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

Game Master TriOmegaZero

Deno'thar moves up, channels magical energy into his long spear and then uses it to help Aericus with his next strike.

Aid Another, +4 to attack, +2 to damage: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 1 + 2 + 3 = 19

Thanks for rolling my miss chances, GM; I’m not familiar with the dye arrow and thought it made the duergar visible or else I’d have rolled ‘em myself...

Deno’thar: I think all our foes are dead now...

The bodies of the duergar remain, the third eventually becoming fully visible again as the spell wears off. You notice even the bones of the mohrg remain, unlike the previous undead you encountered.

Among the pile of bodies, a wayang half rises. "Flyndyngylyn...you return to save us once more..." The wan, hopeful smile turns into a grimace as he falls back to the ground. Flyn recognizes Swareti despite the sunken cheeks and blotched skin making him a shadow of his former self.

You may be able to learn a little bit about the stone with Knowledge Arcana, Planes, or Religion. Inspecting the stone with Perception may also help.

While the others investigate the stone and its aura, Ajax recovers his arrows and searches the duergar for anything useful.

"Well done Ara."

Deno’thar aids Ammen’s attempts to examine and understand the stone.

Ajax, noticing the bones of the undead remaining, tells Ara to Watch them and cry out if they start moving.

"Let's hope that stone doesn't start resurrecting this thing again."

Hey, you okay? Laara asks the weak wayang. Turning to the ominous stone, she eyes it warily. What were they doing with this?

Perception: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 2 = 23

Flyn walks up to the undead corpse, kicking it slightly to make sure Chergin Ironwhip is dead, again...

"Hmmph...you were much tougher to kill when you were living..."

Approaching the captives, and looking warily at the stone, he lights up on seeing his old friend and greets him warmly...and then concerned upon seeing his condition...

"Swareti! What in nine hells are you doing back here? While it's good to see you again, I'm sorry to see these bastard duergar got their hands on you again. What seems to be going on here, my friend? Are you all right?"

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29
Aid Another: Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 6 + (6) = 21
Heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Ammen takes the time to carefully examine the stone.

Planes, heroism, consult: 1d20 + 26 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 26 + 2 + 2 = 42
Perception, heroism: 1d20 + 28 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 28 + 2 = 36

"We are far from alright. The duergar captured us and forced us here. I don't know what this stone is, but they forced my hand against it and some horrible sickness struck me down." Swareti is able to make it to his feet with help, although the rest are in worse conditions, barely able to sit up. "Others might be able to tell us more."

Flyn doesn't recognize what is wrong with Swareti and the rest. If you want to attempt to coax more from the captives you can roll Diplomacy or make a Heal check to provide care.

Ammen draws back from the stone. Keep away from it, it draws your life force away. It has something to do with night hags. We should destroy this abomination.

Flyn grimaces. "I'm sorry my friend, your affliction is beyond my skill to comprehend...fortunately, some of my friends have skills in this area that far exceed mine. We'll make this right."

Turning to the other captives, he asks, "Can anyone else tell us more of this foul stone?"

Aid Another (Diplomacy): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Aid Another (Heal): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

"Is there anymore that you can tell us about what has happened?", says Aericus, as he attempts to help move people away from the stone.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25

"I don't know much." one of the ratfolk responds. "It was all nightmares, dark voids in my mind."

"The accursed bastards talked about a witch, that they needed to keep up their bargain." a dwarf adds.

After searching the Duergar, Ajax asks Deno'thar if any of their gear is magical. He and Ara then retreat 60' from the stone in case someone attempts to destroy it physically.

Unless the plan is to drag the sickly from the vicinity of the stone, in which case Ajax helps.

If anyone needs +1 full plate, a ring of protection +1, amulet of natural armor +1, or cloak of resistance +1, each of the duergar have them, along with +2 dwarven waraxes.

Ajax only wears one ring, so I could use both a ring and amulet of natural armor. That adds +2 to his AC for the adventure. I'll also take a Dwarven waraxe which I can apparently use two handed as a martial weapon.

Is there a knowledge check for how to destroy the stone?

There is not. It does not appear to be artifact level magic however.

Flyn shrugs. "I can try to see how the stone holds up to adamantine...everyone, stand back..."

Once everyone is a safe distance away, Flyn gets 30' from the stone and fires multiple durable adamantine arrows at the stone...if the first shot doesn't appear to do any damage, he'll stop firing...if it does damage, he'll keep firing till it's, hopefully, destroyed...

