[Init +9, Per +20, Spd 40'] M Tengu Unchained Rogue (Swordmaster/Scout) 13th [HP 66/68, AC 27(25) |ff 19(17) |t 21(19), Fort +9(7), Ref +21(19), Will +9(7),] CMD 28
Kahwen bows to the gathered orcs, the same way he did the Pathfinders when he met them, one hand over his chest, the other out perpendicular to his body and his torso parallel to the ground.
"We thank you for your sacrifice and assistance. The Pathfinder Society will do all it can to place this monster back in its prison," he says, before heading for the path.
Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng emerges from the jungle, addressing the scouts. “Sometimes, there is great power to going unnoticed. Especially when you’re walking into dangerous territory. Not everyone in the big, obvious group of Pathfinders on the front lines understands the value of subtlety. Let’s make sure that they know what they’re walking into, so they are ready to act fast when danger strikes.”Players, you can send your Scout Aid Characters on this mission.
GMs, please begin the Aid Mission (Scout) when you reach a good point to do so.
Emerging from the shadows ahead, a group of vigilant Pathfinder agents keeps a close eye out for danger. Surely, they will help you act quickly against your foes. The Scout Mission was successful!
Table GMs, the Scout Mission Success condition on page 11 is in effect.
Shevar Besnik steps forward, his clothing ripped but a smile on his face. “Pathfinders! We’re almost to... well, the crater where Gallowspire once stood. Be sure you cut down any opposition; we don’t want them creeping down after us or blocking our exit!” Shevar raises a weapon and charges into battle.
With a final surge, the expeditionary force of Pathfinders finishes off the last of its foes. Shevar Besnik nods to Ollysta Zadrian, and the two lead the expedition to the edge of a massive crater. The crater’s sides are smooth and glassy, as if melted by an immense heat. Several passageways extend from the sides of the crater, many of them nearly blocked by tons of fallen earth. Ollysta Zadrian narrows her eyes and points at the bottom with her sword. “That way leads to the Catacombs, and beyond it the wards set up by the Whispering Tyrant. Steel yourselves,” she says, sheathing her weapon.
[Init +9, Per +20, Spd 40'] M Tengu Unchained Rogue (Swordmaster/Scout) 13th [HP 66/68, AC 27(25) |ff 19(17) |t 21(19), Fort +9(7), Ref +21(19), Will +9(7),] CMD 28
"Huzzah! Down we go!" Kahwen cries. He steps to the edge of the crater then jumps, extending his arms, which look more winglike than ever.
They catch the wind and he drifts quickly but safely down.
Kahwen has the Glide Racial trait. So long as he makes a DC15 Fly check (which he autosucceeds) he treats any fall as though he were under the effects of Feather Fall. He an also move 5 feet in any direction for every 20 feet he falls with more DC15 Fly checks.
Pierre looks at the pit and exhales.
"Now, there's always a time during the adventure where it comes to this... The only thing I know that can help us on the way down might be this."
As he begins to cast a spell, he sees Zaraah flying safely followed by Kahwen rushing towards the crater and gliding cheerfully.
"...well for the rest of us here."
Pierre casts a spell to meld the stone into crude steps to help a bit of the way down.
Pierre casts Stone Shape. The idea is to change the stone's shape so that a climb check might be easier. It might not be enough for the whole way down (I'm a bit lost with the american system of measures :D) but at least might help a bit.
Zarrah, Kahwen gilde down into the hole and reach the bottom in roughly 10 minutes.
Pierre, using some nifty magical help, is able to make the difficult climb a but easier and is able to reach the bottom in 15 minutes.
Uldar, having difficulty with his mount no doubt, has a rougher time and makes int down in 20 minutes. Morrolan helps with Uldar's mount and reaches the bottom with Uldar.
The expedition reaches the bottom of the crater and moves into the passageway beyond, where Ollysta Zadrian stands in a half-collapsed chamber. A ball of light shines brightly in her hand, although its power seems dimmed by the oppressive atmosphere of the room. The walls are constructed entirely from the bones of thousands of humanoid creatures, fused together with unknown power. “Pathfinders, it is time to make our way to the wards and move beyond them. Be cautious, and may the gods watch over you."
The agents steel themselves and venture into Gallow Spire. The darkness is thick and seems unnatural. The group feels an oppressive doom as they make their way into the desecrated hall.
