With the Sundered Path traversed, all that remains is the stronghold of the ratfolk. At the end of the path stands the Pagoda of the Rat, hewn from the stone of Round Mountain. Eaves sweep upward into points between each of the tower’s seven tiers, and the top of the pagoda tapers into a graceful spire. At the center of each floor, a round window gazes blindly at the barren expanse of Round Mountain’s vast central chamber. Unassuming steps lead up the pagoda’s base to a set of bronze doors.
Ruby Phoenix Tournament | NG male (he/him) human (Varisian) alchemist 12 | AC 26 (T 15, FF 22) | HP 111/111 | P +20, I +4 | F +14 (+16 vs poison), R +15, W +10 | Bombs: 22/22, Fly: 12/12, Clover: 3/3 | Active Conditions: ant haul
Diazepane assumes they're being watched, and bows respectfully towards the structure, then moves forward with his empty hands clearly visible.
Seeing Daizepanes posture, Kal dusts off his cloak from the battle and takes a flourishing bow towards the chamber- as he raises his head, he looks to see if anyone is watching.
2nd-Fal Life, Cure M W*2, See Inv| 3rd-Heart of Met | 4th-Control Water, D.Door*2| 5th - Teleportation
My posting will be slow for a while. Holidays wrench things up at work badly.
The elf watches... Assuming I no longer have heroism. Perception:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
His own boots intently. "Woah... Little worms diggin under all this soil man." He mutters to himself.
He looks over to Kioshi after the wizard's question, with a usual confused look. The elf clearly was not paying any attention.
No one presents themselves outside the pagoda but as the party approaches, they find the double front doors open to them.
Ornate bronze doors lead into an entrance hall. On either side, a pair of ten-foot-tall ratfolk statues beckon toward the north wall. There, a fresco depicts a female ratfolk stooped by age with dozens of smaller ratfolk huddled around her. Between her ankles stands a human-sized door, with a smaller door sized for ratfolk set within it. A frame holding an iron gong stands to the side of the nested doors. Beyond the columns, arrow slits pierce both side walls. Well-worn tiles of gold-veined white marble line the floor.
A pair of ratfolk guards stand at attention on either side of the north door.
"What is your business here?" one of them demands.
DC18 Perception:
Sliding panels open in the walls and, undoubtedly lead to the halls behind the arrowslits.
DC25 Knowledge (Religion) check:
The painting depicts Lao Shu Po, the Tian goddess of night, rats, and thieves known as Old Rat Woman, represented here as an elderly ratfolk rather than a human.
Ruby Phoenix Tournament | NG male (he/him) human (Varisian) alchemist 12 | AC 26 (T 15, FF 22) | HP 111/111 | P +20, I +4 | F +14 (+16 vs poison), R +15, W +10 | Bombs: 22/22, Fly: 12/12, Clover: 3/3 | Active Conditions: ant haul
If nobody else answers, Diazepane will say, "We are from the Pathfinder Society, and wish to discuss a possible alliance with the ysoki of Round Mountain."
"Hello, as my friend indicated we are here to talk to your superiors. We have gained access to these tunnels because the captain of the garrison above the surface was intrigued by our goals and we also received a letter that we were supposed to provide to you so you have proof." Kioshi says and hands over the parchment.
"We would very much appreciate it if you could bring us to your leadership as this is to the benefit of your society." he says with logical precision but a slightly arrogant spin.
Ruby Phoenix Tournament | NG male (he/him) human (Varisian) alchemist 12 | AC 26 (T 15, FF 22) | HP 111/111 | P +20, I +4 | F +14 (+16 vs poison), R +15, W +10 | Bombs: 22/22, Fly: 12/12, Clover: 3/3 | Active Conditions: ant haul
The speaker arches a bushy, furry eyebrow and steps forward, reviewing the letter. He casts a glance at his fellow guard then turns back to you.
"Are you sure that you got this from the captain at the watchtower? He normally only lets people through and gives them letters like this after they've defeated his minotaur guardian," he continues.
