GM Otha's Hall of Drunken Heroes: Low Tier (Gameday IX) (Inactive)

Game Master Otha

Hamish turns towards Izlin, "Nice hit, let's get you free for another."

Immediate Action to cast Liberating Command to give Izlin an Immediate Action Escape Artist attempt with a +14 competence bonus to the roll.

The bard charges into action, attempting to duck and weave under the tentacles as he moves into a flanking position.

"Good hits, keep it up!"

Free to keep up Inspire Courage, Double Move into Flanking for most of you.

Acrobatics - ACP + Belt of Tumbling to avoid an AoO: 1d20 + 15 - 1 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 15 - 1 + 4 = 27

Hamish does his best to encourage and support his companions, continuing to give them an edge against this demon...and then boldly moves into a flanking position to set up the others...but the demon sees through his acrobatics and strikes at the bard with a bony tentacle...

(This thing has a very high CMD)

Tendril AoO (Hamish): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

...and it pierces deeply into Hamish's left thigh...

COMBAT in the Dream World! End Round 2 / Begin Round 3 - The bold may post!

Izlin (-11, grappled)
Aeliah
Umbrato (-14, grappled)
Mivvy (-24)
Primordial Demon (-89)
Thaddeus
Hamish (-14)

Dreamscape Map

Mood Music

I didn't expect that low roll to beat the CMD so no worries. Good news though, Hamish had 15 Temp HP from his False Life cast earlier so he's still in solid shape.

spiritual weapon attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

didn't I just roll exactly that same thing last turn???

Tad licks his healing wand, and then Mivvy feels a damp little tap on the back of her shoulder, followed by a fresh minty smell and relief from her wounds. using agile tongu

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Thad's spiritual weapon attack still fails to connect, but his prehensile tongue deftly delivers some much needed healing to Mivvy...

COMBAT in the Dream World! Round 3 - The bold may post!

Izlin (-11, grappled)
Aeliah
Umbrato (-14, grappled)
Mivvy (-17)
Primordial Demon (-89)
Thaddeus
Hamish (-14)

Dreamscape Map

Mood Music

Otha, Mivvy would definitely have tried to parry the first attack. I'll throw it in a spoiler and you can decide if you want to accept it or not.

Mivvy winces at the attack, then calls out to Tad, "My thanks." before swirling her rapier through the ether once more.
power attack, good hope, IC, haste, flank: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23
damage: 1d6 + 23 ⇒ (6) + 23 = 29

power attack, good hope, IC, haste, flank: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27
damage: 1d6 + 23 ⇒ (5) + 23 = 28

power attack, good hope, IC, haste, flank: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 23 ⇒ (4) + 23 = 27

I have now rolled 8 d20s against this foe and none have been above 10... Mivvy's huge crit range is really being wasted here after I splashed out on bless weapon!

Quick mechanical question. It is incorporeal AND can grapple up? Just clarifying. It's just counter intuitive to me is all, so I am trying to understand. Could be an Pathfinder/PFS encounter specific mechanic for all I know. Lord knows there have been enough of those. No worries, just wondering.

Liberating Command-Escape Artist: 1d20 + 5 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 14 = 31

Round #3: longstrider, SM II (2/7)

It ignores the mostly harmless teddy bear.

“BAH! It onto me.”

With Umbrato in range, Aeliah ✨casts liberating command on him as an immediate action, followed by cure moderate wounds as a standard and ZOOMS 30 feet to apply the healing to Mivvy.

CMW on Mivvy: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (3, 1) + 7 = 11

Immediate Action to cast Liberating Command to give Umbrato an Immediate Action Escape Artist attempt with a +14 competence bonus to the roll.

“Rake Man with Hair, Aeliah not forget you.”

The teddy bear attempts to resurrect its reputation.

bite + bard: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 10
magic damage + bard: 1d4 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 8

claw + bard: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 27
magic damage + bard: 1d3 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 9

claw + bard: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 9
magic damage + bard: 1d3 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 8

Escape Artist + Liberating Command, Good Hope: 1d20 + 14 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 14 + 14 + 2 = 47
I'm guessing that's enough :-P

Growling, Umbrato drops the wand. "Fine then! Lets have at it, shall we?"

Rushing forward as he pulls his own mithril blade, the small man stabs at the shimmering beast.

+1 Mithril Short Sword, Charge, IC+Good Hope, Flank: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 2 + 4 + 2 = 26 for Magical P Damage: 1d4 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 4 = 11 and SA (if applicable): 3d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 5) = 7
Finally...3 bleed added if its not immune to SA and can bleed

You unleash a combination of attacks at the primordial demon. One of Mivvy's blade thrusts strikes true along with Umbrato's mithril blade...even Aeliah's teddy bear gets in a minor blow! But Izlin's first dagger is the clincher, piercing deeply into the incorporeal mist to strike the dreamlike creature from the abyss a mortal blow. Thunder and lightning crackle loudly in the dreamscape...with a loud "POOF!" the demon vanishes. Each of you, along with Brother Dunnamast, slowly fade away...