Please indicate light sources;
Uldar, Morrolan:
You spy something out of the ordinary as you enter the hall. Perhaps a mechanism set to trigger upon entry? right at the entry to the chamber beyond.
The group can just make out hints of the next room. Mounted on the walls here are numerous severed heads of a variety of magical creatures and beings, writhing in a mockery of life.
Actions?
delving:
Uldar Perc :1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20 Perc Pierre :1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 Perc Zaarah :1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17 Perc Mol :1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23 Perc Kawhen :1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Female N Kitsune, always in human form (auburn hair, freckles, dreamily observing and sometimes looking a little bit crazy) | Swashbuckler 1 / Magus 15 | Low-light vision | Speed 30ft, Fly 60ft | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Lucky Horses. 1/1 | HP 209/209 | Normal: AC 24 T 19 FF 16 | CMB +25 (Disarm, Trip, Sunder), CMD 28 | F +22, R +22, W +15 | Empower 1/1 | Quicken 1/1| FreeMove 4/4 | Panache 9/9 | Arcane Pool/Ring 11+4/13+4 | Black Blade Pool 4/4 | Concentr. reroll 2/2 | Chaldira reroll 1/1 | Reroll 1/1 | Flight 15/15 | Init +9 | Perc +26, SM +21, Bluff (Deceive) +28, Dipl. (Convince) +28 | Active cond: Ablative barrier, invisibility, fly, Defending bones
GM Brew wrote:
The party descends into the crater...
Zarrah, Kahwen gilde down into the hole and reach the bottom in roughly 10 minutes.
If this is taking so long then Zaarah will us her flight hex to use feather fall at will and only use a minute of flight to get to the right spot an then get down.
Seeing the bones fused together really depresses Zaarah. She takes out her strong continual flame ion stone and it circles around her head and can ban many darkness spells.
GM this is a: Dull grey Ion stone with continual flame heightened to 4th level from Vybus Abbin (PFS# 103843-21), 0 lbs.
Zaarah is almost frightened. She casts detect magic and walks forward.
[Init +9, Per +20, Spd 40'] M Tengu Unchained Rogue (Swordmaster/Scout) 13th [HP 66/68, AC 27(25) |ff 19(17) |t 21(19), Fort +9(7), Ref +21(19), Will +9(7),] CMD 28
Kahwen pulls out his Wayfinder and says a command word. For a moment, a lovely lullaby plays.
"Sorry! Wrong one!" he says the same command word and the music stops.
Another word causes the Wayfinder to shine with light.
He draws his sword and falls in with Zaarah. And the way his feathers puff up, shake then settle back down, it's clear the room made of bones with head art has him more than almost frightened.
Pierre furrows his brow.
"A wayfinder that sings? Well, that's something unusual." he says calmly.
He quickly straps his shield back on his left arm and casts light on it.
"Iomedae, Light in the darkness, show us the path through the treacherous night..." he incants.
Master of Spells Sorrina Westyr frowns at the black veins running through Gallowspire’s walls. “Do you see that? That’s pure negative energy flowing through the walls. It’s strengthening every undead creature in all of Gallowspire. If we don’t do something about it, I shudder to think how tough our battles will be against Gallowspire’s strongest defenders. Let’s put a stop to it here and now!”Players, you can send your Spellcaster Aid Characters on this mission.
GMs, please begin the Aid Mission (Spellcaster) when you reach a good point to do so.
[Init +9, Per +20, Spd 40'] M Tengu Unchained Rogue (Swordmaster/Scout) 13th [HP 66/68, AC 27(25) |ff 19(17) |t 21(19), Fort +9(7), Ref +21(19), Will +9(7),] CMD 28
As the agents prepare to delve into the Spire, several attendants answer the call for spellcasters!
Enora charges into the fray, trying to lend her talents to penetrate the dark magics of the spire. Her zealousness makes her reckless and she finds herself trapped somewhere in the spire! Enora has gotten herself into trouble. Her fate will depend on how well the other casters fare!
Belisi taps his magical powers to bring what aid he can to the effort. He is able to beat back some the negative energy permeating the structure, but the energy fights back. He can feel his body strain against the dark power...As with Enora, his fate will be determined by the other casters efforts.
Ok, we are lagging a bit behind now. I will now assume Uldar and or Molorran will tell the party what they have seen. Please read the spoiler and take action.
