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

Game Master J. A. Chapman

ZAn' Kul pops back into existence just in time to see the phoenix implode.

"Adadar take that Master of Scrolls..."

after making sure everyone is accounted for,"[/b] what's next?"[/b]

Posting based on discussion on Slack, where you will try to Repair with each feather and, if it fails, Empower to pass it on. After 1 success, you will go straight to Empower. Using Lazlo's roll from earlier.

Lalzo tries to harness the magic within one of the Hao Jin Phoenix feathers. The magic is complex, and he knows with more study and more time he could do this but... there are still many phoenixes in sky. He makes a quick guess, and instead of redirecting the latent magic to repair the tapestry the feather begins unraveling. He arrests its decay, but shakes his head.

A runner from the nearby repair team takes the feather from the arcanist. "Perhaps there's another wizard that can solve this. I heard Nym the Enchanter is in the tapestry. He has a mighty mind. I'll find someone."

With one more feather, Lazlo tries again.
Knowledge Arcana (bot for Lazlo): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (19) + 20 = 39

Having learned his lessons from before, he slows down his work. Sometimes you have to go slow to go fast. With a subtle push of arcane magic he connects the power of the feather within the Hao Jin Tapestry, and it begins to repair!

Smiling at the success, he looks up. The phoenix guardians loom...

ROUND 1
Riegel: Move + CSW
Ka'atib: Go
Ulysses: Legacy Weapon
Zan'Kul: Go
Katya: Go
Lazlo: Go

ROUND 2
Riegel: Go
Ka'atib: Go
Ulysses: Resist Energy
Zan'Kul: Go
Katya: Go
Lazlo: Go

ROUND 1
Katya moves as far away as she can within the confines of some kind of arbitrary invisible wall.

ROUND 2
Katya digs deep and begins to create a swirling torrent of blood.
Gather energy (full round)

Rigel looks about in the sky, seeking a bird close by, while reloading Discordia with a round that drops a few snowflakes as he passes it from bandolier to chamber.

Looking about at some of his other, charred friends, he calls out anyone able to invoke some more healing before the next bird?

Ulysess invokes the Aid Token for healing:

Aid Token: 5d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 6, 2, 2) = 13

If we get a boost, add:

Aid Token Boost: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11

Katya rolls to boost the aid token.

attack: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25

Rigel's boost attempt
BOOOOST: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36

Within moments, another Hao Jin phoenix descends from the southeast. It releases a loud, musical trilling sound as its way of challenging you all!

ROUND 3
Riegel: Go
Ka'atib: Go
Phoenix: TBD
Ulysses: TBD
Zan'Kul: TBD
Katya: TBD
Lazlo: TBD

Ka'atib continues his bardic oration, he can do this all day.

If someone is still injured, he'll cast CSW. If not, he'll cast Haste

ROUND 1

CURRENT CONDITIONS:
Haste (+1/-)
Inspire (+3/+3)
Heroism (+2/-)
Bane weapon, net +3/+3+2d6

If Ka'atib casts haste, fine. If he does not, Riegel will activate his boots as a free action--so no matter what, I'm hastened.

The gunslinger moves away from Ulysses, trying to keep mass targetting for this beastie difficult, and he takes a shot.

Spend 1 grit for Up Close & Deadly. Using bullet of frost.

attack vs touch: 1d20 + 17 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 17 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 3 = 27 <--USING REROLL!!
damage: 1d8 + 16 + 3 + 3 + 2d6 + 3d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 16 + 3 + 3 + (3, 5) + (2, 1, 2) + (4) = 45 <--4 is cold damage

attack vs touch, re-roll + 1 star: 1d20 + 17 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 17 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 1 = 40

Ka'atib heals Lazlo for 28 damage via CSW.

"Courage, my little friend. Let me sing you a tale of Crustaceous III, who, burned and beaten, overcame insurmountable odds to defeat the horned dragon of Clamato..."

"I wet my little pants. I'm Lazlo."

Ka'atib has an odd exchange with a pantsless halfling, applying some, ahem, healing to the injured arcanist.

Riegel makes space from Ulysses, then fires a bullet with a frost casing. It seems more potent than a usual bullet. But the phoenix is tough.

