Outpost III - GM Ietsuna - Siege of Gallowspire (Inactive)

Game Master Ietsuna

I am going to let the RP etc roll on this. You are at the bottom by the river of blood. The fight is raging on 50 feet above you.

**Dies horribly.**

Oh, crap. Knowledge check on the thing that killed Shevar?

Garduk blinks for a moment, then flexes the wrist of one hand. His wand of shield drops into it and he quickly activates it to cast the spell on himself before offering the wand to Reesa.

He pulls several scrolls from his haversack. "I can give two of us the power of flight -- just for a few minutes, but more than enough time to get up to the fight on that bridge. Those two might each be able to carry someone else, and as for me, I should be able get up there on my own without much trouble. That's five of us. I have another spell that would let me move one more person in a vertical line; if we start them at the right spot, that should be enough to place them close enough to step onto the bridge."

Garduk has a scroll of fly (x2), a scroll of levitate, and can spend a reservoir point to teleport up to 70 feet to a spot in sight as a move action.

"Of course, if anyone else has a trick they'd like to use, that would free up a scroll for someone else." He casts a speculative eye at the hound archon. "How much longer are you going to hang around, do you think? If we have your help for a bit more time, I can try to get you up there and into the fight."

GM - Magnus's summons lasts 7 minutes. I'm not sure whether we're a few seconds from the end of our fight with the dullahan and maki or a few minutes - what do you think? If the archon will stay long enough to be useful and if the levitate scroll isn't needed for one of the PCs , Garduk will tap Magnus with his wand of mage armor, then cast levitate and magic weapon from his scrolls.

"What do you all think? If stopping the horror that killed Shevar will put an end to this battle, we may as well go all out. If there is worse yet to come before we rest, though, perhaps we'd better save our resources."

My animal form has a climb speed so I can get up there on my own. I'm a little worried about my AC at 21 but I have DR 5/evil. I also have Spider Climb, communal which can get all of us up there at the cost of only one spell slot.

If we don't deal with it, it will harry the weaker forces and kill more than just Shevar.

I think Magnus probably has 5 minutes left.

The fight on the bridge has progressed into the structure to the north west and the creature has flown off toward another group of Pathfinders.

Bo retrieves a flask from his pouch. "This should grant me the power of flight." The monk eyes the creature as it flies about the cavern. "Though it is within range of my weapon anywhere in this chamber."

Are we supposed to get up there? I'd hate to burn resources if the 'event' doesn't actually have us engaging it.

Ok, peek behind the screen. You cannot do anything aboutthe creature who killed the VC. The scenario doesn't even name the creature, I picked the enemy from the highest tier and gave you that for the ID above. There is things inside the structure if you wanted to go that way, or there are optional encounters we can do. Take your pick.

I'm up for exploring the structure.

As the team decides what to do, the monk pulls forth a few more prayer beads and meditates.

Hanlin watches the river, seeing no sign of their leader. As the creature flees he raises his fist and shakes it in frustration "Damnable coward!" He then turns to the others "The Society has powerful magic at its disposal. I'm sure with the application of enough diamond dust and a well written prayer they'll be able to have him resurrected if he so chooses."

Hanlin girds his loins and heads towards the inner structure after healing the party's injuries. Shield of Faith +3, 8 mins.

Also, can we get a damage recount on the party so we can heal up before hand? Thanks

Kn. Religion (DC 29): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

"Oh New Friends, I don't know what that thing was but I think it's too strong for us to do anything about," Corona remarks sorrowfully. "Hopefully the most senior agents can squish it, though."

She looks upward again.

"We still need to get up there, though, and maybe at least secure the rear. I'll do whatever we need to do or if someone wants to throw a rope down that might be enough to help me just climb up."

Suddenly, Corona blinks.

"Oh wait, New Friends, I forgot. Sometimes if I focus really really really hard, I can move myself around to other places. I think I can just do that and get myself to the top!"
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I'm up for exploring the structure too. Also I just remembered that I should be able to basically 'teleport' myself up to the top with my Time Hop revelation so don't worry about spending any scrolls on me right now.