Male N Kitsune (always in human form) from the Forest of Spirits in north-eastern Tian Xia | Exploiter Wizard 9 | HP 84/84 + 0/0temp HP| Baahuush Familiar 42/42 HP | AC 17 T 13 FF 14 | CMB +1, CMD 16 | F: +16, R: +15, W: +14 & +1 vs. spells/spell-like ab./poison | Init: +5 | Perc: +16, Dipl: +19, Bluff: +19, SM: +5 | Lesser Rods: Extend 3/3, Piercing 3/3, Intensified 3/3 | Folio Reroll 1/1 | Chaldira Reroll 1/1 | Arcane Reservoir 5/7 | Speed 30ft | Resistances: Elec. 3, Acid 3, Fire 2, Cold 1 | Active c.: Height awareness, heroism,
Kioshi raises an eyebrow and looks at Diazepane and the rest of the team.
”What?! The captain and our team actually had a drink together and we celebrated the potential partnership between the Pathfinder Society and the rulers of Round Mountain so I am a little bit confused about the Minotaur that you were mentioning!“ Kioshi says honestly.
The two guards exchange glances again then nod to each other.
"That's not surprising as there is no minotaur. We just wanted to make sure you weren't trying to trick us," the speaker says.
"“You may enter as friends of the Rats of Round Mountain, but heed our warning. Not all within will honor this letter. The guards beyond the Sundered Path have long been stationed away from the rest of us within the pagoda, and they don’t know of the growing division among our people. There is dissension between those loyal to the Undying Empress and those who wish to be free of her rule. We are among the latter, but any within who disagree with us are likely to ignore this letter and the message of peace that it represents. Best of luck, Pathfinders.”
They step aside to let you through but don't usher you along.
A ten-foot-diameter pillar fills the center of this square chamber, with the narrow steps of a spiral stair rising up its sides. Murals of the raising of the Pagoda of the Rat dominate the walls. Doors stand in the center of three of the four murals. In the scene on the northern wall, the pagoda stands nearly finished as a majestic ratfolk female—a giant among her kind—looks on approvingly, her hands folded behind her back in a regal pose.
Before you can decide on a direction to go, a half dozen ratfolk come barreling out of the door to the right, looking for a fight.
Male N Kitsune (always in human form) from the Forest of Spirits in north-eastern Tian Xia | Exploiter Wizard 9 | HP 84/84 + 0/0temp HP| Baahuush Familiar 42/42 HP | AC 17 T 13 FF 14 | CMB +1, CMD 16 | F: +16, R: +15, W: +14 & +1 vs. spells/spell-like ab./poison | Init: +5 | Perc: +16, Dipl: +19, Bluff: +19, SM: +5 | Lesser Rods: Extend 3/3, Piercing 3/3, Intensified 3/3 | Folio Reroll 1/1 | Chaldira Reroll 1/1 | Arcane Reservoir 5/7 | Speed 30ft | Resistances: Elec. 3, Acid 3, Fire 2, Cold 1 | Active c.: Height awareness, heroism,
Kioshi raises his arms.
"I am sorry but you seem hostile. The kind guards back there let us in. Is there any problem? We are here to talk to your leader!" he says with hope in his eyes.
Ruby Phoenix Tournament | NG male (he/him) human (Varisian) alchemist 12 | AC 26 (T 15, FF 22) | HP 111/111 | P +20, I +4 | F +14 (+16 vs poison), R +15, W +10 | Bombs: 22/22, Fly: 12/12, Clover: 3/3 | Active Conditions: ant haul
It's a while until Diazepane's turn, but are the people in front of him planning to deal nonlethal?
Two of the ratfolk are blinded by Kioshi's spell while the other two are not.
One of the remaining ratfolk comes up and casts a spell on the spellcaster.
Round 1, the Bold may act
Kioshi DC22 will Save (vs. enchantment (compulsion) [mind-affecting])
One Rat
Tofu
5 Rats Orange and Green blinded, several shiny
Kal'Ryon
Diazepane
2nd-Fal Life, Cure M W*2, See Inv| 3rd-Heart of Met | 4th-Control Water, D.Door*2| 5th - Teleportation
Due to the high stress traffic taking place in the office, feel free to bot me or delay me as much as needed. This will probably continue until January starts.
