PF1: #9-23: The Ghol-Gan Heresy (Inactive)

Game Master R D

"I don't have a protection from possession. Does anyone else? Is there a priest nearby? I'd think not since we're in the middle of nowhere!"

sorry was busy over the weekend"

I have Lesser Restoration but doubt it will help much though maybe in part. Let's try to figure the issue out first; others might be more skilled at this than I.

She looks at the Aspises (Aspes?) for permission; assuming this is ok, she'll cast "detect magic" on the troubled Aspis and then does a Spellcraft check.

She also uses her healing background...

Kalia realizes that Kashu's mind was exposed to a powerful, corrupting influence. It may be possible to calm him down with a sufficiently high social check (diplomacy, intimidate). Or magic (such as calm emotions) may also work.

Claudia is pretty sure she cannot help here, so she keeps watching carefully.

"Focus on my voice. You're going to be alright; you're among friends, and it cannot hurt you. Calm...that's it." Marcus squats down next to Kahsu and places a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Diplomacy, Scion of the Lost Empire: 1d20 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 3 = 26

Success! Kashu calms down a bit, though his speech is still not totally coherent. You may try to ask him questions, if you like. He responses may be limited.

In response to "What happened to you?" he says: "Fleeing fiends in the heart of this jungle, amidst the ruins of a great empire, I finally saw the truth. I saw visions of the cyclopes of Ghol-Gan weeping blood as they realized that for all of their culture, their gods had abandoned them. I realized that is the way of all gods. They string us along with parlor tricks, but fail when their power is needed the most."

Kelson turns to Kashu. "What kind of fiends were they?"

It sounds like these guys don't know what they faced - at least nobody else in the group has the words to describe it. But it lines up with what Marcus told us about Asuras.

Anthys remains quiet while Kelson questions the Aspis agent.

His faith in Iomedae is unshakeable despite the dystheist rant.

I have heard many try to make the story of Arazni about the indifference of the gods. But bad things happen even to good people and we don't get an answer why. The 'why' is beyond our understanding. That bad things should happen to those who ignore warnings and tamper with fiend-haunted ruins is perhaps easier to comprehend.

Kalia has a "Tengu Drinking Jug" and uses it to make some soothing cool tea (it's way too hot here for hot tea!) and offers some to the troubled person - after drinking some herself to show it's safe. It can be used 3 times per day.

Some gods may indeed be fickle, some are newly made (she lifts her mug with its Cayden emblem), some even die like mortals, yet other gods have been with humans, elves, and others through the ages and are steadfast. Perhaps those of these cyclops abandoned their worshippers... awful.

Kalia has a necklace with a small symbol of Ketyphys but also the mug of Cayden that she is using for the tea. She is half-elven, half-human and acts human (Ulfen) - but loves elven trinkets and all the lore that she can pick up.

Kelson turns to Kashu. "What kind of fiends were they?"

Through Kahsu's half-babbled response, you get the sense that (1) ther were multiple kinds, (2) some were not what they seemed, and (3) some local wildlife fell under the influence of fiendish corruption.

He adds: "The others, those poor fools, some refused to leave!"

Any other questions for Kahsu or the other Aspis?

"Where were these fiends uncovered? Were they far from here?" Marcus asks quietly.

The "normal" Aspis can answer that. They've just fled the ruins that your mission is bringing you to.

Again, due to the asynchronous nature of playing by post, please feel free to ask another question of these humanoids despite the fact that I'm continuing on. :)

The party heads towards Parveen's location. The city of Kaddodi looms ahead: partially collapsed walls overgrown with foliage tower 40 feet in the air, and the buildings in the complex were clearly built to a scale of giants. Despite scavengers picking over the carcass of the long-dead Ghol-Gan empire, the mark of the cyclops civilization remains obvious in the area. Toppled stone pillars lie marred by age. Faded sun and moon motifs adorn many of the ruined structures surrounding the temple, although somebody has visibly defaced many of these designs.

Alphabetically:
Anthys: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Claudia: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Kalia: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26
Kelson: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Marcus: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Upon nearing time-worn temple at the city’s heart, Kalia and Kelson can hear the sounds of combat ahead.

Anyone know what weapons work best against fiends?

Just in case it's planes...
knowledge planes: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Kalia gives the party a heads-up about the combat... first, she takes out her sword...

Anyone know what weapons work best against fiends?

Per this post, the party is already aware that good-aligned attacks will overcome DR.

Per this post, Anthys can make everyone's attacks good-aligned for 5 minutes.

Claudia takes out her little sword and holds it ready.

