Age of Ashes - A Grand Tour of the Inner Sea (Inactive)

Game Master Luke_Parry

K:
A carpet and several bookshelves are located in one corner of this cavern, while a number of tables with scientific implements stand in another. A pewter replica of a large city rests on the table, surrounded by a handful of pewter figurines of dragons. A garden grows in another corner of the room, maintained by sunlight pouring into the cavern from an opening in the ceiling above. A broad tunnel leads out of the cavern.

K1:
This large, open area appears to serve as a bedchamber for a dragon.

K2:
As small, but bountiful, garden.

K3:
An elderly dire wolf appears to be sleeping peacefully upon this stone.

K4:
This workshop contains a fully-functional alchemy lab, as well as numerous other crafting tools.

K5:
This chamber is packed with bookcases, overloaded with books.

K6:
This model city appears to be an idealised representation of the town of Breachill, expanded to contain over a hundred thousand citizens.

A replica of Mengkare is tinkering with the model, arguing with a ghostly and terrifying version of himself.

"I will be a hero like the ones in my stories!"

"You have done nothing but cause harm, treating sentients like cattle."

"It is for the greater good - if Dahak isn't stopped, untold millions will suffer..."

"What about the lives *you* will destroy, and have manipulated over the centuries?"

"I have helped to uplift the humans, helping them to be the best that they could possibly be!"

"Where was their choice in that? You are nothing but an evil tyrant willing to commit atrocities to fulfil his noble goal."

"It will all be worth it in the end, and everyone will recognize the good I have done!"

"They will only remember the Evil, and not the Good..."

It becomes clear to Jean-Pierre that this is a representation of Mengkare's true feelings, showing that he was aware of all of the evil he was committing in the name of defeating the manifestation of Dahak.

As he listens, it also becomes clear that the Evil is slowly winning the argument...

...but it might be possible to interject, and sway the outcome of the debate.

Diplomacy, Intimidation, Religion, or Society.

Jean-Pierre does his best to be an invisible voice of reason...

"It is only to late to change, when all is said and done. The greatest atrocity has not been committed; the Invocation was never used in its original form. Redemption is always possible, as long as life remains..."

Religion: 1d20 + 31 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 31 + 3 = 48.

The 'Good' Mengkare brightens.

"Yes! Where there is life, there is hope..."

He and his self-doubt then fade away, as do the other contents of the cavern.

As they do so, the released energy infuses Jean-Pierre.

You gain a free ability boost.

When Jean-Pierre exists this node, the facsimile of Alseta's Ring warps, twists, and shakes... and all five gates shimmer with fiery energy.

Instinctively, Jean-Pierre realises that he can exit the landing safely, but the next time he returns, he will be transported to the *actual* prison of Dahak's avatar.

Cue the Raid Boss fight!

Once he has had a chance to rest, Jean-Pierre buffs, takes a deep breath, and heads into the Portal to go deal with Dahak!

Dark tunnels extend out in every direction from this enormous cavern. The ceiling, floor, and walls of the cavern are made from a jet-black material with a faint violet sheen. A large pit in the central portion of the room contains a churning pool of acid and flame.

Lounging in the middle of the pool is a gargantuan red dragon, which can only be the manifestation in all of its terrible glory!

1d20 + 38 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 38 + 3 = 50.

It stretches lazily.

"Little gnat - I may not be able to see you, but I can sense you! With your death, I shall be free!!!"

Manifestation of Dahak: 1d20 + 46 ⇒ (6) + 46 = 52.

Jean-Pierre: 1d20 + 36 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 36 + 2 + 3 = 57.

A Very Angry Avatar, Round 1:

Jean-Pierre (-)
Manifestation of Dahak (-)

"Well, F##@..."

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 36 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 36 + 3 = 51, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (8, 6, 7, 1) + 6 = 28 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 6 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Good damage.
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 34 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 34 + 3 = 43, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (7, 4, 6, 3) + 6 = 26 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 6 Good damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 32 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 32 + 3 = 42, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (7, 5, 5, 4) + 6 = 27 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Good damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 32 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 32 + 3 = 39, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (3, 5, 8, 5) + 6 = 27 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Good damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 32 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 32 + 3 = 39, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (4, 4, 6, 6) + 6 = 26 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Good damage.

He then tosses an Electric Arc...