To Hit: Dex+Base, Magic, Weapon Focus, Lesser Bracers of Archery, PBS, Precise Shot, Improved Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim, Point Blank Master, Manyshot,Flagbearer
Damage: Strength, Magic, PBS, Deadly Aim, Clustered Shot, Flagbearer

Magic Composite Longbow (Manyshot): 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 2 = 26
Magic/Adamantine Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 4) + 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 2 = 24
Magic/Adamantine Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 2 = 19

Magic Composite Longbow (Iterative): 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 2 = 32
Magic/Adamantine Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1) + 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 2 = 17

Magic Composite Longbow (Rapid Shot): 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 2 = 36
Magic/Adamantine Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 1) + 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 2 = 18

The arrows blast large chunks out of the stone, but don't manage to destroy it.

Objects can't be crit unfortunately.

Rat farts, forgot about that...changed my OP to non-crit damage, 78 total...

Encouraged by the damage, Flyn continues to fire till it's destroyed...

To Hit: Dex+Base, Magic, Weapon Focus, Lesser Bracers of Archery, PBS, Precise Shot, Improved Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim, Point Blank Master, Manyshot,Flagbearer
Damage: Strength, Magic, PBS, Deadly Aim, Clustered Shot, Flagbearer

Magic Composite Longbow (Manyshot): 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 2 = 28
Magic/Adamantine Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 5) + 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 2 = 24
Magic/Adamantine Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 6) + 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 2 = 26

Magic Composite Longbow (Iterative): 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 2 = 33
Magic/Adamantine Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 2 = 20

Magic Composite Longbow (Rapid Shot): 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 3 + 2 = 22
Magic/Adamantine Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 6) + 3 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 2 = 26

This is my first time using durable arrows...are there any that I can retrieve?

With one final shot, the stone explodes into fragments. Glowing energy pours from the pieces, returning to the captives as an otherworldly scream of rage echoes through the cavern. While their affliction seems lifted and pallor returns to their flesh, the victims are still clearly suffering the damage of their ordeal.

"Thank you, Pathfinders, for saving us once again." Swareti clasps Flyn's hand in his, bowing slowly.

"Aye, and now it's our turn to help however we can." The dwarf's declaration is met with murmurs of assent from the rest of the group. "Show us the way and we'll follow."

Success reported! One more hour passed and it's time to choose your next action.

I think that means my heroism will hav expired. I recat it just before we arrive at the next location and burn another heightened awareness charge.

"It would seem we still have the temple and the fountain to investigate"

Ajax waits until the party is clearly going to enter the area before reapplying his spells.

Barkskin lasts 90 minutes. Detect Pits 80, so should have around 30 of the former and 20 of the later. If we are obviously going to enter combat will use wand of Gravity Bow.

Flyn firmly returns Swareti's handclasp and bows to the other captives. "You are most welcome, my friend. And your assistance is most appreciated..."

Looking to his friends, he says, "Well done. Perhaps the Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment next?"

"I have heard tale of this temple..."
Renew heightened awareness at the appropriate time.

Ajax moves along with Ara a few steps in front and his bow in his hand.

"I know nothing of this temple, Aericus. What should we expect?"

Oops forgot to mention that Flyn would like one of the +1 rings of protection, if no one objects...

As you exit the tapestry bridge, you see the Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment, crafted of white marble, resting atop a forested hill. Three aasimars stand guard before ornate double doors bearing an image of four spheres resting inside a lotus flower.

”Pathfinders, we welcome you in Korada's name.” the leader says. ”Would that your visit was in happier times, but we once again are in need of your assistance.”

She opens the door and leads the way to the garden. While the chronicles spoke of wild overgrowth before, the plants are now brown and withered. A Tian man sits at the edge of a dried-up fountain, staring forlornly at the noble turtle in its center. The man has hazel eyes and a streak of white in his hair. Several temple acolytes are busy preparing incense, meditating, and inscribing symbols on the fountain.

“This is Zhuang, our leader. After your fellow Pathfinders defeated the demon, Dakang, and purged the temple of corruption, Zhuang was determined to set us on a better path. We now aid wayward travelers in the tapestry and spread Korada’s teachings. However, Dakang’s deceptions have always plagued Zhuang, and he is on the verge of abandoning the temple. He has been sitting like this for many days, and neither speaks nor eats. Will you help us with a ritual to bring peace to his mind?”

Ammen regads the man with a degree of skepticism. What does this ritual involve?

"Your minds will reach out to his. Through your efforts, his mind might be balanced and come into harmony once again."

Ammen judges by the implements gathered that the ritual will open a mindscape and project the party into it.

A mindscape in a demiplane, sounds great.

Before entering the mindscape, Deno'thar renews his preparations.

