Shadows of Gallowspire

Game Master Shadow_Fox

The monstrous vanguard. Poetic, in a way. "They can help us but they're first into danger". Zed's lip slightly curls at the dark joke, although he knew that interpretation was more than just a little uncharitable. He silently nods, then glides forward quietly, always unnerving given his size and heavy armor.

Stealth: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
Perception: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (1) + 25 = 26

Heh... Heineous will always say we go head in! - said the mutated horror, pushing his words for the double meaning - Yet, it seems our sexy parchment skinned boy here wants to do some scouting.

He then flaps the bat-like wings and flies, letting his dark fur blend against the shadows.

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36

The two adventurers follow the windy path through the vibrant forest, moving slowly and sticking to the cover of the nearby trees. The dense foliage prevents their companions from following with their sight. The path winds and leads to an idyllic clearing, where it appears the remnants of a stone dais once lay. About 50' away, you see a gem-encrusted arch made of bleached bones stands on a patch of scorched ground, surrounded by two sickly looking malevolent oak trees.

The adventurers' keen eyesight allows them to notice that the 2 oak trees flanking the arch are sentient.

Initiative:
Roet: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Zed: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Trees (2): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Round 1: Trees
The two 40' tall trees lumber forth 10', their numerous leafy vines, their tips looped into nooses, hang from their branches. The two trees spray spores into the air covering a 50' radius, covering the adventurers with pollen.

Will saves:
Roet: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Roet: 1d20 ⇒ 6
Zed: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Zed: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Zed is unaffected by the spores, but Roet does not view the Tree on the left as a threat and will not engage it.

Map

Roet and Zed are up. The rest of the party can join the battle next round if alerted to the danger.

What knowledge check to identify these?

Zed raises his voice, loudly shouting back to the others. "UNDER ATTACK BY GIANT TREES!"

Want to know more via knowledge checks if possible before deciding my actions.

What knowledge check to identify these?

Zed raises his voice, loudly shouting back to the others. "UNDER ATTACK BY GIANT TREES!"

Want to know more via knowledge checks if possible before deciding my actions.

Knowledge (nature) - the one you're missing. :).

I don’t want to slow us down or anything, but just for the sake of planning tactics if we encounter anything like this again: did the trees automatically detect them or were there perception checks somewhere that I missed?

I don’t want to slow us down or anything, but just for the sake of planning tactics if we encounter anything like this again: did the trees automatically detect them or were there perception checks somewhere that I missed?

They have Blindsight 60' so they detected the two party members automatically when they came within range.

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 What are those? Please assume he will immediately rely all information in loud volume to the party.

Mr. Heineous flaps his wings violently and flies directly to pounce at the tree at the right. As he gets by it he attacks with bite and claws.

Bite: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (12) + 20 = 32
Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Claw 1: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Claw 1: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

the rest of the party that is hanging back with me, should delay their initiative behind my turn.

Roet recognizes the sinister trees as Hangman Trees: they have Plant traits, blindsight, SR, and can grab and strangle/constrict you with their vines. He also remembers reading in some treatises that they are vulnerable to electricity. Finally, due to their large size, they have 15' reach.

Aware that his pounce attack will provoke an AoO, does Roet still proceed? Zed is also up.

After Heineous quickly communicates the creatures abilities, Zed nods, stepping back. "Good, now..." And then he charged in.

Zed stared after him for a second, then sighed. Well, can't leave you all alone can I? Zed darts to the right, following up underneath Heineous.

Charging diagonally against the same tree on the right. My hope is that I stay out of reach of the tree on the left, and that after Heineous provokes the tree will not have another AoO.

Tetsubo Attack (charge): 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 18 + 2 = 31
Tetsubo Damage (PA): 1d10 + 12 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 9 = 27

AC is 2 lower this turn for charging.

Roet will move and provoke.

AoO on Roet: 1d20 ⇒ 2...miss!

