GM Sphen Rise of the Runelords: (Clever Subtitle)

Game Master Sphen86

kn. planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

It's a demon, most likely. But what kind would that be?

"So you're behind all this?" Whatever this is. "Whatever for? Are you simply enjoying the chaos?"

Sherman tries to sound reasonable, but in truth the demon worries him. Worries him a lot.

"Alain, please do not do anything hasty." he whispers to the just champion of Shelyn.

Tarphrex squeaks in fear and retreats to put himself behind Zenaida.

He doesn't know what the creature is, but he's having second, third, and fourth thoughts about climbing those stairs...

No planes knowledge in his scaly little head, sorry.

Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Craning his head to peer through the crowd ahead, the halfling furrows his brow. 'Never heard of anything that looks like this...'

Glancing towards shelynite, he frowns. 'Well...if there was a chance of avoiding a fight before...probably not now. I don't know of too many creatures that enjoy ultimatums.'

Fighting his instinct to draw the bow at his side, he simply calls out "Truly, our primary aim her is to gain information. Perhaps we could come to some agreement of sorts?"

(Updated the map with a pawn for the demon. It is flying, as a reminder. Also moved some of you forward. If you talked to it and/or made a K(Planes) check, you got moved to where you could see it. Tarphrex is now behind Zenaida.)

@Loth: It's not a "trap", but you think the base of the statue of the angle is so worn down that it could be tipped over with enough force.

The creature begins to answer, either to Alain's demands or Sherman's questions, but stops at Quinn's suggestion. "An agreement? I will hear your offer."

Mouth dropping open, the halfling looks to each companion in term before scratching his chin. "I...I hadn't really considered...I..." he stammers before clearing his throat. "Apologies, but I'm a lowly scribe. Not used to making such decisions. Allow me to collect my thoughts for a moment, please."

As image of eternal damnation flood through the little mans head, he takes a deep breth. "I don't recognize your species so I'm not quite sure what you would be interested in having. I do apologize for my ignorance. You know what we want. Information. My initial offer is therefore as follows..."

"Tell us everything you know about the active cult in town and I'll scribe your glorious tale." pausing to ensure the creature heard him, he adds "If there is a counter offer, I'm willing to hear it."

The demon sneers at the offer to "scribe her glorious tale". She responds haughtily, "I will tell you of everything about the active cult of Norgorber in Magnimar, if you agree to serve me in their place. Power and wealth are yours, if you agree." She pauses for a moment, eying Alain. "Or if enough of you agree, and dispose of those who would impede you. Fewer servents means a greater share, after all."

She awaits your response, floating near the statue's head.

Zenaida scoffs at the demon's offer. "I serve only Falayna, demon. I know full well what eventually happens to those who deal with fiends." Eternal torment in death for power and wealth in life? Only fools make that bargain. Fools, and necromancers who plan on becoming liches rather than accept Pharasma's judgment for their sins.

"We are more than happy to whittle down the number of your servants, but I'm afraid serving you is out of the question"

Yes, try to sound brave. Keep your voice from breaking.

"But we are interested in the cult of Norgober, yes. Would there be an agreement with more... suitable terms."

"Apologies, but I've already pledge to serve another. I cannot consider serving you until my previous agreement is completed." answers the halfling.

"Are you currently under a contract of your own?" he inquires. "We could potentially offer you a chance at freedom?"

'I fear this beasts nature won't allow for an amenable deal.' he considers with a sigh. "Alas, I don't need power and riches to be content in my life."

The demon answers, "Very well." The sound seems odd, however. And it takes you just a split second to realize why. Because the voice is now coming from right next to you, on the wall just above Quinn, to be precise. You whip your eyes in that direction to see another figure already stabbing down at Quinn. Large, the lower half of the body a snake, the upper unmistakenly female, with long, luxiorous black hair and faintly golden skin. A long spear gripped in her hands thrusts down...

