DM Brainiac's Fists of the Ruby Phoenix: Victorious Secret!

Game Master Brainiac

The warrior woman inclines her head. ”Ah. Though I was named as intercessor by Abbot Tsujon decades ago, I reneged on my priestly duties to defend the coast from invaders, finding that I loved the song of blades and arms more than the ascetic life. I fell in battle, but I remained in this twilight realm rather than passing on to the afterlife, my soul yearning for one last chance to face a worthy opponent. Defeat me, and the mantle is yours.”

Chkirri looks over at Storm Adder. Or Lazarus. Or Khorash.

Then he casts a quick spell, and his voice booms out.

"And it looks like we're going to have a one on one match here! In one part of the beach, hailing from the ghostly realm and weighing in at a good 145 pounds, the celestial intercessor, JIN-HAE!" he announces excitedly. "And her opponent, hailing from Goku, one quarter of Victorious Secret..."

"That might be fun, but how about you take us on all at once?" Storm Adder suggests, sagely. "It looks like you've held off whole armies here before."

Lazarus grins.
We are all your Huckleberry!

Jin-Hae smiles eagerly as she manifests a pair of matching hooked swords. A moment later, a massive kirin materializes beside her! ”Come, Cloudsplitter! Fight by my side, one last time...”

Everybody but Chkirri may act! The pair are 30 feet away.

Lazarus bows--to the ground--to Jin-Hae. At the appearance of her Eidolon, he also bows.
May we all get out of this that which we desire.

With that, he begins to--freely--enter his Gorilla Stance by pounding on his chest and hollering.
Too much?

Smiling at the pair, the Fighter roars at Jin-Hae!
Intimidation(L) to Demoralize: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (4) + 30 = 34

He then Strides on her opposite side (to provide easy Flank?) and swings for the fences at her!
Melee Stance gorilla slam unarmed attack (L): 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (9) + 34 = 433d8 + 13 ⇒ (5, 8, 4) + 13 = 30 Traits: backswing, forceful, grapple, nonlethal, and unarmed)
(Brawling crit spec: The target must succeed at a Fortitude save against your class DC 37 or be slowed 1 until the end of your next turn.)

Ghost Touch and Grievous (Brawling The target takes a –4 circumstance penalty to its save.)

Would like to end movement so Cloudsplitter needs 5' Step, or stupid Reach.

EDIT!

Lazarus believes that if she were Frightened then he would hit her, so....Hero Point! Intimidation(L) to Demoralize: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (15) + 30 = 45

Storm Adder growls at the kirin as the battle begins.

Battle Cry (Demoralize): 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (4) + 34 = 38
If I crit and the kirin is lower level than me, it is fleeing for 1 round.

Figuring it might be useful on a ghost, Storm Adder opens with a spiritual epidemic, then closes to attack Jin-Hae.

Cast spiritual epidemic (DC 40 Will), Stride, Bespell Weapon, Quickened Strike

wishblade: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (5) + 29 = 34 for slashing: 3d10 + 7 ⇒ (6, 5, 4) + 7 = 22 and negative: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Botting Khorash; copying from an old post, since I don't really know his character...

Once more, pulling an instant opening and attacking twice, and adding 3d6 bleed and enfeebled 1 with debilitating strike.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (12) + 32 = 44
Damage: 3d6 + 1d6 + 9 + 4d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 4) + (1) + 9 + (4, 1, 1, 2) = 27

Attack 2: 1d20 + 32 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 32 - 4 = 38
Damage: 3d6 + 1d6 + 9 + 4d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 6) + (2) + 9 + (5, 5, 1, 4) = 37

Does 3d6 persistent bleed

Will vs Spiritual Epidemic: 1d20 + 27 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 27 - 1 = 37

Jin-Hae is slightly shaken by Lazarus's threats, though Cloudsplitter is nonplussed by Storm Adder's battle cry. Lazarus quickly moves behind Jin-Hae and delivers a body blow. Khorash steps up to flank, slashing her with a claw and debilitating her. Storm Adder afflicts Jin-Hae with a spiritual epidemic as he, too, moves in to attack.