One of the trees' branches lashes out at the monstrous Heironeous, but he smacks it away and lands 2 attacks, dealing 30 damage, as his claws rip the plant's bark. Zed rears back and charges the same tree, bashing it with his iron-studded club dealing 27 damage. The tree grunts in pain, as black ooze seeps from its severe wounds. It looks back at the arch and cries out in a weird language, which neither of the two adventurers understands.
Total damage: 57. The tree's AC is 24.

The rest of the party, being veterans and hearing the sounds of combat, appears on the edge of the southern map, where they see the battlefield covered in spores. To enter the map, you risk exposure to the spores.

Round 2:
Initiative:
X: 1d120 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Aja: 1d120 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Gaelan: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Solanis: 1d120 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Aja is up!

Current Map

With the blink of an eye, there are suddenly 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 more Ajas (Quickened Mirror Image).

"Get ready!"Aja shouts as she lays her hands on the shoulders of Sola and Gaelan to the left and right of her. Aja speaks a familiar word and the three of them reappear just next to the others.
Dimension Door: Target Location one row south of the others with Aja extactly south of Roet.

Will saves:
Aja: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Aja: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Gaelan: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Gaelan: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Solanis: 1d20 ⇒ 9
Solanis: 1d20 ⇒ 16
Only Gaelan is affected and does not perceive the Hangman Tree on the left as a threat.

Round 2:
A comely female suddenly appears next to the tree behind the arch. She has scorched wooden skin carved with runes, her hair a nest of blackened, sickly leaves. She looks anguished and in pain and she cries out in an unearthly voice, "Why do you attack my friends, outsiders? Why?! Run, run for your lives!!" She wails in agony, the sound piercing your eardrums, and you start to feel a wave of terror crawl up your spines, but then you remember that the holy elven servant of Iomedae is at your side and the fear subsides immediately with no penalties. 20' Immunity to fear aura is nice!

Appropriate Knowledge check for the woman is Nature.

Gaelan is up followed by the trees and then the party. [b]Everyone prior to your action, you must make a DC 22 Fort save or be paralyzed as the woman has a gaze attack and you are all within range.

Gaelan thanks his goddess for protecting him and his companions from the woman who just appeared. He takes a 5' step (either forward or diagonal) and full-attacks the tree, with three swipes of his curved blade.

Fort save: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27
Adding Sola's +2/+2
Power Attack: 1d20 + 20 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 20 - 4 + 2 = 32
Damage: 1d10 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 20 + 2 = 31
Power Attack: 1d20 + 15 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 15 - 4 + 2 = 23
Damage: 1d10 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 20 + 2 = 23
Power Attack: 1d20 + 10 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 - 4 + 2 = 28 - threat
Damage: 1d10 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 20 + 2 = 23
Confirmation: 1d20 + 10 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 - 4 + 2 = 22
AC: 27

20' Immunity to fear aura is nice!

I believe only the paladin is immune, and the aura provides a +4 bonus

Nope, Aja. feat

Gaelan's blades slice the evil tree and TIMBER! The tree falls with a crunch to the ground.

Round 2: Hangman Tree

The tree moves 5' and attacks the paladin with its vines!
Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 20 ---- threat
To confirm: 1d20 ⇒ 4 --- no confirmation
Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Grapple: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30 --- Grappled!
Constrict: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

The tree then lashes out with its other vines at Heironeous, but the lashes bounce off the his monstrous skin.

Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 8 --- miss
Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 16 --- miss

Gaelan takes 21 damage and is grappled.
Party is up and do not forget the Fort saves at beginning of your turn.

Map

Fort: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

Zed moves past the falling tree, letting it crash down behind him as he moves towards his next target. He starts to move around the tree, anticipating going for the woman next. He does not respond to her jibes; their intentions were clear enough.

Move to get to the square to the top right of the tree on the left. That will likely provoke, my AC will be 29 this round due to having moved with Sola's buff.

His tetsubo rises and he swing it into the trunk of the remaining tree!

Tetsubo Attack (Sola Aura): 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 18 + 2 = 24
Tetsubo Damage (Sola Aura, PA): 1d10 + 12 + 2 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 2 + 9 = 32

AoO on Zed: 1d20 ⇒ 18..hit
Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Zed moves, catches a vine to the face, but bashes the tree with his club, breaking off some bark.
32 damage to Hangman Tree.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24
Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Mr. Heineous doesn't take the tree on the left as a threat - however, the very chaotic monster sees the mysterious lady as such - and flies towards her to pounce and attack again.

