GM_DBH's Shattered Star

Game Master DBH

Works for me.

Vhane prepares for the jump to lightspeed next to the qlippoth and nods to indicate he's ready with his crossbow at the ready.

Smiling at the phrase 'two smashers' Elathras likes the simplicity of the plan. He nods to Axton, "Ready when you are."

Bharak took a deep breath and readied himself. With his weapon in the form of axes once more, he was prepared for the violence to come.

I'll give you a surprise round on these things. So everyone give me their action when Axton transports you into the room.

Assuming we wait three rounds before teleporting so Elena's earlier posted prebattle buffs are casted on the party: communal resist energy: acid, good hope, heightened awareness, Bit of Luck on Bharak (2 rounds).

Once inside, Elena starts a song of hope and chivalry. A mysterious divine presence joins her song and imbues the weapons of the group with righteous might!

Move action to start inspire courage. Total buffs if you do not already have a morale or competence bonus: +5 to hit, +5 to damage, +1d6 sonic damage per weapon attack, +2 all saves, +2 all ability checks, +2 all skills.

Elena's initiative check with good hope and heightened awareness: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

Yes, you've had the time to buff everyone.

Axton can't take any other actions in the round after he casts dimension door.

Vhane quickly takes aim at red and fires!

Sharp Shoot (Ex): At 1st level, a bolt ace can resolve an attack against touch AC instead of normal AC when firing a crossbow at a target within its first range increment. Performing this deed costs 1 grit point.

Deadly Aim; Good Hope +2; Inspire C. +3, vs. touch AC
+2 Repeating heavy crossbow: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26
Damage: 1d10 + 18 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 18 + (3) = 22 +1d6 is sonic(And to be honest, I've NO idea where that comes from) :P

AC 24; Hp's 130/130; Grit 1/5 left

Hit: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30
Damage: 1d6 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 4

For his part, Bharak began swinging just as he materialized. While not nearly as deadly as a typical pick to the head of a sleeping giant, it still cut nonetheless.

+1d6 is sonic(And to be honest, I've NO idea where that comes from) :

Discordant Voice, Elena's new feats, adds 1d6 sonic damage to the weapon attacks of all allies made within 30 feet of her while she is using inspire courage.

Watching the creatures as Elena and Axton prepare Elathras keeps himself calm, waiting for the spell to be cast. In the briefest of seconds he finds himself with reach of the southern yellow creature. As his dwarven friend swings at the thing, Elathras smiles hearing Elena's discordant song. Shifting his feet he thrusts his guisarm at the yellow creature.

inspire courage +5 to hit/damage +1d6 sonic surprise round: attack + 1 keen guisarme, Str (+9) WT (+2) PA,FF (+9)
attack: 1d20 + 17 + 1 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 17 + 1 + 2 + 5 = 42 damage: 2d4 + 9 + 1 + 2 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (2, 3) + 9 + 1 + 2 + 9 + 5 = 31 sonic: 1d6 ⇒ 3

BoL, thank you for reminding me: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36
Confirm: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35
Crit Damage: 1d6 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22

Total Damage: 22 + 4 + 22 = 48
DC 15 Fortitude save to resist being permanently blinded by the blow.

By the nature of his skill at arms, Bharak's attack would have been a solid one. However, Elena had blessed him with a bit of divine luck. His blade turned at the exact right time, hitting far harder and cleaner than it otherwise had any right to.

fort save vs blindness Yellow: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

Vhane, Elathras & Bharak strike and draw acidic blood.

Acid damage Bharak: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

cid Spray (Su):
A nyogoth’s body is full of highly corrosive digestive fluid. Every time a nyogoth is damaged by a piercing or slashing weapon, all creatures adjacent to the nyogoth take 1d6 points of acid damage (2d6 acid damage if the attack is a critical hit).

I believe you have Resist energy acid going though?

Elena & Vhane can act!

Yep. And I believe it's Resist 30. Please correct me if I'm wrong, anybody. I believe that's what it is anyway. I'd say at worst it's Resist 20 with being the level we are.

Not wasting a second, Vhane fires away at the red one.