Tofu draws upon the trident and gestures in a warding motion.
"Yo.. Stay back. Don't make me use this." Ready Action Non-Lethal Attack
Kioshi easily shakes off whatever the one rat folk was trying to do. The two that he tried to blind but didn't each cast a spell, one on all the rat folk and the party, the other just on one of his allies.
All of them but the one that cast the spell on Kioshi shout in unison "May Lao Shu Po protect me while I mete out her justice!"
The one who has been the focus of all the spells rushes to Deep Tofu.
I'm making Tofu's save because it will determine whether or not he hits or misses with his readied attack.
Will:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Tofu gives him a jab before the ratfolk jabs in return with their spear.
Round 1, the Bold may act
Kioshi DC15 will Save (vs. enchantment (compulsion) [mind-affecting]) or -1 to Attack rolls, Damage rolls and Skill checks
One Rat
Tofu -7HP
5 Rats Orange and Green blinded, several shiny Blue -16NL
Kal'Ryon DC15 will Save (vs. enchantment (compulsion) [mind-affecting]) or -1 to Attack rolls, Damage rolls and Skill checks
Diazepane DC15 will Save (vs. enchantment (compulsion) [mind-affecting]) or -1 to Attack rolls, Damage rolls and Skill checks
Male N Kitsune (always in human form) from the Forest of Spirits in north-eastern Tian Xia | Exploiter Wizard 9 | HP 84/84 + 0/0temp HP| Baahuush Familiar 42/42 HP | AC 17 T 13 FF 14 | CMB +1, CMD 16 | F: +16, R: +15, W: +14 & +1 vs. spells/spell-like ab./poison | Init: +5 | Perc: +16, Dipl: +19, Bluff: +19, SM: +5 | Lesser Rods: Extend 3/3, Piercing 3/3, Intensified 3/3 | Folio Reroll 1/1 | Chaldira Reroll 1/1 | Arcane Reservoir 5/7 | Speed 30ft | Resistances: Elec. 3, Acid 3, Fire 2, Cold 1 | Active c.: Height awareness, heroism,
will save :1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29
Kioshi then sends a greater aggressive thundercloud on the rat in the back.
DC 22 reflex or electricity damage round 6d6 and fort save DC 22 or stunned for 1 round, cloud round 1/9 :6d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 3, 1, 3, 2) = 16
Aggressive Thundercloud, Greater:
Source Advanced Class Guide pg. 172
School evocation [electricity, sonic]; Level arcanist 4, druid 4, hunter 4, magus 4, sorcerer 4, witch 4, wizard 4
Casting
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M/DF (a piece of a tree struck by lightning)
Effect
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Effect 5-ft.-diameter sphere
Duration 1 round/level
Saving Throw Reflex negates and Fortitude negates (see text); Spell Resistance yes
Description
This spell functions as aggressive thundercloud, except it deals 6d6 points of electricity damage to any creature it strikes. The first creature damaged by the cloud is also stunned for 1 round (Fortitude negates); this is a sonic effect.
Ruby Phoenix Tournament | NG male (he/him) human (Varisian) alchemist 12 | AC 26 (T 15, FF 22) | HP 111/111 | P +20, I +4 | F +14 (+16 vs poison), R +15, W +10 | Bombs: 22/22, Fly: 12/12, Clover: 3/3 | Active Conditions: ant haul
Does Diazepane recognize Lao Shu Po? In particular, any phrases or ideals that would suggest that he can say something to calm them down?
Yes, I know the failure effect isn't that bad, but Diazepane doesn't, so I'm using the clover since bumping his will saves was the point.
---
Diazepane unfurls some wings and flies up (however high he can be and still see through the doorway).
He throws a single frost bomb at the leader.
Frost Bomb, PBS:1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 1 = 20 Damage, PBS:5d6 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4, 2, 4, 5, 4) + 8 + 1 = 28 plus DC 22 Fort vs staggered
Miss?:1d8 ⇒ 8 NW, will use SWM to bring it to the west and splash both
13 splash cold, DC 22 Reflex for half
"I have a whole bag of these! Stand down and we can talk! We mean you no disrespect!" Plus anything else about Lao Shu Po.
