GM Badblood's Scions of the Sky Key - Part III - The Golden Guardian (Inactive)

Game Master Lance K

Bask had been listening raptly to Toral's recitation.

We are lucky he came on this mission, a true heir to this sky key and to the history of the Dwarves

When the call to arms comes in, he jumps into action. He calls upon his connection to nature and to Sarenrae to give himself and Salim Aspect of the Cat, then jumps off the side.

Acrobatics, cat, heroism: 1d20 + 5 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 4 + 2 = 16

Landing nimbly, he continues moving toward the door, drawing his blade as he does so, and then gives a prayer to Sarenrae for protection. To Salim he calls "Come!"

He's casting shield of faith at the end of his movement

Salim bounds after him, looking even more cat-like that unusual

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

The DC to cross the walkway is only 12, so Laafdahni makes it across fine. Also, Toral, did you recast heightened awareness after the fight with the Golden Guardian?

The massive doors swing open, revealing a towering half-orc woman dressed in a patchwork cloak of animal hides and wielding a massive two-bit great axe. Next to her is a large, angry looking cat and following right on her heels are two humans in black leather. One of them has a scar on his head which may have been caused by a toppling wall and another has sing marks on her face and hands. The woman with scars on her hands is carrying a torch that flickers with a cool yellow light.

"We tried to slow down, but our traps were not enough! If only Stinkeye was still alive!" one of the kobolds shrieks, clearly terrified as the Aspsis agents storm into the room.

The Golden Guardian leaps off its perch, moving to make a fly-by attack against the invaders.

The kobolds and the Golden Guardian are "helping" the party, but this aid is already factored in by penalties that the invaders are receiving based on how much of kobold's defense network was left intact, which includes their hp's already being reduced below maximum. None of these creatures are officially on the map, so there is never going to be a risk of hitting any allies with a spell, but I may still describe them giving the party supporting fire or the Golden Guardian swooping by to make a Fly-By Attack.

Round 1
Guy
Sinaryn
Toral
Bocke
Laafdahni
Bask
-Salim
Big Cat
Red Aspis
Blue Aspis
KAMEKTAH

Guy takes a deep breath, and then he starts singing at full volume.

“I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down!

I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down!”

Nice acoustics! I like how it echoes in here!

He stays back from the ledge so that it is hard to see where he is.

If possible I would like cover bonus from anyone on the ground.

Inspire courage, +2 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +2 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.

Laafdahni strides forward and stops near the top of the stairs. She calls out in a voice evocative of deep, inexorable ocean currents: "You foul destroyers will fall!"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Ah, Guy is singing songs that remind him of the good times, Bocke thinks. He is inspired as he fires on the boss Aspis (white).

Longbow, IC, bless, RS: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 28
Damage, IC: 1d8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 2 = 10

Longbow, IC, bless, RS: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 19
Damage, IC: 1d8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 2 = 7

Very inspired!

Confirm: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 22
Crit Extra Damage: 2d8 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (7, 8) + 2 + 4 = 21

Laafdahni, its a moot point because that check isn't high enough to affect anybody, but to demoralize a foe, your character needs to be within 30 feet and you have to pick a target.

Bocke's first arrow strikes Kamekta the Mighty in the eye and the barbarian falls right to the ground.

Bocke, do you want to direct your second arrow at another target? Same attack and damage roll.

Round 1 -Inspire Courage, Bless
Guy
Sinaryn
Toral
Bocke
Laafdahni
Bask
-Salim
Big Cat
Red Aspis
Blue Aspis

"Bask, if the handler goes down do you think you could control that cat? Seems Aspis only know how to mistreat animals."

I'll redirect at the cat but to be honest I think the corner will provide hard cover.

Also, Toral, did you recast heightened awareness after the fight with the Golden Guardian?

I have prepared the spell three times so Toral recast the spell when it expired.

Toral’s spell ends and a small earth elemental appears that charges towards the large cat!

slam, earth mastery, power attack, charge : 1d20 + 6 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 11 + 2 = 341d6 + 4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 3 + 1 = 13

*

Toral then casts spiritual weapon to attack the cat.

spiritual weapon of Chaldira, shortsword 1/5 : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 181d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

A short sword of force appears next to the cat.

Toral then moves down.

arobatics, acp -6 : 1d20 - 6 ⇒ (18) - 6 = 12

Sinaryn keeps moving, channeling more arcane power into her weapon.

Swift: Mage Bullets: Sacrifice Heightened Awareness to add Shock to Pistol/1 min.
Standard: Total Defense +4 AC for 22/17/19.

