GM Erich's 5-17 Fate of the Fiend (Tier 7-11) (Inactive)

Game Master Thereus, Silver Crusader

I'll take the Ring of Climbing if nobody else could use it more.

"Hellknights wish for freedom, trust, and the kindness of unobliged strangers..." Zeno says dryly, leaving most of the 'joke' to convey itself.

Setare looks at the woman and nods.

” Za.. Zarta told us tha.. that you have proven your loyalty many times. We wa.. want to see you re.. return home safely!“ she says still shaking from the confrontation with her team members.

She takes out two pieces of paper with her notes.

”Lady Ka.. Karn, do you know wh.. where we can find the.. the golems a.. and the ivory batons, which allowed Ji.. Jistkan artificers to co.. command their go.. golems? Or where the je.. jet obelisks are located that may allow for te... teleportation throughout the ci.. city?!“ she asks with a quivering voice.

"Then do help us out of here and we will be on our way." Paralictor Ambusta shouts up.

--------------------

"Of course I can help you to find this place, but I'm telling you -it is overrun. We will need all the help we can get." Karn whispers and nods discreetly to the morlocks in the cell and the Hellknights below.

The Rock does not like the direction of this conversation with the Hellknights.

"We can use all the help we can get fighting this horde. We can free you but we expect you to fight."

He pauses for a moment.

"You are Hellknights after all and able to do so."

Rallas lowers a rope to the Hellknights, making sure it is knotted to let them climb easier.

There are a few weapons from the fallen demons you can use... he says when they get out of the cell.

We could use your help with the enemies we have yet to face. I understand that your current condition might not enable that, but we do have some method to heal you. Up to you. Oh, and there was a couple fallen Hellknights we came across. I assume you want to administer whatever rites on them.

oh forgot to mention ...wanna nab a couple of the potions if that's ok

The Hellknights eagerly climb the offered rope to escape the pit. The Paralictor climbs last and surprises you with his stout stature.

"We are obliged by your kindness. You speak of a fight, what exactly do you mean?"

After any further explanations you offer, give me a diplomacy check to influence the Hellknights to your cause.

The Rock looks around at his motley crew looking for someone to speak to the Hellknights. He grins slightly introducing the party monk.

"Perhaps Setare you could explain our mission to these gentlemen?"

Aid to Diplomacy,Setare DC 10: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13

Need some more rolls everyone...

diplomacy aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

Awww, I don't like Hellknights. I don't got a Devil-Bane magical axe for nothing! They stand for eveything I hate...

With angry eyes, Brallenera prefers to keep her mouth shut.

That would be way more helpful that if she speaks..

"We are here to investigate Jistkan ruins. Prepare to fight powerful golems of the likes you've never seen before." Zeno hopes that Hellknights will at least appreciate being spoken to in terse, factual imperatives...

aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

...but not even his stone-faced delivery and dry monotone can prevent his disdain from showing through (as if their proclivity for baroque armor-as-uniform was not sufficiently worthy of Zeno's disdain all on its own!).

Ranalus keeps his mouth shut.

Rallas sighs as he talks to the Hellknights.

We were sent by the Society to find out about the Jistkian artificers and the batons they used to control their constructs. We had to deal with many foes along the way, with who knows how many more ahead. I understand that you are not bound to help us, and I understand that. I won't hold it against you. It would be for the greater good if you were to aid us in our mission. And to bury your fallen brethren.

diplomacy, untrained, I have no idea what I'm doing: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

We are waiting for Setare to lead the discussion here hence the aid. She is the only one in the party halfway decent at talking to people.

The Rock looks at Setare to speak after his polite introduction (successful aid). He shakes his head at Rallas' feeble attempt at negotiation.

@Rallas - Please do not try to lead a Diplomacy roll with a +1 bonus in a 7-11 scenario. It is likely an automatic fail even on a natural 20.

Setare moves to the hellknights and bows.

”Ehh ... we really could use y... your help. May.. maybe it’s even pa.. part of your mission to h.. help us?! These a.. are demons! Please!“ she pleads.

diplomacy : 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 13 + 2 = 30

@Ranalus (below), I did the diplomacy check(s) wrong anyway. So a bit of a recant.

Paralictor Ambrus observes the group carefully, lingering for a few moments on Zeno, Rallas and Brallenera. Then a great deal of time on the cleric. Detect Chaos

Karn's nervous swallow is audible.

