Yes indeed, while many are helpful, I have had high-ranking Pathfinders attempt to kill me before. Perhaps we have more in common than you think. I am Kasimir, and as a servant of Asmodeus, I have a scroll that will produce a Zone of Truth. I am willing to speak from with its confines if you like...
Kasimir remains still, making no sudden movements. Negotiation was an improvement over having invisible creatures eating the party.
Male Half Elf -Paladin 13 AC32/T11(18) /F31/CMD28| Hp 121/121 | Fort:+21;Ref:+16;Will+18(25) |Percept.+10 | Init.+3. { } ( +2 keen div bond 1/3 used, smite for 2/6 used. Hands 6d6 6/15 used) { eaglesoul 10hrs— } Spectral Wolf {AC24 100/100 hp}
While the others banter with the gnome woman, Omrax does not like the appearance of her den and silently scans for evil auras (60'arc ahead/east), expecting a trap or ambush.
"Torch hasn't had a second side in a long time. There's just the one." Hamish growls. "The only justice that blaggard deserves is hangin' from a long arm."
He looks down at the gnome, and grins slightly. "You, on the other hand, haven't killed nearly so many innocent Pathfinders, as far as we're aware. So I'm sure we'll be quick mates! Eylysia, I reckon?"
"You have me at a disadvantage, captain. Whatever grievance you have, I would call necessary." Lacking even a hint of mirth to reflect back, she turns back to Rokgurn. "A great evil hides behind the mask of one of the Ten. It has done so for centuries." She raises a brow at the Asmodean's offer. "I find such measures entirely unreliable, so please don't trouble yourself."
The Gull notices little else in the room, while Omrax's divination registers faint evil permeating the entire structure.
Medium Male CG Dwarf Barbarian (chained) 12/Fighter 2 | HP 165/165 (raging 221/221) | AC 25 (raging 27) T 15 (13) FF 22 (24) | CMB +20 (23), CMD 33 (34) +3 vs Sunder, +4 vs Bull Rush & Trip| F +22 (26), R +12, W +9 (12) | Init +6 | Perc +17 (+2 stonework) & darkvision SM +0 | Speed 30' | Active Conditions: Lucky # 6; | Constant: Combat Reflexes, DR 2/-, Imp. Uncanny Dodge
Just catching up now. Yuri would have used 4 minutes for healing back at the site of the mantis fight (4 charges of infernal healing and a single charge of CLW). Sounds like that was in the range of everyone else though.
Medium Male CG Dwarf Barbarian (chained) 12/Fighter 2 | HP 165/165 (raging 221/221) | AC 25 (raging 27) T 15 (13) FF 22 (24) | CMB +20 (23), CMD 33 (34) +3 vs Sunder, +4 vs Bull Rush & Trip| F +22 (26), R +12, W +9 (12) | Init +6 | Perc +17 (+2 stonework) & darkvision SM +0 | Speed 30' | Active Conditions: Lucky # 6; | Constant: Combat Reflexes, DR 2/-, Imp. Uncanny Dodge
Yuri also strolls down (using airwalk) to join the gnome and the others. "Great evil, ya say? Well now, that's quite a charge, but we've got time, and I'm always fond of a good story." He pops the top off a flask of beer and offers it to Eylysia. If she takes it, he pops another for himself. "So, what kinda story is this? Hope it's got a happy ending! Those 'r me favorite!"
Kasimir shrugs, and floats down next to Yuri. While he doubted he would be able to keep up with the dwarf drink for drink, it couldn’t hurt to have a taste, right?
"Can't say much for the ambiance." Hamish says, glancing around. "These mantis folks are sure full a themselves. How in Besmara's name did you get past those big bastards outside?"
”You all know knowledge is power, else why are you Pathfinders? I learned the ghost mantis’ habits, identified patterns in their activity, and so come and go when they are elsewhere.” Rubbing ruefully at her hip, she adds ”Not to say it is easy or safe of course. I rarely leave the temple now, save for important messages.”
Nodding to Yuri, she continues. ”Torch hopes to wring a happy ending for this tale, but it has not yet been written. Through our correspondence and his information gathering, we have learned that the Decemvirate member who wears the triple-spired mask is in truth an agent of the Whispering Way. He has hidden behind the helm for centuries, overseeing fake transitions to maintain power without suspicion. Now that the Whispering Tyrant is free, he is moving to enact some great plot in service to his master.”