Warned by Kalia, Anthys will take his longsword out, place it on the ground, pour his Oil of Align Weapon (Good) on it, and pick it up again.

The Oil will last for 3 minutes.

It is entirely possible that this combat does not involve fiends, but there is the scroll he gave to Marcus as a backup if Good weapons are needed later.

"Let's go."

Marcus readies his shield, draws one of his many daggers and nods, taking his place at Anthy's side.

Presuming that the party heads into the temple straightaway?

Please place yourselves on the open part of the map on the left side of slide 4.

Per this post, Anthys can make everyone's attacks good-aligned for 5 minutes.

Kelson holds out his longsword.

"I would like to steel my blade against demons!"

GM Engleaktig wrote:

Per this post, Anthys can make everyone's attacks good-aligned for 5 minutes.

Kelson holds out his longsword.

"I would like to steel my blade against demons!"

"I'm sorry, I don't have another oil like that one.

Area B1

This enormous room is little more than bare stone. Two exits lead from this chamber—one to the east descending down a wide stair, and one to the south, which lies broken open with shattered pieces of the stone doors scattered nearby. A broad stone table, still discolored from ancient bloodstains, stands in the middle of the room with stone chairs laying about it in disarray.

Anthys, Kalia, and Kelson notice the air shimmering above the ancient stone table.

These three Pathfinders also perceive two snakes coiled beneath the table, their tongues flickering in agitation.

There is no combat in the immediate, visible area. It is not readily obvious which direction the sounds are coming from--other than "somewhere in this temple."

I presume that Anthys, Kalia, and/or Kelson apprise the rest of the party of their observations. Because of the noticed details, each party member may take an action before stuff happens. Feel free, too, to discuss your thoughts.

Kelson casts haste on the party.

"Just in case! Watch out for the snakes over there!"

Yes, Anthys will alert the others.

"Do you hear that?"

@GM, metagaming-wise it is easy to suspect this is a Haunt. Would Knowledge (Religion) give that information in-character?

Knowledge (Religion), Scion: 1d20 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 3 = 20

@Anthys: sounds reasonable to me.

Anthys suspects that this is similar to a haunt. But, rather than being formed from a horrific death or restless spirits, it is a manifestation of Parveen's evil. A forceful display of any faith can be useful here. Positive energy will have the same effect on this manifestation as it does on "normal" haunts.

Ah, now that I am on my laptop (rather than phone) I see that I am too far from the table - would need a move action to get there, so no Barroom Brawler for Soulblade.

Okay, Anthys will instead use Tactician to share Lastwall Phalanx with everybody (swift action) and ready to attack any foe that comes within reach (standard action).

Lastwall Phalanx gives a +1 sacred bonus to AC and saves against evil foes per adjacent ally with the feat, with no cap, and either Marcus or Anthys will grant an additional +1 due to their Rings of Tactical Precision.

So, if we are in a 2x3 block, the people in the top row and bottom row get +4 (3 adjacent allies) and those in the middle row get +6 (5 adjacent allies).

Claudia moves forward, licks her healing wand, and tries to lick one of the snakes. agile tongue allows 10 ft reach to deliver touch spells

attack, touch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

if that misses, holding the charge to try again...

Claudia moves forward, licks her healing wand, and tries to lick one of the snakes. agile tongue allows 10 ft reach to deliver touch spells

if that misses, holding the charge to try again...

Hm. Looks like I didn't do a great job of explaining this. Sorry, everybody. Let me add some explanation. :) Then, Claudia, you can repost your action, if you wish.

Kalia knowledge nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

When Anthys points out the haunt-that-is-not-quite-a-haunt, Kalia recognizes that there are two things going on here. The snakes wandered in randomly; they're animals. The haunt has worked them into a frenzy/corrupted them. The snakes are real/physical. The haunt has not yet manifested; it's the shimmering air above the table.

Kalia frowns; animals should not suffer due to Evil, she thinks.

Those are just snakes, though dangerous; let me try to send them away...

Knowledge nature to determine if snakes poisonous: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Handle animal to send them away or at least calm them down: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Kalia frowns; animals should not suffer due to Evil, she thinks.

Those are just snakes, though dangerous; let me try to send them away...

These are emperor cobras. They are poisonous. Their poison does CON damage.

Unfortunately, the haunt has had such a powerful effect on them, that Kalia's effort to handle animal does not bear fruit.

@Kalia: Please place your token on the indicated area on the map.

Claudia gets out her healing wand and waits.

Kalia the Ulfen-Elven Huntress wrote:

Kalia frowns; animals should not suffer due to Evil, she thinks.

Those are just snakes, though dangerous; let me try to send them away...