He will eat whatever AoOs come against him. I'm not sure if she's flying or standing (or if she can be tripped or not), so I'll roll his trip attempts anyway.

Bite: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Claw 1: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30
Damage: 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Trip: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25

Claw 2: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (6) + 20 = 26
Damage: 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Trip: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36

The female enemy is not flying. The monstrous Heironeous rushes up and lashes out with his natural attacks, but they are all deflected away harmlessly by her dexterity and her protections. All three attacks miss.

Solanis to end Round 2 and Aja to start Round 3.

Fort: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (4) + 22 = 26

Sola begins a dynamic oration of the tale of Barty Bell (a brave young lumberjack who saved a village from a treant from hell) as she follows Zed to the other tree. When she arrives, she thrusts her longspear at it.

Activating inspiring command as a swift action (adding a +3 competence bonus to everyone's hit/damage rolls); moving to one square right and one square down of Zed as a move action; attacking as standard action.

longspear (aura/ic/pa): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28
for: 1d8 + 22 ⇒ (4) + 22 = 26

Total damage to tree: 58...still up

Fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
"It seems, you've got the tree felling covered!" Aja shouts as she looks at the woman with the barky skin.
Ajas hand move in fast motion as she mumbles arcane words.

Dispel Magic Dispel Check: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

With no time in between a bright ray of light shoots towards the woman.
Quickened Searing Light
ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
damage: 5d8 + 5 ⇒ (7, 7, 3, 6, 7) + 5 = 35 unless she's undead than more

Initiative:
Aja
Female
Gaelan
Trees
Roet
Solanis
Zed

Aja's Dispel Magic fails to eliminate her protections. Howeever, her Searing Light blast harms the comely female. 35 damage.

Round 3: Female

The female curses at Aja, "You made a bad decision, b+*@!. You invaded my grove!" She sneers at you and looks contemptuously at the beast before her. She then smiles with an evil grin on her face. She intones magic defensively and casts magic at Roet. The beast grabs his head and then turns and looks at you, with no recognition in his eyes. The female pats Roet on his back, "Yes, baby, rip them apart one by one for your Mama!" Roet hesitates for a moment and then grins viciously at Zed!

You may roll Spellcraft checks if you're trained in that skill.

Cast defensively: 1d20 ⇒ 17 --- Success
Roet Will save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 --- fails
Roet Will save to avoid attacking his ally: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 2 = 19 --- fails!

A grappled Gaelan is up and if you are not avoiding gaze, you must roll a Fort save due to her gaze attack. Even if you are avoiding, percentage change you have to roll save.

Round 3:
Fort Save: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30
Grapple check to escape: 1d20 + 13 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 5 = 32

The elven paladin squirms out of the tree's grasp, using his natural dexterity.

Round 3: Tree

The monstrous tree focuses rears one of its branches and brings it down on the paladin, bashing him on the head and grabbing him again! It then proceeds to bash the battle herald twice!

1st Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 20 --- threat
Confirmation: 1d20 ⇒ 14 --- confirmed
Damage: 2d6 + 18 ⇒ (4, 1) + 18 = 23
Grapple: 1d20 ⇒ 16 --- grappled again!
Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
2nd attack on Dame Solanis: 1d20 ⇒ 15 --- hit
Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
3rd attack on Dame Solanis: 1d20 ⇒ 13 --- hit
Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Total damage on Gaelan: 21 previously+38=59 and grappled!
Total damage on Dame: 24

Round 3: Roet
Your former ally claws Zed twice, tripping and biting him, as the dhampir is savaged!

Claw on Zed: 1d20 + 20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 20 + 3 = 36 --- hit
Damage: 1d6 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 3 = 20
Trip: 1d20 + 19 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 19 + 3 = 26 --- no
Claw on Zed: 1d20 + 20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 20 + 3 = 37 --- hit
Damage: 1d6 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 3 = 21
Trip: 1d20 + 19 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 19 + 3 = 36 --- prone
Bite: 1d20 + 20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 20 + 3 + 4 = 42
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 3 = 16
Total damage to Zed:57 and prone!