Deadly Aim/Rapid shot/IC +3, Good hope
+2 Repeating heavy crossbow: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31
Damage: 1d10 + 18 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 18 + (4) = 24

(Rapid Shot)+2 Repeating heavy crossbow: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28
Damage: 1d10 + 18 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 18 + (6) = 26

+2 Repeating heavy crossbow: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26
Damage: 1d10 + 18 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 18 + (3) = 24

+2 Repeating heavy crossbow: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Damage: 1d10 + 18 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 18 + (4) = 28

AC 24; Hp's 130/130; Grit 1/5 left

Knowing her Luck lingers on Bharak, Elena instead blesses Elathras with it next, hoping it will protect the frontline against the monsters' mental attacks.

Standard to Bit of Luck Elathras, then 5ft step backwards. If the Qlippoth use their AoE nauseated ability, good hope adds +2 to all saves and Elathras and Bharak can roll it twice and take the better result. Remaining BoL uses: 8/10. Inspire courage continues, 24/26 rounds left.

Vhane sends bolts into Red all but the last sinking in deeply.

Red responds by unleashing its Horrific appearance on everyone!

Puking: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Will save DC18 or nauseated for 5 rounds!

Horrific Appearance (Su): All qlippoth have such horrific and mind-rending shapes that those who gaze upon them suffer all manner of ill effects. A qlippoth can present itself as a standard action to assault the senses of all living creatures within 30 feet. The exact effects caused by a qlippoth’s horrific appearance vary by the type of qlippoth. A successful Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 the qlippoth’s Hit Dice + the qlippoth’s Charisma modifier): reduces or negates the effect. This ability is a mind-affecting gaze attack.

Axton, Elathras & Bharak may now act. If they can :).

willsave, good hope +2: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29

Elena winces at the sight of the horrible creatures but keeps her composure.

Will: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

"That's very gross, but Magilast has seen worse," Axton states smugly.

Then, also smugly, he casts fireball on the ugly qlippoth.

Applying metamagic Empower Spell. Also spending an arcane reservoir point to increase the DC to DC 23 Reflex for half.

Fire damage: 10d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 3, 6, 5, 4, 6, 1, 4, 6) = 43 <-- Total empowered damage is 64.

Will: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 2 = 19 Whew! Man, that was close.

And Lol! to: 'Then, also smugly...'

Will save DC18: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 2 = 30

Having been trained to deal with monsters from a young age, Elathras shrugs off the creatures horrific appearance. Shifting his feet he follows the qlippoth as it moves towards the wall, thrusting his guisarm at the yellow creature.

inspire courage +5 to hit/damage +1d6 sonic 5 ft move (rough terrain) attack + 1 keen guisarme, Str (+9) WT (+2) PA,FF (+9)
attack: 1d20 + 17 + 1 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 17 + 1 + 2 + 5 = 41 damage: 2d4 + 9 + 1 + 2 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (1, 1) + 9 + 1 + 2 + 9 + 5 = 28 sonic: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Weathering the mental assault, Bharak unleashed a furious assault that was most fortunate in how often luck guided his blows.

Will: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 4 = 28
BoL dice=Will: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 4 = 30

Hit: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (17) + 20 = 37
BoL Hit: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36
Damage: 1d6 + 20 ⇒ (6) + 20 = 26
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Precise Strike: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Confirm: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 20 = 38
BoL Confirm: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (14) + 20 = 34
Crit: 1d6 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21

Iterative: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
BoL Iterative: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Damage: 1d6 + 20 ⇒ (2) + 20 = 22
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Precise Strike: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Confirm: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
BoL: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
Crit: 1d6 + 20 ⇒ (6) + 20 = 26

Iterative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
BoL: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Precise Strike: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Confirm?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
BoL Confirm?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Crit: 1d6 + 20 ⇒ (2) + 20 = 22

Red save vs Fireball Red: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 Whut?

Resist fire 10, so 53 points damage :(.

Axton manages to smugly cook a hideous Qlippoth, it doesn't improve its looks.