COMBAT over! Pathfinders victorious!

...and you find yourselves back in the Shades room with Osprey still kneeling at Dunnamast's head whispering. Xersus is there as well although he looks quite shaken and the High Priestess is caring for him. As Osprey sees the gnome's condition he rushes over to his side...

Each of you are exhausted from this psychic experience. The High Priestess looks over to you and nods. "Thank you for saving Brother Dunnamast; considering your condition and the danger you went through for him, we will heal you, feed you, and give you lodging here for the night. It's the least we can do..."

Osprey looks up as well. "Xersus suffers from psychic shock; I must return with him to the Grand Lodge immediately for treatment. You must go on without us. I was able to make a connection with Brother Dunnamast and talked briefly with him, but he was too exhausted to tell me much. After a good night's rest, for him and for you, you can question him and find out more about this demonic infestation here. You have the authority to do as you see fit but your primary goal is to rid Cayden's Hall of all demonic influence. Here, Xersus brought these here to battle the demonic forces but, alas, he is no condition to use them...but you can. Fare thee well!"

With that, Osprey kneels back by Xersus and they vanish, teleporting back to the Grand Lodge in a flash. The items he left with you are:

A gem of brightness
3 clerical scrolls: dismissal, magic circle against evil, restoration

You are healed, fed, shown to rooms, and rest well for the night. You awaken refreshed and renewed. After a stout breakfast, you are summoned to the Shades room where you meet with the High Priestess and a much healthier looking Brother Dunnamast who bows upon your entry.

"Thank you...I owe you my life...I'm still ailing a bit, but I'll try to answer any questions you have..."

Dreamscape Map

"Wait! As the resident expert, shouldn't YOU stay here and one of us escort the priest to the Lodge?" After the brief flash of light, "No? That's a 'no' then? We don't need an expert in field when facing off against this thing you have devoted most of your life studying? That's fine. I am certain this will all go swimmingly."

Just a friendly FYI, Xersus was the resident expert on demons, not Osprey...

We are in Absalom. Can we do some shopping, or send an acolyte out shopping?

I can't see a reason why you couldn't...there would be time before or after you question Brother Dunnamast...

Hamish rests well that night. Removing a dangerous demon from a place it shouldn't be and bringing balance back to the planes is definitely a thing that brings him comfort.

He wakes the next morning, shaves the small bit of stubble from his face and takes a warm bath. Polishing his armor and cleaning his clothes, he adds a nice neutral scent to the cloth before donning it.

Double checking his pack, scrolls, weapons and gear he heads down for breakfast. He gives a brief bow to the Priestess and turns to Brother Dunnamast, "How did this demon gain control of you and are there others?"

No shopping necessary, but Hamish will cast False Life on himself for 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 Temporary Hitpoints.

Brother Dunnamast greets you weakly, nodding to Hamish. "Thank you again for rescuing me...I'm still a bit weak from my experience ...here's all I recall about yesterday, to include how it appears the demon came to gain control of me..."

He recounts meeting a pretty lass while out drinking, but very little after that. She seemed particularly curious about his faith, and he jovially invited her to partake in the eternal celebration. After several drinks she became giddy and seductively lured him into the privacy of the storage rooms, where she kissed him and he blacked out. When he awoke, he was the dream realm where the primordial demon lay in waiting—he can’t remember how long he’d been there...

Clearly embarrassed by this revelation, he blushes deeply before saying, "What else do you wish to know? I'll do my best to answer..."

Dreamscape Map

Based on the description, Mivvy tries to figure out what creature it might be.
knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 2 = 22
Mivvy has +2 regarding demons

Cayden's Hall

Upon waking, Umbrato prepares an additional magic missile. 'If that beast is evidence of what's to come, my standard spells won't be as effective.'

"Have you ever heard the name Graz’ith Ur Maurgith?" he inquires, as he casts a quick spell. The small man sprouts thousands of eyes all over his body.

Casting Countless Eyes

”It could be a succubus: temptation rendered in flesh.”

Brother Dunnamast frowns as Umbrato's mentions the demon's name. "Graz’ith Ur Maurgith? I'm not sure...Brother Baldimar kept his research pretty close to the vest...even I was not privy to all of his findings and research...nor was I allowed into all of his chambers. He'd let me know things in general concerning demons...told me as I progressed, he'd let me be more involved...but he died before then. Once, while drinking with him, he let slip that he was trying to bind a demon so he could better study it; I think he named it, but I couldn't pronounce it and we were drinking...it might've been the name you just dropped but I'm not certain."

Cayden's Hall

Mivvy shakes her head, ”Foolish. So we have a bound demon as well. Do you know what manner of demon?”

Brother Dunnamast shakes his head. "As I said, I couldn't even recall its name...but Brother Baldimar never mentioned the type of demon...and he never actually said he successfully bound a demon..."

Cayden's Hall

”Well, it seems to be trapped below here somehow. Unless it is simply laying low and concocting plans?”

Hamish asks the obvious, ”Where are Brother Baldimar’s quarters and research rooms?”