Heightened Awareness, Heroism

Ajax's eyebrows raise, "How does this mindscape work? Will enchantments in this world matter in the next?"

Laara's eyebrow rises as the temple guardians casually mention that this place was once run by a demon Must've missed that Chronicle. With the mention of some mind-magic though, the half-elf steps in.

Not sure how balanced our minds are, but sure. But you say your man here's been like this for days? Last Pathfinder crew to run by here and clear out this 'Dakang' must've been years ago: what prompted him to get so imbalanced now?

Flyn nods. ”So, we’ll be within the mind of a man within the tapestry? What could possibly go wrong? Count me in...”

”The holy texts tells us that your mind will manifest your ideal self as you are when the ritual begins. None have performed the ritual in our lifetime, so I cannot say for certain what will be.”

I will have to doublecheck if resources expended in the minds ape are consumed or not. Ammen would know. Apologies for not getting this started yet, I will be at the Disney Halloween party tonight after driving out last night. Hotel internet has been spotty. If you want me to get a backup GM for the weekend, I can ask. I still expect to be able to keep things moving if you are okay with it.

The current speed is fine with me.

**OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT**

The repair teams have patched the rift beneath the Muckmouth. They discovered that the tapestry itself is generating massive amounts of necromantic energy around the rifts. The Muckmouth is secured!

GMs, the Muckmouth Secured condition on Page 10 is now in effect!

Thanks to the securing of the Muckmouth, the party now has one free use of Burst of Healing to be used at your descretion.

The aasimars set you in a circle around Zhuang, laying out candles and implements with careful haste. Lighting the wicks, you wait for the mindscape to open. Before long, the courtyard grows darker, dusk falling over the temple. As you notice the aasimar guards have disappeared, a howling wind tears through the courtyard, not quite drowning out the anguished screams coming from all corners of the temple.

Flinching under the gale, you clear your eyes to find yourselves in a crypt. The sarcophagi filling the room are open, filled to the brim with skeletal figures that scrabble for purchase on the stone edges in order to climb out! You think that you could fend them off with martial prowess or act quickly to reseal the lids.

You have a series of obstacles to manage. The party participates as a whole in one of two checks. The highest check is the primary and all others are treated as aid attempts. For this challenge, you may either make attack rolls to fight the creatures off or initiative checks to close the sarcophagi.

Deno’thar acts quickly to seal the lids.

initiative, +4 if aiding: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

If party as a whole prefers attack rolls I will do that instead, my bonus is 2 lower.

Ammen tries to uickly push the lids back into pace.

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

“Stay inside foul creatures.”
Initiative: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Oh no you don't! Laara says as she lunges to press down on the stone lids.

Initiative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

**OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT**

The repair teams have patched the rift at the Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment. The nightmare is over, and Korada’s faithful now lend us their aid! The Temple is secured!

GMs, the Temple Secured condition on page 11 is in effect!

As you slam the lids shut on the restless dead, the scene is covered by billowing mists. As they melt away, you find yourselves in a library. Two young aasimars in initiate robes rest aloud from texts covered in blasphemous words and sigils. They appear to be weeping but closer inspection shows blood tripping from their staring eyes to the unholy pages in their hands. You cast about for a holy text to counter the evil before you, fumbling for the true teachings of Korada.

As long as you are fine with finishing this out, we'll keep going. I doubt we will get the last one done even if we jump over now. Edit: Scratch that, we have a little more time than I thought. This part should move quick once I'm back tonight, but let me know if you would prefer to move on.

This challenge is either Perception or Knowledge Religion. For the temple clear reward, once during the adventure, you can instantaneously cure every PC of the following conditions: fatigued, shaken, sickened, dazed, and staggered.

Deno’thar closely examines the text.l, looking for the words to counter this blight.

perception, +4 if aiding: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (20) + 24 = 44

If possible after this encounter I’d like to rest so we can go into next phase fully charged

Deno'thar finds a holy book on the shelf and reads it aloud to counter the unholy scriptures. As the blood ceases to flow, the same familiar shift happens, revealing a austere room lined with wooden stands holding simple staffs. Several monks contort themselves in grotesque mockeries of forms, tossing glass spheres between one another. "Bind my soul to Sifkesh." they repeat, heedless of the worms that cover the floor and walls. You feel the urge to demonstrate the proper forms, while the spheres cry out to be handled properly.

Shouldn't be a problem Deno'thar. This challenge is Acrobatics or Sleight of Hand. I'll be headed to lunch soon and then on the drive home, so next update may be later.

Nopenopenopenopenope Laara says as she dances through the room trying to avoid both the balls and the floor as much as possible.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (17) + 21 = 38