Lets burn one of those healing boons and pass it along.

Lucky to not have taken damage that encounter, Hanlin

**OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT**

Glowing with holy light, Ollysta pauses for a moment to rally the Pathfinders. “This will be the hour of our glory, Pathfinders! We strike against the Whispering Tyrant!” She turns her gaze to a spectral dragon circling overhead. The dragon unleashes a wall of negative energy, dissolving Pathfinders where they stand. With steely resolve, Ollysta charges toward the dragon, running on the air. “By Sarenrae’s light, begone!” she cries, as her longsword connects with its wispy form. A gaping hole appears in its chest as holy energy burns away its corrupted body. The dragon rounds on Ollysta, tearing into her with an onslaught of teeth, claws, and razor-edged wings. Ollysta’s wounds are mortal, but the paladin isn’t finished. Her sacred longsword is just as unrelenting as the dragon’s attack. With a triumphant blow, she decapitates the dragon. Its body collapses into a ball of purifying light. The same light envelops Ollysta’s shattered form. As her strength fades, expression of pure serenity crosses her face. With a sigh, she closes her eyes for the last time. She drifts to the ground, landing gently on her back.

Is it me, or does it look like they are just clearing house?

Ratcheting up tension. There have been PC deaths at other tables. Maybe I should stop going easy :P Seriously, you all are doing great.

Hanlin raises his sword in holy salute to Ollysta "She fought so we didn't have to. She died in her quest to save us. Let's honor those who've fallen by kicking some major ASS!"

Ratcheting up tension. There have been PC deaths at other tables. Maybe I should stop going easy :P Seriously, you all are doing great.

Yikes. That bone golem was no joke. I am pretty happy we have a good balance of utility, DPS, and a channeling cleric :)

Okay, since it seems like we're in agreement to explore the structure...

At this point, Corona has clearly had enough. She gives Hanlin a hearty slap across the back and cries, "You said it, New Friend! Now let's get up there and kick ass! YOU HEAR THAT, EVIL? WE'RE COMING FOR YOU!"

With that, Corona's form suddenly winks out of existence and she reappears a moment later, up at the edge of the cliff.
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Corona uses her Time Hop revelation to teleport herself up to the edge of the cliff, leaving her with 20 ft. left on the ability for the day~

Doesn't look like anyone needs healing, right? I think Magnus is the only one who was injured.

"Grel, your spider-climbing spell sounds like the best option to me. I ... What in the Hells?!?"

Even though he and he group are well out of range of its attacks, Garduk drops to the floor at the sight of the spectral dragon.

**Dies heroically**

The half-orc raises his head and mutters curses in Abyssal, then stands cautiously and walks over to the archon.

"Hold still." Garduk pulls a wand from his belt, mutters the activation word, and taps the celestial dog-man with it. A pale blue glow appears around the archon's feet and quickly rises up his legs, over his torso and arms, and up over his head, then fades. Mage armor.

"I think we ought to get up there. Any other preparations we ought to make?"

"You said it, New Friend! Now let's get up there and kick ass! YOU HEAR THAT, EVIL? WE'RE COMING FOR YOU!"

With that, Corona's form suddenly winks out of existence and she reappears a moment later, up at the edge of the cliff.

"What? No, Corona, wait -- "

Damn, blast, and evocation spells!

"So, we should probably make a decision about how the rest of us are getting up there. As I was saying, Grel, your spider-climbing spell sounds good to me..."

Edited to react to Corona’s post - forgot to refresh the page before posting mine.

"Oh, sorry New Friend Garduk!"

Corona quickly looks around to make sure the coast is clear for a moment and then begins digging through her pack.

"Don't worry, I have a rope!" she calls back down, suddenly back to her oddly-cheery self.
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Corona has 50 ft. of rope she can throw down, providing there's something up top she can tie it off to~

Grel gathers the group to administer a spell after Corona has made her way.

