CG Male musetouched aasimar Bard 14 | HP 128/132 (+10 Temp) | AC 27 / 15 T / 24 FF | CMD 28 | Perception +22, Darkvision; Sense Motive +32 | Init +9 | Bardic Performance 27/35 | Bard Spells 1: 6/7, 2: 5/6, 3: 3/5, 4: 5/5, 5 0/3 | SLA: Glitterdust 1/1 | Fort +16, Reflex +18, Will +17; (+4 vs. bardic performance, language-dependent, sonic); Resist Acid 5, Cold 5, Electricity 5 | Cond.: Heightened Awareness, Haste, Heroism, Good Hope, Mirror Image (8)
(What's an ERM? Jack's mirror image spell duration is 13 minutes for the 7 images? I think they're still active.) Knowledge (planes) DC24:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38 Knowledge (local) DC38:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31 Perception DC31:1d20 + 24 ⇒ (12) + 24 = 36
"The smoky arm creatures are 'soul eaters,' ravenous hunters spawned from the depths of Abaddon that possesses an unending hunger for living souls. They can locate their assigned target unerringly as long as their summoner knows the target's name, inflict wisdom damage with their claw attacks, and upon killing their victim the soul eater can devour the creature's soul (making it incredibly difficult to return to life). Their resistances include _____________, and their special defenses include __________________."
Jack points at the floor. "Look! The drops of blood splattered on the ground from our wounds are being drawn along the floor towards the empty trenches that crisscross the temple floor. Can you feel that almost imperceptible rumble in the ground, the strength of the tremor growing slowly in volume the closer the blood gets to the canal? Can't be good."
"Luna ain't Luna, it seems. Pity. Not sure who or what the wench is. We'll get the cleric to ask her corpse after we've put her out of our misery, right?
Jack starts a song, inspiring his friends and mocking the elf lady.
♫I'm the fear that keeps you awake
I'm the shadows on the wall
I'm the monsters they become
I'm the nightmare in your skull
I'm a dagger in your back
An extra turn on the rack
I'm the quivering of your heart
A stabbing pain, a sudden start♫ Voltaire, When You're Evil
Then the aasimar moves in front of the gnome woman to shield her. "If you drop prone, Eylysia, you'll be less of a target for those assassins firing the crossbows. If you can help somehow, we'd appreciate it."
Finally, the bard casts a spell, conjuring up a quasi-real phantom singer visible as a shifting, shadowy duplicate of himself. The singer follows him automatically, moving as he moves. The shadowbard immediately begins performing a dirge of doom, fostering a sense of growing dread in his enemies, causing them to take become shaken.
Inspire Courage +3, Discordant Voice
Discordant Voice d6 Sonic Damage from Melee or Ranged Attacks:
Melee: Allies within 30 feet of Jack deal an extra 1d6 points of sonic damage with successful weapon attacks. This damage stacks with other energy damage a weapon might deal.
Ranged: Projectile weapons bestow this extra damage on their ammunition, but the extra damage is dealt only if the projectile hits a target within 30 feet of Jack.
Shadowbard's Dirge of Doom (Su):
To be affected, an enemy must be within 30 feet and able to see and hear the bard’s performance. The effect persists for as long as the enemy is within 30 feet and the bard continues the performance. The performance cannot cause a creature to become frightened or panicked, even if the targets are already shaken from another effect. Dirge of doom is a mind-affecting fear effect, and it relies on audible and visual components.
Exceptionally Radical Mantis. Explosively Radioactive Mook is an alternative as well, albeit less likely.
Jack wrote:
(Jack's mirror image spell duration is 13 minutes for the 7 images? I think they're still active.)
Retroactive Mirror Image Check (1 is Jack):1d8 ⇒ 3
That is because the GM derp'd and forgot about it because the ghost mantis' had true seeing and these mooks don't (supposedly). Whoops! I'll tack that HP back on for you...
Knowledge Planes (Jack):
Jack wrote:
Their resistances include strong damage reduction pierced by magic weapons; and their special defenses include all-around vision and immunity to critical hits, daze, death effects, paralysis, poison, sleep, and stun effects."
