A new era is beginning for the Pathfinder Society, with new recruits and new factions all excited to build connections and embark on grand adventures. Those recruits invited to attend a welcoming party can meet both the old guard as well as the up-and-coming leaders. But the party's not all talk; the PCs learn of four exciting escapades in Absalom, through which they can kick off their adventuring careers!
Male halfling rogue (thief) 1 | AC 18, +1 vs atk by traps | F 4 R 9 W 7, +1 vs traps | hp 15/15 | Perc +7, +1 vs traps | Effects:
Have we received any guidance on how to handle a flaw? I'm not clear on how Boram would even recognize the flaws that are present or that they were contained.
Have we received any guidance on how to handle a flaw? I'm not clear on how Boram would even recognize the flaws that are present or that they were contained.
No. You haven't really. Some Occult knowledge checks would probably help.
NG Male Half-Elf Thaumaturge 4 | AC 21 | HP 44 | Saves: +9/9/8 |Perc: +8
Roumatha observes the restless shadows, trying to deduce the best way to contain them. Occult:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 The other two actions will depend on the result of this check...
I'm going to take a small liberty in what you said you action was....
As you use your knowledge of rituals connected to the shadow realm to contain the hazards before you, you glean the following knowledge:
The flaws are being caused by Tavvar's own hesitation and self doubt. If only she believed in herself, she would be able to focus strongly enough to succeed. Using Deception or Diplomacy to encourage her, may help bring the ritual to a safe conclusion.
It is also possible, probable even that the ritual will create shadow wisps. Fighting and defeating these will reduce the hazards too.
Boram won't give up the advantage he might have from Stealth until he knows what he can do here.
At this point, you can make diplo/deception checks, or occult checks. There's not really a lot else. If you want to hold your action to see what happens. Please let me know. At this point I'm waiting for everyone's actions above the ritual's init.
Male halfling rogue (thief) 1 | AC 18, +1 vs atk by traps | F 4 R 9 W 7, +1 vs traps | hp 15/15 | Perc +7, +1 vs traps | Effects:
Until someone communicates to Boram that being charming will be helpful, he's got nothing to do. He will remain hidden and watching for the time being. Hold Action.
I'm really hoping Wit checks in soon - he's probably one of our more useful characters in this scenario.
Since our mysterious friend appears to be otherwise occupied,
The graceful elf considers the tableau, the actions of the spellcaster, the flitting of shadows.
Occult check:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Hearing the cleric encouraging the young woman in her casting, the enigmatic one joins in. ”Yes, your tone and cadence are superb! Have confidence, you are doing well!”
Male Human, Half Elf Cleric-Warpriest AC 17/19 HP 17 Percep +6 Skills Diplomacy +6, Medicine +6, Religion +6, Warfare Lore +3
I move and step up...unsure what might be happening....concerned for the mortal welfare of all, hoping that I can be a beam of light into the shadow and darkness that is present.
As Wit and Roumatha realize how the ritual is flawed, and work to help Tavvar stabilize it, a small section seems to fade.
But even as you watch, the shadow energy in the center of the room pulses wildly and Tavvar and her assistants all cry out in pain. Those of you who have so far attempted to help, also feel the shadow energy wash over you, stripping your life force as it goes.
Wit and Roumatha, make a Basic Fort Save, DC18, or take 4 damage.
Even as this happens, a piece of the cloud of energy breaks free, and moves out towards you.
Round: 1 Character Init
Wit 24
Roumatha Esthor 23
Kra'a 14
Boram Keenbranch 13
Ritual 13
Titus Au Parthicus 12
Rodlas Windracer 5
Please remember the information I asked to go on each combat post. It's outlined on the main game page.
NG Male Half-Elf Thaumaturge 4 | AC 21 | HP 44 | Saves: +9/9/8 |Perc: +8
Round: 2 Init: 23 HP: 30{30} Effects: None
Fort save:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23HP is now 28{30}
Roumatha winces as the cold shadows send waves of numbness out of his solar plexus.
He focuses his attention on the shadow cloud to try and determine if it can be hurt with conventional blades.
Hunt Prey + Monster Hunter (Occult):1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19probably not a crit success so no additional effects
He drinks from the vial held in its hand and drops it. The veins in his neck and arms bulge and his eyes become bloodshot. lesser juggernaut mutagen: +1 Fort, +5 Temp HP, -2 Will, Perc and Init for 1 minute
If Roumatha's knowledge check determined resistance to slashing, he will get a two-handed grip on his bastard sword, otherwise he will draw the main-gauche
Round: 2 Init: 21 HP: 33{35} Effects: +1 item bonus to Fort, +5 Temp HP, -2 Will, Perc and Init for 10 rounds
Wincing as the shadowy energy tears at their flesh and vital essence, Wit frowns and leaves the others to fight the summoned creature whilst looking for the weakened runes spoken about in the rumours heard by the group. As they do so, the Bard begins to chant softly, the song turning into a tale of Elven Woe and heartache and striving through it.
”Now this is a creepy and cold predicament we have found ourselves in. Let us hope it doesn’t leave us a Shadow of our former selves!” they say cheerfully between verses in the tale, smiling at the ensuing groans.
1 Action for Occult to discern how to affect the ritual, One action for Inspire Courage and 1 to try and help with the ritual if i can discover a way how
Occult:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Inspire Courage:
You and all allies in the area gain a +1 status bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves against fear effects.
Not sure what foul occult like play is going on I cast the cantrip Light on my scimitar and look to the conditions of my comrades, preparing to aid them while maintiing my guard and shield raised up.