Spider Climb, communal. I don't benefit from it so casting with Place Magic (+1 CL) CL 9. That's 90 minutes for y'all. Bo 20min. Garduk 20 min. Hanlin 20 min. Reesa 20 min. Magnus 10 min. My proposal for the more forward line folks to be more agile down the line.

Woohoo! Thank you sir.

The archer stalks up the ravine wall.

"Climb like a spider you say? Couldn't be more welcome, so long as I don't grow more eyes that is." Hanlin scurries up the wall like a rat raiding a bird's nest.

"Thanks, Corona - it should just take us a few seconds, but shout if there's trouble and I'll join you right away.".

Garduk stretches a hand up to touch the cliff face experimentally, then nods to himself and starts to climb, being careful to let the better-armored Pathfinders take the lead.

"Y'know," he says to Grel, "I have a spell like this one in my spellbook. It only works for one person at a time and I've never used it on a mission, but this communal version is very helpful. I should consider studying the lesser spell more often, and will look for a written copy of this communal spell when we get back to Absalom."

If we get back to Absalom.

Garduk keeps climbing (double move).

**Dies heroically**

The celestial warrior watches in stunned shock as the Pathfinder paladin - whose deeds in battle and as the leader of the Silver Crusade are widely known throughout Heaven - slays the spectral dragon before succumbing to her wounds.

A tear streaks down the archon's furry cheek. He barely notices when Garduk cloaks him in arcane armor.

"Hope the Dawnflower lights the way fer ya, Lady Ollysta," he murmurs. The doglike man - or manlike dog - turns his face to the roof of the immense, deadly caverns, opens his mouth, and howls in grief and despair.

Nonetheless, he joins the others for Grel's casting. Roaring "FOR OLLYSTA!," he leaps onto the wall and begins to climb.

To Garduk I have found the spell quite useful in the past. Since I have some flexibility with my earth magic, it is good to keep my prepared spell list varied.

Grel bounds up the walls with his cat paws ready for action.

Reesa follows the others up, eyes wide as she’s never experienced a spell like this before.

**OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT**

Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury raises a banner, calling out to the expedition’s medics. “Pathfinders, the brave heroes leading the charge need your help. They cannot be allowed to fall before the Whispering Tyrant’s servants! Come with me, and let us tend to their wounds so they may fight on!” Players, you can send your Medic Aid Characters on this mission.

GMs, please begin the Aid Mission (Medic).

Ok, Medic Aid Mission. Garduk roll 2d6 please and Corona and Grel please roll 3d6

The party makes their way to the top of the ravine. A ruined structure looms to the north while another structure looms to the south west across the now clear bridge. A third building stands to the west.

Garduk clambers over the edge of the cliff and grimaces at Corona - anyone who knows him well might recognize this expression as the closest his scars will allow him to get to a smile. "Glad to see you're still in one piece."

When he notices the Qadiran woman waiting hesitantly next to the oracle, he raises an eyebrow. "Kyra? I guess I'm glad you're still in one piece, too, but didn't they call medics to the front a minute ago? You should get going."

Medic mission, pregen: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7

"I think we should start with this ruin to the north," he growls once the Sarenite priestess heads off to where she is needed. "It's closest."

Without waiting for any other conversation, Bo nods and begins walking in to the North.

"Hang on a sec, pal, let me take care of something fer ya." The dog-man reaches out a hand to clasp Bo on the shoulder. The archer feels a mild, pleasant warmth spreading from the celestial's hand, fending off a bit of the cavern's chill. "There ya go, Bub. Anybody else want a little heavenly boost before we go in?"

Bo, please roll 1d8+6 - you gain that many temporary hit points. Magnus casts aid, CL 6, duration 6 minutes, granting the target a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects (these bonuses do not stack with bless, which is also a morale bonus), plus temporary hit points equal to 1d8 + caster level (6). After casting the spell on Bo, the archon casts it on Garduk and on himself. Anyone who wants aid, just say so and roll your own temporary HP; Magnus can cast it at will.