Bad round for PCs due to rolls. Zed, Dame, and Aja are up!

Map

Jeez, been hit by 2 20s already! Also forgot that I am trained in Spellcraft.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28

Gaelan yells out as he gets constricted through forced breaths, "The battle is not lost, friends. Kill this tree and we have a chance!" Gaelan will share spellcraft check with party.

Fort save: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (2) + 22 = 24

Sola quickly summons a burst of healing that fills her with zealous might, then she stabs at the tree twice in an urgent attempt to end its involvement in the fight.

swift: lay hands, activating hands of valor; full-round: full attack; free: maintain performance

lay hands: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

longspear1 (aura/ic/pa/hv): 1d20 + 17 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 17 + 7 = 25
for: 1d8 + 22 ⇒ (5) + 22 = 27

longspear2 (aura/ic/pa/hv): 1d20 + 12 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 7 = 39
for: 1d8 + 22 ⇒ (5) + 22 = 27

longspear3 (aura/ic/pa/hv): 1d20 + 7 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 7 = 34
for: 1d8 + 22 ⇒ (1) + 22 = 23

As Roet is not currently an ally I won’t extend any aura or inspire courage bonuses to him for the time being.

Confirm longspear2: 1d20 + 12 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 7 = 22
for another: 2d8 + 44 ⇒ (2, 6) + 44 = 52

Confirm longspear3: 1d20 + 7 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 7 = 23
for another: 2d8 + 44 ⇒ (2, 1) + 44 = 47

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Seeing as the lady clearly charmed her friend, Aja took action to quickly end this.
"Protection!"
Communal protection from evil, Roet gets a new save with +2 bonus, everyone else is immune to mind control.

In quick succession, three rays of bright burning fire extend from Aja's hand all aiming for HER.

Quickened Scorching Ray
attack 1 vs touch, inspired: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 3 = 31
fire damage: 4d8 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (7, 5, 4, 6) + 8 + 3 = 33
attack 2 vs touch, inspired: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 3 = 25
fire damage: 4d8 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 6, 8, 6) + 8 + 3 = 35
attack 2 vs touch, inspired: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 3 = 18
fire damage: 4d8 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (5, 3, 1, 7) + 8 + 3 = 27

side question: If it was Dominate Person that she cast, was it a spell-like ability? as a normal spell it would have a casting time of 1 round

rerolling damage for scorching ray
fire damage, inspire courage, banner: 4d6 + 8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5, 2, 1, 1) + 8 + 3 + 2 = 22
fire damage, inspire courage, banner: 4d6 + 8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2, 6, 3, 1) + 8 + 3 + 2 = 25
fire damage, inspire courage, banner: 4d6 + 8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5, 1, 3, 5) + 8 + 3 + 2 = 27

She cast Charm Monster and re-reading the spell, Roet would have gotten +5 on save to attack friends not +2, but even adding an extra 3 with a 22 Will save, he fails.

Dame Solanis kills the Hangman Tree, thereby freeing Gaelan.
All three of Aja's rays strike true - total damage to female: 109.

Upon the casting of Aja's spell, Heiroenous grasps at his head in pain, as conflicting thoughts of murder and friendship rage through his mind. He unleashes an unearthly scream of pain and confusion and takes off with a flap of his wings into the unknown, leaving behind a dumbfounded dryad and a party of companions.

Zed is up!

Zed stands up, groaning from his wounds. Roet was a terror to face in melee; part of him was glad the monster flew off because he could cause any more damage.

Zed grimly steps next to the woman. "Enough."

Tetsubo Attack (Banner, Inspire Courage): 1d20 + 18 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 18 + 2 + 3 = 42
Tetsubo Damage (Banner, Inspire Courage, Power Attack): 1d10 + 12 + 2 + 3 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 2 + 3 + 9 = 35

Move action to stand, free action to 5 foot step, standard action to attack.