Elathras lands a solid shot, but then Bharak decides it's time for Yellow to cease existing and splatters it across the walls.

First three shots killed it, the rest were just Bharak having fun, :).

Red has 10hp left and Vhane is first up. I'm hand-waving it. Fight is over.

The cathedral is is ruins, it will take a lot of work to repair it. The only exit is the long, wide, rubble strewn hallway heading West.

Back to Windsong abbey map.

What are you doing now?

"Qlippoths are ancient evils from the outer planes of existence. If they are casually roaming around this place, we need to be ready for anything."

The party heads east. Bharak first, then Elathras, Elena, Axton, and Vhane guarding the rear.

Eyes narrowing at the information, Vhane keeps his eyes roving as they move along.

"If they're part of an organized force... well, I don't really want to think about what sort of entity could muster up a coalition between redcaps, giants and Qlippoths - and those are just the ones we know about at present," Elena muses. She takes a deep breath as she falls in line towards the west. "But it doesn't matter, we beat these 'ancient evils' swiftly and easily. And they're desecrating a holy site to just about all the major gods. Favor is not with them." Spear in hand, she paces onward resolutely.

The passage heads west, reaching a entrance to the central courtyard to the north, and a door to the west.

What are you doing now? Stealth and perception rolls from Bharak would be good as well :).

Stealth: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38

Perception add 2 for stone and 1 for traps: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (20) + 22 = 42

Bharak moved like a shadow, his eyes and ears as keen as they’d ever be. It appeared that whatever luck had blessed his blade had residual effects…

A2. COURT YARD
This large, stone-paved courtyard is dominated by a one hundred-fifty-foot-tall tower constructed of pure white marble.
Other than a set of white double doors set at the tower's base, the structure's walls present no windows or openings except for at the peak, which is constructed after the fashion of a lighthouse.
The immaculate tower makes a stark contrast with the devastated appearance of the courtyard, whose pavement slabs are cracked and disconnected on the south and covered with ash and soot to the northwest where the great thatched roof of the guesthouse was consumed by a huge fire.

Bharak spots 4 Redcaps on the balcony 10' up, overlooking the courtyard.

Red X's on the updated map

He also hears drunken Giant being spoken behind the western door.

What now?

"I'd suggest we deal with the giants first. If they're drunk, maybe other enemies will think they're just fighting amongst themselves," Elena says when Bharak rematerialises from the shadows and reports. "Though we should probably head back to deal with the Redcaps soonish. Even if they're not that strong, best not to have an enemy at your back. Especially if they are guarding one of the two exits."

just some fluff, getting back into posting after a long weekend away from the computer

Pinning the qlippoth in place with his guisarme, Elathras feels the blows of Bharak's altered flail vibrate up the pole as the dwarf rains blow after blow on the creature. As the tentacled thing is torn apart, he turns seeing Vhane bring the other down with a final quarrel from his cross bow. As Axton comments about 'being ready for anything' and Elena considers the possibility of an 'organized force,' he wipes the blood of the qlippoth from his guisarme onto it's carcass. Saying matter of factly, "I don't think either are a problem." Turning to his fellow militants he adds "Well done dwarves." Realizing what he'd said, he turns to Elena and Axton, "You as well my friends, I do not want to infer the magical arts did not play an important part." He smiles slightly, "It's just my training is martial in nature and it is good to watch experts at work."

Is it possible Vhane can be moving with Bharak? His related stats are Perception +17, Stealth +16, Survival + 18 if he even just takes 10 those are still impressive. I don't want to slow the game down by causing more rolls, but I think Elathras would want someone to be covering Bharak's back as he sneaks about, and Elathras knows it couldn't be him.

Knowing Bharak would not benefit from him trapsing around in heavy armor after him, Elathras waits with the others until Bharak returns. Hearing the report Elathras listens to Elena's tactical opinion. Impressed that the 'artist' has such a solid grasp on tactics, he nods in agreement, "That makes sense." He looks towards Bharak then back to Elena, "Bharak and I in the door first?" Still not truly familiar with how Her's and Axton's spells work he asks, "What magics will we need?"