Rokgurn senses no unseen spirits, alive or undead, within the temple.
Rokgurn is inclined to believe her as the orders at the Grand Lodge seemed excessively harsh and perhaps a bit out of place given the society's credo.
"I am tempted to believe you but do you have any credible evidence that you can show us to support your claim? And where is Torch? For good or ill he has a role to play in this and we should all talk to him."
"Torch ain't interested in happy endings." Hamish growls. "That blaggard seeks only revenge, for some long ago slight that he was just as responsible for as anyone else. And has done far worse in his drive to get there."
It is quite clear the captain does not like the man at all.
"So where's that coward holed up." He adds. "Me and the boys would be happy to ask him in person."
Rokgurn shakes his head and knows full well that there is no way to stop the Captain once he gets going.
"Please just show us what you know and I promise we will be fair to you and to Torch if he deserves it. I am certain that our Paladin of Iomedae will ensure justice and fair play."
Cognatogen, Freedom of Mvmt, Barkskin, Absorb Toxicity, See Invisibility, Stoneskin CL15, Heroism CL5, Shield, Ill of Calm, Red Person 12min, EH avail, Re-roll avail
Conditions:
"Indeed, my dear, those are serious accusations. You'll forgive our skepticism, especially since it involves Torch, but we would certainly welcome any proof you might have. Perhaps we can come to an understanding, or even a mutually beneficial arrangement?"
For the first time, Eylysia chuckles in response. ”I do recall Pathfinders and their contentious allegiances. Unfortunately, I have only my research and my word that it is true to offer you.” She smile hardens as she continues. ”I hold no loyalty to any undead monster, let alone that lich. But my adventuring days are long past. I doubt I have many day left in my future. So I did the only thing I could do, warn the one person I trust to stop this-“
The story is cut short by the startled beating of wings and screeching cries of the eagles by the entrance!
Appearing behind Omrax is a smoky figure, elongated pallid arms extending to slash at the Iomedean’s back with nasty claws. As it rends flesh it continues past, flying to the corner of the room before turning in preparation for another pass.
Bombshell notices an invisible creature flying through the entry and maneuvering around Omrax and Rokgurn. On top of the shrieking eagles, Rokgurn senses a presence nearby!
Taking it slow for the first round to avoid any foul ups like last time. Rokgurn is up, Knowledge Planes to ID. Edit: Minor error in tactics, Rokgurn cannot see it just yet and no attack has happened. Slides are being uncooperative, will correct them when I get the chance tonight.
Cognatogen, Freedom of Mvmt, Barkskin, Absorb Toxicity, See Invisibility, Stoneskin CL15, Heroism CL5, Shield, Ill of Calm, Red Person 12min, EH avail, Re-roll avail
Conditions:
Kn-Planes:1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 27 What does she see and where does she see it? Is it the elemental thing by Omrax, or is that a party member?
Cognatogen, Freedom of Mvmt, Barkskin, Absorb Toxicity, See Invisibility, Stoneskin CL15, Heroism CL5, Shield, Ill of Calm, Red Person 12min, EH avail, Re-roll avail
Cognatogen, Freedom of Mvmt, Barkskin, Absorb Toxicity, See Invisibility, Stoneskin CL15, Heroism CL5, Shield, Ill of Calm, Red Person 12min, EH avail, Re-roll avail
Conditions:
"Really getting sick of things trying to sneak up on us. And, they're interrupting my conversation with this lovely gnome."
Bombshell will click her heels then go nova, starting with a frost bomb on the far critter, then taking a 5' step and chucking first a frost bomb on near critter, then fire fire & fire bombs on near critter, switching targets if the near one succumbs.
Any fire bombs that switch to far target are 2 less to hit, and damage is one less.
She has splash weapon mastery, for re-directing misses.
Haste from boots, two weapon fighting and rapid shot
With bird 5' up, shouldn't be any cover (and of course, has precise shot and precise bombs).