"That cat won't calm down while we're attacking it!" Bask shouts back to Guy

"The best we can do is keep her alive"

Bask conjures another Burst of Radiance, this time directly over the intruders. He then moves to the wall to get some cover and calls Salim over too.

DC 14 reflex save or be blinded, otherwise dazzled for one for the same duration. Evil creatures take the damage with no save

Blinded / Dazzled duration: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Damage for evil-doers: 5d4 ⇒ (1, 2, 3, 2, 2) = 10

Toral, are you trying to jump down without hurting yourself, or just cross the walkway at full speed? Also, the attack bonuses on summoned elemental attack are clearly wrong. I know it hits, but fix it on its next attack.

Toral's elemental charges the cat, slamming into it. Then he summons a blade of force, which finishes the animal off.

Bocke summons forth a burst of light, blinding both Aspis agents and the elemental that Toral summoned to fight them. The skin of the two agents also smokes and cinders as the light reveals the evil lying in their hearts.

Red Reflex: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 - 2 = 12
Blue Reflex: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 2 = 9
Elemental Reflex: 1d2 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

The blinded Aspis agents step back and retrieve potions from their belt pouches and drink them down.

Round 2 -Inspire Courage, Bless
Guy
Sinaryn
Toral
Bocke
Laafdahni
Bask
-Salim
Red Aspis -1, blind
Blue Aspis -2, blind

Laafdahni pads to the bottom of the stairs and presses herself against the wall. She prepares herself to cast Color Spray on the Apsis as soon as they come through the doors and get within range. Just in case, she holds her breath.

If there's no reason to hold her breath by next round, she'll continue breathing as usual.

"Sorry Toral, I didn't mean to hit your elemental!"

I just noticed the elemental rolled a d2 for its reflex!

Bask waits to see if the Aspis will flee, and casts a spell on Salim.

Shield of faith on Salim

Sorry GM for the high to hit. Toral is trying to cross the walkway at full speed.

"Do not worry Bask, the elemental has tremorsense and knows exactly where to go!"

The small earth elemental moves to the next enemy which is the Aspis in red!

slam, earth mastery +1, power attack -1, bless +1, inspire +1 : 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 - 1 + 1 + 1 = 211d6 + 1 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 4 + 1 = 7

*

Toral then waves a hand and directs the spiritual weapon to attack the Aspis in red, too.

Move action to change target of spiritual weapon of Chaldira, shortsword 2/5 : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 231d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

A short sword of force attacks.

Toral then moves down the .

arobatics to cross the walkway at full speed, acp -6 : 1d20 - 6 ⇒ (19) - 6 = 13

Oops, rerolling that.

Reroll Reflex: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

Still blind. The elemental can pinpoint a creatures location automatically using tremorsense, but still has to roll for a miss chance.

Miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 11

The elemental swings a little too high and misses the blind Aspis agent. Toral sends the force blade to chase after the agents, but as soon as it leaves his line of sight it magically returns to floating above his head.

Laafdahni waits by the stairs, ready to blast anyone that comes in and Bocke casts a protective spell on his companion.

Frustrated by the cowardly Aspis, Sinaryn rushes down the stairs and towards the pillars to get a shot through the doorway.

Double-Move.

Guy continues his song as he shifts position, imbues his arrow with some arcane power, and fires at the red Aspis agent who is still visible through the doors.

+1 darkwood composite shortbow, Inspire Courage, Bless, Heroism: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 33
Cold Iron arrow, Piercing damage, Inspire Courage, Heroism, Arcane Strike: 1d6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 10

Crit Confirm?: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 18
Total Crit damage: 10 + 2d6 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 ⇒ 10 + (2, 2) + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 30

GM, to be clear, Bask cast shield of faith on Salim, not Bocke.

Bocke will also move to the edge of the platform. He'll fire at Red if Red is still alive, or else at Blue.

Longbow, IC, bless: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 23 minus cover if at Blue
Damage, IC: 1d8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 2 = 11

Yeah, still getting Bocke and Bask mixed up.

Despite the cover, both archers manage to land shots on the two blinded agents. Guy's arrow strikes his target in the heart, instantly killing his target. Bocke's arrow strikes the other one in the shoulder.

Blinded and beset on all sides, the last remaining Aspis agent makes a stumbling withdrawal.

Using the withdraw action, so no AoO from the earth elemental.

