[Gameday VIII] GM Brew: The Hao Jin Cataclysm (Inactive)

Game Master Wicked Brew

by my count rook needs another 7, Yelek 23, and then we’re healed up

cure light wounds, rook: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
cure light wounds, yelek: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
cure light wounds, yelek: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
cure light wounds, yelek: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

"Thissss one thankssss you" Yelek hisses at Arin, no expression discernible in his tone

You folks can also use the aid token just passed to us to save on reusables. Description on slide four.

The party heals themselves before jumping back into the fray. The once again are hulred into the tapesrty, re-materializing in the swamp of the Muckmouth tribe. Not far from their location, a lone figure stands, covered head to foot in decaying bandages. The very air around the thing seems to unravel and coalesce in an odd cycle. It lest out an unearthly moan and spies the party, its eyes pure malice.

***ROUND1***

Yelek
Arin
Pai
-----
mummy
-----
Mhazruk
Haro
Danicka
Prickles

Party up! Bold may act.

At sub-tier 3-4, the 1d6 healed won't save much of my daily abilities. I'd vote boost it and pass it on.

Arin wades out of the crowd that his group forms to get a clear look at the mummy, and within range.

[move] 15'

His eyes glow bright white as he releases a positive energy burst. His hair seems to flutter as if a sudden wind was passing through it as the burst releases. The effects stop an instant later.

[standard] channel positive energy (harm undead)

Positive energy damage, DC17 Will half: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9

Yelek drinks another potion of enlarge person and prerpares to fight...

Will wait for Pai to resolve.

Paizo was down the times she tried over the last day. She'll post in a short while.

Sorry about that, folks. Thanks for waiting.

"Okay okay okay. Here we go. Just one. No big deal, right? Right? Sure!" Pai's nervous chatter trips over her lips like a babbling brook as she takes aim and blasts the creepy undead monster with elemental power.

Electric blast vs. Touch AC: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 182d6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5, 1) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 11
Includes Point Blank Shot and Elemental Overflow

**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.

Eyes wider than saucers, Pai is unusually serious and still as she bluntly states: "Well, that's not good." After a moment of doing her best statue impression, she bolts into action. (Whatever that may be.)

As the phoenix lays waste to their invading foes, Arin remarks We should have called on them in the first place!

Then when they turn on the Pathfinders too, and at hearing Zey's seemingly rash commands, he frantically reacts.

Destroy them?! How can we so readily trade these lives for a solution to our problem?! The normally very calm gnome seems a hint flustered at this turn of events.

The mummy suddenly shimmers with strange energy then is sucked into a nearby rift that forms in the tapestry.

The agents' world is once again a blur as they are called forth by Arim Zay. Before they can exit the tapestry, the demiplane is once again shaken by the battle between the ruby phoenixes and the astral invading force.

The Pathfinders find themselves under assault as a monstrous flaming bird spring forth about the tapestry!

It's on! Everyone may take 2 rounds of non combat actions before combat starts. Ruby is fist in the round, so post you actions then combat begins next post.

*** ROUND 1 ***

RUBY PHONEIX
-----
Mhazruk*
Yelek
Arin
Danicka
Prickles
HAro
Pai

Did you mean 2 rounds of non-attack actions (or actions that wouldn't target the phoenix)? If so...

Round 1: Cast Bless on the party, +1 morale on attack rolls and fear saves, duration: 4m/40 rounds.

Round 2: TBD - who is down hit points, or would like a guidance (+1 next roll), magic weapon (+1 weapon for 4m), resistance (+1 saves for 1m), or shield of faith (+2 deflection AC for 4m)? I'll give a while for folks to speak up, otherwise fall back to shield of faith on self.

Can Yelek save his potion of enlarge person? The combat did not even start. If so Yelek drinks the potion and casts Long Arm

Prickles stands ready to protect Danicka!

"Eeek! Oh, dear! I don't like this plan..."

Danicka holds her broom steady and focuses, throwing up a defensive shield to protect her from the pheonix flames (Using her Energy Shield exploiter exploit to gain fire resistance 10 for 1 minute). Then she pulls out and uses a scroll of shield on herself.

Upon seeing the mummy fall into the rift, Pai laughs: "Haha! Well, that was easy--wait! What?! What in the actual heck is going on here?!" She exclaims in exasperation as the phoenixes turn on the Pathfinders. "I don't even--Arrrgh! Whatever. Let's fight phoenixes, I guess." That thing is even bigger than the ogres!