Jin-Hae grimaces and holds out a hand. ”I call you! Bamboo-Cutter's Burden!” One of the weapons strewn across the beach flies up and into the woman’s hand! The weapon is a stalk of bamboo crafted into a lightweight staff. Jin-Hae unseals its power, causing a wave of sharpened bamboo stakes to erupt from the ground!

Bamboo-cutter's Burden: 10d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 4, 2, 5, 4, 4, 6, 2, 6) = 42

She then tosses the staff aside and slashes at Lazarus with her hook swords.

Hook Swords: 1d20 + 35 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 35 - 2 = 441d20 + 30 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 30 - 2 = 35
Damage: 6d6 + 20 - 2 ⇒ (1, 4, 3, 1, 6, 3) + 20 - 2 = 36
Bleed: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 1) = 61d20 ⇒ 20

Cloudsplitter rears up on his hind legs, then descends upon Lazarus with his horn, knocking the fighter prone! The spiritual beast then follows up with another strike.

Rearing Thrust, Horn: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (8) + 35 = 431d20 + 31 ⇒ (16) + 31 = 47
Damage: 4d8 + 15 ⇒ (6, 1, 4, 1) + 15 = 274d8 + 15 ⇒ (8, 7, 4, 7) + 15 = 41

42 piercing damage to Chkirri, Storm Adder, and Khorash (DC 35 basic Reflex save). On a critical failure, they are pushed to the edge of the 50-foot cone of bamboo stakes. 36 slashing damage and 68 force damage to Lazarus, and he is knocked prone.

Reflex (expert): 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (11) + 26 = 37

"And the battle is on! They're trading mighty blows!" Chkirri calls out into the void, his words urging his companions on.

He's distracted, though, still surprised by it not being a one-on-one fight, and does little to help.

Harmonize, inspire heroics (defense), inspire courage, Strike!
Performance to inspire heroics vs. DC 43 (very hard level 18): 1d20 + 34 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 34 + 2 = 39 Failure: Your inspire courage or inspire defense provides only its normal bonus of +1, but you don't spend the Focus Point for casting this spell.

+2 greater striking greater flaming thundering shortbow (range 60 feet): 1d20 + 28 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 28 + 1 = 32
Piercing: 3d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1, 2, 2) + 2 + 1 = 8
Sonic: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Fire damage (ignores resistance): 1d6 ⇒ 2

Sorry, forgot to include this spoiler earlier:

Reflex: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (11) + 32 = 43

Khorash easily dodges the bamboo stakes. Never one to skimp out on flair though, he positions himself so that the stakes briefly look as if they've impaled him while actually suspending himself with the spaces between his bones.

With the lingering surprise from his feint last round, Khorash lays into Jin-Hae with three sword slashes, equal parts deadly, precise, and flamboyant.

Attack: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (2) + 32 = 34
Damage: 3d6 + 1d6 + 9 + 4d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 3) + (6) + 9 + (1, 2, 4, 4) = 38

Attack: 1d20 + 32 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 32 - 4 = 40
Damage: 3d6 + 1d6 + 9 + 4d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 6) + (3) + 9 + (5, 2, 5, 3) = 40

Attack: 1d20 + 32 - 8 ⇒ (18) + 32 - 8 = 42
Damage: 3d6 + 1d6 + 9 + 4d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 1) + (3) + 9 + (2, 6, 1, 1) = 32

Reflex: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (10) + 24 = 34

The air surges with a power that Storm Adder can't deny.

"I love my sword, but let's see what we have here!" He scans the battlefield for ancient weapons.

Perception: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (16) + 25 = 41

He scampers to the powerful relic and pulls it from the sand!

Sounds like you decide what I get? I'm going to unleash it, 'cause that seems cool!

Lying prone, looking up at Cloudsplitter, Lazarus grins.
You're big. I've fought bigger!

Lazarus then--Freely--Kip(s) Up to wink at the Eidolon.
Hold that thought.

Lazarus--Freely--Strides to Jin-Hae She is now Frightened 1?. The Martial Artist then attempts to deliver a Grievous blow!
Melee Stance gorilla slam unarmed attack (L), inspired, flank: 1d20 + 34 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 34 + 1 = 445d8 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (4, 3, 8, 3, 8) + 13 + 1 = 40 (Traits: backswing, forceful, grapple, nonlethal, and unarmed) Damage 3d8+13/16/19 (Brawling crit spec: The target must succeed at a Fortitude save against your class DC 37 or be slowed 1 until the end of your next turn.)