In response, the Hao Jin Phoenix invokes a powerful fire storm that engulfs the area where all except Katya is. She is spared because the flames only reach 10ft up. Specifically, 300ft worth of squares are filled with fire, so... yeah, pretty much all of you. I probably could have gone vertical too, but.. well, you get the idea.
Fire Storm (DC 22 Reflex for Half): 15d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 2, 6, 6, 4, 2, 1, 6, 2, 3, 1, 6, 4, 6) = 57

Then, with a trilling song it magically erects a wall of fire atop Zan'Kul, Ka'atib, and Lazlo!
Fire Damage: 2d6 + 15 ⇒ (6, 2) + 15 = 23

Finally, it swoops down to within easy reach of the gunslinger... and a shroud of flame bursts forth!
Shroud of Flame (DC 24 Reflex negates): 4d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 2, 1) = 11

ROUND 3
Riegel: Frost Bullet
Ka'atib: CSW
Phoenix: FIRE
Ulysses: Go + Reflex save
Zan'Kul: Go + Reflex save
Katya: Go
Lazlo: Go + Reflex save

ROUND 4
Riegel: Go + Reflex save
Ka'atib: Go + Reflex save

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

DC 22 Refl save: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 32 I'll take it, esp. with the wall of fire.

Lazlo takes a five foot step, grabs both Zan'Kul and Ka'atib by the shin, and dimension doors them out of the wall and closer to the phoenix. locations on the map.

As a move action, Ulysses will draw a Dweomer's Essence from his Handy Haversack, using it to help overcome SR for the spell he's about to cast.

As a standard action, he'll cast Possession, targeting the phoenix.

Check to overcome SR: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 2 + 5 = 20

If successful, the phoenix will need to make a DC 20 Will save.

Ulysses will go ahead and use the re-roll that the GM so kindly provided him with again (assuming I'll get the +5 star re-roll).

Check to overcome SR: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 2 + 5 + 5 = 32

Ulysses calls out,

I'm trying to possess the creature...if this works, protect my body!

Isn't Ka'atib invisible?

ref: 1d20 + 16 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 16 + 2 + 1 = 26

Rigel dodges around, and with the help of Ulysses' magic only suffers minor singes in the Firestorm. He completely ignores the bird's wreath of flames, throwing the Occultist a wink of thanks.

Will save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Ulysses manages to pierce the magical veil that protects the Hao Jin Phoenix, invading its body and taking control!

Lazlo takes Ka'atib and Zan'Kul out of the wall of fire.

ROUND 3
Riegel: Frost Bullet
Ka'atib: CSW
Phoenix: FIRE
Ulysses: Possession
Zan'Kul: Go + Reflex save
Katya: Go
Lazlo: DimDoor

ROUND 4
Riegel: Go
Ka'atib: Go + Reflex save

REF: 1d20 + 15 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 15 + 3 = 26

Ka'atib silently promises to write a bad a$$ oration about this whole shindig.

I'll post now--but if folks want to do stuff before me, go ahead...I figure saving spells might allow us another battle?

Ulysses manages to pierce the magical veil that protects the Hao Jin Phoenix, invading its body and taking control!

Riegel sees the abrupt change in the bird's demeanor, and throws another glance at Ulysses. He shakes his head in wonder. Remind me not to piss you off, Willstealer!

He then steps back--just in case the bird wrests back control of itself--and fires off 4 shots.

spend 1 grit on first shot for UC&D
1 vs touch: 1d20 + 14 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 22
damage, frost bullet: 1d8 + 16 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 + 1d6 + 3d6 ⇒ (7) + 16 + 3 + 2 + (4, 6) + (3) + (5, 1, 6) = 53

2 vs touch: 1d20 + 14 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 14 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 35
damage, frost bullet: 1d8 + 16 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 16 + 3 + 2 + (4, 6) + (5) = 39

3 vs touch: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 32
damage, frost bullet: 1d8 + 16 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 16 + 3 + 2 + (1, 5) + (5) = 33

Haste vs touch: 1d20 + 14 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 14 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 27
damage, frost bullet: 1d8 + 16 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 16 + 3 + 2 + (4, 4) + (4) = 36

Per Slack, the group plans to keep the phoenix under possession

Riegel levels his gun and is surprised when the phoenix speaks directly at him.
"Riegel! Don't shoot! It's Ulysses. I've taken temporary ownership. Good for a few hours even. Let's see if we can attract another phoenix. Get some bird on bird action."

Still, many Hao Jin phoenixes remain in the sky. One sees your group and begins circling...