Female N Kitsune, always in human form (auburn hair, freckles, dreamily observing and sometimes looking a little bit crazy) | Swashbuckler 1 / Magus 15 | Low-light vision | Speed 30ft, Fly 60ft | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Lucky Horses. 1/1 | HP 209/209 | Normal: AC 24 T 19 FF 16 | CMB +25 (Disarm, Trip, Sunder), CMD 28 | F +22, R +22, W +15 | Empower 1/1 | Quicken 1/1| FreeMove 4/4 | Panache 9/9 | Arcane Pool/Ring 11+4/13+4 | Black Blade Pool 4/4 | Concentr. reroll 2/2 | Chaldira reroll 1/1 | Reroll 1/1 | Flight 15/15 | Init +9 | Perc +26, SM +21, Bluff (Deceive) +28, Dipl. (Convince) +28 | Active cond: Ablative barrier, invisibility, fly, Defending bones
Zaarah spies something out of the ordinary as she enters the hall. Perhaps a mechanism set to trigger upon entry? right at the entry to the chamber beyond.
”Maybe it is a trap! Can someone disable it and we stand further in the back?“
Zaarah casts detect magic and looks around as well.
Uldar will use a swift action to give Chomper the aspect of bat... Chompers hands go back to dinosaur claws but his ear holes turn into large bat ears and his eyes become a little bigger and all black
[Init +9, Per +20, Spd 40'] M Tengu Unchained Rogue (Swordmaster/Scout) 13th [HP 66/68, AC 27(25) |ff 19(17) |t 21(19), Fort +9(7), Ref +21(19), Will +9(7),] CMD 28
"Oh! It does look like a trap. Let me take a look, Companions."
Before he gets started, he stops and unrolls a leather pouch lined with velvet inside. Stored in individual pockets are an array of files, tiny saws, wires, hooks and skeleton keys. They're all exceptionally shiny and sturdy.
He blows on his fingers, claps his hands together and rubs them vigorously then sets to work.
Uldar tries to get his eyes to adjust to the darkness, but has difficulty. He begins to suspect this is no ordinary gloom...
Kahwen, spying the tripwire mechanism is able to discern its function. His skill apparent, he easily disengages the mechanism. Standing to admire a job well done, he notices that the entire mechanism begins to shift...into something else entirely! The area around the trap seems to melt and the contraption becomes a mass of fluid, formless ooze. Tentacles forma and lash out! The tentacle slams into Kahwen and wraps around the tengu. Slimy excretions sizzle, causing Kahwen's feathers and
skin to singe and burn. Kahen is grappled and takes listed damage, 6 points of it acid damage.
The group springs into action, hearing a rumbling form scrapong towards them in the darkness. Rumbling into the light is a creature of nightmares, a mass of bones, shambling, razor sharp shards swinging into the air. It lumbers out of the darkness toward the party.
Female N Kitsune, always in human form (auburn hair, freckles, dreamily observing and sometimes looking a little bit crazy) | Swashbuckler 1 / Magus 15 | Low-light vision | Speed 30ft, Fly 60ft | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Lucky Horses. 1/1 | HP 209/209 | Normal: AC 24 T 19 FF 16 | CMB +25 (Disarm, Trip, Sunder), CMD 28 | F +22, R +22, W +15 | Empower 1/1 | Quicken 1/1| FreeMove 4/4 | Panache 9/9 | Arcane Pool/Ring 11+4/13+4 | Black Blade Pool 4/4 | Concentr. reroll 2/2 | Chaldira reroll 1/1 | Reroll 1/1 | Flight 15/15 | Init +9 | Perc +26, SM +21, Bluff (Deceive) +28, Dipl. (Convince) +28 | Active cond: Ablative barrier, invisibility, fly, Defending bones
Zaarah is still holding the charge of Shocking Grasp.
”Kahwen!!!“ Zaarah cries out in fear for her companion!
Swift action: Arcane Pool Point to make her scimitar +3 and keen.
Free action: Activate boots of speed 2/10.
* * *
Opportune Parry & Riposte: In case Zaarah is attacked she uses 'Opportune Parry' and parries by expending an AoO to parry and spends a panache point (so if the attack roll of tshe opponent is lower than Zaarah's parry then the opponent does not hit and Zaarah could potentially Riposte)
Opportune Parry:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31
In case Zaarah successfully parries she uses 'Riposte' as an immediate action to attack the opponent that attacked her.