Ghost Touch and Grievous (Brawling The target takes a –4 circumstance penalty to its save.)

Lazarus then attempts to spy something cool with his little eye...
Perception DC 38: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (20) + 26 = 46

Lazarus doesn't need to Stride to get next to Jin-Hae as he is still adjacent to her and her kirin.

Chkirri begins to inspire his teammates, though his arrow is far off-target. Lazarus kips up and attacks, delivering a grievous blow to Jin-Hae! He then spots a laminated tower shield in the sand about 20 feet from his location.

Meanwhile, Storm Adder spots a zhanmadao (a long, curved cavalry sword) nearby. He scampers over and draws it. The unadorned blade bears no notable features other than a tiny “17” etched at the base of the blade. It is, however, exquisitely well-made: an example of a basic concept executed with supreme skill, rather than a complex or flashy design. When unsealed, the sword does what all swords are meant to do—it cuts. Both Jin-Hae and Cloudsplitter are wounded as the sword slices through them before crumbling to dust.

Nameless Damage: 10d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 5, 5, 6, 2, 5, 4, 1, 3) = 35
Reflex: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (13) + 30 = 431d20 + 32 ⇒ (14) + 32 = 46

Lazarus lashes out, manages to land one hit on Jin-Hae.

Realizing she is in a bad position, Jin-Hae manifests a ghostly pair of wind and fire wheels around her feet. She kicks them out at Lazarus, then she blasts off on the wheels, leaving a trail of whipping wind in her wake!

Wind and Fire Wheels: 1d20 + 35 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 35 - 2 = 381d20 + 31 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 31 - 2 = 48
Damage: 3d6 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (3, 2, 4) + 15 - 2 = 223d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 1) = 6
Wind-Fire Charge Recharge: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Bleed: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 4) = 121d20 ⇒ 6

Cloudsplitter moves to interpose his bulk between you and Jin-Hae, turning to breathe forth flames at Lazarus and Khorash!

Breath Weapon: 18d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 4, 3, 3, 6, 6, 3, 1, 2, 4, 3, 3, 1, 3, 1, 1, 2) = 551d4 ⇒ 3

18 slashing and 6 fire damage to Lazarus. 55 fire damage to Lazarus and Khorash (basic Reflex DC 40). Jin-Hae's trail functions as a wall of wind, deflecting ranged attacks and making it difficult to walk through. Jin-Hae is 60 feet away; Cloudsplitter is 30 feet away.

"Oh my gods, she's going up, gaining the advantage of height. How are Victorious Secret going to get her there!" Chkirri cries. Realizing arrows aren't going to work now, he switches tactics, using his own magic.

Inspire heroics (defense), cast guidance on Storm Adder, cast spirit song, targeting Jae-Hin

Performance to inspire heroics vs. DC 43 (very hard level 18): 1d20 + 34 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 34 + 2 = 42 Failure: Your inspire courage or inspire defense provides only its normal bonus of +1, but you don't spend the Focus Point for casting this spell.

Force (DC 40 basic Fort): 18d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 6, 1, 4, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 1, 3, 3, 4, 2) = 68

basic Reflex DC 40, evasion: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (3) + 28 = 31

Lazarus gets his wig blown back!

Lazarus decides that this finding a weapon in the sand thing is sweet!
◆Perception DC 38: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (8) + 26 = 34

Frowning at the sand stinging his blue eyes, Lazarus turns back to Jin-Hae, shrugs and--Freely--◇Strides toward her.
40'

Seeing that he stops way too soon, Lazarus ◆Strides a bit further into Melee!

He then punches her in the throat! Nicely.

◆Melee Stance gorilla slam unarmed attack (L), inspired: 1d20 + 34 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 34 + 1 = 473d8 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (6, 8, 4) + 13 + 1 = 32 (Traits: backswing, forceful, grapple, nonlethal, and unarmed) Damage 3d8+13/16/19 (Brawling crit spec: The target must succeed at a Fortitude save against your class DC 37 or be slowed 1 until the end of your next turn.)