Touch att:1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 - 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 14 + 2 + 1 - 1 - 2 - 2 = 23
. for Cold dmg:6d6 + 10 ⇒ (5, 3, 5, 1, 6, 5) + 10 = 35
16 splash cold dmg, DC 26 REF for half
Main target: DC 26 FORT or Staggered 1 round
Touch att:1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 19
. for Cold dmg:6d6 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (4, 5, 5, 5, 1, 2) + 10 + 1 = 33
17 splash cold dmg, DC 26 REF for half
Main target: DC 26 FORT or Staggered 1 round
After Bombshell's third throw, the outsider disappears from existence. Looking around, she sees two figures in red armor and mantis masks moving into the temple, also under the veil of invisibility! Flying on crimson mantis wings, one gets hung up moving past the eagle, but quickly maneuvers about to approach the alchemist. Seeing themselves discovered, the first zips past Bombshell into the flank, allowing the second to strike out with one of their twin sawtooth sabres. The blade shreds flesh, continuing to bleed noticeably! Also noticeably, the first assassin becomes visible as he floats over the edge, fully revealed by Kasimir's purge.
As Bombshell's blood strikes the floor, geysers of blood burst forth along the walls, filling the rusty channels in the floor in seconds. The stone mantis carvings of the pillars writhe, reaching claws out from their perches towards the party!
First, Kasimir instinctively created a shadow duplicate at the first, ok, admittedly second sign of danger. Then he steps closer to the gnome, and calls upon his patron. On the one hand, an enemy temple was not the most effective place for this sort of thing, but on the other, striking an enemy down in his own sanctuary was something these heretics would not soon forget.
”Alecto, Megaera, Tisiphone, in the name of the Dark Lord Asmodeus, I call thee forth! From the iron city of Dis, I call thee! Come forth and wreak your vengeance!”
Kasimir concentrated (casting defensively, using the bracers for a second time).
Concentration rolls (use best one) 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 261d20 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26
Number of summoned creatures 1d3 ⇒ 3
Kasimir shouted again ”Strike down these followers of a false god! and inspired courage in his allies, including the ones just summoned.
"Enemy airships, aft!" One of the crew yells, pointing back towards the entrance.
"Stand fast men!" Hamish responds, imperiously. "They seek to blockade us in, battle stations! Let us show them the folly of taking up arms against the Seaward Gull!"
There is a cheer from the crew, and both it and Hamish start to rise up into the air. Of course, the Gull is only air walking, so sails a few yards to the east, then suddenly a small anchor drops from the bow, and with a groan of protest, the entire ship suddenly yaws to starboard, turning almost a hundred and eighty degrees in a moment. The anchor is cut loose, and the ship continues back the way it came, gaining altitude the entire time.
Gaining altitude with air walk is annoying =) And alas, no charge possible!
"Fire harpoons!" Mr. Phips yells from the aft deck, and instantly a barrage of small spears is launching up and away... striking towards the Mantis assassin floating just over the ledge.
Another crew of men immediately start to wind the winches, intent on hauling their prey down towards the ship.
If pull successful, the assassin will be 5' to the northeast, and 5' further down.
As the Gull is doing that, Hamish flies straight up, looking towards the entrance.
"If they wish to swarm us, they will have to wait their turn!" He shouts, then says a quick arcane spell.
Suddenly, a stone wall fills the opening to the west, merging with the stone on either side, completely blocking the entrance.
casting Wall of Stone. It will be 3 inches thick, and he will just summon enough to block the entrance... 10' x 10'? (he's got twelve 5' squares to work with)
"Take a number!" He yells... though whether they can hear him anymore is unknown.
So each 5' section of the wall will have 8 hardness, and 45 hp's, as per the spell description Probably won't hold them long, but should be long enough to deal with the two already here and whatever the temple is doing... as well, as likely reduce their access to a 5' opening, rather then a 10' one.