Round 3 -Inspire Courage, Bless
Guy
Sinaryn
Toral
Bocke
Laafdahni
Bask
-Salim
Blue Aspis -13, blind

Bocke will jump down from the platform.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Rolling forward, he fires a shot at the fleeing Aspis agent. 95'

Longbow, IC, bless: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 23 minus cover
Damage, IC: 1d8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 2 = 9

Bask doesn't follow the retreating agent, but he moves to watch him flee and stands vigilant, calling Salim over to his side once again.

ready a move action to move toward the enemy should one approach or appear

Guy continues his song as he also leaps off the ledge and rushes to where he can fire at the retreating Aspis agent.
Acrobatics, Heroism: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 14 + 2 = 19

+1 darkwood composite shortbow, Inspire Courage, Heroism, Bless, Range: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 2 = 29
Cold Iron arrow, Piercing damage, Inspire Courage, Heroism, Arcane Strike: 1d6 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 9

Guy and Bocke jump down safely, then heroically fire two arrows into the back of the blind, fleeing Aspis agent, dropping him to the ground.

Round 3 -Inspire Courage, Bless
Guy
Sinaryn
Toral
Bocke
Laafdahni
Bask
-Salim

More enemies are going to come, but you don't know how many rounds you have.

Round 4-Inspire Courage, Bless
Guy
Sinaryn
Toral
Bocke
Laafdahni
Bask
-Salim

Toral moves down the steps and waits.

Spiritual weapon and summon monster both count rounds. ;-)

Guy and Bocke jump down safely, then heroically fire two arrows into the back of the blind, fleeing Aspis agent, dropping him to the ground.

Bocke's middle name is Chivalry.

Do we know more are coming? Like, we can buff and hide?

Bocke will take cover behind a pillar.

Bocke has a 1/day protection aura he has not yet used. I can be closer to the door if some melee combatants want more protection.

Laafdahni dashes forward, through the doors. "Come on! That can't be all of them! She said there were twenty! We need to control the hallways so they don't surround us!" She strains her ears to hear any sounds of approaching feet.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

They haven't even had a chance to attack! How do you know that they weren't simply here to give you all thoughtful, personally tailored presents?

Yes, there is another wave of enemies that will appear at a designated time. You have time to heal, reposition, make preparations, etc. You round based spells will also tick down in duration during this time also.

Laafdahni runs ahead of the group and out into the hallway. Ahead there is a pile of rubble that *almost* reaches to the top of the ceiling. This must have been where Sharrowsmith allegedly caused the first or second collapse. She can hear some fighting in the distance but doesn't see anything yet.

Toral moves down to get with the group and Bocke hides behind one of the crumbling pillars.

Round 3 -Inspire Courage, Bless
Guy
Sinaryn
Toral
Bocke
Laafdahni
Bask
-Salim

Round 4-Inspire Courage?, Bless
Guy
Sinaryn
Toral
Bocke
Laafdahni
Bask
-Salim

Guy continues his song and moves forward. “Might want to back up so they come to us.”

He then nocks an arrow, ready to shoot if he sees another Aspis Agent.

+1 darkwood composite shortbow, Inspire Courage, Heroism, Bless: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 19 Likely range modifies or Point Blank Shot
Cold Iron arrow, Piercing damage, Inspire Courage, Heroism: 1d6 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 11

"Yes this area is defensible, we have the high ground"

Bask casts another spell on Salim and stays where he is

Magic Fang this time on Salim's bite. That does mean his spell resistance will be lowered in case of any surprise magical attacks

Laafdahni frets: "Oh, but the kobolds are taking the brunt of it out there! Ohhh!" Despite her misgivings, she knows full well that she's not a front-liner, so she backs into the cavernous room with her team, ready to cast a spell on whatever Apsis agents come through the doors.

"This is no time for bravery, love! At least let our large rocky friend take point. There could be a dozen of the snakes." Sinaryn says worried about the group moving up. She also prepares a shot in case one braves the doorway.

Buffs: Arcane Pool 7 Rounds/Shock 8 Rounds.

---

She holds the line with the others.

Buffs: Arcane Pool 6 Rounds/Shock 7 Rounds.

The party can see what looks like torchlight coming from the eastern passageway and the sounds of someone speaking.

Round 5-Inspire Courage?, Bless
Guy
Sinaryn
Toral
Bocke
Laafdahni
Male Agent
Bask
-Salim
Female Agent

Perception: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 2 = 28

Bocke has very good hearing.

spoiler open

Dancing Lights: 1d10 ⇒ 5
Perception, Heroism: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 2 = 21
Stealth, Heroism: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 2 = 23

Guy allows his song to end, not knowing just how many more battles they have. Hearing the sounds of talking, he cautiously moves forward until he can see in the direction of the sounds. I wonder if they meant Bocke or me when they said we had a deadly archer?