Ghost Touch and Grievous (Brawling The target takes a –4 circumstance penalty to its save.)

Storm Adder adds to the blustery conditions by unleashing a blast of thunder on the wily ghost, then he closes on the kirin and gives it a slice.

Cast thunder burst, Stride, Strike
Bludgeoning: 6d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 1, 5, 6, 5) = 26 and Sonic: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 4, 6, 5, 6) = 29 DC 40 Fort

wishblade: 1d20 + 29 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 29 + 1 = 49 for slashing: 3d10 + 7 ⇒ (1, 2, 8) + 7 = 18 and sonic: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Reflex: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (19) + 32 = 51

The fire is truly no match for Khorash and his uncanny mobility. He comes away from it completely unscathed.

Khorash follows after Laz, striding twice before getting into a flanking position on Jin-Hae and dishing out a quick slash.

Attack: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (6) + 32 = 38
Damage: 3d6 + 1d6 + 9 + 4d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 4) + (2) + 9 + (2, 4, 3, 2) = 29

Fortitude vs Spirit Song, Thunderburst: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (18) + 33 = 511d20 + 33 ⇒ (16) + 33 = 49

Jin-Hae ignores Chkirri's spirit song, but Storm Adder's thunderburst injures her somewhat. The gnoll rushes at Cloudsplitter, wounding the kirin with his sword.

Lazarus and Khorash move to follow Jin-Hae. The fighter manages to hit her but she evades Khorash's claws.

Giving a battle cry, Jin-Hae slashes at Lazarus with her hook swords. Cloudsplitter bellows and attacks Storm Adder with his hoof, then pauses to cast a spell to heal Jin-Hae. The spiritual epidemic spreads to the kirin, but he is only momentarily weakened.

Hook Swords: 1d20 + 35 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 35 - 2 = 511d20 + 30 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 30 - 2 = 361d20 + 25 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 25 - 2 = 35
Damage: 6d6 + 20 - 2 ⇒ (5, 6, 1, 5, 6, 1) + 20 - 2 = 42
Bleed: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 2) = 81d20 ⇒ 11

Phantom Hoof: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (4) + 35 = 39
Damage: 4d10 + 15 ⇒ (3, 4, 10, 7) + 15 = 39
Heal (8th): 8d8 + 64 ⇒ (7, 2, 6, 6, 4, 3, 7, 2) + 64 = 101
Will vs Spiritual Epidemic: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (15) + 30 = 45

38 slashing damage to Lazarus after resistance. 39 force damage to Storm Adder.

Oof. That's one of my best spells!

"She just shrugged that spell off like she didn't even know it hit her! Can you believe it?!" Chkirri calls out, deciding to try another spell instead.

Inspire Heroics (defense), cast blistering invective on Cloudsplitter, Strike vs. Cloudsplitter
Performance to inspire heroics vs. DC 43 (very hard level 18): 1d20 + 34 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 34 + 2 = 56 Critical Success: The status bonus from your inspire courage or inspire defense increases to +3!

Blistering invective 7th level, DC 40

+2 greater striking greater flaming thundering shortbow (range 60 feet): 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (12) + 28 = 40
Piercing: 3d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 6, 5) + 2 = 18
Sonic: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Fire damage (ignores resistance): 1d6 ⇒ 5

Storm Adder heals himself a bit and slices away at the kirin.

heal (3rd): 3d8 + 24 ⇒ (8, 2, 5) + 24 = 39

wishblade: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (14) + 29 = 43 for slashing: 3d10 + 7 ⇒ (4, 5, 3) + 7 = 19 and negative: 1d6 ⇒ 4
wishblade: 1d20 + 29 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 29 - 5 = 36 for slashing: 3d10 + 7 ⇒ (10, 9, 2) + 7 = 28 and negative: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Lazarus grins at still being conscious.
I have a splittering headache.