Vital Strike and Power Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31
Damage: 2d8 + 8 + 12 ⇒ (8, 3) + 8 + 12 = 31 and Sneak Attack: 1d6 ⇒ 1

...piercing into Quinn for 32 points of damage.
AND
Will Save Sherman: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 = 18
Will Save Zenaida: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 = 13
Will Save Tarphrex: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 2 = 22
Will Save Alain: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 = 17
Will Save Loth: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 2 = 25
Will Save Quinn: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 = 6
...Zenaida and Quinn are seemingly overcome with despair at this battle starting out so poorly. How could you have let yourselves fall so such a set up?
Both take a -2 penalty to attacks, saves, skill checks, ability checks, and weapon damage rolls for 6 minutes. This is akin to crushing despair if you have anything to avoid enchantments, mind affects, emotions, or compulsions.
AND
Will Save Quinn: 1d20 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 2 - 2 = 15
Quinn is so upset that he is

FINALLY
To identify this creature...

INITIATIVE!
Alain Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Alain Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Loth Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Quinn Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Sherman Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Tarphrex Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Zenaida Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Enemy Initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

________________________

Loth, Tarphrex, and Zenaida all beat this creature in Initiative. But remember, it acted in the surprise round so it is NOT flat-footed.

__________

(Notes for anyone curious.
If you're wondering why there were no Perception checks; the stealth score of this creature with the invisiblity bonus was to high even if it had rolled a Nat 1 and you all had rolled Nat 20s.
Prot. Evil was added to AC and saves.
@Alain: I never properly noticed your War Sight ability and want to apologize to you for short changing you on that for so long.
Good Luck.)

Given that we all have protection from evil active (thanks Alain!), shouldn't we all be immune to enchantment (compulsion) effects that come from an evil source?

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Something at the back of Loth's mind is nagging him about this creature, but he draws a complete blank.

When Quinn gets hurt, Loth shouts his name and immediately rushes the new beast to try and get into a good position.

"Get your hands off him!"

Enchanted +1 Small Shortsword: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

I've moved my token to melee range, but if this connects, I'd like to use Positioning Attack to reposition myself to hopefully line up for flanks and sneak attacks

Tarphrex screams, ”No! Big mean snake lady no hide!”

His hands work through a series of gestures and a burst of golden particles appears, engulfing the snakewoman but missing the rogue.

Glitterdust. DC 16 or blinded. Extra sparkly regardless.

Given that we all have protection from evil active (thanks Alain!), shouldn't we all be immune to enchantment (compulsion) effects that come from an evil source?

Nah. Just a bonus to saves vs. that. Which I factored as the +2 in all your saves.

@Loth: Near as I can tell, you have the movement to Acrobatics into position. Presuming you'd like to do that...
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
.... it still stabs at you as you move, the long spear thrusting towards your face...
AoO: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
...which would have hit if not for prot. evil.

_____

A thing I forgot, was to mention the mirror images. I apologize, there was a lot going on with the initial attack. She has: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 images.
And Loth will hit on a roll of a ONE...
Iamges: 1d8 ⇒ 5
... the attack pops one of the mirrors.

____________

@Loth: If that information would change how you acted, please feel free to change your turn.

The entire area of the creature explodes in confetti...
Will Save: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 4 = 16
... the mask (see her artwork) shields her eyes from the small particles, but her stealth is no longer an option.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

A look of shock flashes across his face as the blood pours from his side. His arms begin for the wound before instinctively clamping over his mouth. "HRrrk"

"I...That's no...HRRrrk"

"It...Hrrr...shapechanger."

Gagging, he looks towards the stairs and up to the beast. In his best attempt to put some space between him and the enemy, he flattens himself to the wall and slowly crawls upward 5ft so his more combative friends can get better access.

5ft step with monkey fish up the wall

[dice=Knowledge (Local)]1d20+5

A look of shock flashes across his face as the blood pours from his side. His arms begin for the wound before instinctively clamping over his mouth. "HRrrk"

"I...That's no...HRRrrk"

"It...Hrrr...shapechanger."

Gagging, he looks towards the stairs and up to the beast. In his best attempt to put some space between him and the enemy, he flattens himself to the wall and slowly crawls upward 5ft so his more combative friends can get better access.