Zed's determination and anger on his face is clear and he brings down his weapon on the scorched dryad's head. He hears bones crunch and a cry of pain, as he breaks the fey's neck, killing her instantly.
Combat over.

Aja, and her 6 images for that matter, rush over to the others. "Wow, that was intense. What happened to him?" she asked when watching Roet fly away. "Do you think he's coming back? He wouldn't abandon us after all these months, would he?"
Maybe the monster in him finally took over?

She contemplated for a few moments before returning to the group.
"Is everybody ok? Who was she?" Aja turned to the fey corpse.

"My theory is that the magic would compel him to continue attacking me, and he was unable to break it, but managed to escape instead. Abandoning us is not as bad as killing us." He frowns as he stares out at the sky. "Although the long term repercussions may be worse since he left our side. If he is able to return, he will. If he cannot...well not like we could keep up with him."

"I don't know, but she accompanied these trees that attacked us, and she was in an area guarding a witch gate, so I am certain of her ill intent here." Zed takes out his damaging wand, placing it to himself to heal off his wounds.

He reinvigorates himself as well.

False Life: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Aja looks through the remains of the fey woman and checks, whether anything of her belongings remain unburned.

Sola seems lost in thought as she watches Roet’s alter ego fly off. Her wings raise as if about to take off but then slowly lower instead. “Heineous has always been... unpredictable,” she offers eventually, “perhaps Roet will seek us out when he regains control, or perhaps they will find some new way to serve the Lady of Graves... either way, we have a mission we must complete. Anything useful over there Aja?”

"Thanks Sola. Damn tree was in love with me - wouldn't let me go. Almost squeezed the life out of me." Gaelan lays on hands on himself once healing 6d6 + 12 ⇒ (2, 5, 4, 1, 5, 4) + 12 = 33 of damage. "Aja, can you help us with a channel?"

After the healing, Gaelan muses, "While a powerful ally, the good doctor was also a powerful enemy. Maybe it's for the best that he left. Too unpredictable." The elf looks at the fallen female enemy, "She seemed to be in anguish. I can't imagine what she experienced or survived to become a guardian of this arch. I hope her soul finds some rest." Gaelan retrieves his holy text of Iomedae and says a prayer over her corpse. Afterwards, he looks up to no one in particular, "Are we moving forward or what?"

”I don’t want to expose us to danger unnecessarily,” Sola replies to her fellow paladin, “but maybe we should look around a little more for any signs of the silver ravens or their fate? Or... just wait a little bit... in case Roet comes to his senses?”

Zed begins to circle the area in response to Sola, searching for anything of interest, particularly the Silver Ravens or anything of value.

Perception: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (4) + 25 = 29

"I'm sorry Gaelan, you know I'd love to. But, as you know, Sarenrae never blessed me. Probably punishment for my insufficient studies."
soul warden prestige class gives me channel to hurt undead only

Ah Aja, my bad. Gaelan will use another LoH then on himself to heal himself completely: 6d6 + 12 ⇒ (4, 4, 4, 6, 5, 2) + 12 = 37.

Aja casts Detect Magic and notices that the fey’s headband of thorns radiates magic. You identify it as a equivalent to a Headband of Alluring Charisma +4. No other treasure is found.

"Well, this headband is still intact. It boosts your personality so to say, similar to the one I have."
who wants?

"Mine is enchanted the same way," Sola replies, "but let's bring it with us; perhaps it'll come in handy at some point? And, if not, we could always sell it when we get back."

I already have a +4 Cha headband, as does Gaelan iirc, lol.

Yep, I'm good with regard to the headband.

Gaelan looks at the arch and then at Aja. "Roet is gone - there's a damsel to save and we can't delay any longer. It's time to move on and stop the Whispering Tyrant's plans. This is too important." Gaelan hopes his plea motivates his companions to move forth.

"Roet knows how to find us. We press on." Zed agrees.

"Maybe no more going alone, now that we know, we're in hostile terrain?"
Aja, contrarily to what she just said, takes off into the air above the tree topps, to see, where the hell they actually are.