Medium Male CG Dwarf Barbarian (chained) 12/Fighter 2 | HP 165/165 (raging 221/221) | AC 25 (raging 27) T 15 (13) FF 22 (24) | CMB +20 (23), CMD 33 (34) +3 vs Sunder, +4 vs Bull Rush & Trip| F +22 (26), R +12, W +9 (12) | Init +6 | Perc +17 (+2 stonework) & darkvision SM +0 | Speed 30' | Active Conditions: Lucky # 6; | Constant: Combat Reflexes, DR 2/-, Imp. Uncanny Dodge
Yuri clicks his boots for a bit of extra speed and then flies into a rage, quickly air-climbing up to engage the one mantis he can see (If I've understood the thread correctly, only Green has been revealed by Invis Purge? If Yuri can see the one attacking Bombshell, and can reach with a single hasted move, he'll move to attack that one instead)
Free action: haste from boots of speed (4/10) Free action: rage (6/32) Move action to close with Green, unless he can see (and reach) Purple. Hasted, Yuri has 60' of movement, but he has to climb up using Air Walk, so I'm not quite sure where that gets him (and I'm also not quite sure where Green is after the Gull's pull maneuver). Note that because of his reach weapon, Yuri only needs to reach a spot within 10' of his target. GM, I'll leave Yuri's token where it started for now and either you can move it or I'll move it once it's clear what my options are, ok? Standard action to single attack
+5 adamantine furious dorn-dergar, inspire, PA, Dazing Assault, haste:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24+1 vs known slavers Well, that probably does nothing! dmg:1d10 + 30 ⇒ (6) + 30 = 36+4 if they possess spells or SLA; +1 if they are known slavers If that somehow hit, DC 23 Fort save or dazed for 1 round
Although Yuri (probably) missed the assassin, that does not stop him from jeering at them: "Come and get me, ya silly Red pajamaheads!"
Up to 4 AoO, CAGM gives them +4 to hit and dmg, dorn-dergar at 10' reach:
+5 adamantine furious dorn-dergar, inspire, PA, Dazing Assault, haste:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 20 = 31+1 vs known slavers dmg:1d10 + 30 ⇒ (2) + 30 = 32+4 if they possess spells or SLA; +1 if they are known slavers If that hit, DC 23 Fort save or dazed for 1 round
+5 adamantine furious dorn-dergar, inspire, PA, Dazing Assault, haste:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25+1 vs known slavers dmg:1d10 + 30 ⇒ (10) + 30 = 40+4 if they possess spells or SLA; +1 if they are known slavers If that hit, DC 23 Fort save or dazed for 1 round
+5 adamantine furious dorn-dergar, inspire, PA, Dazing Assault, haste:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23+1 vs known slavers dmg:1d10 + 30 ⇒ (6) + 30 = 36+4 if they possess spells or SLA; +1 if they are known slavers If that hit, DC 23 Fort save or dazed for 1 round
+5 adamantine furious dorn-dergar, inspire, PA, Dazing Assault, haste:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25+1 vs known slavers dmg:1d10 + 30 ⇒ (10) + 30 = 40+4 if they possess spells or SLA; +1 if they are known slavers If that hit, DC 23 Fort save or dazed for 1 round
Up to 4 AoO, CAGM gives them +4 to hit and dmg, boulder helmet at 5' reach:
+5 horacalcum furious boulder helmet, inspire, PA, Dazing Assault, haste:1d20 + 21 ⇒ (10) + 21 = 31+1 vs known slavers dmg:1d4 + 23 ⇒ (2) + 23 = 25+4 if they possess spells or SLA; +1 if they are known slavers If that hit, DC 23 Fort save or dazed for 1 round
+5 horacalcum furious boulder helmet, inspire, PA, Dazing Assault, haste:1d20 + 21 ⇒ (3) + 21 = 24+1 vs known slavers dmg:1d4 + 23 ⇒ (1) + 23 = 24+4 if they possess spells or SLA; +1 if they are known slavers If that hit, DC 23 Fort save or dazed for 1 round
+5 horacalcum furious boulder helmet, inspire, PA, Dazing Assault, haste:1d20 + 21 ⇒ (17) + 21 = 38+1 vs known slavers dmg:1d4 + 23 ⇒ (2) + 23 = 25+4 if they possess spells or SLA; +1 if they are known slavers If that hit, DC 23 Fort save or dazed for 1 round
+5 horacalcum furious boulder helmet, inspire, PA, Dazing Assault, haste:1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29+1 vs known slavers dmg:1d4 + 23 ⇒ (3) + 23 = 26+4 if they possess spells or SLA; +1 if they are known slavers If that hit, DC 23 Fort save or dazed for 1 round
Yuri's current AC is 30 (32 if within 10' of the Gull), and +4 higher vs critical confirmation rolls. Foes get +4 to hit and dmg against him.