Electric Arc: 9d4 + 13 ⇒ (4, 4, 3, 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 2) + 13 = 38 Electricity damage, DC 42 Reflex for half.

...before trying to Hide.

Stealth: 1d20 + 36 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 36 + 3 = 56.

Only one arrow hits.

Reflex: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (20) + 36 = 56.

Dahak's Manifestation then dodges the electrical blast with ease.

"Your resistance is futile, you know..."

Perception: 1d20 + 46 ⇒ (13) + 46 = 59.

Easily spotting Jean-Pierre, the Manifestation casts a spell.

Miracle - See Invisibility (10th): 1d20 + 44 ⇒ (16) + 44 = 60.

"There you are!"

A Very Angry Avatar, Round 2:

Jean-Pierre (-)
Manifestation of Dahak (-63)

"Not good!"

Jean-Pierre frantically Wishes for the Miracle to be dispelled...

Wish - Dispel Magic (10th): 1d20 + 32 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 32 + 3 = 53.

...before trying to Hide.

Stealth: 1d20 + 36 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 36 + 3 = 56.

He then tosses out a volley of arrows!

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 36 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 36 + 3 = 43, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (5, 6, 5, 6) + 6 = 28 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Good damage.
Hunted Shot - RP: 1d20 + 36 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 36 + 3 = 47, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (3, 6, 6, 6) + 6 = 27 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 5 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 6 Good damage.
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 34 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 34 + 3 = 52, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (4, 5, 7, 7) + 6 = 29 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 6 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Good damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 32 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 32 + 3 = 38, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (1, 7, 3, 7) + 6 = 24 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 2 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Good damage.
Iterative - RP: 1d20 + 32 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 32 + 3 = 55, for 8d8 + 12 + 3d10 ⇒ (2, 4, 4, 1, 3, 7, 5, 4) + 12 + (5, 7, 10) = 64 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 4 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Good damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 32 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 32 + 3 = 49, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3, 5, 7) + 6 = 24 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 4 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 5 Good damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 32 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 32 + 3 = 51, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (4, 6, 2, 5) + 6 = 23 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 6 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 2 Good damage.

Impressively, Jean-Pierre manages to dispel the Avatar's Miracle.

He then puts three arrows into the Manifestation, causing it to become enraged!

"Insolent gnat! I will devour you, body and soul!"

It then looks around for him...

Perception: 1d20 + 46 ⇒ (2) + 46 = 48.
Perception: 1d20 + 46 ⇒ (14) + 46 = 60.

...eventually spotting him, and flapping over to make its displeasure very clear...

A Very Angry Avatar, Round 3:

Jean-Pierre (-)
Manifestation of Dahak (-279)

Well, could be worse... at least it didn't try another Miracle...

Gritting his teeth, Jean-Pierre concentrates on trying to bring the Dragon down!

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (5) + 36 = 41, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (7, 1, 8, 1) + 6 = 23 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 4 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Good damage.
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (2) + 34 = 36, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (5, 3, 8, 2) + 6 = 24 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 5 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 5 Good damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (18) + 32 = 50, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (2, 7, 7, 6) + 6 = 28 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 5 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Good damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (1) + 32 = 33, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (2, 7, 3, 3) + 6 = 21 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 5 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 5 Good damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (8) + 32 = 40, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (3, 8, 6, 8) + 6 = 31 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 5 Good damage.

Magic Missile: 15d4 + 24 ⇒ (4, 1, 2, 4, 1, 2, 4, 4, 3, 1, 1, 1, 4, 3, 2) + 24 = 61 Force damage.

Once again, only a single arrow hits, but the force missile volley is quite effective; after *that*, the Manifestation is looking injured.

"A quick death is too good for you! I will roast you alive over lava!"

It then heals its wounds...

Heal: 8d8 + 64 ⇒ (7, 5, 3, 2, 2, 8, 2, 5) + 64 = 98.

...before looking around for Jean-Pierre...

Perception: 1d20 + 46 ⇒ (10) + 46 = 56.

"You cannot hide from me!"

A Very Angry Avatar, Round 4:

Jean-Pierre (-)
Manifestation of Dahak (-302)

Jean-Pierre is less than impressed.

Damn.

He decides to pull out all the stops!

