Unwavering Resolve: The reports the Pathfinder Society has managed to piece together regarding the events at Wirholt’s Rictus paint a grisly picture. After hearing unnerving rumors about the Aspis Consortium’s recent activities, you have steeled yourself to face unspeakable horrors in the field. When you must attempt a saving throw against a fear or confusion effect, you can cross off this boon before rolling the save to grant a +2 bonus. Even if you fail the saving throw, your preparations give you some degree of protection. If you failed a saving throw against a fear effect, you experience a surge of adrenaline that grants a number of temporary hit points equal to twice your character level. These temporary hit points last as long as the fear effect persists. Alternatively, if you failed a saving throw against a confusion effect, you maintain unusual lucidity, which allows you to roll the d100 to determine your actions each round twice and take your preferred result. This benefit lasts until the confusion effect ends.
Luurg, do you have a reroll you want to use on that save? Also, that boon does not apply, so do not cross it off.
details for Luurg if you do not reroll:
You failed your save against a Greater Command spell. The caster orders you to halt. The effect lasts for 11 rounds. You may not take any actions, but are not considered helpless. Your magical flight cannot continue, but fails gracefully, so you land gently on the ground in your current space.
The party may act now.
A spellcraft check would enable you to know what the magic was.
#08-00 The Cosmic Captive Male CG Dwarf Cleric 9 | HP 66/66 | AC 25 T 11 FF 25 | CMB +7, CMD 18 | F: +10, R: +5, W: +16 (+2 vs. Poison/Spells/SLAs, +2 vs. charm/comp.) | Init +6 | Heal +12, Perc +18 darkv. 60' (Stonecunning: +2 extra), SM: +12 | Speed 30ft | Lucky Number: 9
Spellcraft to ID:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21I hope that is enough...
In order of initiative, Grunjar is first, so Mykel has not moved yet.
Grunjar moves 3 squares to the left and touches Mykel again, granting him bit of luck for another round.
"Finish him!";-)
@Mykel: Please roll a second time for all D20-rolls (including intimidate). And if you crit, you may roll twice for the confirmation, too. Also, I moved you 1 square diagonally northwest to show your step up to the duergar leader on the map.
Details to Bit of Luck (Sp):
You can touch a willing creature as a standard action, giving it a bit of luck. For the next round, any time the target rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Basically, my target can roll any D20 twice until my initiative count comes up again.
Mykel's swings hit, but Father Urzaiah is unable to connect. Luurg is unable to act right now. Las spits goo at the leader. Grunjar watches the magic and helps his companions.
Grunjar, the spell was greater command. It will last for a length measured in rounds, but a significant number of rounds.
save vs adhesive spittle:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
The enemy leader is unable to avoid the goo.
Old Ironfin returns and bites at blue
attack:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27 damage:2d8 + 12 ⇒ (7, 8) + 12 = 27
Blue slumps over also.
sigh... I somehow missed that Old Ironfin's attack last turn killed green, so green was not able to attack Dornarnus last turn.
Dornarnus moves closer and continues to swing at the enemy leader.
attack:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29 attack:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
combined damage:2d8 + 10 ⇒ (6, 8) + 10 = 24
status:
leader -87 HP,
Dornarnus uninjured
The enemy tries to back away before casting
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
but is unable to.
She still tries to cast with her staff.
Mykel and Dornarnus get attacks of opportunity.
Dornarnus AOO:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26 damage:1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Mykel, I'm going to use your parry attack roll and riposte damage rolls for AoO to keep things moving.
Mykel and Dornarnus both wound the caster significantly.
rolls for concentration checks:3d20 ⇒ (7, 2, 5) = 14
male human swashbuckler(rondelero)9/brawler 1, HP 102, F +8(+1 vs poison/disease), R +16, W +8, AC 28, T 20, FF 23 Init +7(+9), Per +14 Panache 6/6
Is everyone all right? We should get these captives free and get out of here. Mykel says as he flicks the blood of his blade. He checks the fallen foes for anything the captives can use to defend themselves.
Do any of you need healing? he asks urgently as he frees them of their bonds.
male human swashbuckler(rondelero)9/brawler 1, HP 102, F +8(+1 vs poison/disease), R +16, W +8, AC 28, T 20, FF 23 Init +7(+9), Per +14 Panache 6/6
Dornarus, my friend, I think this will help on your path to redemption. I assume that was the one that messed up your mind? We took her down...that has to feel good. the Taldan says as he looks around and checks with the mongrelmen to see if they are fine.
Internal Alchemist 8 HP67/67 Fast Healing 4/4 | AC 20, T 12, FF 20 Uncanny Dodge| Fort +11, Ref +10, Will +5 | Init +2 | Perc +12, 60' Darkvision, Bombs (13/13) Fly (8/8) Effects: Ant Haul
The spell holding Luurg at bay ends as the woman falls over dead. Luurg blinks a few times, rubs his nose and then immediately grabs for a pear snack. "Huh, she wuz gud wid her werds. Glad she gone now." He smiles and inhales his sweet snack, stowing his oversized axe on his back and taking in the scene.