Running up an invisible staircase, Yuri manages to reach out and touch the assassin still threatening Bombshell! Caught by surprise, the sawtooth sabres dip slightly as the flying foe touches the floor.
Fort Save:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Edit: Miss Chance, Over 20:1d100 ⇒ 97
The sound of metal on stone sounds out, muffled through the 3 inch wall now blocking the entrance.
Eylysia rises, speaking arcane words and gesturing to the assassin that remains aloft. The mantis mask jerks in her direction, but nothing obvious appears to have happened.
Male Half Elf -Paladin 13 AC32/T11(18) /F31/CMD28| Hp 121/121 | Fort:+21;Ref:+16;Will+18(25) |Percept.+10 | Init.+3. { } ( +2 keen div bond 1/3 used, smite for 2/6 used. Hands 6d6 6/15 used) { eaglesoul 10hrs— } Spectral Wolf {AC24 100/100 hp}
If Omrax didn't detect these guys with his detect evil, and all he can see currently is green and blue...can he target invisible squares from their aura?
Omrax gasps at the sight of Bombshell's blood departing her at high flow rate.
Fear not, I will stop the bleeding, but you must take care.
If Omrax didn't detect these guys with his detect evil, and all he can see currently is green and blue...can he target invisible squares from their aura?
*pssst* You know they are Red Mantis Assassins. :P Also, no one is invisible now. Damn Mass Invisibility clauses.
Omrax takes the battle to the assassin, slashing the figure multiple times, save for a minor misstep that sends his blade glancing off of the mask.
As Bombshell's blood continues to flow, it glows bright in the red light of the temple, running across the floor to join the rivers coursing through the temples channels.
Rokgurn draws his wand to cure Bombshell before she continues to bleed out even more all over the floor. He then glides right over bombshell's head and taunts the pathetic excuse for a ninja and flips him the bird.
"You really are laughable. I know children that are more of a threat then you pathetic 'assassins'."
CLW:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Bombshell/Crazy takes Bleed damage at the beginning of his turn, not the beginning of the round. His damage taken should now be 15 including the heal.
"Laugh it up chuckles you are going to be paste in a moment and you know it. Your Mantis god is probably going to feed you to Mantes larvae in the afterlife."
Cognatogen, Freedom of Mvmt, Barkskin, Absorb Toxicity, See Invisibility, Stoneskin CL15, Heroism CL5, Shield, Ill of Calm, Red Person 12min, EH avail, Re-roll avail
Conditions:
GM:
is it a creature? An effect?
skill?:1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 2 = 14 Possible skill mods to add to above roll:
Spellcraft+23,
Kn (Local) +24,
Kn (Arcana) +23,
Kn (Dungeoneering & Nature) +12
Kn (History)+10
Kn (Religion, Planes, Engineering, Geography) +9
You have no idea and it is terrifying. (Out of character, it is flavor text for the temples hazards. Each eye is even with the rows of pillars, to give you scale.)
Cognatogen, Freedom of Mvmt, Barkskin, Absorb Toxicity, See Invisibility, Stoneskin CL15, Heroism CL5, Shield, Ill of Calm, Red Person 12min, EH avail, Re-roll avail
Conditions:
Bombshell takes a 5' step and uncorks a full round of attacks, one frost on the green assassin before unleashing fire on blue. He carefully watches to see if they seem to be resisting the damage, and he'll switch to force bombs if they are.
Illusion of Calm still up, so no provoking AoO with range attacks. If she misses, splash weapon mastery to shift miss by one square either direction to try and spare compatriots (i.e. increase or decrease d8 by 1 for location of miss).
If Blue drops, switch to green.
FROST Touch att GREEN:1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 16
. for Cold dmg:6d6 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (2, 6, 5, 2, 1, 5) + 10 + 1 = 32 DC 26 FORT or Staggered 1 round
16 splash cold dmg, DC 26 REF for half, if something should go amiss.