Nice, with them carrying a torch, I shouldn't need to provide light of my own.

I assume right now we hear the voices and see reflections from the torchlight.

Yeah, anyone with line of sight can see that there is light coming from the eastern corridor.

Laafdahni holds her ground, mentally dithering between casting Freezing Hands or Color Spray on the Aspis once they get around to converging on the door. The deaths of the Aspis agents that she caused when being chased by the T-rex not long ago weigh heavily on her heart. Her eyes flicker as a mournful realization dawns on her. If I use Color Spray, everyone else will kill them anyway. The only mercy I can give them is a quick death. Her heart breaks a little bit at that thought, but she doesn't have time to be sad about it. Steeling herself, she thrusts back her shoulders, sets her jaw, and awaits the onslaught.

And then she notices that Guy has stepped right into her line of fire. Oh. Well... And she begins over thinking her spell selection all over again.

Guy drops his song and sneaks ahead. Although he is sure he didn't make any noise, he does find himself illuminated by the dropped torch and without any cover to hide behind in the open hallway.

Round 5- Bless
Guy
Sinaryn
Toral
Bocke
Laafdahni - Delaying?
Male Agent
Bask
-Salim
Female Agent

Bocke will cast divine favor and wait.

Bocke calls upon Nethys to grant his bow arm luck as well as skill. Laafdahni moves to relative safety, but hesitates as her allies cluster around her, making themselves targets to her deadly sprays of magical energy. Sinaryn has been covering the entrance of the grand hall with her pistol but so far no creatures have emerged. Toral's conjurations are beginning to fade away as the Aspis remain out of sight.

Round 5- Bless
Guy
Sinaryn
Toral
Bocke
Laafdahni
Male Agent
Bask
-Salim
Female Agent

Laafdahni - Delaying?

She's mostly just waiting to see what comes through that door at this point.

"Giving chase to them? Watch the hallways...they might just fire at the first thing coming around a corner. Either way but save one for me!" Sinaryn says moving up with the others and questioning their next move.

Total Defense & Move.

As an Undine, she has Darkvision in case it comes in handy.

Botting Toral

Toral's summoned earth elemental stumbles forward, picking up pace as its tremorsense picks up the location of the Aspis agents but unfortunately fades away before being able to reach them. Deciding that he needs to get closer to use his magic and hexes, Toral follows behind Sinaryn, raising his shield to defend from any missiles. Without a target in sight, his spiritual weapon also begins to fade away.

There is the sound of someone casting a spell from the eastern corridor and the rustling of movement.

Round 5- Bless
Guy
Sinaryn +4 AC
Toral +4 AC
Bocke
Laafdahni
Male Agent
Bask
-Salim
Female Agent

Round 6- Bless
Guy
Sinaryn
Toral
Bocke
Laafdahni
Male Agent
Bask
-Salim
Female Agent

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Bocke will see if anyone will identify the apell before he acts.

spellcraft : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

”They are preparing a silence spell!“ he shouts.

Toral moves down and cast his last spiritual weapon which he directs soon as he sees a foe.

Sorry, somehow did not get notifications. Has to look in here to see what happened.

spiritual weapon of Chaldira, shortsword 1/5 : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 241d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Bask kneels next to Salim.

"You may not be able to hear me soon Salim. Defend!"

He's commanding Salim to defend him

He steps toward the sound and watches the corridor intently, and switches his and Salim's aspects with an effort of will.

Ready a move action to move toward an enemy if one targets an ally with an attack. I don't want to get in the way of our ranged attacks.

Toral, I moved your token 20 feet down the hall.

Bask commands Salim to protect him and gets ready to block any incoming attackers.

Toral moves down the hallway and a woman drinking a potion. She is dressed similarly to the dead agent lying nearby. The wall blocks him from seeing the other person at all.

Round 6- Bless
Guy
Sinaryn
Toral - waiting on Perception
Bocke
Laafdahni
Male Agent
Bask - Readying action
-Salim
Female Agent

Bocke will also ready a shot if anyone appears in the corridor.

Longbow, DF, IC, bless, PS: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 0 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 1 + 2 + 1 - 0 = 14 probably minus a lot of cover
Damage, DF, IC: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 + 2 = 8

perception : 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

”I believe that the casting is coming from an invisible creature that's standing next to the woman I am seeing!“

Toral chooses to direct his weapon at this invisible person instead.

Miss chance - don’t know what you consider success GM : 1d100 ⇒ 98