Initative:
Round 1:
Marcus
Jack (6 images left)
Geatan
Smoky Arm Creatures
Red Mantis Assassins
Gruss (-33)
Gerdur
Eylysia
"Luna"
Male Ifrit; Fighter (Unbreakable) 1/Rogue (Unchained) 4/ Pain Taster 10 | HP 133(135)/135| AC 38 T 23 FF 29 | CMB +17, CMD 38 | F: +20, R: +22, W: +16 | Init: +15 | Perc: +32 (33 vs surprise / 34 vs traps) | Speed 30ft | Trap Spotter | Burning Hands 1/1 Active conditions: None
Yes, Shadow Conjuration as a SLA, DC 14 / CL 15. I was aiming to remove Invisibility, but you could have done us a solid and botched the save.
Marcus takes a short step to bring the first assassin into reach. He opens a fresh wound, but maintains firm control of his blood and allows not a drop to spill.
Not sure if this works mechanically. Pain Tasters have an ability called Blood Control that allows them to reduce bleed damage with control over their blood flow.
CG Male musetouched aasimar Bard 14 | HP 128/132 (+10 Temp) | AC 27 / 15 T / 24 FF | CMD 28 | Perception +22, Darkvision; Sense Motive +32 | Init +9 | Bardic Performance 27/35 | Bard Spells 1: 6/7, 2: 5/6, 3: 3/5, 4: 5/5, 5 0/3 | SLA: Glitterdust 1/1 | Fort +16, Reflex +18, Will +17; (+4 vs. bardic performance, language-dependent, sonic); Resist Acid 5, Cold 5, Electricity 5 | Cond.: Heightened Awareness, Haste, Heroism, Good Hope, Mirror Image (8)
Jack finishes his sentence, "Like I was saying, the soul eaters' resistances include strong damage reduction pierced by magic weapons; and their special defenses include all-around vision and immunity to critical hits, daze, death effects, paralysis, poison, sleep, and stun effects."
He points again at the blood coursing through the empty trenches that crisscross the temple floor. "Can somebody stop that blood from reaching the canal? I got a very bad feeling about that."
Two of Marcus' attacks land on his target as blood flies in all directions around the assassin, his final one missing as he discovers that the assassin appears to have a blurry visual illusion on himself. All of Geatan's arrows fly true, all striking the Soul Eater to the right of "Luna," causing it to collapse on the ground unconscious as black ichor drips from its body. The remaining Soul Eater darts through the air towards Marcus, attempting to dodge around his attacks and then slashes him with one of its draining claws! The two Red Mantis assassins on the main level dart through the air on their insectoid wings as they drop their crossbows and draw a second sawtooth sabre, attempting to tumble through the air around Marcus to flank him and slash at him with their blades; their attacks unable to pierce through his dexterous defenses.
The Soul Eater and the two Red Mantis assassins did not roll high enough on its Acrobatics check, and will provoke an AoO's from Marcus. He takes 22 points of damage (3 slashing and 19 untyped damage that bypasses DR) and needs to make a DC 24 Fortitude save to avoid taking 5 points of Wisdom Damage.
Gruss moves defensively over to Eylysia, blessing the gnome with a protective prayer to make her immune to deathly magics. The gnome returns the favor and casts a healing spell upon the dwarf, healing some of her wounds. Eylysia looks confused after the spell however, as she says "Hmm...that's odd. The dwarf...is still bleeding?"
Shortly after this statement, a rumbling fills the entire temple as abruptly fountains of blood start spewing from fountains and holes in the temple walls; the substance coursing and filling all of the canals in the room. The Mantis statues that form the eight pillars on the edges of the temple space begin animating, swaying their bodies and claws in an unheard cadence. "Luna" cries out in exultation as she raises her arms into the air, "YES! YOU HAVE DRAWN THE ATTENTION OF ACHAEKEK! COME, MY GOD!"
All bleed damage that now occurs in this temple may not be reduced or stopped by any means until further notice. Sorry Marcus!