Zaarah is still holding the charge of Shocking Grasp and 5 ft steps forward to deliver the spell with spellstrike through her intelligent Black Blade Scimitar.
In case any attack hits: Shocking grasp, intensified without level increase due to traits, electricity damage :8d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 6, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5) = 26
HASTE action with Keen Scimitar Black Blade +3 attack roll :1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19 Scimitar Black Blade +3, Dex mod +6, Damage roll :1d6 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Miss, still holding the SG charge.
-
Primary action with Keen Scimitar Black Blade +3 attack roll :1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 34 Scimitar Black Blade +3, Dex mod +6, Damage roll :1d6 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Oozes are immune to crit so 15 slashing & 26 electricity damage.
-
Secondary action with Keen Scimitar Black Blade +3 attack roll :1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31 Scimitar Black Blade +3, Dex mod +6, Damage roll :1d6 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
[Init +9, Per +20, Spd 40'] M Tengu Unchained Rogue (Swordmaster/Scout) 13th [HP 66/68, AC 27(25) |ff 19(17) |t 21(19), Fort +9(7), Ref +21(19), Will +9(7),] CMD 28
"Aargh!" Kahwen calls out as he is engulfed and starts to burn.
He does his best to wiggle free of the tentacles.
Escape Artist:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
Probably not enough, but if it is...
He then backs away, trying to get some distance between himself and those oozy bits. He twists and jumps to avoid them.
Acrobatics:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (2) + 20 = 22
I put a mostly transparent version of Kahwen where he'll retreat to if he escapes.
Viret draws a wand and releases its divine power to bless his party. You action of casting a spell would have provoked an AOO. I figured Viret would know Kawhen was a shifty bird and used the action to withdraw wand and cast bless. Also moves things along as Kahwen made is roll.
Zarrah springs into action, putting her black blade to work on the oozy beast. Her blade shreds and she sends an electrical blast into the creature.
Kawhen slips out of the tentacles and flips through the air avoiding the grabbing globs of ooze! Kawhen actually moved through two threatened squares so I figured he would use withdraw action to negate first and used acro roll for second.
Uldar and Chomper tear into the bone creature. Weapon and claw tear into Bone but the creature stands.
The ooze looks for a new target and its tentacles reach out for Zaarah! A tentacle slams into the magus and encircles her. The tentacle secrets a hissing green ooze than burns! 17 damage, 7 being acid damage.
The bone monstrosity moans and reaches onto its body. It breaks off a bone and throws it at Chomper! The bone hits the mount and it begins to duplicate. Almost in an instant, chomper is trapped in a cage of bone! Chomper can try to escape the grapple normally or attack the bone structure by making an attack against it.
[Init +9, Per +20, Spd 40'] M Tengu Unchained Rogue (Swordmaster/Scout) 13th [HP 66/68, AC 27(25) |ff 19(17) |t 21(19), Fort +9(7), Ref +21(19), Will +9(7),] CMD 28
"Thank you, Friend Pierre," Kahwen says as Iomedae's healing energy flows through him.
Rather than rushing back into battle, he pauses and goes through a number of intricate steps and motions with his sword, taking on a stance that is even more bird like.
Full round action to activate Sword Trance with Crane Stance.
Female N Kitsune, always in human form (auburn hair, freckles, dreamily observing and sometimes looking a little bit crazy) | Swashbuckler 1 / Magus 15 | Low-light vision | Speed 30ft, Fly 60ft | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Lucky Horses. 1/1 | HP 209/209 | Normal: AC 24 T 19 FF 16 | CMB +25 (Disarm, Trip, Sunder), CMD 28 | F +22, R +22, W +15 | Empower 1/1 | Quicken 1/1| FreeMove 4/4 | Panache 9/9 | Arcane Pool/Ring 11+4/13+4 | Black Blade Pool 4/4 | Concentr. reroll 2/2 | Chaldira reroll 1/1 | Reroll 1/1 | Flight 15/15 | Init +9 | Perc +26, SM +21, Bluff (Deceive) +28, Dipl. (Convince) +28 | Active cond: Ablative barrier, invisibility, fly, Defending bones
Opportune Parry & Riposte: In case Zaarah is attacked she uses 'Opportune Parry' and parries by expending an AoO to parry and spends a panache point (so if the attack roll of tshe opponent is lower than Zaarah's parry then the opponent does not hit and Zaarah could potentially Riposte)
Opportune Parry:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22
In case Zaarah successfully parries she uses 'Riposte' as an immediate action to attack the opponent that attacked her.