The Medic decides to Battle Medicine himself.
Will use Doctor's Visitation if need to get back into Flank with Korash?
◆ Medicine(M) DC 30: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (10) + 27 = 372d8 + 40 ⇒ (3, 3) + 40 = 46

The Fighter then attempts to Trip the Elusive
Athletics to Trip: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (4) + 33 = 37

Then the Gorilla pounding martial artist delivers a Grievous Blow!
◆◆Melee Stance gorilla slam unarmed attack (L): 1d20 + 34 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 34 - 5 = 425d8 + 13 ⇒ (5, 5, 8, 6, 5) + 13 = 42 (Traits: backswing, forceful, grapple, nonlethal, and unarmed) Damage 3d8+13/16/19 (Brawling crit spec: The target must succeed at a Fortitude save against your class DC 37 or be slowed 1 until the end of your next turn.)

Ghost Touch and Grievous (Brawling The target takes a –4 circumstance penalty to its save.)

The Fighter then casts ◆ Shield.
AC 44

EDIT

Oops! Too many actions!

Deception: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (18) + 31 = 49

Khorash studies Jin-Hae for a moment and has an idea. A terrifying but brilliant idea.

He chuckles and lowers his sword for a moment, "Jinny, Jinny, Jinny. Don't you feel bad fightin' against ol' abbot Tsujon? Didn't you hear a necromancer dragged me back to the land of the living?"

He lets it sink in for a moment before he does a quick feint with his shortsword and stabs her.

Attack: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (13) + 32 = 45
Damage: 3d6 + 1d6 + 9 + 4d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 1) + (2) + 9 + (3, 1, 3, 5) = 30
Bleed: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 6) = 14

One action to use reveal machinations, one action to instant opening, and one to stab. Applying 3d6 bleed and enfeebled 1 with debilitating strike.

You can target multiple foes with a higher level blistering invective, so will also target Jin-Hae.

Will vs Blistering Invective: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (18) + 30 = 481d20 + 27 - 3 ⇒ (5) + 27 - 3 = 29

Jin-Hae's eyes widen. "Wh-what? How did you know about that?!?" The revelation leaves her shaking and allows Khorash to land a telling blow. Lazarus pummels the warrior spirit as well.

Meanwhile, Chkirri sets both Cloudsplitter and Jin-Hae aflame with a blistering invective. The tengu fires on the kirin, but the beast reacts by raising a gale-force wind around itself, deflecting the arrow. Storm Adder manages to land a good hit on the kirin, though!

Weakened and terrified, Jin-Hae lashes out at Khorash, managing one hit.

Hook Swords: 1d20 + 35 - 3 ⇒ (19) + 35 - 3 = 511d20 + 32 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 32 - 3 = 371d20 + 28 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 28 - 3 = 37
Damage: 6d6 + 20 - 2 ⇒ (5, 2, 6, 5, 4, 5) + 20 - 2 = 45
Bleed: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 5) = 121d20 ⇒ 8
Burn: 12d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 5, 5, 2, 2, 5, 6, 2) = 331d20 ⇒ 17

Cloudsplitter critically kicks Storm Adder before healing his mistress once more!

Phantom Hoof: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (16) + 35 = 51
Damage: 4d10 + 15 ⇒ (10, 5, 3, 2) + 15 = 35
Heal (8th): 8d8 + 64 ⇒ (3, 2, 2, 8, 1, 8, 4, 6) + 64 = 98
Will vs Spiritual Epidemic: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (15) + 30 = 45
Burn: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 2) = 51d20 ⇒ 18

41 slashing damage to Khorash after resistance. 70 force damage to Storm Adder.

Chkirri suddenly having a flash of inspiration drops his bow! He pulls out the skypiercing bow instead and, urging his companions on, fires again at Hae-jin! Duh: Arrows shot from the bow are unimpaired by wind and air effects!

"And what a betrayal by the very air itself! Suddenly, it's not stopping the arrows at all!"

Free action to drop bow, free action to inspire heroics (courage!), Strike x2!
Performance to inspire heroics vs. DC 43 (very hard level 18): 1d20 + 34 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 34 + 2 = 49 Success: The status bonus from inspire courage or inspire defense increases to +2!