Initative:
Round 1:
Marcus (-19, 3 pending AoO's available, DC 24 Fort vs 5 WIS dmg)
Jack (6 images left)
Geatan
Smoky Arm Creatures (Blue -219/unconscious)
Red Mantis Assassins (Blue -43)
Gruss (-18, bleeding for 7 points/round)
Gerdur
Eylysia
"Luna"
Marcus lands AoO's on the blue assassin and the soul eater.
Gerdur charges in and lands a solid blow on his target! His attack is met with titillating laughter from "Luna" upon the balcony, her laughter becoming a quintet as four exact duplicates of the woman stride into view from behind her. All of the "Luna's" call out in exact unison, "Prostrate yourselves in the presence of Achaekek's power!" The force of her command descends upon the temple like an immense weight, Eylysia succumbing to her magic as the gnome is forcefully slammed to the floor into a kneeling position!
I will need a DC 25 Will Save from all PC's. Success results in being staggered for 1 round. Failure results in your character being forced into a prone prostrating stance and gaining the helpless condition. Another DC 25 Will save can be made as a full-round action during your turn to end the effect. This is a compulsion, mind-affecting, emotion-based effect for those with resistances and immunities.
Marcus (-19)
Jack (6 images left)
Geatan
Smoky Arm Creatures (Blue -219/unconscious, green -21)
Red Mantis Assassins (Blue -64, Green -47)
Gruss (-18, bleeding for 7 points/round)
Gerdur
Eylysia (Helpless)
"Luna"
I have seen the abyss, this cape is from Deskari's wing, I have liberated and receive the blessing of an elemental lord, and resist of the temptation of drinking the eternal elexir. I am not afraid of your insect God
CG Male musetouched aasimar Bard 14 | HP 128/132 (+10 Temp) | AC 27 / 15 T / 24 FF | CMD 28 | Perception +22, Darkvision; Sense Motive +32 | Init +9 | Bardic Performance 27/35 | Bard Spells 1: 6/7, 2: 5/6, 3: 3/5, 4: 5/5, 5 0/3 | SLA: Glitterdust 1/1 | Fort +16, Reflex +18, Will +17; (+4 vs. bardic performance, language-dependent, sonic); Resist Acid 5, Cold 5, Electricity 5 | Cond.: Heightened Awareness, Haste, Heroism, Good Hope, Mirror Image (8)
Will DC25:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28 Spellcraft DC24:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35
Jack is staggered by the diabolical woman's spell. "Our gal 'Luna' is casting an overwhelming presence spell. Very powerful arsenal the lady's got, for sure."
Jack and the shadowbard maintain their bardic performances, while Jack snaps his fingers, retrieving his lesser rod of quicken from his glove of storing. (free actions)
Gripping his rod, the bard casts haste. (swift action)
Then the bard casts good hope, instilling powerful hope in his allies. (standard action)
"Grussdottir, protect Eylysia from the rogue assassins! Don't let them execute her with a coup de grâce!"
"Géatan Émond, can you take down the assassins before they get to Eylysia?"
Good Hope Each affected creature gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls.
Haste +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves, and all movement enhanced by 30ft.
Inspire Courage +3/+3
Discordant Voice d6 Sonic Damage from Melee or Ranged Attacks:
Melee: Allies within 30ft of Jack deal an extra 1d6 points of sonic damage with successful weapon attacks. This damage stacks with other energy damage a weapon might deal.
Ranged: Projectile weapons bestow this extra damage on their ammunition, but the extra damage is dealt only if the projectile hits a target within 30ft of Jack.
Shadowbard's Dirge of Doom (Su): Enemies within 30ft are shaken (–2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks).
CG Male musetouched aasimar Bard 14 | HP 128/132 (+10 Temp) | AC 27 / 15 T / 24 FF | CMD 28 | Perception +22, Darkvision; Sense Motive +32 | Init +9 | Bardic Performance 27/35 | Bard Spells 1: 6/7, 2: 5/6, 3: 3/5, 4: 5/5, 5 0/3 | SLA: Glitterdust 1/1 | Fort +16, Reflex +18, Will +17; (+4 vs. bardic performance, language-dependent, sonic); Resist Acid 5, Cold 5, Electricity 5 | Cond.: Heightened Awareness, Haste, Heroism, Good Hope, Mirror Image (8)
*EDIT* Adding one more to Jack's Actions:
Jack casts saving finale. (immediate action. Grants Eylysia another attempt to make her Will Save. With Lingering Performance, the effects of his bardic performances continue for another two rounds.)