It manages to avoid the worst of the lightning but is stunned by the thunder.
Kal'Ryon lands two solid blows on the foremost rat but doesn't down it.
"You've come here to depose our Undying Empress! But we won't let you! We'll die first!" one of their opponents declares. Diazepane knows "Undying Empress" is not one of Lao Shu Po's usual titles so there is something deeper happening here and none of them seem interested in talking.
Fort:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Refl:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
The splash from Diazepane's bomb is enough to bring down the lead, blue rat folk, though it is clearly still alive.
The one that he hit with a bomb casts a spell to give Kioshi a bit of his own medicine and a line of lightning shoots out of his hand, past his downed comrade (which finishes her off) across Tofu, through the door and across the Pagoda along Kioshi and Diazepane.
Round 2, the Bold may act
Kioshi DC18 Refl save vs. 49 Electricity
One Rat -28HP
Tofu -7HP DC18 Refl save vs. 49 Electricity
5 Rats Orange blinded, Green -8HP blinded and stunned, several shiny Blue out.
Kal'Ryon
Diazepane DC18 Refl save vs. 49 Electricity
The one in the yellow robe casts a spell on the one in red and the one in red invokes some sort of blessing from his goddess before they both step closer to Kal'Ryon. Only the red one attacks, though.
Round 2/3, the Bold may act
Kioshi -21HP
One Rat -45HP
Tofu -35HP
5 Rats Orange blinded, Green -8HP blinded, several shiny Blue out.
Kal'Ryon -17HP
Diazepane DC18 Refl save vs. 49 Electricity
Ruby Phoenix Tournament | NG male (he/him) human (Varisian) alchemist 12 | AC 26 (T 15, FF 22) | HP 111/111 | P +20, I +4 | F +14 (+16 vs poison), R +15, W +10 | Bombs: 22/22, Fly: 12/12, Clover: 3/3 | Active Conditions: ant haul
Reflex:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
Diazepane sighs and begins lobbing bombs. Primary target is main guy, if he goes down, he'll step to the left and throw at Orange.
Frost Bomb, PBS, RS:1d20 + 11 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 1 - 2 = 27 vs touch
Cold, PBS:5d6 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (3, 3, 2, 6, 1) + 8 + 1 = 24 plus DC 22 Fort vs staggered
Miss?:1d8 ⇒ 7 13 splash cold, DC 22 Reflex for half
Frost Bomb, PBS, RS:1d20 + 11 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 1 - 2 = 26 vs touch
Cold, PBS:5d6 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (2, 5, 3, 1, 3) + 8 + 1 = 23 plus DC 22 Fort vs staggered
Miss?:1d8 ⇒ 5 13 splash cold, DC 22 Reflex for half
It only takes Diazepane one bomb to bring down the apparent ringleader, though the others show no signs of giving up.
Is Diazepane able to shift between tossing bombs?