"I suppose my squad could assist you against the demons, but why? Our forces are weakened, we should relent and return when at full strength. We can escort you to the stairs to regroup with us." The paralictor counters.

Give me another set of Diplomacy checks to change his mind and aid you.

For Detect Chaos, note that Ranalus radiates a strong aura of Chaos, as a 5th-level cleric of a Chaotic god. I don't think his Prestige Class increases the strength of the aura, but if it does, the aura is Overwhelming.

diplomacy : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

”Well, you c... could be a heroic sa... savior!! And we he... helped you! Pl... please?!?!“ Setare pleads.

The Rock tries to help put a bit of sense behind Setare's charming pleading.

"Once the demonic forces are entrenched they are so much more difficult to remove. Time really is of the essence."

Aid to Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (7) - 2 = 5

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

Awww... I supposed you were willing to kick demon's butts, in the name of all things Hellish? Don't you want to avenge your comrades in arms? Or did they died in vain? We are willing to take the brunt of the battle, and we can heal some of your wounds before, so you can fight along, on our side.It's now or never.

"View it as an opportunity to show the 'problematic' among us what you're really made of...and perhaps afterwards you could give Setare some lessons in proper articulation..."

aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

After making the paralictor friendly with your first check, the DC for requesting dangerous aid was DC 26, which you just made with the two aids.

"I suppose we should aid your mission. Our primary goal will be to free any archaeologists that still remain at the site." The paralictor ultimately concedes.

Marianix Karn finally exhales. She leans into the Rock and whispers. "Now let's try to get the morlock woman's aid as well."

With a snap of Ambrus' fingers, the remaining Hellknights cut down their hanging comrades' bodies to prepare them for a more dignified end.

Let me have a final pair of diplomacy checks (influence and ask for aid) to convince the Morlock golem-keeper to help your cause if you wish. Aids are welcome once again for each check.

Setare is relieved that the Hellknight agreed to support!!

“Tha.. thank you sir!!“

*

She moves the Morlock golem-keeper.

“I know tha.. that it is ha.. hard to trust u.. us! But I .. I also know that yo.. you need u.. us to defeat the de.. demons that h.. have taken your ho.. home golem-keeper!“

diplomacy influence : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

*

“You have t.. to bring a.. all you have to this f.. fight because this is our o.. only chance to attack wi.. with full force! It wi.. will be hard and there wi.. will be casualties b.. but we have to use everything we h.. have!“

diplomacy ask for aid : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

aid attempt: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Although it takes some deft translation by Bogipfen, the weathered and time-marked morlock is reassured of your intentions and then angered by the treatment of her tribe at the hands of the demonic forces. She vows to aid the battle ahead.

Bogipfen turns back to you. "We must prepare in our way. We withdraw to the Fiendsmaw, which you say water-fall. There Agajprak summon the golem. Go to your Imperial Plaza. We return to you there in one cycle (approximately a day) to fight for our freedom."

--------------------

You may rest here for the night in anticipation of the next day's battle. Karn knows the general way there and surmises there are two ways into the Plaza. Depending on how you choose to mount your assault, you can approach from either the grand southwest passageway or the narrow eastern tunnels. Bogipfen and the majority of the allied morlocks attack from the tunnels - though Agajprak will use the larger passage because of her controlled golem’s bulk. For their part, the Hellknights chafe at using the small tunnels and attack from the southwest.

New map - go ahead and prepare and put yourself in one of the two starting locations.

Setare takes the tunnels and is ready to confront the evil demons!

She asks one of her companions to use her wand of mage armor on herself.

In right hand she is gripping her adamantine chestus.

Ranalus is not thrilled at approaching with the Hellknights, but he is not great at tight tunnels.
No ranks in Escape Artist which I think is sometimes needed for tight spaces.

At least the Hellknights will be there to absorb enemy attacks.

He prepares the following spells:

He will cast Magic Vestment at the beginning of the day on both his armor and shield.

He also casts Communal Air Walk on everybody who wants it before the party splits up.

Finally, he will cast Shield of Faith and activate Feyskinned as we move in.

@Ranalus: Count me in for communal air walk!

@DM: Has it been a full 24 hours since I gave everyone lucky numbers? If not, we've still got them.

Zeno uses his - and Setare's - mage armor wands, as well as further warding and arming himself with mysterious power...

false life, CL 7th: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Once the moment draws truly nigh, I will also cast gravity bow (using magnesium to make it last 7 minutes), anticipate peril, expeditious retreat and at the very last moment (i.e. 'round 0', ideally), sense vitals, using dew of Lunary to cast it at CL 7th.