5ft step with monkey fish up the wall

It is not yet your turn. Zenaida needs to act, then the creature does. Then it will be you and you may want to reconsider. We'll see what happens.

Gods, how could she be so stupid? Zenaida should have insisted that they get reinforcements, Alain's weird prejudice against Iomedaeans be damned. Now they're all going to die at the hands of an enormous demon, and for what?

A flash of memory. "Never let the enemy see your fear, girl." Chaplain Tira, during one of her last lessons before judging Zenaida ready to strike out on her own. "There will come a time when the fight looks hopeless. When you're outmatched with no way out and people looking to you for leadership. In those moments, you hold your head high and put your trust in Falayna. And if you die, you die fighting, so that others may live. That's what it means to serve Heaven."

Right. She can do this. Head up, shoulders back, shield and sword at the ready. Zenaida runs a hand down her blade, calling upon Falayna's power. The sword begins to glow with a steady golden light. "Pick on someone who can hit back, demon b%*~%!"

Using Holy Strike blessing as a standard action. If she's less than 20 ft from the enemy, Zenaida will stay where she is, otherwise she'll move to within 20 ft to set herself up for the next round. It's a little hard to tell distance on the staircase.

Apologies! It's been a busy weekend, so I missed out on most of this until now. The turn as you described is perfect, thank you.

@Zenaida: You are within 20 feet, but you are below the enemy. So, you're 25 feet on movement from the creature. If you're planning on melee attack, you'll want to edge closer this round and finish moving next turn.
I'll let you do that (or I can do it for you), but this thing is going to go ahead and try and murder Loth.

---The Enemy---
Looking down on the halfling, this creature speaks, "I have used Magnimar for my purposes for decades, and will do so for decades more after you are all dead! The rituals will feed Karzoug until his glorious return!" Then she tries to stab Loth, normal attacks this time...
Attack 1: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31
Attack 2: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
Attack 3: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
....two hits for...
damage 1: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
damage 2: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
... 25 total damage. After getting into Loth, she hisses in triumph, looking to down you all before the end.

While all of this is happening, the floating demon (still looking towards where Loth was standing), floats and nods.

______

INITIATIVE!
Alain Initiative: 17
Loth Initiative: 20
Quinn Initiative: 17
Sherman Initiative: 6
Tarphrex Initiative: 20
Zenaida Initiative: 22
Enemy Initiative: 17

_______

Quinn, Alain, and Sherman are the next group.
Then back to Tarphrex, Loth, and Zenaida.

There is no floor space north or west of this creature without flying or climbing on the walls.
It still has 6 mirror images and you've seen a 10 foot reach with the longspear.

Is Sherman within the reach of the creature? (hard to tell height from the map)
Also, was everyone at full hp before the fight? Planning between healbot and offence

I THINK I didn't note down the +13 heal from last page which would put me on 13 hp now. Otherwise it would be, well, 0. I'll let the GM decide whether to rightfully punish me for bad bookkeeping.

Staggering away from the beast above him, Quinn makes his way to the rear of the group.

"Hrrk...that...rkkK Hurt"

@Sherman: You are within the creature's reach, but it is not within yours.

@Loth: I'm not looking to punish anyone, but looking back at the Scarecrow fight you never got hit. So I just don't know. Take 6 hp, we'll split the difference.

@Quinn: Come back so I can kill you.

Alain spends his turn moving up and around, and uses his final spell to cast Enlarge person, which there should be just enough room to do

"Karzoug..?" Something important in what the enemy said.. Sherman starts to ponder about the words, but snaps awake from his day-dreams when the creature is cruelly massacring his allies. Unfortunately, he is also within the reach of the dangerous-looking spear. Not really wanting to risk the fine movements of spellcasting, he attacks with mere words instead. Words and madness.

"Thinking so high of yourself. But you're just a pawn, like all the others. We've dealt with the others of your following, and you will be no exception. You are no more than a slightest hinderance before the ire of the free people of Magnimar!"