As she sidles off to the right of the group and steps closer to make sure she has a clear shot at the thing, a thought occurs to her. "Hey guys! Maybe spread out a bit, so it can't hit a bunch of us a the same time." In an overabundance of caution, she double checks that her Enveloping Winds is active. Yeah, okay. Okayokayokay. I'm good. I'mgoodI'mgoodI'mgood. As good as I'll ever be. Oh wait! She fishes around in her pack, hands trembling with the adrenaline rush preceding the battle to come, drawing out her potion of Protection from Chaos and chugging it down. Reflexively, she stows the empty bottle back in her pack.

Round 1: double move. Round 2: draw & drink potion

Will give Rook a bit more time to post for non combat 2 round prep actions.

I'm not seeing any takers on the offer of healing or a support spell. I'll give it until Rook's actions are in and then fall back to Shield of Faith on self.

I'm going to step in here for a moment and get you moving on this combat while we wait for your GM.

1d3 ⇒ 2

The phoenix flies forward, the heat from its body palpable across the battlefield. Landing with a screech, it lashes out at Yelek, slamming the nagaji with a fiery wing!

Slam vs. Yelek: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Bludgeoning: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 5) + 4 = 13 plus Fire: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3
I also need a Reflex save and a Will save, please.

---------

*** ROUND 1 ***

RUBY PHONEIX
-----
Mhazruk*
Yelek
Arin
Danicka
Prickles
HAro
Pai

Whole party may act.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

If possible the towering Nagaji rages and lashes at the overgrown flaming chicken...

Attack roll: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19 → Damage roll: 3d8 + 8 ⇒ (7, 2, 3) + 8 = 20

Yelek steps on the side, rages and uses his increased range (longarm and enlarge person) to attack the phoenix. Yelek:-16hp

Yelek gets hit, but just manages to avoid catching on fire. As the phoenix struck him, the bloodrager felt something tugging at his very existence on this plane, but his the power of his welling anger kept him anchored firmly in place. Passed both saves (just barely), so no other effects to worry about.

His response is swift and furious, but fiery bird is able to deflect the blow. 19 misses, I'm afraid.

During preparation Rook downs another extract as his muscles begin to swell inside his duster making him look like a big orc in a tiny coat.

Preparation Round 2: Bull's Strength.

Frost Bomb: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 1 = 12 Back Left Phoenix Square.
Frost Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 4) + 7 = 13
Miss Square: 1d8 ⇒ 7 Back Right Phoenix Square. 9 Splash Frost Damage, DC 17 Reflex to half.

Seeing her companions get burnt by the phoenix, Danicka pulls out a wand and waves it, sending a magic missile at the pheonix.

Force Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Prickles snarls.

He's on defend. If anyone attempts to attack Danicka, (that Prickles can reach), he uses an attack of opportunity to attempt to increase their AC with his bodyguard ability. He can do this up to four times this round. Rolls are in a spoiler below in case they are needed.

Rook tosses a bomb at the flaming avian. The half orc's aim is off and only a small amount of the frosty payload reaches the nimble bird.

Danicka snaps off a arcane missile that explodes against the magical creature's feathers.

Haro runs to the east of the large bird, giving the creature a wide birth. He is off in a whir.

Pai and Arin up.

*** ROUND 1 ***

RUBY PHONEIX
-----
Mhazruk*
Yelek
Arin
Danicka
Prickles
Haro
Pai

"Whoa! Iiiit's closerr! Uhhhhh...." Pai babbles as she sidles away from the phoenix a bit so she can feel a little bit safer. That thing is HUUUUUGE! One hand on a projecting rock formation for moral support, she raises her other hand and lets loose a blast of energy at the enormous flaming birdie.

Electric blast vs. Touch AC: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 282d6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2, 5) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 12
Includes Point Blank Shot and Elemental Overflow

Don't forget bless in your rolls :) Would that have changed Yelek's result?

I don't suppose such a powerful creature can be shaken, but perhaps...

[standard] Cast Doom on Phoenix

Arin summons divine inner power to try and slow the creature's assault. The phoenix seems to shudder as Arin's magic takes root.

Pai shoots lightning at the bird, singing its already singed feathers.

The phoenix continues its attack. It turns its head toward Rook, seeming to sense something of his inner nature. Whatever it is, it infuriates the magical creature and it attacks the half orc. It clobbers rook with a wing and he feels the heat as the flames of the bird wash over the alchemist. Also note, though I did not post it last time, throwing a bomb from Rook's position will provoke an AOO, just FYI.

*** ROUND 2 ***

RUBY PHONEIX shaken
-----
Mhazruk* (-14)
Yelek
Arin
Danicka
Prickles
Haro
Pai

party up!