Jack, if you use an immediate action you lose your swift action for the turn afterwards; which would prevent you from using the quickened haste spell. Did you still want to use the saving finale?
Geatan wrote:
Is there more than one Luna?
There appears to be 5 total of her, yes. They all look identical to each other, but act in unison. Did you still want to take a standard action this turn?
Haste only counters the staggered condition imposed by slow, it does not counter or remove staggered imposed by other conditions. I will operate under the first attack you made for this turn. Additionally, which assassin were you targeting for the attack?
Jack's inspiring words causes Eylysia to resist the power of "Luna's" overwhelming presence! The soul eater attacking Marcus unleashes a flurry of claw attacks, the creature ripping into him with three strikes of its draining claws!
Marcus takes 18 slashing damage from 4 attacks (which I believe turns into 0 damage after his DR), and then takes 57 points of damage that bypasses his DR. He also need to make three DC 24 Fortitude Saves to negate 5, 3, and 3 points of Wisdom damage respectively.
The Red Mantis to the left of Marcus weaves his sabres defensively as the eyes on his helmet begin to glow an ominous red color. The assassin to the right of Marcus turns to Gerdur and unleashes a flurry of attacks on the gnome!
Spellcraft (DC 16):
The Red Mantis with the glowing helmet eyes cast true strike.
Gerdur takes 26 points of damage after DR, and needs to make two DC 28 Fortitude saves against a poison effect. Failure will result in the gnome gaining 2 negative levels, and the poison intensifying on a second consecutive failed save.
Initative:
Round 2:
Marcus (-76, staggered for round 2, need three DC 24 Fort Saves)
Jack (6 images left, staggered for round 2)
Geatan (staggered for round 2)
Smoky Arm Creatures (Blue -219/unconscious, green -21)
Red Mantis Assassins (Blue -64, Green -47)
Gruss (-18, staggered for round 2, bleeding for 7 points/round)
Gerdur (-26, staggered for round 2, need two DC 28 Fort Saves)
Eylysia (Staggered for round 2)
"Luna"
Gerdur's attack connects with his target, his strike killing the assassin after the significant damage dealt to it earlier by Geatan's arrow. Gruss calls upon a healing spell to ease the wounds of her allies, while Eylysia prepares to counter the next magic that "Luna" attempts to cast. Everyone heals 24 points of damage as Gruss casts mass cure serious wounds
The quintet of "Luna's" upon the stairs raise their hands into the air, calling out an intense prayer to Achaekek in unison. Eylysia attempts to unweave the casting with her own magic, but she accidentally sneezes during her attempt as "Luna's" spell completes. Abruptly, a massive raging storm of flame blasts down on the main floor of the temple, catching all of the Pathfinders in its area! Everyone will take 59 points of fire damage from Luna's spell and catch fire (4d6, full round + Reflex to extinguish), DC 24 Reflex will halve the damage and avoid catching on fire.
Marcus (-52, 3 WIS damage)
Jack (6 images left)
Geatan
Smoky Arm Creatures (Blue -219/unconscious, green -21)
Red Mantis Assassin (Blue -64)
Gruss (-60, on fire, bleeding for 7 points/round)
Gerdur (-2)
Eylysia (-59, on fire)
"Luna"
CG Male musetouched aasimar Bard 14 | HP 128/132 (+10 Temp) | AC 27 / 15 T / 24 FF | CMD 28 | Perception +22, Darkvision; Sense Motive +32 | Init +9 | Bardic Performance 27/35 | Bard Spells 1: 6/7, 2: 5/6, 3: 3/5, 4: 5/5, 5 0/3 | SLA: Glitterdust 1/1 | Fort +16, Reflex +18, Will +17; (+4 vs. bardic performance, language-dependent, sonic); Resist Acid 5, Cold 5, Electricity 5 | Cond.: Heightened Awareness, Haste, Heroism, Good Hope, Mirror Image (8)
Spellcraft DC23:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36 Reflex DC24:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26 "'Luna' cast a fire storm spell," Jack says, conveying the words through his inspiring song and avoiding the worst of the flames. Thank goodness, it won't last.(free action)
He turns to the shadowbard. "Hey, bro'. Change your tune to 'Soothing Performance,' okay?"(move action)
The shadowbard gives a thumbs-up, and starts singing Sexual Healing, and everyone in the team feels soothing relief from their burns.