Western door? Is that the one at the end of the hallway we are presently in or the one under the balcony with the 'Redcaps'?

The one at the end of the hallway you are on, not the one out in the courtyard.

"I'd suggest we deal with the giants first. If they're drunk, maybe other enemies will think they're just fighting amongst themselves," Elena says when Bharak rematerialises from the shadows and reports. "Though we should probably head back to deal with the Redcaps soonish. Even if they're not that strong, best not to have an enemy at your back. Especially if they are guarding one of the two exits."

Nodding, "That's a good idea. Last thing we wanna do is run into a bunch of blasted Redcaps if we're havin' ta escape for whatever reason," he states plainly.

Is it possible Vhane can be moving with Bharak? His related stats are Perception +17, Stealth +16, Survival + 18 if he even just takes 10 those are still impressive. I don't want to slow the game down by causing more rolls, but I think Elathras would want someone to be covering Bharak's back as he sneaks about, and Elathras knows it couldn't be him.

Fine with me. I got no problem with it. Vhane will set up anywhere. All good to him.

So.... What are you doing?

"So what do you lot choose? Redcaps or giants? I'm likin' killin' the Redcaps and then takin' out the giants. But I won't complain if we're killin' giants first. First or last, as long as they're dyin', then I won't be cryin'," he says plainly, raising an eyebrow at himself, feeling as if there's something strange about what he said.

If we can move past the door to A2 without being detected, I say we check out the room at the western end of this hall, first. That way, we're not leaving an unexplored room at our backs. So, I'm agreeing with Elena about confronting the giants first.

You can move past the door to A2 easily. The Redcaps are 20' up on a balcony and over 50' away. Keep to the south wall and you won't be seen. :)

I assumed we could just walk west without detection especially since the Rercaps are supposedly watching the area outside the building. But anyway, yes let's go west to the giants.

Considering the options, Elathras turns to Vhane, "It sounds like the redcaps are off the ground and may take some getting to. Let's deal with the giants so they don't interrupt when we sort out the redcaps." He smiles, "If the redcaps hear us killing the giants and come to help, then they've made it easier for us to get to them."

Turning from one dwarf to the other he continues, as he walks towards the western door. "Bharak, I'll open the door so you can move in quickly then follow."

Stopping at the door he looks towards Axton and Elena, pausing long enough to see if they are casting any preparatory spells, then opens the door.

So what spells are active and what will be cast before Elathras opens the door?

"Right. We've got a plan, and that beats sitting around. Open the door and I'll move in."

Wordlessly, Elena nods and points towards the door. Her Good Hope spell was still active. She touches Bharak on the shoulder, infusing him with Luck just as Elathras opens the door. The rest would depend on what they found inside...

@Gm I'll use Elena's hightened awareness to roll init at +4 higher. With good hope her init should be +14.

A15 REFECTORY
An elaborate fresco depicting a banquet shared by the many deities of Golarion decorates the four walls of this dining hall.
The refectory is in complete disarray, with smashed tables and chairs and all kinds of cutlery and crockery scattered here and there amid loads of dirt and rubbish.

The remains of a dead cow lay scattered on the floor, along with several breached casks of wine. The 3 Ettins in here seem to have had a very drunken feast!

Use the abbey exterior map again. All the Ettin are sickened due to being hungover, so you all go first

What are you doing?

Considering the options, Elathras turns to Vhane, "It sounds like the redcaps are off the ground and may take some getting to. Let's deal with the giants so they don't interrupt when we sort out the redcaps." He smiles, "If the redcaps hear us killing the giants and come to help, then they've made it easier for us to get to them."

Nodding, "Aye. Works for me." Pulling out a cigar and placing it in the corner of his mouth, he chews on it while still not lighting it up. Taking up a position right behind the stronger dwarf, Vhane keeps an eye out for everything.

If you want to be after Bharak, Elathras, that's fine with me. Just say so and I can be back in the back. It's all good to me either way.

Wordlessly, Elena nods and points towards the door.

Wordlessly, Axton nods and points at Elena pointing towards the door.