Brother Dunnamast answers Hamish. "Baldimar's research chambers lie below us...there's a secret entrance beneath the bench in the garden, just off the main hall...just down the stairs northwest of here. I'll show you when you're ready to press on...if there's a demonic incursion in Cayden's Hall, that's where I'd look for it..."

Cayden's Hall

“Then once all is ready, that is where we should go.”

Aeliah has turned up less coiffured than Hamish, but at least she has bathed and applied new warpaint.

Hopefully that feather mattress isn’t making me as soft as it is.

“Pretty girl sound like succubus all right. So we know boss demon sidekick.”

Aeliah offer an oil of bless weapon to both Mivvy and Umbrato. “Me had three. Still got one left.”

“Has everyone got way deal magical darkness?”

As the druidess listens to Hamish and Mivvy interview Brother Dunnamast, a thought occurs to her. “Was Brother Baldimar body recovered on death?”

“Could Graz’ith Ur Maurgith … Aeliah says the demon’s name remarkably smoothly. have possessed him’s body?”

Aeliah will judge the time to ✨cast her longer term buffs once she better understands the transit route and time to the Late Caydenite’s dark archive.

"Magical Darkness" echoes Umbrato. "I can see in the dark, but that's about it. Never had to deal with darker light yet..."

Hamish responds, "Pharasma blesses me with powerful light spells to help defeat night using undead."

Izlin watches with slight disinterest. At least none of them have asked if I'm related to whatever we're to be hunting.

sorry for the delay; Tad's prepared spells have been updated.

Mivvy asks the priestess if she would like to accompany the pathfinders? Or at least slap a bunch of high-level buffs on the party.
extended greater angelic aspect would be nice

The High Priestess shakes her head sadly in answering Mivvy. "I'm afraid I expended much of my magic trying to sustain Brother Dunnamast while you were in the Dreamscape...and then healing the party when you returned. I was unable to rest last night as I stood watch over Brother Dunnamast should the demon attempt to return...and I'm afraid I can spare no one to accompany you in case a demonic attack occurs in your absence. We are much less equipped to face this threat than you Pathfinders...my clerics are more used to drink and reading than fighting, but that must change now..."

Cayden's Hall

Let me know when you're ready to proceed below...

The player does an eye roll so hard that a double-backflip ensues.

”Ah, well, never mind.”

The tiefling offers his arm to the swashbuckler, "Shall we get to it Miss Hetherington?"

Ready as I plan to be.

The little froggie healer offers a life pact to his friends.

Hamish accepts the pact and advises he is ready to continue their investigation.

"Thank you for this." replies Umbrato. "I suspect it will be needed soon."

Accepting life pact and ready

Mivvy also joins the pact, then she accepts Izlin’s arm, ”Yes, I rather think we shall.”

Izlin nods in thanks toward Thad as the link takes effect.

When you are ready, Brother Dunnamast leads you into the Main Hall and then down the stairs into the garden. He pushes the bench back, revealing a trap door...he opens it and you see stairs leading down.

"I wish you well. Good luck..."

He steps back from the entrance and awaits for you to enter...

The steep stairway has no light and individuals requiring a light source to see need to provide one...once light is provided for those without Darkvision, you may proceed...

Tell me how you're proceeding (marching order, checks, etc). You'll be entering from the left side of the map, going down the stairs...

If you pass the Perception check above, you may make the check below:

Beneath Cayden's Hall

Hamish illuminates his shield and follows Mivvy (Per our Marching Order) down into the darkness.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
K Planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

"Brimstone" mutters Umbrato as he falls into line behind Aeliah.

His numerous eyes blinking as he makes his way down into the darkness, he ponders 'Succubus...maybe...and what else?'

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

What did he say? Brimstone? Hmm...maybe. Never really thought about it before.

Glancing towards Izlin, he wonders...'Would it be rude to ask him if this reminded him of home?'

:-P

Aeliah accepts Tad’s life pact, and activates the light function on her wayfinder.

take 10 perception: 10 + 18 = 28

“Me can fix sulphur smell.”

Once they near the bottom of the stairs, Aeliah quietly ✨casts:

✧ life bubble on everyone from a scroll 2 hr, 20 min duration
✧ freedom of movement on Izlin 70 min duration
✧ freedom of movement on Mivvy from a scroll 50 min duration
✧ longstrider on herself

I still can’t shake the feeling the succubus will be someone we’ve met before …

And what is keeping Graz’ith Ur Maurgith trapped in Cayden’s Wine Cellar? And are we being duped into releasing it?

Mivvy activates the light on her wayfinder and also casts dancing lights, sending the lights ahead into the darkness to illuminate the way.

She also casts expeditious retreat on herself.

With multiple light sources provided, along with some protective spells cast by Aeliah, you start to head down the steep stairwell, with Mivvy leading the way...

Close to halfway down, she notices the stairs are suddenly slick with blood...her sharp eyes also spot four human fingers in the pool of blood. (Auto-succeed Perception check)

Beneath Cayden's Hall