Mass Cure Serious Wounds:3d8 + 13 ⇒ (1, 6, 1) + 13 = 21
Lesser quicken metamagic rod in hand, the aasimar casts haste on the team. (swift action)
Finally, he directs his attention to the green-cloaked assassin and casts charm monster. "Say, buddy, why don't you join the good guys? You feel me?"(standard action; Will DC18 negates, SR yes)
(Jack's net hp 121-28+21=114)
Good Hope Each affected creature gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls.
Haste +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves, and all movement enhanced by 30ft.
Inspire Courage +3/+3 Discordant Voice d6 Sonic Damage from Melee or Ranged Attacks Melee: Allies within 30ft of Jack deal an extra 1d6 points of sonic damage with successful weapon attacks. This damage stacks with other energy damage a weapon might deal.
Ranged: Projectile weapons bestow this extra damage on their ammunition, but the extra damage is dealt only if the projectile hits a target within 30ft of Jack.
Male Ifrit; Fighter (Unbreakable) 1/Rogue (Unchained) 4/ Pain Taster 10 | HP 133(135)/135| AC 38 T 23 FF 29 | CMB +17, CMD 38 | F: +20, R: +22, W: +16 | Init: +15 | Perc: +32 (33 vs surprise / 34 vs traps) | Speed 30ft | Trap Spotter | Burning Hands 1/1 Active conditions: None
Starting with the Soul Eater then moving on to Blue then Green as they drop.
Marcus practically vibrates with the increased speed as some of his wounds begin to knit themselves back together.
Boots of the Earth, fast healing 3 hp
Thanks Jack. Let's get these grunts out of the way and corner Luna.
Marcus runs a forearm along on of the many razors cleverly worked into his clothing and armor. With a hiss a relished pain he works his way through the enemies attempting to swarm him. Annoyed by the smoke cloud he focuses first on defense.
Combat Expertise, Fighting Defensively, Haste Total AC +8. If the Soul Eater drops Marcus will 5 ft step into its space to flank Green with Gerdur and add 5d6 Sneak Attack to any hits on Green.
The Green Mantis dropped in the previous round by Gerdur, I was not able to update the map due to being away from my computer during a move to a new apartment as well as taking the Michigan pharmacy board exam. Map is now updated.
Between Marcus and Geatan, the remaining soul eater is completely obliterated following both of their attacks. Geatan finds himself with a couple extra arrows to sneak in, which he solidly lands on the remaining Red Mantis assassin on the main level of the temple. The damage he inflicts is sufficient to knock it unconscious. The assassin falls to the ground into the blood channel, after which he immediately suffocates and dies in the coursing blood. Made assumption Geatan would attempt to take out the next most injured target.
Gruss continues to bleed, while both her and Eylysia continue to burn from the fire of the spell from earlier. Gruss grits her teeth and moves over to Geatan, uttering a prayer to guide his sight! Gruss casts true seeing on Geatan Eylysia spends time to putting out the fire on her, ending her ongoing damage.
Geatan (Sight beyond Sight!):
After Gruss delivers the spell onto you, you abruptly able to notice that the 4 clones of "Luna" are actually illusions. You are easily able to identify that the real one is the one in the middle, outlined in red on the map. Furthermore, you note tenuous tendrils of energy that seem to link her to the other four "copies." You suspect that she might be able to switch places with the images, and you also suspect that you can easily destroy a clone by merely striking it with an attack.