"Okay. Okayokayokay. That worked. For me. I'm fine. Poor Rook! But it didn't attack me, so I'm fine. Okay. Okayokayokay. I got this..." Adrenaline-fueled nervous prattling escapes Pai's lips without her knowledge as she summons elemental electricity to attack the phoenix again.

Electric blast vs. Touch AC: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 302d6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5, 6) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 16
Includes Point Blank Shot, Elemental Overflow, and Bless

Yelek keeps attacking...

Attack roll: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 1 = 28 → Damage roll: 3d8 + 10 ⇒ (3, 3, 7) + 10 = 23

"Hot! Alright...alright...be careful around the giant chicken." Rook says jumping back and downing a different potion.

CSW: 3d8 + 1 ⇒ (3, 5, 6) + 1 = 15

Probably a good time to start using any benefits remaining.

Not sure if there is a Knowledge check but if there is I will use Tales from The Tapestry to give my a 20 on my roll.

The little gnome's familiar, haunting Abyssal speech booms out over the battlefield.

Light starts to emanate from his body in sharp rays, first from his eyes and then random spots on his body as if it is trying to escape and might explode from him soon. For a brief moment he glows too brightly to look directly at. When the light subsides the little gnome is replaced by a vaguely humanoid, golden-white fire elemental.

[standard] Energy body (1 round, 3/4 left)

He (it?) then moves in an arc, passing through Mhazruk, who feels a warm, healing sensation.

[move] 15', passing through Rook
Energy body healing, Rook: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Haro continues to try and flank the rampaging bird, but she pauses, trying to find a way through its flailing talons and flaming wings.

Danicka up.

Danicka lets out a series of panicked shrieks -- over her friends getting burned, fiery explosions, and little Arin spontaneously combusting. She waves her wand in a panic, sending another magical bolt flying at the pheonix.

Force Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

If Prickles could roll his eyes at his whimpering pet, he would. But, being a dog, he can't. Instead he snarls at the big fiery food in the air, wondering how it tastes.

He's on defend. If anyone attempts to attack Danicka, (that Prickles can reach), he uses an attack of opportunity to attempt to increase their AC with his bodyguard ability. He can do this up to four times this round. Rolls are in a spoiler below in case they are needed.

Rook steps back and drinks a potion to heal his wounds.

Yelek presses his attack scoring a massive blow on the fiery feathered creature.

Arin, taken his strange curse, taps his inner power to heal Rook.

Danicka sends another Arcane missile into the bird.

Pai arcs another stream of electric kinetic energy at the thing. It singes the bird. Pai, what is your burn at? I think it is at least 3 at this point.

Haro gets in position.

The phoenix steps forward, pressing its attack on Rook! It strikes twice, striking the half orc twice. The birds fire singes Rook further. Rook goes down! Rook needs a stabilize check, is at -4 hp.

Yelek, you get an AOO on the phoenix as it chases after Rook.

*** ROUND 2 ***

RUBY PHOENIX
-----
Mhazruk* (down, -4, needs stabilization check)
Yelek
Arin
Danicka
Prickles
Haro
Pai

Party up! Bold may act.

AoO: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 1 = 29 → Damage roll: 3d8 + 10 ⇒ (1, 6, 3) + 10 = 20

Critical confirmation check: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 1 = 27 → Damage roll: 3d8 + 10 ⇒ (2, 6, 7) + 10 = 25

As the fiery creature chases Rook Yelek slashes again...

Then he follows up and keeps attacking...

AoO: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 1 = 11 → Damage roll: 3d8 + 10 ⇒ (6, 2, 4) + 10 = 22

Danicka lets out a shriek of panic and hurries over to Rook, healing more of his wounds.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Seeing the green one fall, Prickles spends a moment contemplating how tasty that brain bird will be...

He returns to snarling at the fire food flying in front of him.

He's on defend. If anyone attempts to attack Danicka, (that Prickles can reach), he uses an attack of opportunity to attempt to increase their AC with his bodyguard ability. He can do this up to four times this round. Rolls are in a spoiler below in case they are needed.

Yelek seizes the moment and lets his natural fervor for battle flow through him. He viciously attacks the bird as it dives to attack his fellow pathfinder. The bird's zeal leaves it vulnerable and Yelek seizes the moment. The nagaji buries his weapon into the creature's neck, severing its head.

The pieces of the bird fall and begin to burn brighter than before. The dead creature's corpse swirls in on itself, collapsing and explodes in one brilliant flame!