Suddenly, the flow of negative energy through Gallowspire’s walls ceases. The undead cry out, furious that this source of power has been taken away from them. The Spellcaster Mission was successful!
GMs, the Spellcaster Mission Success condition on page 17 is in effect.
Viret calls on divine magic to heal Kahwen's wounds.
Zarrah, batting away the ooze's tentacle begins to slice away at the hapless beast. She shreds it nearly to pieces but it still fights on.
Kawhen readies himself to rejoin the fight.
Chomper narrowly dodges the bone cage and gets back into the fight. Uldar and mount engage the bony foe. Metal teeth and bone fly in a mass of carnage. The thing still stands.
The ooze once again reaches out for Zaarah. This time the ooze slithers around the magus' counter and strikes! It grabs Zarrah, green ooze searing her as it holds. Zarrah is grappled and takes 18 damage, 4 of it acid damage.
The bone creature growls and rips off another bone fragment, throwing it at Uldar! The bone strikes the dragoon and begins to multiply. Uldar finds himself encases in a bone cage! See previous post regarding options to escape. Attack cage or attempt to escape grapple.
[Init +9, Per +20, Spd 40'] M Tengu Unchained Rogue (Swordmaster/Scout) 13th [HP 66/68, AC 27(25) |ff 19(17) |t 21(19), Fort +9(7), Ref +21(19), Will +9(7),] CMD 28
Feeling better and in a more defensive mindset and stance, Kahwen throws himself back into the fray.
With a triumphant shout, Shevar Besnik’s voice rings out. “Pathfinders! Together we’ve cleared the remaining wards from the stairway. And together, we’ve beaten back most of the monsters these Catacombs had to throw at us. Who wants to go deeper? I’m sure it’s just as bright and cheery as up here!” The way to the Silent Shrine is clear!
Female N Kitsune, always in human form (auburn hair, freckles, dreamily observing and sometimes looking a little bit crazy) | Swashbuckler 1 / Magus 15 | Low-light vision | Speed 30ft, Fly 60ft | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Lucky Horses. 1/1 | HP 209/209 | Normal: AC 24 T 19 FF 16 | CMB +25 (Disarm, Trip, Sunder), CMD 28 | F +22, R +22, W +15 | Empower 1/1 | Quicken 1/1| FreeMove 4/4 | Panache 9/9 | Arcane Pool/Ring 11+4/13+4 | Black Blade Pool 4/4 | Concentr. reroll 2/2 | Chaldira reroll 1/1 | Reroll 1/1 | Flight 15/15 | Init +9 | Perc +26, SM +21, Bluff (Deceive) +28, Dipl. (Convince) +28 | Active cond: Ablative barrier, invisibility, fly, Defending bones
Grappled, -2 to hit and -4 Dex means -4 to hit for Zaarah and -2 to damage.
Opportune Parry & Riposte: In case Zaarah is attacked she uses 'Opportune Parry' and parries by expending an AoO to parry and spends a panache point (so if the attack roll of tshe opponent is lower than Zaarah's parry then the opponent does not hit and Zaarah could potentially Riposte)
Opportune Parry:1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 18 - 4 = 22
In case Zaarah successfully parries she uses 'Riposte' as an immediate action to attack the opponent that attacked her.
Back at the caravan of goods following the expedition, Sheila Heidmarch speaks. “It’s time to resupply the front line,” she says to the Pathfinders on caravan duty. “There’s no telling what they’ll face next, and...” Her announcement is cut short as the wall buckles. A towering colossus emerges from the wall, blocking the path ahead. “... and we need to deal with this thing first!” Pathfinders from the caravan fire a barrage of arrows and spells at the creature, but they bounce off its tough exterior. “We’ll need strength to crack its defenses!”Players, you can send your Muscle Aid Characters on this mission.
GMs, please begin the Aid Mission (Muscle) when you reach a good point to do so.
Crowe charges in to aid the cause! His strength helps the gathered warriors, but he is struck by the implacable foe! Crowe was successful but injured in the process. To heal up will cast him 8 PPs upon conclusion of the scenario.