Initative:
Round 3:
Marcus (-1, 3 WIS damage)
Jack (-7, 6 images left)
Geatan
Smoky Arm Creatures (Blue -219/unconscious)
Gruss (-56, on fire, bleeding for 7 points/round)
Gerdur (-9)
Eylysia (-48)
"Luna"
CG Male musetouched aasimar Bard 14 | HP 128/132 (+10 Temp) | AC 27 / 15 T / 24 FF | CMD 28 | Perception +22, Darkvision; Sense Motive +32 | Init +9 | Bardic Performance 27/35 | Bard Spells 1: 6/7, 2: 5/6, 3: 3/5, 4: 5/5, 5 0/3 | SLA: Glitterdust 1/1 | Fort +16, Reflex +18, Will +17; (+4 vs. bardic performance, language-dependent, sonic); Resist Acid 5, Cold 5, Electricity 5 | Cond.: Heightened Awareness, Haste, Heroism, Good Hope, Mirror Image (8)
*RETCON Round 3 Standard Action*
Realizing that the enemies on the ground floor of the temple have been vanquished by his intrepid companions, Jack casts bard's escape, whisking himself and his willing allies to a location of greater strategic positioning.
(Moved Gerdur, Marcus, and Jack up to the balcony surrounding 'Luna'. I didn't adjust the mirror images, but at least two of us would technically be flanking her and her images within her square. The GM can adjust Luna's and the allied icons appropriately.)
HP 186/186; AC 18, T 15, FF 14; F+20, R+13, W+11; CMB+17; CMD 31; Per +19, Init +8
Gerdur lets out a cry of surprise as he appears next to "Luna". He grits his teeth and begins swinging, starting with Green and going counter-clockwise if any of them fall.
ack frowns, trying to determine what magic might have created these exact copies of 'Luna'.
Spellcraft only works when you see someone actively casting a spell. You can use Arcana to identify spell effects that are ongoing or active.
Knowledge Arcana (DC 26):
The copies of Luna are similar to multiple spells circulating in common practice. It would be hard to be sure which without knowing the school of magic or if something occurs to the clones that provides more information. If Illusion, the clones could be a variety of the mislead spell or perhaps well constructed simulacrum. If Transmutation, they could potentially be animated clone or disguised animated objects or golems. More information is needed to be 100% sure.
If the teleporting is happening, I need a DC 23 Will Save from everyone within 10 feet of Luna (abjuration effect). I will also need a DC 24 Will Save from Gerdur for each attack he made against her (abjuration, evil effect).
Gerdur strikes out at the various Luna's upon the balcony, and the two that he manages to strike blur and fade out existence! He also notices that he feels a strange, unyielding pressure pushing out against him from the Luna 10 feet to the south of him; the pressure making it impossible for him to move towards her! Gerdur will be unable to move towards the Red Luna on the map until further notice.
All of the Luna's on the balcony laugh as the one directly south of Gerdur begins to fly away from Marcus towards Geatan. He strikes out with an opportunity attack, but misses the flying Luna. She lands next to Geatan, and unleashes a quickened prayer at him, ripping the good hope effect off of the archer! Her hands then begin to glow an ominous red color as she defensively touches him and wracks his body with unholy energy!
Geatan loses the good hope bonuses to his rolls. Need a DC 23 Will from Geatan to avoid the movement-restricting effect radiating out from Luna. Need a DC 22 Will Save from Geatan to take half of 150 points of damage. This damage cannot bring him lower than 1 remaining hit point.
Spellcraft (DC 16):
Luna cast a quickened dispel magic, followed by a harm spell.
Initative:
Round 4:
Marcus (-1, 3 WIS damage)
Jack (-7, 6 images left)
Geatan(Need DC 23 Will Save, DC 22 Will Save)
Smoky Arm Creatures (Blue -219/unconscious)
Gruss (-56, on fire, bleeding for 7 points/round)
Gerdur (-9)
Eylysia (-48)
"Luna"
CG Male musetouched aasimar Bard 14 | HP 128/132 (+10 Temp) | AC 27 / 15 T / 24 FF | CMD 28 | Perception +22, Darkvision; Sense Motive +32 | Init +9 | Bardic Performance 27/35 | Bard Spells 1: 6/7, 2: 5/6, 3: 3/5, 4: 5/5, 5 0/3 | SLA: Glitterdust 1/1 | Fort +16, Reflex +18, Will +17; (+4 vs. bardic performance, language-dependent, sonic); Resist Acid 5, Cold 5, Electricity 5 | Cond.: Heightened Awareness, Haste, Heroism, Good Hope, Mirror Image (8)
Spellcraft DC16:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36 "'Luna' cast a quickened dispel magic, followed by a harm spell," Jack informs his companions.