When the door is opened, Axton will cast grease on the back right (red) ettin's weapon, hoping to cause the brute to drop it.

DC 18 Reflex negates. If the ettin is unarmed or is dual-wielding weapons, please let me know and I'll change my action.

Rage Hit Orange: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 20 = 40
Damage: 1d6 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Precise Strike: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Confirm: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28
Damage: 1d6 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23

DC15 vs blindness if it confirms

”Right. Let’s do this.” Bharak said, as he moved in with his axes swinging.

Wordlessly, Axton nods and points at Elena pointing towards the door.

Wordlessly, the door points at Axton pointing at Elena pointing at the door, completing the triangle so all involved parties are satisfied. Somehow it is only noticed by Intripid.

Afterwards, Elena begins singing as the battle commences; a hymn of protection from Shelyn to guide her allies' weapons...

Standard to activate inspire courage. Good hope should still be up from the last fight, it lasts 10 minutes and we haven't done much. Bharak has Bit of Luck as it was granted to him prior to Elathras opening the door. Standard buffs apply, +5 hit, +5 damage, +1d6 sonic damage done within 30 ft of Elena, +2 all saves, +2 initiative and skills, +4 extra initiative for Elena.

Stepping in behind Bharak, Elathras moves to the south of his friend. Planting his feet he lifts his Guisarme, chopping at the orange Ettin.

inspire courage +5 to hit/damage +1d6 sonic good hope? + 2 everything AC 27 Bigger they are 10 ft move attack + 1 keen guisarme, Str (+9) WT (+2) PA,FF (+9) Cornugon Smash
attack: 1d20 + 17 + 1 + 2 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 17 + 1 + 2 + 5 + 2 = 42 damage: 2d4 + 9 + 1 + 2 + 9 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2, 4) + 9 + 1 + 2 + 9 + 5 + 2 = 34 sonic: 1d6 ⇒ 3
demoralize: 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 19 + 2 = 37

Ref save vs Lube: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 What a waste!

Acton casts but Red ignores it thanks to his weapons wrappings.

Bharak & Elathras splatter Orange

Vhane shoots at Yellow

crossbow: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25
crossbow: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24
crossbow: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
crossbow Crit?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
damage: 3d10 + 21 ⇒ (6, 9, 4) + 21 = 40

And smiles with Dwarven satisfaction as the Ettin dies.

Ok, Red rolled awful on initiative, so everyone can act!

Hit: 1d20 + 20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 20 + 5 = 29
BoL: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (6) + 25 = 31
Damage: 1d6 + 20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 20 + 5 = 31
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Sonic: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Finding his blade stuck within the corpse, it was only through luck that he managed to pull them out. Thanks to his enchanted boots, the dwarf was just able to reach the last standing giant so that the assault could continue unabated.

Quickly reloading his crossbow(swift), Vhane steps(5') to get a clearer shot, takes aim, and fires an army of bolts at the creature.

Deadly Aim/Good Hope +2/IC +3/+1d6 sonic
+2 Repeating heavy crossbow: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27
Damage: 1d10 + 18 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 18 + (4) = 24

(Rapid Shot)+2 Repeating heavy crossbow: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32
Damage: 1d10 + 18 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 18 + (6) = 26

+2 Repeating heavy crossbow: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24
Damage: 1d10 + 18 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 18 + (4) = 30

+2 Repeating heavy crossbow: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Damage: 1d10 + 18 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 18 + (3) = 24

Crit confirm(4th attack)
+2 Repeating heavy crossbow: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 4 = 30 (Crit focus feat)
Damage: 2d10 + 36 ⇒ (7, 5) + 36 = 48

Potentially 152 damage if it all hits.

AC: 24; Hp's 130/130

The Ettin leader Kob-Kog rears up in anger as Bharak hits him hard, but rises into a flurry of bolts from Vhane and collapses dead with surprised expression on both faces.

Seems like Dwarves don't like Giants. Who knew?

Loot:
MW battleaxe,
MWk heavy pick,
large burlap sack containing silverware, jewelry, and art objects looted from the abbey and worth 4550gp in total.

Two doors at the back of the room. What now?