Two rounds to buff, heal, whatever. Ka'atib knows that Haste is about to run out

ROUND 1
Katya: Go
Ka'atib: Go
Riegel: Go
Ulysses: Go
Lazlo: Go
Zan'Kul: Go

ROUND 2
Katya: Go
Ka'atib: Go
Riegel: Go
Ulysses: Go
Lazlo: Go
Zan'Kul: Go

A burst of healing envelops the group.

channel: 5d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 1, 4, 3) = 12

ROUND 1
Katya holds her position.

ROUND 2
Full round gather energy.

Cure Moderate on self CMW: 2d8 + 11 ⇒ (7, 6) + 11 = 24.

Haste.

round 1: take cure mod potion healing: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (8, 2) + 2 = 12
round 2: fly up 30ft a prep for charge

reflex: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 33

Katya gets ready to do her worst.

Ka'atib works to address his wounds, and then hastens those within thirty feet of him.

Zan'Kul drinks a potion to close his wounds, and then takes to the air. Assuming moving at 45 degrees upward so as not to require a Fly check

ROUND 1
Katya: HOLD
Ka'atib: CMW
Riegel: Go
Ulysses: Go
Lazlo: Go
Zan'Kul: CMW

ROUND 2
Katya: Gather
Ka'atib: Haste
Riegel: Go
Ulysses: Go
Lazlo: Go
Zan'Kul: Move

Lazlo round 1: cast fly, move over to Riegel Ka'atib
Lazlo round 2: cast fly on Riegel Ka'atib, fly into the air. 25 up from current location.

Lazlo gives the gift of flight to the ever-burnt Ka'atib, then grants it to himself before taking flight into the air Made Fly check in Slack for you

ROUND 1
Katya: HOLD
Ka'atib: CMW
Riegel: Go
Ulysses: Go
Lazlo: Fly on Ka'atib
Zan'Kul: CMW

ROUND 2
Katya: Gather
Ka'atib: Haste
Riegel: Go
Ulysses: Go
Lazlo: Fly
Zan'Kul: Move

Riegel has no prep to make, other than gun out & eyes peeled.

how far do these birdies reach, anyway??

Round 1: In control of the phoenix, Ulysses will fly to his inert body, and scoop himself up in the phoenix's claws.

Round 2: Ulysses will fly to behind those rocks in the southern part of the map, and (gently) drop his body behind them. If that's a move action and then a free action to drop, he'll ready to charge the next phoenix once it gets within range.

Deciding to swoop down into the center of the battlefield, a powerful phoenix approaches. It blazes with the fire of the sun, challenging the group.
"Slavers! You will pay for what you've done!"
The new phoenix is 50ft up from the ground, well within the half charge of the possessed phoenix

ROUND 3
Ulysses: Go (Readied Action)
Katya: Go
Ka'atib: Go
Hao Jin Phoenix: TBD
Riegel: TBD
Lazlo: TBD
Zan'Kul: TBD

Ulysses charges the new phoenix, and tries to bite it.

If the Heroism on Ulysses transfers the bonus to the phoenix, add another +2 to the following attack:

Phoenix Charge Bite: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (3) + 24 = 27

If it hits,

Damage: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (2, 2) + 7 = 11

Katya summons just a little more energy move action gather and then pops off a flood o' blood.

Empowered Blood Blast: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (3) + 22 = 25
damage?: 10d6 + 25 ⇒ (1, 4, 2, 4, 6, 6, 5, 5, 3, 2) + 25 = 63

I'm using the 'failed d20 roll' boon.

Empowered Blood Blast: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (8) + 22 = 30
damage?: 10d6 + 25 ⇒ (4, 4, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 1, 6, 2) + 25 = 66

99 damage if a 30 hits.

The possessed phoenix flies up towards its kin, biting powerfully! The tussle between the two avian creatures is frightening to behold, with non-magical feathers floating to the ground. But the bite lacks the power to make it bleed.

Katya follows it up with a powerful blast. Her adeptness with blood does make it bleed.

ROUND 3
Ulysses: Bite
Katya: Blast
Ka'atib: Go
Hao Jin Phoenix: TBD
Riegel: TBD
Lazlo: TBD
Zan'Kul: TBD

Per Slack, botting Ka'atib with a Glitterdust

The bard rattles off a musical incantation, causing an explosion of glitter on the head of the invading phoenix!
Will save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Although it won't by hiding anytime soon, the otherplanar creature knows to close its eyes at just the right moment.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (11) + 23 = 34
Suspecting that something is wrong, it eyes its brethren but senses no enchantment magic upon its kin. Unfortunately, it lacks the magical know-how (Knowledge Arcana, DC 25) to identify the necromantic magic that's in place.