The bard resumes his song, keeping the team inspired. (swift action)
The shadowbard continues to croon his soothing tune. (free action) Mass Cure Serious Wounds:3d8 + 13 ⇒ (6, 4, 1) + 13 = 24
Leaping from the balcony, he lands on the main floor below, bruising his heals.
Acrobatics:1d20 + 30 ⇒ (5) + 30 = 35 Nonlethal Falling Damage (Deliberate Fall):1d6 ⇒ 6
Then the bard casts virtuous performance and adds a new layer of harmony to his song, one that inspires greatness in Geatan and Eylysia. standard action) Geatan and Eylysia gain 2 bonus Hit Dice (d10s), the commensurate number of temporary hit points (also applying their Constitution mod, if any, to these bonus Hit Dice), a +2 competence bonus on attack rolls, and a +1 competence bonus on Fortitude saves. The bonus Hit Dice count as regular Hit Dice for determining the effect of spells that are Hit Dice dependent.
Good Hope Each affected creature gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls.
Haste +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves, and all movement enhanced by 30ft.
Inspire Courage +3/+3 Discordant Voice d6 Sonic Damage from Melee or Ranged Attacks Melee: Allies within 30ft of Jack deal an extra 1d6 points of sonic damage with successful weapon attacks. This damage stacks with other energy damage a weapon might deal.
Ranged: Projectile weapons bestow this extra damage on their ammunition, but the extra damage is dealt only if the projectile hits a target within 30ft of Jack.
A light came out of his gear giving him additionnal protection!
"Luna, if that you name. I would have giving you the possiblilty to survive this fight. But now i understand you are a monster that is attacking my home. "
All of Geatan's arrows strike Luna true, her blood spurting from the five perforated holes in her body in all directions. She staggers a moment, before she begins laughing up blood maniacally.
"You think you have killed me, have you? Achaekek does not let go of his beloved so easily! I will find you again and-" the woman vomits up more blood and collapses to the floor. In the span of a single breath, all of her equipment clatters to the floor as her entire body dissolves into a swiftly dissipating swarm of tiny blood-red mantis' that scurry away in all directions out of sight!
**Out of Initiative**
Lootz:
Red Mantis Assassins (2): potion of cure serious wounds, wand of see invisibility (5 charges), +2 studded leather, +1 sawtooth sabres (2), mwk hand crossbow with 10 bolts, amulet of natural armor +1, belt of incredible dexterity +2, boots of elvenkind, cloak of elvenkind, mask of the mantis, ring of protection +1, 114 gp
"Luna": +1 heavy steel shield, +1 mithral chain shirt, amulet of natural armor +2, belt of incredible dexterity +2, cloak of resistance +3, headband of inspired wisdom +4, spell components (reliquary worth 500 gp, silver mirror worth 1,000 gp, spell component pouches [5]), 2,500 gp worth of gems
Spellcraft DC 26 (Luna's blade):
You identify Luna's weapon as an item known as The Crimson Bluff, weapons forged for the favored of Achaekek.
Gruss manages to put out the fire still burning on her, but her bleeding continues to persist as blood continuously pours out of the fonts in the temple. Eylysia urges everyone to leave the temple, where further discussion can be had in a safer environment.
Immediately after passing through the doors to the outside, Gruss' wounds abruptly cease bleeding and she is able to staunch her wounds. The gnome turns to the gathered Pathfinders with a serious mien.
"Well done. No-one has survived an assassination attempt by the High Priestess of the Mantis God. The most I can reward you with is information, answers to the questions that are surely burning in your minds. You asked earlier about my troubles with the Decemvirate and Torch, I can elaborate further on this now."