He moves about the battle field on butterfly wings, making his way around to help his allies and cold conk any duergar that seem to be stirring too much for his liking. NL Boots to the head!
"Hey dare half mangs. I'mma Luuuurg n we here ta help ok? Ok." He introduces himself to the captive Dwarves.
The captive dwarves greet you warmly, although they are obviously tired after their ordeal. They explain that the leader who you fought was disgraced because she lost the fight to keep Janderhoff, and was planning to regain her people's respect by executing all the prisoners within sight of the walls of the duergar's city. Tormenting a paladin of Torag along the way was just a bit of extra fun.
Your mongrelman allies celebrate the victory and return to their home. They encourage you to hurry back to Janderhoff.
The liberated dwarves trudge through the tunnels, eager to be returning home but exhausted after weeks of travel. Most of the return journey is uneventful. However, with only a few dozen miles left between the dwarves and Janderhoff, a scout reports that a duergar raiding party followed the group from Fellstrok. The raiding party is far too large to fight, and there are many dwarven stragglers who will certainly die unless someone takes quick and decisive action.
Dornarnus offers to stay behind and buy time for everyone. You know this will make your work easier, but result in his death or worst.
OK, you now need to make a plan how to get the captives safely to Janderhoff. Please discuss what you want to do. Then I will assign you a few skill checks to model carrying through your plan. I'll try to give you a few options where that makes sense so everyone can contribute. You also need to choose between three options: a. You can let Dornarnus sacrifice himself; doing so will make your checks easier, but he dies. b. You can ignore the stragglers and concentrate on getting the main group of the dwarves to safety; this will result in more dwarves dying. c. You can work to protect the stragglers; this will make your checks more difficult, but it will reduce casualties and Dornarnus will survive.
male human swashbuckler(rondelero)9/brawler 1, HP 102, F +8(+1 vs poison/disease), R +16, W +8, AC 28, T 20, FF 23 Init +7(+9), Per +14 Panache 6/6
no dwarf left behind!
Dornarus, you are indeed a fine fellow. But I'm not letting you do that. I think if we put our heads together, we can save everyone. We could set up a trap to cut the duergar off in one of the tunnels...and if it takes a few of the runt with it, all the better. Ideas, guys?
No, you should come with us. You need a chance to atone for what happened down here and you won't get that dying in front of a horde of duergar. Let's see if we can't delay them other ways.
#08-00 The Cosmic Captive Male CG Dwarf Cleric 9 | HP 66/66 | AC 25 T 11 FF 25 | CMB +7, CMD 18 | F: +10, R: +5, W: +16 (+2 vs. Poison/Spells/SLAs, +2 vs. charm/comp.) | Init +6 | Heal +12, Perc +18 darkv. 60' (Stonecunning: +2 extra), SM: +12 | Speed 30ft | Lucky Number: 9
We did not rescue the dwarves only to sacrifice (some of) them later! This also applies to Dornanus, he deserves a chance to atone.
"Dornarus, that's a very noble thing to do. Offering to sacrifice yourself for the good of others - I'm honoured to have you as a comrade! But there has to be another way, we will save everyone!"
Hm, ideas... Grunjar picked up the staff with the greater command spell of the deceased duergar leader. That spell is above his caster level, but it is on the cleric spell list. I'm not completely familiar how this works - it seems I'm not required to make any UMD check (my Wisdom-Score is high enough, too):
Use a Wand, Staff, or Other Spell Trigger Item: Normally, to use a wand, you must have the wand’s spell on your class spell list. This use of the skill allows you to use a wand as if you had a particular spell on your class spell list. Failing the roll does not expend a charge.
I would love to use the staff - I could buy the stragglers more time when they are being attacked (command the duergar to flee or halt).
@GM Redelia: Are there any other restrictions (maybe there is a command word for the staff) or may I use the staff as I see fit? Can I determine how many charges are left?
Internal Alchemist 8 HP67/67 Fast Healing 4/4 | AC 20, T 12, FF 20 Uncanny Dodge| Fort +11, Ref +10, Will +5 | Init +2 | Perc +12, 60' Darkvision, Bombs (13/13) Fly (8/8) Effects: Ant Haul
Just how many survivors are we talking about? Between him and Grunjar I'm sure we can fix them up to fighting strength on the way back. Just curious. Luurg's big thing is physical health so that's the first route he'd want to take in helping the Dwarves. If there aren't a huge number of them then air lifts to higher ground/avoiding blockages, and/or survival/routes.
#08-00 The Cosmic Captive Male CG Dwarf Cleric 9 | HP 66/66 | AC 25 T 11 FF 25 | CMB +7, CMD 18 | F: +10, R: +5, W: +16 (+2 vs. Poison/Spells/SLAs, +2 vs. charm/comp.) | Init +6 | Heal +12, Perc +18 darkv. 60' (Stonecunning: +2 extra), SM: +12 | Speed 30ft | Lucky Number: 9
Healing of HP should not be a problem at all - Grunjar alone has three 3D6 channels and several cure spells per day. He can and would also prepare up to eight lesser restorations if needed. Father Urzaia has access to the same spells, so he can help them in the same way.