...and finding a place to hide while he waits.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Setare gladly also takes the air walk spell.

She thanks Zeno and sneaks to the front.

stealth : 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Brallenera, having accepted the air walk spell, marches along Ranalus, her axe ready

I'll take the air walk gladly.

Rallas activates his wands to give himself an advantage.

umd shield: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
umd lead blades: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
umd lobgstrider: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

ugh...really? 3 2's
shield: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
lead: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27long: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14wtf....this RNG is crap

@Zeno lucky numbers are still up

Once a grand plaza decorated with frescos, this previously sealed section of Rachikan has weathered the ages fairly well. Sections of its walls have collapsed, and the floor is now a mess of faded plaster debris and dust. This sprawling plaza opens from a fissure providing a glimpse into Rachikan’s past. Bright tiles decorate the plaza depicting a series of five mosaics honoring a proud and stern Jistkan woman. Ornate marble columns, a pristine fountain, and travertine stairs lead towards an impressive stronghold mounted atop an immense, crouching quadruped.

Surrounding the central area is a host of demonic creatures and morlock warriors. Standing out is particular is a fearsome Kalavakus and a set of musclebound morlock barbarians.

With a great roar, the Kalavakus activates the two center "statues" to attack as well. Their stone joints grind loudly as they animate.

Agajprak screeches a command and her golem strides forward. Bogipfen commands his morlocks to stream ahead through the tunnels and Primo Ambusta leads with his sword. "By the order of Cheliax!"

Marianix Karn stays with your group and shouts. "The battle is drawn, what do we fight first?"

Note that there are a great deal of lesser demons (including dretches, schirs, and incubi - not shown) in the plaza, but they should be adeptly handled by your new allies (in blue).

Round 1 - Bold can act - Communal Air Walk and Lucky Numbers (as before) are up
Ranalus <magic vestment, DR/10 cold iron, shield of faith>
The Rock
Yellow Morlock
Setare <mage armor>
Red Morlock
Purple Demon
Rallas <lead blades>
Zeno <mage armor, false life 17, gravity bow, anticipate peril, expeditious retreat, sense vitals>
Orange Morlock
Brallenera
Agajprak and her Golem
Bogipfen and his Morlocks
Ambusta and the Hellknights
Marianix Karn
Pink Golem
Ginger
Lt. Blue Golem

Ranalus casts Blessing of Fervor, catching 11 targets within range.

That should be Ranalus, Rallas, Brallenera, The Rock, Ginger, Karn, Agajprak, and 4 Hellknights (should they choose to accept it). The golem would be immune, and his other allies are out of range.

For the Hellknights' sake he holds off on saying anything like "Go forth and do battle in the name of Count Ranalc of the Eldest."

He just thinks it.

For himself, he takes the +2 attacks/AC/Reflex this round.

Ranalus blesses most of the group. One of the morlocks screams in anger then joins with his friend to swarm.

Round 1 - Bold can act - Communal Air Walk and Lucky Numbers (as before) are up
Ranalus <magic vestment, DR/10 cold iron, shield of faith, blessing of fervor>
Yellow Morlock
The Rock <blessing of fervor>
Setare <mage armor>
Zeno <mage armor, false life 17, gravity bow, expeditious retreat, sense vitals>
Red Morlock
Purple Demon
Rallas <lead blades, blessing of fervor>
Orange Morlock
Brallenera <blessing of fervor>
Agajprak and her Golem
Bogipfen and his Morlocks
Ambusta and the Hellknights
Marianix Karn
Pink Golem
Ginger <blessing of fervor>
Lt. Blue Golem

Setare charges forward with Ranalus‘ air walk spell to get to the flatfooted leading demon!

She fights defensively in her crance style!

Swift action: crane style.
40 ft speed and the distance is around 80ft. She uses her boots of speed to gain additional movement to complete charge with air walk.

"We will not allow your evil to spread!!!!" she shouts and tries to hit the demon.

She uses her feather touch ability to attack with her adamantium Chestus with nonlethal force to intimidate as an enforcer and try to stun the flatfooted demon!

If below is a hit: DC 17 fortitude save or be stunned from stunning fist (1/4 used).

