 Laara
20 Green
10 Blue (Damage: 79)

Both aura and curse have a 30ft range.

Ammen flies forward to get a good look at the enemy, rising to 5' above the ground to provide a tempting target. He tries to recall if he knows anything about them.

Mohrg religion, heroism: 1d20 + 24 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 24 + 2 = 41
King religion, heroism: 1d20 + 24 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 24 + 2 = 30

He raises a hand and casts a simple spell causing a whirling scimitar formed of pale blue light to spring into being near the King. It lashes out once at him.

Casting toppling spiritual weapon at the king

SR if relevat, spiritual guardian: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 2 = 19
Attack, IC: 1d20 + 21 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 21 + 4 = 29
Damage, inspie, spiritual guardian: 1d8 + 3 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 4 + 2 = 17
Trip if damaged, Inspire: 1d20 + 21 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 21 + 4 = 33

Attack spells can benefit from some buffs but I dont think it can count for flag, inspire should be fine. I am uncertain if my own heroism or the haste affects it, if they do add +3 to the attack roll and trip.

Ammem recalls nothing further about the cursed king, but remembers the mohrgs have a penchant for latching onto victims with their bony hands (grab) and also cause victims to rise as zombies when slain by the creature (create spawn). Unfortunately, the spiritual blade scrapes against tough hide, unable to pierce the king.

34 Aericus
29 Deno'thar
27 Ammen
27 Flyn
23 Ajax
20 Laara
20 Green
10 Blue (Damage: 79)

I concur about the inspire, while my review of the spell suggests it does not gain heroism or haste as you are not actually making the attack roll. Weird artifacts of previous editions.

Ajax tries to identify the spell the shaman casts.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

Right, tactics. Let them come to us. Laara says as she sees Aericus come to a halt a bit ahead of her. Adjusting her stance as Deno'thar's magic fills her with confidence, the brawler quickly moves forwards to positions herself right behind the sylph.

Swift action to shift into Outslug stance. Then moving up and Readying an action to strike at the first undead to get within 10 feet of her (Lunge)

Readied attack: 1d20 + 21 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 21 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 39 for damage: 2d6 + 9 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5, 5) + 9 + 3 + 2 = 24 plus acid: 1d6 ⇒ 6

The spirit blade presses harder, managing to cuta gash into the undead king. The force sends the figure sprawling as the mohrg moves forward. Unfortunately for it, Laara and Aericus are ready and waiting. Before it can even reach the pugilist, she lunges forward and smashes its head in. The bones seem to unravel into threads that blow away on the wind.

1d100 ⇒ 65

The cursed king does not rise, seeming to sink into the ground as if it were water, twisting towards the party as the earth closes over its head.

1d100 ⇒ 32 Oh that's no good.

A pall falls over the area as the undead does not rise again.

I will need everyone to give me a Will save, then we are out of combat.

Ajax Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Ara will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 Add +4 if vs Enchantment spell/effect

If Ajax is actually within 30' of the king, Ajax will use a Paragon of Society boon to add +2 to his roll. Unless I'm getting some bonuses bonuses from something else.

Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15