Sky-piercing bow (+3 greater striking ghost touch composite shortbow, range 60 feet): 1d20 + 29 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 29 + 2 = 33 Going to Hero Point that!
Sky-piercing bow (+3 greater striking ghost touch composite shortbow, range 60 feet): 1d20 + 29 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 29 + 2 = 44
Piercing: 3d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4, 5, 4) + 2 + 2 = 17

Sky-piercing bow (+3 greater striking ghost touch composite shortbow, range 60 feet), iterative: 1d20 + 29 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (11) + 29 + 2 - 5 = 37
Piercing: 3d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1, 2) + 2 + 2 = 9

"Drat you, goat!" Storm Adder patches himself up and continues to occupy the kirin.

heal (5th): 5d8 + 40 ⇒ (8, 5, 3, 7, 3) + 40 = 66

wishblade: 1d20 + 29 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 29 + 2 = 47 for slashing: 3d10 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (6, 5, 9) + 7 + 2 = 29 and negative: 1d6 ⇒ 3
wishblade: 1d20 + 29 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (11) + 29 + 2 - 5 = 37 for slashing: 3d10 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (6, 1, 8) + 7 + 2 = 24 and negative: 1d6 ⇒ 1

The Medic decides to Battle Medicine himself again!
Using 1/day repeat a patient
◆ Medicine(M) DC 30: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (11) + 27 = 382d8 + 40 ⇒ (8, 1) + 40 = 49

Then the Gorilla pounding martial artist delivers a Grievous Blow!
◆◆Melee Stance gorilla slam unarmed attack (L), super inspired: 1d20 + 34 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 34 + 2 = 565d8 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (8, 6, 1, 5, 8) + 13 + 2 = 43 CRIT! (Traits: backswing, forceful, grapple, nonlethal, and unarmed) Damage 3d8+13/16/19 (Brawling crit spec: The target must succeed at a Fortitude save against your class DC 37 or be slowed 1 until the end of your next turn.)

Ghost Touch and Grievous (Brawling The target takes a –4 circumstance penalty to its save.)

The Fighter then--Freely--Strikes again!
Melee Stance gorilla slam unarmed attack (L), super inspired: 1d20 + 34 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (11) + 34 + 2 - 5 = 425d8 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (2, 7, 8, 4, 6) + 16 + 2 = 45

Flank?

Storm Adder lands another hit on Cloudsplitter. Meanwhile, Chkirri manages to hit Jin-Hae with the skypiercing bow, then Lazarus delivers a critical griveous blow, following up with another powerful strike! The ghostly warrior woman groans as her body dissipates.

Cloudsplitter snorts and stomps for a few moments, but Jin-Hae quickly reforms out of ghostly essence. She reaches out to calm the kirin. The ancient warrior’s armor and weapons disappear into memory. She lets out a contented sigh and stretches, as if waking from a much-needed nap. “I have waited here for many years to stretch my arms and ride with Cloudsplitter as I once did. You have given this old echo one last bit of satisfaction. Now, you asked about the mantle of intercessor, yes?”

A mournful look crosses Jin-Hae’s face. “Who of you will bear this responsibility? The Celestial Dragon’s wishes are not a thing to be spent frivolously. There is a cost to everything. The intercessor’s spirit is the wood that burns to set the Dragon’s miracles alight. The more offered, the greater the wish possible. Many intercessors have found themselves unable to provide the fuel necessary, and have thus been consumed in the process. So I ask, is one of you still willing to accept?”

Chkirri takes a step back...

"I'm ready to take the responsibility," Storm Adder growls, more serious than usual. "All things divine have a cost."

Jin-Hae nods. "Very well. You should know, too, that while the Celestial Dragon is a noble god, they do still appreciate the gift of sacred spirits. You might be able to sway them ever so slightly by scattering wine or another appropriately blessed alcohol before you attempt to call them."

The ancient warrior places a hand on the brow of Storm Adder, her soon-to-be successor. She motions to Cloudsplitter. “Go on, friend. I’ll be there soon,” she says, and the majestic kirin rides off across the sea, treading along the reflection of the setting sun on the water. As Jin-Hae utters a simple decree, “I relinquish my mantle. May my successor burn bright,” the sun and sea finally move again.

“Good luck.”

The last of the sun disappears below the horizon, and in a green flash, Jin-Hae is gone, and reality washes over the scene in an instant.