Using Omen trait to demoralize as swift action
Intimidate, demoralize: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

And the priest switches from sermon to fervor. "And while you're contemplating your miserable, meaningless existence, I will gift you the sight of something grand. Visions from the Dark Tapestry. See what lurks in the darkness between the stars!"

Touch of madness, DC18 will save or confused for one round. (hopefully with -2 to save from shaken condition :P)

Alain spends his turn moving up and around, and uses his final spell to cast Enlarge person, which there should be just enough room to do

I shrank you back down as enlarge person is a full-round cast. You'll either need to stay in your spot or use your standard action next round for that to resolve. I suggest the not moving option.

I'll agree with that decision then

@Sherman: Adding the -4 you get for using Intimidate on a creature larger than you, you do still succeed, but only for 1 round of shaken. Please watch that I'm adding that -2.

Presuming that "touch of madness" is "gift of madness", it has no affect.

Yes, gift of madness. Interesting typo on my part... "a mind-affecting compulsion effect"

Yes, gift of madness. Interesting typo on my part... "a mind-affecting compulsion effect"

I'm not going to tell you that it's important to note that the half-snake, half-woman shrugged off that ability, but I'm not going to tell you that it isn't important..

@Alain: I've moved you back. At the start of your next turn, you'll grow large (as long as the spell doesn't get interrrupted) and then you'll get you'll full turn to start swording.

__________

Tarphrex, Loth, and Zenaida.

Loth is the only one in the creature's range at the moment, and the only one of you who has it in melee range. But Loth is also very injured. And this thing still has images dancing around it.

What do you do?

Is the enemy on some platform above us. Or hanging on the wall? Or flying etc?

Is the enemy on some platform above us. Or hanging on the wall? Or flying etc?

Hopefully this will help clarify things.

The map is in two parts due to spacing for a party of 6. Those of you on the left map (without the creature) have her above you. You can see her clearly as she has positioned herself on the edge of the roof to protect against flanking. She is 2 spaces above you. If you could (somehow) 5 ft step vertically, you'd be able to melee her; 10 ft and you'd be even with her. She has a reach weapon, so she can reach you.

Those on the right map (with the creature) on effectively on her level.

She has no cover from these differences in height, since she is so big and has taken up on the edge right next to you.

I know the stairs aren't grided, but I would say that if you think your piece/character could reasonably step back from the wall, there is space for you to do so. For instance, if Tarphrex wanted to step into the turn in the stairs and be out of her melee range in order to safely cast a spell, I would say he has space to do that.

Tarphrex attempts a mighty roar despite his fear, sounding something like she will fear the dragon or something like that, takes a deep breath, and exhales a stream of greenish fluid in a straight line up from his position and well past the monster where it dissipates in the air before it can arc down and strike his friends.

1/day breath weapon, does not provoke AoO, Ref DC 17 for half damage

Acid: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21

She takes 4 Acid damage.

Loth and Zenaida to act.

Loth tries to get a quick jab in before building up a bit of distance, though not enough to evade the beast's reach...

Attack followed by a diagonal five foot step.

Enchanted +1 Small Shortsword: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Loth tries to get a quick jab in before building up a bit of distance, though not enough to evade the beast's reach...

Attack followed by a diagonal five foot step.

[dice=Enchanted +1 Small Shortsword]1d20 + 10
[dice=Damage]1d4 + 5

If it's just a 5ft step, you can still take a full attack action.

Zenaida runs up the stairs, the old wood shaking under her armored weight, as she emerges onto the roof. "Fight me!" The warpriest steps between the... being... (Quinn said she wasn't a demon, but what is she?) and Sherman, slashing at the enemy with her glowing, fiery blade.

I think that move was okay? Move and attack with all the buffs.

Attack + bless + bull's strength + divine favor: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 32

Longsword damage + magic weapon + bull's strength + divine favor: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 15

Sun metal fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Holy Strike good damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Crit confirm?: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 15

Probably not a confirmed crit, so I won't bother rolling damage.