Not sure what the others are thinking, Boram decides to go along with it. He remains behind cover and draws a dagger, but calls out, ”Don’t let the shadows distract you! You are doing exactly what you must! Focus!”
You worked out that your knowledge of occultism will help you stabilize the ritual with your last check. So I will take this one as being a further stabilization check.
Roumatha:
No, you don't think it's resistant to slashing weapons.
Titus' Light Spell Springs into action, and Rodlas's acid flask flies through the air, narrowly missing the shadow.
Wit works with Tavvar and her assistant to try to stabilise the ritual, struggling and not knowing quite how successful they are being.
Male Human (Kellid) Ranger/1 AC 17, | F 7 R 8 W 4, hp 18/20 Perception +6 Hero Points: 2
Round 1
Initiative 14
Hit points 20
Kra'a raises the bow and takes careful aim at the centre of the shadow cloud... Hunt Prey action
And releases one arrow...
Ranged attack bow:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 Arrow damage plus hunter's edge precision if applicable:1d8 + 1d8 ⇒ (6) + (2) = 8
I assume that the shadow is not affected by precision damage
... and a second arrow...
Ranged attack bow:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Arrow damage:1d8 ⇒ 1
.. and then looks to see if the arrows have had an impact.
Kra'a's shot flies out and strikes the, well, the clump of shadow. The arrow sticks into, and causes some movement. You have no idea if it hurt it or not though.
The ritual again flares up, causing another shadow creature to form, and hurting those involved in the ritual again. Two of Tavvar's assistants fail unconscious, and hit the floor. The shadows in the room surge, the ritual obviously having lost even more control. Tavvar screams as control slips away...
The first wisp moves up to hit Wit with a tendril of shadow, but the elf manages to evade the attack.
Watching the bizarre ritual spiral out of control and I shout encouragement at the woman as she loses control, trying to assist her.
1st Action
[b] Do NOT give up.... Diplomacy:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
I then try and remember anything about things from the shadows....are they affected by positive energy...
2nd Action
Know Religion:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 Knows Occult:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
3rd Action
and are the dropped assistants..are they alive...or dead...can I help them
Round: 3 Init: 21 HP: 33{35} Effects: +1 item bonus to Fort, +5 Temp HP, -2 Will, Perc and Init for 9 rounds
With his two blades out, Roumatha deftly runs up to the newly formed shadow wisp next to Boram and begins to slash at it violently, attempting to chase it away from the ritual and back to its home plane!
Move, Attack, Attack Atk, Main:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 Dmg, Main:1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Atk, Off-Hand:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 Dmg, Off-Hand:1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Titus' Light Spell Springs into action, and Rodlas's acid flask flies through the air, narrowly missing the shadow.
So no. It was close tho.
Boram's second attack also seems to connect with the shadow and it fades from view. As it does, the ritual seems to firm up a little. Though it's still wilder than when you arrived.
Titus, sorry I missed your question about the other assistants. They are unconscious. You'd need to get to them, and spend an action to make a heal check to know more.
Dancing away from the Animated Shadow, Wit moves to the main ritual site whilst still humming their inspiring tune. Studying the designs, Wit racks their brain looking for a way to assist the ritual's safe completion - or premature end.
Kra'as shot goes wide, striking some expensive piece of artwork instead of the shadow creature. You aren't quite sure what Wit does, but as they do it, the ritual calms a fraction more.
It calms, and then surges again. You are all buffeted by shadow energy. make a DC 18 basic fort save vs 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6 damage.. Another shadow creature is also released, or formed? You aren't sure.
The first wisp attacks Rodlas, 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 doing 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6 negative damage, it then moves over Rodlas, pulling at his shadow and stretching it out. Doing 1d6 ⇒ 1 damage.
1d20 ⇒ 4 1d20 ⇒ 16
Tavvar and the last assistant both fall to this burst of shadow energy, and as they do, as Tavvar's eyes close, the ritual ends. It doesn't wimpier and die, it burst out one final time, washing everyone in the room in a last blast of shadow energy.
Everyone needs to take another Dc 18 fort save vs 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4 damage.
Kra'as shot goes wide, striking some expensive piece of artwork instead of the shadow creature. You aren't quite sure what Wit does, but as they do it, the ritual calms a fraction more.
It calms, and then surges again. You are all buffeted by shadow energy. make a DC 18 basic fort save vs 2d6 damage.. Another shadow creature is also released, or formed? You aren't sure.
The first wisp attacks Rodlas, 1d20+8 doing 2d6 negative damage, it then moves over Rodlas, pulling at his shadow and stretching it out. Doing 1d6 damage.
1d20
1d20
Tavvar and the last assistant both fall to this burst of shadow energy, and as they do, as Tavvar's eyes close, the ritual ends. It doesn't wimpier and die, it burst out one final time, washing everyone in the room in a last blast of shadow energy.
Everyone needs to take another Dc 18 fort save vs 2d6 damage.
Male Human (Kellid) Ranger/1 AC 17, | F 7 R 8 W 4, hp 18/20 Perception +6 Hero Points: 2
Rodlas Windracer wrote:
Fort Save 1d20
Do you add your modifier to Basic saves?
Yes, basic save is your modifier with critical success meaning no damage, success means half damage, failure is full, etc. It is a flat save that has no modifier.
Trying their best to stabilise the ritual, Wit calls out in shock as the site pulses not once but twice with roiling shadows seeping through them. With as hiver they try to weather the shadow storm.