Temp HP for Magnus: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Temp HP for Garduk: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

These rooms are lined with shelves, each with a small metal plaque and a name. Atop the shelves are crowns, diadems, and headgear of rulership with staggering diversity.

Grel pads forward in his dog form. He'll take the offering from Magnus. I'll follow you, Bo.

Temp HP: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The archer stops and bow deeply to the archon. "Many thanks. I have no idea what heavenly gift you have bestowed upon me. Rest assured, I am confident this will indeed assist my journey on The Path."

Aid HP: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Once in the room, Bo's keen eyes sweep the room for dangers and secrets.

Perception: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (10) + 28 = 38

"Heck ya I want some extra celestial awesomeness." Hanlin gives the hound a high five and receiving the creature's blessing.

Aid: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

He follows behind the others, shield at the ready.

"Oh yes please, I'll take all the help I can get, New Friend," Corona smiles as Magnus begins passing out the 'celestial awesomeness'.

Aid: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

"Aw, thanks for worrying about me, New Friend Garduk," she adds. "I try my best to stay in one piece since being split into multiple pieces would be very inconvenient."

Once everyone is ready she follows after Bo to the north, looking around at the shelves with interest.

"This is strange, New Friends. Did this place used to be something else before the Whispering Tyrant got locked up?"

Kn. History: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Kn. Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

As the group of Pathfinders climb up the cliff and begin making preparations to press on, a red-headed woman in robes hurries to catch up to Kyra. A brief flash of color from her wrist is that of a tattoo in the shape of a colorful songbird.

"Kyra, wait up! We shouldn't let ourselves get too spread out; you saw what happened to VC Besnik earlier!"

She glances over her shoulder at the group behind her, expression brightening as she recognizes at least one familiar face.

"Garduk! I'm glad to see you're still alive! Try and stay that way so we can go get a drink after all this is over, okay?"

And then she's gone around a corner, after the other medics.

Medic Mission: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 3) = 12

Reesa accepts the temporary aid bonus as well.

Aid 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Umberto Ricci heads off into the rear to see what aid they can render.

Aid Mission: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 4) = 9

Looking around it can be deduced that this area is a trophy room of some sort. The items here come from lands conquered by or lands who became allied with Tar-Baphon.

By the time Garduk realizes that the redhead calling back over her shoulder is Nella, she is out of earshot.

Probably not the time or place to stop and catch up anyway.

Garduk scans the room and contents with detect magic, while Magnus does the same with detect evil.

Grel will use his Spirit Sense to peer forward as well.

Spirit Sense (Sp): At 1st level, a menhir savant can detect the presence of undead; fey; outsiders; and astral, ethereal, or incorporeal creatures. This ability functions like detect undead, and the druid detects all of these creatures rather than trying to detect one kind.

Hanlin assists, slight, in the search of the trophy rooms "Even the dead seem to take trophies, like hunters, displaying their conquests. Weird."

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

"Best we move along at a good pace though, no use sifting through likely unusable relics when the future of our world is at stake."
AKA: I've got a terrible perception so may as well make that obvious!

Aside from the trophies no-one sees or detects anything in the room.

Grel will push forward then. He'll check out the compartments? around this area.

Is your preference to dungeon crawl this on the map or more theatre of the mind?

More theater of the mind until such time as any enemies may or may not appear or something else happens

"There isn't much point in pretending we're going to take anyone by surprise." Garduk turns to the archon. "Just start kicking in doors until we find something interesting. Hrmmm. Please."

The archon nods and blows a cloud of choking cigar smoke in his summoner's face. "Sure thing, Bub. That's my usual modus operandi anyway."

Magnus begins kicking open doors (and taking names, if there any to take).

"Yes New Friends, it looks like we need to just start working our way around through the rest of the ruins," Corona agrees, gesturing towards the structures she can see across the bridge. "Let's go but keep our peepers peeled!"

She then moves to follow Magnus and the rest.