As Zenaida approaches, replete with righteous fury, the snake lady stabs at her...
AoO: 1d20 + 17 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 17 - 2 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
... finding a joint in the armor to get some damage in.
Zenaida's sword comes down, wreathed in flame...
Mirror Images: 1d7 ⇒ 1
... and hits. Against all odds, Zenaida has officially made herself a target.

Zenaida deals 25 damage and this creature looks upset about that.

(I'm going to go ahead and take her turn. @Loth, you can still take that off-hand attack if you want, I don't see her not going after Zenaida now anyway.)

---The Creature---
"A minion? I gladly serve Karzoug, and will rule nations under him when he rises again!"
She turns her full attention onto Zenaida, the mask across her face flares in a green light and...
Zenaida Fort Save: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14
...Zenaida freezes solid, her flesh and gear turning to stone.
Zenaida has been turned into a statue, near the edge of the roof. If this creature pushed her, she'd likely (but not 100%) crash through the wooden walkway where Sherman is standing.

She LAUGHS as the holy warrior petrifies, "YOU CANNOT BEST ME! COME! COME AND I SHALL DESTROY YOU ALL!!!"

______________

INITIATIVE!
Alain Initiative: 17
Loth Initiative: 20
Quinn Initiative: 17
Sherman Initiative: 6
Tarphrex Initiative: 20
Zenaida Initiative: 22
Enemy Initiative: 17

Quinn, Alain, and Sherman are all up.

My bad, thanks for the heads up, i'll gladly take that off-hand attack

Medium Dagger: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 - 1 = 7
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

woooow. We're really cursed with low rolls at the moment

"Damn..." Sherman looks in horror at the petrified warrior priestess. The situation looks suddenly much, much worse. But he tries to rescue what he can. Risking a strike from that nasty-looking spear, the old priest sprints up the stairs, to heal Loth. Best not lose any more of the friends...

CSW @Loth: 3d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7, 1, 5) + 6 + 1 = 20

(Moving through and out of Alain's space will provoke, and she'll stab at you since she just had her turn....)
AoO: 1d20 + 17 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 17 - 2 = 18
...but your Prot. Evil wards off the blow.
Quinn and Alain.

@Alain: Don't forget that at the start of your turn, you'll be large sized.

"Gross" grumbles Quinn, wiping his mouth and spitting to try and clear the taste.

Turning back to the issue at hand, he frowns. 'This isn't looking good...' Thumbing a familiar vial, he shakes his head. 'This needs thought, not brutishness...'

After a seeming eternity, he pulls a round flask and mixes a few ingredients, before giving the contents a quick shake. Taking aim as the contents turn a milky white, he tosses it at the beast, attempting to avoid his stony companion.

Frost Bomb(Su): 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 1 = 12 for Varies: 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3, 3) + 4 = 13 30ft range, 7 splash, precise bomb ignoring the 2 squares to east of creature including Zenaida

FUMBLE!!!!!!!!! Well....crap on a toast sandwich...

@Quinn: Just for simplicity's sake, we're going to say that the bomb goes to far, and out over the edge of the roof.

Alain is up next.

---Alain, Bot---
Alain, now im-biggified, steps a bit to get a clear swing and attacks at the creature with a mighty shout of "HOLY SMITE!"...
Smite Evil: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 3 = 28
Damage: 2d8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 7) + 4 + 3 = 15
... cutting down and into the snake lady, who hisses in pain as her scales are rent.

____________

Top half of the Init.
Zenaida, Tarphrex, and Loth all get a turn.

INITIATIVE!
Alain Initiative: 17
Loth Initiative: 20
Quinn Initiative: 17
Sherman Initiative: 6
Tarphrex Initiative: 20
Zenaida Initiative: 22
Enemy Initiative: 17

Zenaida is a statue. She just stands there.

Tarphrex eases down a step to make sure he's out of the snake-woman's reach before casting a barrage of dragon stones at her.

3 Magic Missiles: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 3, 4) + 3 = 12