If the trip took a few days, I would expect the ex-prisoners to be at full health no, and neither fatigued nor exhausted.
Male Human (Garundi) #43870-5 | Investigator 6| HP 51/51 | Init +1 | AC: 16 T:11 FF:18 | F: +4 (+4 vs Poison), R: +6 W: +7 (+1 Trans)|+1 Adam. Stinging Whip +7(1d3+2) | Perception +11 | Diplo +9 | UMD +13 | Sense Motive +14 | Spellcraft +10 |DD +12
Active:
Darkvision 6h, Barkskin 1h, Longstrider 1h
Las is in favor or saving the stragglers and their leader. If Las knows what types of checks he has to make, he might have some extracts that can help.
Male Human (Garundi) #43870-5 | Investigator 6| HP 51/51 | Init +1 | AC: 16 T:11 FF:18 | F: +4 (+4 vs Poison), R: +6 W: +7 (+1 Trans)|+1 Adam. Stinging Whip +7(1d3+2) | Perception +11 | Diplo +9 | UMD +13 | Sense Motive +14 | Spellcraft +10 |DD +12
Active:
Darkvision 6h, Barkskin 1h, Longstrider 1h
Las will attempt to use his skills dungeoneering to cause several cave-ins and block to tunnel. Las has +9 on Dungeon and +8 on Engineering. Would hope having both skills would be better than having one in this situation. Las also gets a a free 1d6 Inspiration on all K checks and + 1 Guidance and if he hasn't rolled a 1 on UMD, +2 from Heigtened Awareness. Las will Take 10, unless it's clear that doing an average job at his level is insufficient.
OK, stage 1 is to prepare for your plan. Each of you needs to roll a relevant skill check. My suggestions would be survival or knowledge:dungeoneering, knowledge:engineering, or disable device. These would be to figure out where to block the tunnels. I'm willing to accept a different skill check if you can explain how you're using it to prepare. (placing the actual blocks will be a later phase)
edit: I'm not saying you're not allowed to take 10 by that phrasing, sorry if that was not clear
Internal Alchemist 8 HP67/67 Fast Healing 4/4 | AC 20, T 12, FF 20 Uncanny Dodge| Fort +11, Ref +10, Will +5 | Init +2 | Perc +12, 60' Darkvision, Bombs (13/13) Fly (8/8) Effects: Ant Haul
Sounds good!
Luurg helps lead the group through the tunnels, working on finding the narrowest areas with the most annoying terrain to slow down an army of evil, angry, overworked Duergar intent on smashing the group to a fine Orcish tar-tar.
Survival:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
"Oh dis spot look gud, kinda slippy... half mang in big armors not like slippy stuff!" He tosses down a few extra spent banana peels to add to the effect.
Reroll, using Good Fortune:
Survival + Guidance:1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 = 22way better!
"There's one! Wait... no, there!"
Good Fortune (Ex):
At 6th level, as an immediate action, you can reroll any one d20 roll you have just made before the results of the roll are revealed. You must take the result of the reroll, even if it’s worse than the original roll. You can use this ability once per day at 6th level, and one additional time per day for every six cleric levels beyond 6th.
Urzaia helps Grunjar with tending to the captives. While not specifically versed on surviving inthe wilds he has taken time to learn about the natural world and tries to apply what he knows from above now that they are below, a prays it will be useful.
Botting a knowledge dungeoneering check from Las Lajas, following his idea to take ten but need to roll for inspiration...
1d6 ⇒ 3
OK, working as a team, you are able to find good spots for your blockages.
Stage 2 of your plan: Now you need to carry through your plan. Even if you are using spells, you still need to make a skill check. I'll give you a situation bonus for using spells. I would suggest the same checks as in the last step to make sure your blockage is in exactly the right spot, but you can try other skills if you can explain them.
male human swashbuckler(rondelero)9/brawler 1, HP 102, F +8(+1 vs poison/disease), R +16, W +8, AC 28, T 20, FF 23 Init +7(+9), Per +14 Panache 6/6
Mykel tries to inspire the dwarves into moving faster.
We're almost home, lads...another few hours quick march and we're safe. i know it's been a long, hard haul...but there's no quitting now! Dornarus wanted to sacrifice himself to save you...the least you can do is repay his valiant offer by trying your best!
diplomacy:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17I have a +2 from a chronicle if the dwarves are friendly with Magnimar...will find the relevant one if you need.
Internal Alchemist 8 HP67/67 Fast Healing 4/4 | AC 20, T 12, FF 20 Uncanny Dodge| Fort +11, Ref +10, Will +5 | Init +2 | Perc +12, 60' Darkvision, Bombs (13/13) Fly (8/8) Effects: Ant Haul
With the help of his survival smarts, and an oversized adamantine axe, Luurg makes sure the stone work is well placed, even adding in some fitting orcish insults for the Duergar.
Orcish:
"Duergar even shorter den Dwarves. Not know difference 'tween hammerz n axez. Raspberry emoji"