You find yourselves back on the beach in Kaifen Bay. A few of the weapons from the other side have washed up on the shore beside you: a greater storm flash, a +3 greater striking vorpal kama, and a dusting of black stardust from the shores of the other side worth 20,000 gp.

Yarrika and the other Biting Roses are where you left them, and Yarrika is overjoyed to see you return. "It worked! The ritual was a success! It did not bring us to the shores beyond, alas, but you traveled there yourselves. What did you see? Did you manage to bring anything back from the other side?"

Oh damn!

Chkrri exclaims happily, telling the story about what happened. "We fought a spirit!" he declares. "It was a fearsome fight, with ups and downs, and we were almost blown away, but came out victorious in the end, of course! We return with some spiritual weapons!"

Lazarus bows low to Jin-Hae. The Warrior-Monk smiles at Cloudsplitter.
Honors to you both!

Once back at the beach in Kaifen, Lazarus smiles at Storm Adder.
So, are you a ghost now too?

"I still feel pretty lively." The gnoll pats himself down. Is his fur standing a bit on end? Hard to tell with all of the electricity still in the air.

"What a thrill to see those spirits of ancient battle! Hopefully we can manage to summon the dragon without crossing over again, though. I'm attached to the world of the living!"

Yarrika kneels in the sand to examine the black stardust. "I was hoping that perhaps I could use some item from beyond the veil for a divination ritual to at answer my questions about my phantom. This dust will suffice, with your permission to make use of it." The spiritualist looks at you hopefully.

Chkirri nods, a little distracted and not as focused on the dust as the intercessor reward.

"By all means." Storm Adder still seems a bit distracted by the role he has taken on.

"Hell of a fight, that was. I always miss having a roaring crowd at my back, but still, the flair and style of it was quite alright."

The Biting Roses use the stardust perform another ritual. Just as Lantondo the wyrwood harrower throws the stardust upon Yarrika's phantom, Yarrika steps forward so that the phantom is superimposed over her, and Artus the half-elf fires one of his soul arrows into the pair. The infusion of spiritual material stabilizes the phantom, causing its mantislike head to revert to a humanoid one--that of Yarrika's grandfather!

"Grandfather! I knew it all along!" Yarrika says, tears in her eyes. Her grandfather smiles lovingly at her.

"I am so proud of you, little one," the phantom says.

Yarrika wipes at her eyes and bows low to you. "Thank you, friends. This means more to me than you can know. We will do all we can to return the favor and aid you in the ritual to summon the Celestial Dragon."

***

After healing your injuries, you board the Solar Jian II and rise up into the air once more. Before you can set a course for your next destination, though, you spot a pair of enormous, serpentine leviathans--linnorms--writhing in the tidewaters along the northern shore of a nearby island. Not far off, an Ulfen longboat makes a straight course for the monsters on the open ocean. It must be the members of Winter's Roar--and judging by the size of those linnorms, they may very well need help if they intend to battle them!

"Who could have seen that coming? A real Goku job!" Chkirri intones, mostly to himself as he can't resist narrating the moment.

His gaze swivels back and forth between the linnorms and Winter's Roar.

"Maybe they're going to make friends? Ha! Unlikely. We can swoop down and see if they need some help."

"Perhaps they will return the favor by helping us with the celestial dragon." Not that Storm Adder is nervous about that.

Sening that Storm Adder may be a bit nervous about his up coming nuptials, Lazarus slaps the gnoll on the back.
Wrestling those big fellas should distract you from the possible horrors of your pending servitude.

Choppy surf breaks against the island off the coast of the Flying Mountains as the Solar Jian II swoops down low. A longboat has been pulled onto the gravelly shore. Below, all of Winter’s Roar save the half-orc Urnak Lostwind lie unconscious on the beach while their leader does battle with one of the enormous serpentine linnorms. The second linnorm approaches from the water, moving toward the shore.

Urnak looks over his shoulder briefly as you leap down from the deck of your ship. "I must defeat this beast single-handedly to secure my legacy! The other one is yours!" he shouts before turning back to his foe.

The linnorm in the water rises up to its full height and lets loose a bone-shaking roar! Pallid and horribly gaunt, this enormous but emaciated dragonlike creature has two forearms and no wings.