As the smoke drifts, the agents catch sight of one single ornate feather, slowly drifting in the air until it lands softly where the phoenix was just moments before.

Rook is at 2 hp and conscious. Out of Combat. Please refer to the map at this time.

@GM Brew: Pai has only 1 burn. She hasn't used any in battle, as she hasn't used any infusions. The 1 burn that she took was while intimidating some folks earlier in the module.

I vote we Empower the feather. Thoughts?

Pai explodes in adrenaline-fueled ecstasy as the phoenix is destroyed. "Whooo hoo! We did it! Yeah! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! We did it! That thing was huuuuge! Ohmygosh! Yelek! You're awesome! Ohmygosh! Rook! Arin! Can you heal him? And what the fudge are you? What the heck happened to you? Ohmygosh I'm babbling!" Suddenly her mouth clamps shut as she realizes that she's having a bad case of blabbering. Her body vibrates and twitches as she burns off the remains of the adrenaline that had flooded her system. All that thing had to do was sit on me and I'd be done!

I'm good with empowering. Arin has several healing abilities (including more rounds of energy body).

Arin stays as he is for several moments more, and settles the vapory form on rook long enough to heal his wounds further.

expending two more rounds of energy body

Energy body healing, Rook: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Energy body healing, Rook: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

15 more hit points back to Rook

He then moves off to the side, and the billowing form brightens until it lifts upward and seemingly dissipates, leaving the gnome behind.

He looks over at Pai, realizing she was asking about his form. Well, my curse comes with some interesting abilities. That one is to take on a form like an elemental, but the fires are healing to you, only burning to undead. It's nothing to be afraid of. I suppose I should have warned you.

He looks at the lone feather and shakes his head.

I hope that was the right thing to do.

Rook splutters as he awakes from his momentary blackout.

"Certainly not used to being attacked so relentlessly. Thank you everyone for getting me up but more importantly for getting rid of that thing. What now?" he asks sitting up and dusting himself off.

"Thisss one jussst did what had to be done" Yelek hisses in his usual emotionless tone.

I'm good with empowering the feather as well

Very well, expending my last round of energy body to empower it.

Arin holds the feather in his hand for a moment, reflecting on his healing essence as he passes it on to the object.

**OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT**

The colossal ruby phoenix grows more resplendent and terrifying with each restored feather that soars into the sky to meet it. The magnificent bird lets out a final screech as its shroud of flames intensifies, utterly consuming it. The phoenix is gone. As ruby ashes drift towards the tapestry, the invaders, seeing the tapestry’s last defense has failed, pour through, their entire force pushing through the largest rift in a massive final attack. The entire world shudders as the rift widens.

Aram Zey steps forward to rest under the falling ashes. “Pathfinders, you fought bravely and well, and your sacrifices were not in vain.” Aram Zey pauses, and his expression turns pensive. “But, the tapestry’s tale has not yet ended. There is clearly a force at work here that is greater than we realized,” he gestures out toward the invaders, “Furthermore, we have not permanently repaired the demiplane—we have only patched the worst of the damage and prevented irreversible catastrophe. I fear that…” Aram Zey’s voice trails off for a moment, “Yes, just as I thought.”

The ruby ashes begin to glow, faint as smoldering coals at first, and then intensifying, coalescing, and swirling in beautiful patterns as they lift Aram Zey into the air. “It seems the key to defending the tapestry is allowing its guardian to be reborn. I will do whatever I can to provide the arcane energy necessary to keep the tapestry stable. In the meantime, I hope the Society will search for a more permanent solution. I refuse to believe that the knowledge of the legendary Ruby Phoenix herself has been lost to us forever.” The ashes and Zey converge on a single point, a great ruby ember in the sky. There is a spark, and then the ember explodes. A wave of fire engulfs the tapestry as the Ruby Phoenix emerges from the explosion with a triumphant, piercing cry. Aram Zey floats within its heart, his body engulfed in ruby fire. The explosion’s flames reach the invaders first, turning them to ash and cinders. The flames wash over the tapestry’s defenders without harming them. The tapestry burns—but the fires replenish it, scouring the wasteland and restoring the tapestry’s original environments. The phoenix beats its wings, sending wave after wave of fire into the Astral rift and searing the portal shut. The phoenix soars in a great arc across the sky and flies off toward the sun.

Thank you everyone for playing, this concludes the adventure! Thanks especially to the GMs, ACG box runners, and intrepid backup GMs that made this event possible.

GMs, the house earned the Radiant Ruby Feathers boon.

The battle over, the gathered Pathfinders reflect upon a victory well earned.

That does it, great job everyone!