Primary attack vs flatfooted AC, fighting defensively, piranha strike, haste: 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 1 = 241d4 + 8 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 4 + 6 = 22

Enforcer feat Free action intimidate demoralize vs. DC 10+CR+wis modifier : 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (6) + 21 = 27

@Setare With the ruins in the way, I don't think there is a charge lane opportunity from the tunnels.

@GM Erich - I would like to drop a Wall of Thorns spell. Is it alright
for me to mess up your battlefield map or would you rather take care of it?

The Rock spells in effect - Mage Armor, Barkskin (Extended), Wild Shape (Air Elemental - Medium), Blessing of Fervor. (Heightened Awareness has been expended for initiative for +14).

Ginger spells in effect - Longstrider, Mage Armor, Barkskin (Extended), Resinous Skin (Extended), Bull Strength, Magic Fang, Greater, Blessing of Fervor, Light (stick - in claw).

The Rock flies straight up like a rocket and then summons a field of thorny shrubbery to entrap their foes.

Blessing of Fervor - +2 to hit, +2 dodge AC and reflex saves already added in to stats above.

@GM: Then Setare would use Adroit Step (Ex) and spend a panache and swift action to ignore difficult terrain and be able to charge with air walk. Then Setare could not use a swift action to go into crane style. She would not fight defensively so attack rolls are 2 higher. Her AC would then be 32 with Haste and mage armor and she would continue her charge with air walk.

@Rock Go ahead and mark it up

@GM Erich - The spell is cast at 10th level with his Place Magic ability (+1 CL) so 20 blocks of (10' X 5'). This spell is fun but is a pain to draw out. :)

The Rock lets his spell go attempting to trap all of the visible opponents and potentially some future ones as well.

The spell is SR=NO and No save so they should be all trapped and take some minor scratch damage unless they have some fun special abilities.

The Rock fills the plaza with thorny walls that encase the enemies. Setare moves in and strikes the demon through the thicket.

fort save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Red STR check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Orange STR check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Pink STR check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Lt. Blue STR check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Yellow STR check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

They all failed to escape, so everyone gets their turn...

Round 1/2 - Bold can act - Communal Air Walk and Lucky Numbers (as before) are up
Red Morlock -32 damage
Purple Demon -12 damage <stunned, shaken>
Zeno <mage armor, false life 17, gravity bow, expeditious retreat, sense vitals>
Rallas <lead blades, blessing of fervor>
Orange Morlock -32 damage
Brallenera <blessing of fervor>
Agajprak and her Golem
Bogipfen and his Morlocks
Ambusta and the Hellknights
Marianix Karn
Pink Golem
Ginger <blessing of fervor>
Lt. Blue Golem
-------------------------
Ranalus <magic vestment, DR/10 cold iron, shield of faith, blessing of fervor>
Yellow Morlock -32 damage
The Rock <blessing of fervor>
Setare <mage armor>

Swift action: smite evil demon. AC 32 with haste. AC 38 vs demon with deflection bonus from Smite. Boots of speed 2/10.

"I will stop you!!!!" she says now with a shout as the battle is starting.

She attacks with her adamantium chestus with nonlethal force to stun the demoralized demon again!

Stunning fist dc 17 fort if below is a hit.

Haste attack nonlethal with stunning fist, haste +1, Smite +6/2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 13 + 1 + 6 = 311d4 + 8 + 4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 4 + 6 + 2 = 24

She then switches to lethal force and pierces the demon with her weapon.

Primary attack, haste +1, Smite +6/2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 13 + 1 + 6 = 291d4 + 8 + 4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 4 + 6 + 2 = 23

-
Flurry attack, haste +1, Smite +6/2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 13 + 1 + 6 = 361d4 + 8 + 4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 4 + 6 + 2 = 21

Crit? Flurry attack, haste +1, Smite +6/2 no precise strike : 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 13 + 1 + 6 = 391d4 + 8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 6 + 2 = 19

-
Iterative attack, haste +1, Smite +6/2: 1d20 - 6 + 13 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (15) - 6 + 13 + 1 + 5 = 281d4 + 8 + 4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 4 + 6 + 2 = 22

Crit? Iterative attack, haste +1, Smite +6//2 no precise strike: 1d20 - 5 + 13 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (3) - 5 + 13 + 1 + 6 = 181d4 + 8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 6 + 2 = 18

Rallas moves up, using Ranalus' spell to make him faster. He readies to strike if an opponent comes close enough.

readied, power attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 252d8 + 7 + 9 ⇒ (5, 7) + 7 + 9 = 28no penalty on PA from furious focus...adamantine weapon

Are these really wood golems, or do they just look like it?