Everybody but Lazarus may act! The linnorm is 30 feet away.

Arcana (untrained improvisation): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29

"And they're ready to rumble, in an unheard-of team conflict. Two teams vs. two linnorms, and will they all walk away?!" Chkirri shouts. "But wait! Victorious Secret has no real quarrel with the second linnorm! It can just swim away and no one has to know!"

He moves to put a little space between himself and his companions. Stride about 25 feet away so hopefully we're not all in an AoE, assuming we're in a place we can do that. If not will cast guidance.

Inspire heroics (defense), Cast a Spell: haste (will include Urnak if he wants it), Stride (or cast guidance on Storm Adder)
Performance to inspire heroics vs. DC 43 (very hard level 18): 1d20 + 34 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 34 + 2 = 56 Critical Success: The status bonus from your inspire courage or inspire defense increases to +3!

Storm Adder growls at the creature as it closes in on them.

Intimidation (Battle Cry): 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (8) + 34 = 42

"Yes, it would be better for the worm to flee!" The gnoll backs up Chkirri's suggestion.

He stands next to the feathered bard and weaves a spell of protection. Then, fingers of electricity run down the blade of his sword as he brandishes it.

Cast repulsion (30 feet), elemental assault

Arcana, ahead of time: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (15) + 23 = 38

Botting Khorash
"Don't you realize they planned this? They lured you here, so they could have their challenge, but you? You're just the spare, the one in the way, the one they brought here to face us and die!"

Reveal Machinations, Performance to dance, Activate dancing scarf to become concealed and Stride a little ways away from everyone else
Deception: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (12) + 31 = 43
Performance: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (3) + 31 = 34

Reveal Machinations (General, Skill) Prerequisites legendary in Deception You reveal that you played a minor but recurring role in another humanoid’s life—or at least convince them that’s the case. Attempt a Deception check against the target’s Will DC. On a success, the revelation makes them frightened 2, and on a critical success they are frightened 3. In addition, you gain information about the subject as though you had attempted to Recall Knowledge about them using an appropriate skill and received the same result on your roll. You can’t use this ability against the same humanoid again until 1 day has passed and you’ve also successfully disguised yourself as a different person.

Chkirri casts haste on the group, then spreads out as he begins his inpsiring chant. Having demoralized the linnorm with his battle cry, Storm Adder casts repulsion around himself. Khorash attempts to scare the linnorm even furhter, though not enough to be fatal.

The linnorm maintains its distance, unleashing a blast of negative-energy infused acid from its mouth that splatters over Lazarus and Storm Adder!

Breath Weapon: 19d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 2, 2, 3, 3, 6, 3, 5, 2, 6, 6, 6, 1, 1, 1, 5, 6, 6) = 711d4 ⇒ 1

71 acid damage to Lazarus and Storm Adder (DC 38 basic Reflex save). The acid also saps the life out of affected creatures. At the beginning of the linnorm's next turn, each creature that failed the Reflex save must succeed at a DC 38 Fortitude save or become drained 1 (drained 2 on a critical failure).

Dismayed that his strategy didn't work, but not unprepared, Chkirri quickly casts a spell to protect his friends. Casting scintillating safeguard as a reaction, giving them resistance 10 vs. acid; don't forget the bonus to saves too.

"He just spat at us! Can you believe it?! Chkirri shouts, realizing they're going to have to take offensive measures. Encouraging his companions, he fires an arrow at the linnorm.

Harmonize, inspire courage, inspire defense, Strike
+2 greater striking greater flaming thundering shortbow (range 60 feet): 1d20 + 28 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 28 + 1 = 35
Piercing: 3d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1, 4, 6) + 2 + 1 = 14
Sonic: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Fire damage (ignores resistance): 1d6 ⇒ 6

Reflex DC 38, evasion: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (10) + 28 = 38

Lazarus watches the boiling acid splash all around him. He winks!

The Fighter then activates his Winged armor. He then flies straight at the foul mouthed beastie!

He--Hastedly--punches said foul mouthed beastie in the...welll...mouthed!
Melee Gorilla Stance unarmed: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (8) + 34 = 423d8 + 13 ⇒ (8, 5, 5) + 13 = 31

My super cool post done got ate by gremlins!