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (15) + 36 = 51, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (5, 5, 6, 6) + 6 = 28 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Good damage.
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (17) + 34 = 51, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (4, 4, 1, 2) + 6 = 17 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 4 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Good damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (5) + 32 = 37, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (1, 1, 4, 6) + 6 = 18 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 2 Good damage.
Iterative - RP: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (10) + 32 = 42, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (6, 2, 8, 7) + 6 = 29 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 5 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 4 Good damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (5) + 32 = 37, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (7, 8, 8, 5) + 6 = 34 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 5 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 4 Good damage.
Iterative - RP: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (18) + 32 = 50, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (7, 4, 6, 4) + 6 = 27 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 6 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 2 Good damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (9) + 32 = 41, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (2, 4, 4, 2) + 6 = 18 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 4 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Good damage.

Magic Missile: 15d4 + 24 ⇒ (3, 3, 4, 3, 1, 2, 4, 4, 3, 2, 3, 1, 2, 1, 1) + 24 = 61 Force damage.

Three arrows connect, and the force missile volley as well, leaving the Manifestation heavily injured.

"No! This is inconceivable!"

It frantically tries to dispel Jean-Pierre's invisibility...

Dispel Magic (7th): 1d20 + 44 ⇒ (8) + 44 = 52.

...grinning triumphantly when it reveals him.

"Now you are mine, mortal!"

It then tries to bite him...

Jaws: 1d20 + 44 ⇒ (5) + 44 = 49, for 5d10 + 10 ⇒ (10, 5, 3, 4, 9) + 10 = 41 damage, +4d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 5, 1) = 11 Fire damage, + Improved Grab.

...biting down hard, and grabbing hold.

A Very Angry Avatar, Round 5:

Jean-Pierre (-41)
Manifestation of Dahak (-530)

"Not today!"

Jean-Pierre ninja's free thanks to his Freedom of Movement, backs away, and tries to drop the over-sized lizard.

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (6) + 36 = 42, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (1, 4, 3, 2) + 6 = 16 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 5 Good damage.
Hunted Shot - RP: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (14) + 36 = 50, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (3, 4, 3, 5) + 6 = 21 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Good damage.
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (5) + 34 = 39, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (7, 3, 7, 1) + 6 = 24 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 4 Good damage.
Hunted Shot - RP: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (19) + 34 = 53, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (1, 7, 3, 2) + 6 = 19 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 2 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 2 Good damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (10) + 32 = 42, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (6, 4, 3, 4) + 6 = 23 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 4 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 6 Good damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (20) + 32 = 52, for 8d8 + 12 + 3d10 ⇒ (2, 5, 3, 7, 6, 6, 4, 4) + 12 + (5, 1, 6) = 61 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 2 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Good damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (11) + 32 = 43, for 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (4, 5, 2, 8) + 6 = 25 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Sonic damage, +1d6 ⇒ 5 Good damage.

As Jean-Pierre backs off, the Manifestation makes a desperate attempt to grab hold of him again...

Jaws: 1d20 + 44 ⇒ (1) + 44 = 45, for 5d10 + 10 ⇒ (7, 10, 8, 10, 6) + 10 = 51 damage, +4d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 3, 5) = 18 Fire damage, + Improved Grab.

...but misses completely.

Jean-Pierre then puts two arrow into it, one going deep into the Manifestation's left eye, and it collapses to the ground with an earth-shattering thud!

As the light drains from its single remaining eye, it whispers...

It... It cannot end like this... No...

The great beast's body rapidly decays, turning into a noxious cloud of black smoke, which gradually evaporates.

At that, the prison realm created so long ago collapses in on itself. imploding harmlessly in a burst of light, and shunting you out through Venegate, where you receive a hero's welcome!

Tales of your exploits eventually reach beyond Hermea, while on Promise itself the day of the manifestation’s defeat becomes known as the
Day of Promise.

Regardless of the ultimate outcome, Golarion has thankfully been spared a new Age of Ashes, and the island nation of Hermea may well enter a new age of glory. You can finally rest and look forward to a comfortable life, or continue looking for bigger and bolder adventures, perhaps even traveling the planes!

All the while, however, there is a single, dis-quietening thought: This was but an *Aspect* of Dahak - the real Dragon God is out there somewhere, and he has undoubtedly noticed what happened...

...but the God's can be patient; revenge is a dish best served cold, after all...

AP completed!