Zeno races into the air before launching a powerful missile of pure acid down at the nearest golem (and using blessing of fervor to Extend it to 6 rounds!).

acid arrow, sulfur (+1 damage), Point-Blank Shot VS Teal-y Dan: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
acid damage: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 1) + 2 = 6

Ginger hustles up to the nearest target (double move).

Blessing of Fervor - +2 to hit, +2 dodge AC and reflex saves already added in to stats above.

The Rock flies in closer to the combat and summons a ball of flame in his free hand to throw at any that might escape.

(Intensified Produce Flame cast at CL 10 with his Place Magic ability)

Blessing of Fervor - +2 to hit, +2 dodge AC and reflex saves already added in to stats above.

Ranalus will move up, taking the extra movement from Blessing of Fervor, and cast Dimensional Anchor on the demon (purple).

Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
SR if applicable: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Brallenera just moves as quickly as possible, eager to engage in battle

Double move

@Zeno There is a check above to see exactly what they are, but they certainly look like the stone golem that your Morlock friend has brought along.

Zeno's arrow plinks harmlessly off the golem's plating. Rallas, Brallenera and Ginger move forward with the rest of the allies. Marianix Karn begins to issue commands about how to thwart the demon's powers.

Karn's aid - The archivist and any allies within 30 feet gain a +2 insight bonus to AC and on attack rolls and saving throws against extraordinary, supernatural, and spell-like abilities used by demons.

Ranalus tries to lock the demon in the thistles, but it narrowly resists the abjuration. The Rock summons fire and Setare lets loose with a flurry of strikes. Trying to escape the thorny prison with magic, the demon can't quite get it right, but one of the golems makes progress and squeezes partially out, the thorns screeching loudly against its stony armor as it menaces Setare.

fort save vs stun: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Red STR check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Purple Concentration: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 15 - 2 = 23
Orange STR check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Pink STR check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Lt. Blue STR check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Yellow STR check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Round 2/3 - Bold can act - Communal Air Walk and Lucky Numbers (as before) are up
Red Morlock -48 damage
Purple Demon -102 damage <shaken>
Zeno <mage armor, false life 17, gravity bow, expeditious retreat, sense vitals>
Rallas <lead blades, blessing of fervor>
Orange Morlock -48 damage
Brallenera <blessing of fervor>
Agajprak and her Golem
Bogipfen and his Morlocks
Ambusta and the Hellknights
Marianix Karn
Pink Golem
Ginger <blessing of fervor>
Lt. Blue Golem
-------------------------
Ranalus <magic vestment, DR/10 cold iron, shield of faith, blessing of fervor>
Yellow Morlock -48 damage
The Rock <blessing of fervor>
Setare <mage armor>

Zeno's arrow plinks harmlessly off the golem's plating.

Are you certain about this? At least normally, golems are only immune to magic that allows spell resistance.

@Zeno I was just being fancy describing you missed his AC.

Swift action: Crane Style.

"You cannot escape Sarenrae's light!!!!" Setare shouts.

She again attacks with her adamantium chestus with nonlethal force to stun the demoralized demon!

Stunning fist dc 17 fort if below is a hit. Shaken -2 to save.

Haste attack nonlethal with stunning fist, haste +1, Smite +6/2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 13 + 1 + 6 = 351d4 + 8 + 4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 4 + 6 + 2 = 22

*

She then switches to lethal force and pierces the demon with her adamantium chestus.

Should the demon fall she targets the stone golem! If targeting the golem please consider 6 less to hit and 2 less to damage.

Primary attack, haste +1, Smite +6/2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 1 + 6 = 341d4 + 8 + 4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 4 + 6 + 2 = 24
-
Flurry attack, haste +1, Smite +6/2: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 13 + 1 + 6 = 281d4 + 8 + 4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 4 + 6 + 2 = 21

-
Iterative attack, haste +1, Smite +6/2: 1d20 - 5 + 13 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (17) - 5 + 13 + 1 + 6 = 321d4 + 8 + 4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 4 + 6 + 2 = 21

Crit? Iterative attack, haste +1, Smite +6//2 no precise strike: 1d20 - 5 + 13 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (17) - 5 + 13 + 1 + 6 = 321d4 + 8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 6 + 2 = 18