So it fights its traitorous kin.
Bite: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (14) + 22 = 36
Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (1, 1) + 7 = 9
Talon: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (9) + 22 = 31
Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (3, 6) + 7 = 16
Talon: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (7) + 22 = 29
Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (6, 5) + 7 = 18

It barely does any harm though.

ROUND 3
Ulysses: Bite
Katya: Blast
Ka'atib: Go
Hao Jin Phoenix: Bite/Claw/Claw
Riegel: Go
Lazlo: Go
Zan'Kul: Go

ROUND 3
Ulysses: Go
Katya: Go
Ka'atib: Go

Katya pulls an improbable amount of water from the surrounding air and fires it at the Big Bird.

sploosh: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (3) + 22 = 25
spleesh: 5d6 + 20 ⇒ (4, 1, 2, 3, 2) + 20 = 32

A piece of the gunslinger's mind appreciates the awful beauty of the drama directly above his head. The rest of it, though, is purely on business. Hastened by his boots, he does his thing.

Jeff, I'll do the CDG on the possessed bird...

spend 1 grit for UC&D
1: 1d20 + 14 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 14 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 36
1d8 + 16 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 + 3d6 ⇒ (8) + 16 + 3 + 2 + (3, 1) + (6, 3, 4) = 46

2: 1d20 + 14 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 14 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 27
1d8 + 16 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 16 + 3 + 2 + (5, 2) = 34

3: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 26
1d8 + 16 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 16 + 3 + 2 + (3, 4) = 31

Haste: 1d20 + 14 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 14 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 38
1d8 + 16 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (8) + 16 + 3 + 2 + (2, 2) = 33

CDG damage: 4d8 + 64 + 12 + 8 + 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 3, 1) + 64 + 12 + 8 + (6, 5) = 108

Botting for Ulysses S Bird:

bite: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (4) + 22 = 26
bite damage: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (8, 5) + 7 = 20
talon: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (13) + 22 = 35
talon damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (1, 5) + 7 = 13
talon: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (4) + 22 = 26
talon damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 1) + 7 = 10

+3/+3 for bard song

Zan'Kul or Zanny Koolnutz charges the bird

charge!: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (6) + 22 = 28
damage?: 1d8 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21

will: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 2 = 20

Lazlo draws a wand of acid arrow from his wrist sheath, and lets a charge fly at the non-possessed phoenix.

ranged touch: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 5 - 4 = 11
acid: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5

Zanny's bravery earns him reprisal as a claw aims to disembowel him...
Attack: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (6) + 22 = 28

It BARELY misses.

Ka'atib drops some verses and some glitterdust. WILL SAVE PLEASE.

Riegel shreds the phoenix with REGULAR bullets.
Zanny smashes the phoenix with his shield.
Lazlo's magical arrow flies wide.
Ulysses, in bird form, manages to cut the phoenix.
Katya's blast flies wide.
Ka'atib watches, helpless except via his oration. EDIT: GLITTERDUST

And the phoenix strikes out. It starts with Zan'Kul. First, a shroud of flame engulfs the warrior.

Shroud of Flame (DC 24 Reflex negates): 4d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 1, 2) = 5

Then it attacks
Claw 1: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (7) + 22 = 29
Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (1, 5) + 7 = 13 and Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Plus DC 23 Will save or be Banished. If banished, the other attacks are on the possessed phoenix

Claw 2: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (11) + 22 = 33
Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (5, 5) + 7 = 17 and Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Bite: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (9) + 22 = 31
Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (3, 2) + 7 = 12 and Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Having done what it can, the Pathfinders are up. What will they do?

Will save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Uhm... Ok, miss chances on all that.
Miss?: 1d100 ⇒ 29
Miss?: 1d100 ⇒ 36
Miss?: 1d100 ⇒ 42

Nevermind. All attacks miss!

Katya powers her blast with pure impotent rage.

>:(: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (20) + 22 = 42
>:D: 5d6 + 20 ⇒ (1, 2, 6, 1, 3) + 20 = 33

Crit confirmation roll

:D: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (20) + 22 = 42
8D: 5d6 + 20 ⇒ (3, 3, 1, 6, 2) + 20 = 35

102 damage.

**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.