Round 2/3, the Bold may act
Kioshi -21HP
One Rat - down
Tofu -35HP
5 Rats Orange blinded, Green -8HP blinded, several shiny Blue out.
Kal'Ryon -17HP
Diazepane -24HP
Round 3, the Bold may act
Kioshi -21HP
One Rat - down
Tofu -35HP
5 Rats -23HP Orange blinded, Green -14HP blinded, several shiny Red and Blue out.
Kal'Ryon -17HP
Diazepane -24HP
Round 3, the Bold may act
Kioshi -21HP
One Rat - down
Tofu -35HP
5 Rats -23HP Orange blinded, Green -14HP blinded, several shiny Red and Blue out.
Kal'Ryon -17HP
Diazepane -24HP
Round 3, the Bold may act
Kioshi -21HP
One Rat - down
Tofu -35HP
5 Rats -32 HP Orange blinded, Green -18HP blinded, several shiny Red and Blue out.
Kal'Ryon -17HP
Diazepane -24HP
Ruby Phoenix Tournament | NG male (he/him) human (Varisian) alchemist 12 | AC 26 (T 15, FF 22) | HP 111/111 | P +20, I +4 | F +14 (+16 vs poison), R +15, W +10 | Bombs: 22/22, Fly: 12/12, Clover: 3/3 | Active Conditions: ant haul
Diazepane shuffles over a little more and throws at Orange, splashing Green and extending the splash to Yellow. 13 splash cold, DC 23 Reflex for half
Frost Bomb, PBS, RS:1d20 + 11 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 1 - 2 = 23 Cold, PBS:5d6 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (1, 5, 3, 3, 1) + 8 + 1 = 22 plus DC 23 Fortitude vs staggered
Miss?:1d8 ⇒ 5NE, bump to N to splash Green and Orange
Frost Bomb, PBS, RS:1d20 + 11 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 1 - 2 = 19 Cold, PBS:5d6 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4, 1, 2, 5) + 8 + 1 = 23 plus DC 23 Fortitude vs staggered
Miss?:1d8 ⇒ 8NW, bump to N to splash Green and Orange
Diazepane tosses some more well placed bombs that his targets don't dodge. They both look in rough shape.
Meanwhile Kal'Ryon once more takes his target from zero to dead in 6 seconds.
Round 4, the Bold may act
Kioshi -21HP
Tofu -35HP
5 Rats -77 HP Orange blinded, Green -44HP blinded, several shiny Red, Yellow and Blue out.
Kal'Ryon -17HP
Diazepane -24HP
One of them fails to dodge and goes down. The other remains blinded and swipes around with his spear but no one is close enough for him to connect with.
Round 4, the Bold may act
Kioshi -21HP
Tofu -35HP
5 Rats Green -44HP blinded, several shiny Red, Orange, Yellow and Blue out.
Kal'Ryon -17HP
Diazepane -24HP
Casting aside the limp bodies of the rats, and spitting the stale blood from his mouth, Kal lunges forward fangs first- snapping his powerful jaws at the orange ratfolk.
Ruby Phoenix Tournament | NG male (he/him) human (Varisian) alchemist 12 | AC 26 (T 15, FF 22) | HP 111/111 | P +20, I +4 | F +14 (+16 vs poison), R +15, W +10 | Bombs: 22/22, Fly: 12/12, Clover: 3/3 | Active Conditions: ant haul
Diazepane moves into the room and throws a single bomb at Green.
Frost Bomb, PBS:1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 1 = 22 vs touch
Cold, PBS:5d6 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (2, 5, 2, 6, 5) + 8 + 1 = 29 plus DC 23 Fort vs staggered
Miss?:1d8 ⇒ 6SW ... ergh, Tofu gets splashed with that. 13 splash cold to Orange, DC 23 Reflex for half.
Ruby Phoenix Tournament | NG male (he/him) human (Varisian) alchemist 12 | AC 26 (T 15, FF 22) | HP 111/111 | P +20, I +4 | F +14 (+16 vs poison), R +15, W +10 | Bombs: 22/22, Fly: 12/12, Clover: 3/3 | Active Conditions: ant haul
Diazepane votes for the secret rooms that weren't fully hidden on the map the door to the east by Kal'Ryon.
Male N Kitsune (always in human form) from the Forest of Spirits in north-eastern Tian Xia | Exploiter Wizard 9 | HP 84/84 + 0/0temp HP| Baahuush Familiar 42/42 HP | AC 17 T 13 FF 14 | CMB +1, CMD 16 | F: +16, R: +15, W: +14 & +1 vs. spells/spell-like ab./poison | Init: +5 | Perc: +16, Dipl: +19, Bluff: +19, SM: +5 | Lesser Rods: Extend 3/3, Piercing 3/3, Intensified 3/3 | Folio Reroll 1/1 | Chaldira Reroll 1/1 | Arcane Reservoir 5/7 | Speed 30ft | Resistances: Elec. 3, Acid 3, Fire 2, Cold 1 | Active c.: Height awareness, heroism,
Kioshi is surprised.
"They really just attacked us! I mean the internal fight between the two ratfolk groups must be quite severe." he says and detects magic and looks through the items of the fallen ratfolk.