Trouble with the Decemvirate:
“I was present centuries ago when the Pathfinder Society was first founded and later, when the Decemvirate were installed. I had suspicions that three of the Ten were not honorable characters. After investigation, their corruption proved worse than I thought. My companions and I confronted them, but a struggle ensued. One of the Ten was killed, along with all my companions." Sorrow passes over the gnome's face as one of her colored streaks in her hair fades slowly into white. She continues: "The remaining Decemvirate placed a price on my head, and I was forced into exile. Although my name eventually faded from Pathfinder history, I continued my investigations and have tracked the corruption of the Ten.”
Relationship with Torch:
“Torch has a long and complicated history, much of which I find distasteful," Eylysia says with pursed lips. "We do, however agree one key point: we cannot blindly place our trust in the Decemvirate. In recent years, Torch and I have confirmed that the member of the Decemvirate in the triple-spired mask was in fact an agent of the Whispering Way. For centuries, he has held the helm while overseeing several fake transitions to maintain his hold on power. Now that the Whispering Tyrant is once again free, he has grown more active than ever. Something big is in the works.”
Eylysia pauses to address any further questions that the Pathfinders might have.
CG Male musetouched aasimar Bard 14 | HP 128/132 (+10 Temp) | AC 27 / 15 T / 24 FF | CMD 28 | Perception +22, Darkvision; Sense Motive +32 | Init +9 | Bardic Performance 27/35 | Bard Spells 1: 6/7, 2: 5/6, 3: 3/5, 4: 5/5, 5 0/3 | SLA: Glitterdust 1/1 | Fort +16, Reflex +18, Will +17; (+4 vs. bardic performance, language-dependent, sonic); Resist Acid 5, Cold 5, Electricity 5 | Cond.: Heightened Awareness, Haste, Heroism, Good Hope, Mirror Image (8)
"Nice work, gents!" Jack congratulates the team.
"Eylysia, Grussdottir, you need help patching folks up?" he asks, hoping one or both of them can heal the party, but ready to lend a hand, if needed.
The bard taps Marcus on the noggin with the wand of restoration they found in the tar pits. "That should take care of your impaired wisdom, I think."
The aasimar casts a cantrip and examines the blade 'Luna' had carried. "These sorts of blades are known as The Crimson Bluff, weapons forged for the favored of Achaekek." Spellcraft DC26:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29
Finally, Jack helps sort the loot 'Luna' and her minions had carried.
"So, Eylysia, you never had a chance to answer my question: Can you tell us more about your relationship with Torch and about the trouble with the Decemvirate? Help us understand how you and we got to this point in our lives. And who the hell is 'Luna', if that's even her real name."
(*EDIT* Ninja'd, somewhat, by the GM's follow-on post. The 'Relationship with Torch' spoiler doesn't open.)
And who the hell is 'Luna', if that's even her real name."
Eylysia smiles wryly at Jack. "Why, that was Saviya. She is the High Priestess of Achaekek, and the highest ranking clergy for his religion on the island. She is reknown for her record of not a single failed assassination, and her incredible sadism in torturing her love interests. If you have her attention, then you certainly have not seen the last of her."
male arrow ghost salt:18/30 mind affecting +2 Half-elf perception +22; diplomacy 17 Fighter 9 (mutation warrior) / sentinel 3(erastil)/medium 4 153/153hp 36 ac (t 23;ff 33)Fort +23, Ref +22, Will +21; a lot of little bonus.. init:16 Adamantine durable arrow remaining. 40/40 Blunt 150/150
"Why Achaekek want to kill us? Doesn't he the assassins of the gods? I also heard that this Torch was against them." says Gaétan. while taking his arrows.
No one? I suppose that his her first one. As the high priestress she must have a lot of to take care of.
The gnome blinks for a couple moments at Geatan's question, as if she was suprised. "Why, I am leaving to join Torch of course. He is assaulting the Grand Lodge at this very moment in an attempt to take down the corrupt member of the Decemvirate we uncovered. Why else did the one in the triple-spired mask send you here, but in a move to try to stop me from joining up with Torch?" Eylysia hefts a small pack of her belongings that she gathered on her way out.
"The one in the triple-spired mask used to be a valiant paladin from the Shining Crusade, a bold halfling by the name of Vahlo Huovar. However, he was transformed into an undead creature long ago; it has been serving as an undercover agent for the Whispering Tyrant ever since. You have been tricked."