These are emperor cobras. They are poisonous. Their poison does CON damage.

Unfortunately, the haunt has had such a powerful effect on them, that Kalia's effort to handle animal does not bear fruit.

@Kalia: Please place your token on the indicated area on the map.

All set -- with leopard.

Cool, thanks, Kalia :)
__________

Before stuff hits the fan
• Anthys: Readied Attack
• Claudia: Draw Wand
• Kalia: Handle Animal
• Kelson: Haste
• Marcus: Ready, Draw Dagger
__________

MADDENING MANIFESTATION
Round 1

Despite Kalia's excellent effort, the snakes hiss angrily and bare their fangs. They clearly intend to strike.

Sorted Initiative Order (Bold may go!)
• ==> Claudia <==
• ==> Anthys <==
• ==> Marcus <==
• ==> Kalia <==
• ==> Kelson <==
• Snake, Orange
• Haunt
• Snake, Blue

Anthys's shared Lastwall Phalanx feat will last for 7 rounds total.

He decides to try to make a forceful display of faith, hoping that will deter the demonic haunt.

Anthys is a follower of Iomedae, with the sword-and-sunburst on his shield. He has Iomedae's Purity of Faith trait (+1 trait bonus to Will saves and on all saves vs spells and effects created by evil outsiders). Not sure if any of those things make a difference. (He's kind of an infantry version of my PFS Cav17, a nonmagical paladin-lite from Lastwall.)

He holds his shield up and shouts, "In the name of the Inheritor, begone fiend! My faith will not be shaken!"

Does he need to make a check? Intimidate? Has no ranks but may as well give it a shot.

Intimidate?, Scion of the Lost Empire: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

MADDENING MANIFESTATION
Round 1

Initiative (Bold may go!)
• ==> Claudia <==
• Anthys: Makes a display of faith
• ==> Marcus <==
• ==> Kalia <==
• ==> Kelson <==
• Snake, Orange
• Haunt
• Snake, Blue

@Anthys: Intimidate works great! Knowing your style of play and some of your other characters, I'm totally belly laughing from your great idea! :D

Kelson sings a roaring song of Andoran freedom.

+2 to hit/damage competence bonus

Then casts glitterdust on the nearest snake.

"I hope this works!"

MADDENING MANIFESTATION
Round 1

snake save v glitterdust: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Kelson conjures magical motes to blind a snake, but it whips its head around and avoids the worst of the effect. It remains able to see.

Initiative (Bold may go!)
• ==> Claudia <==
• Anthys: Makes a display of faith
• ==> Marcus <==
• ==> Kalia <==
• Kelson: Inspire, Glitterdust
• Snake, Orange
• Haunt
• Snake, Blue

Effects in play
• Bardic performance +2

My big brother Tad says his Lady will protect anyone who asks from all evil. He says I don't need to be afraid of anything, because the Lady who he loves will take care of me!

Tad is a cleric of Sarenrae...

intimidate?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Marcus takes a defensive stance, covering for Claudia's leopard as he throws a poorly-timed dagger to attempt to interfere with one of the snakes. Another dagger snaps almost instantly to hand.

Aid Another AC, Ranged Dagger Throw w/Covering Fire vs. 10 AC, 3rd Range Increment, Point Blank Shot, Bard Song: 1d20 + 10 - 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 10 - 4 + 1 + 2 = 10

Standard action: Total Defense, +7 cover bonus to AC to the leopard.
Move Action: Aid Another
Free Action: Draw Dagger, Quickdraw
Current AC: 32 [+6 from Total Defense, +3 from Shield Wall], 39 vs. Evil

MADDENING MANIFESTATION
Round 1

Claudia speaks sternly at the haunt, using family ties to show the strength of her conviction!

Marcus tosses a dagger at a snake. Unfortunately, it was still whipping its head around to avoid the glitterdust. However, the distraction may prove useful to another!

Initiative (Bold may go!)
• Claudia: Makes a display of faith
• Anthys: Makes a display of faith
• Marcus: Full defense, aid another
• ==> Kalia <==
• Kelson: Inspire, Glitterdust
• Snake, Orange
• Haunt
• Snake, Blue

Effects in play
• Bardic performance +2

Chatted briefly with Kalia offline. She's been busy the last few days. Posting/botting her turn per her instructions.

Tika's pupils go large. Seeing the snake's head wobble, she thinks: "TOY!" The cat pounces:
bite: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 28, damage: 1d6 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10
claw: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 17, damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 = 9
claw: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 32, damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10
rake: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 18, damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 = 8
rake: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 29, damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 = 9

47 damage total from Tika!

Kalia follows Tika with a branch spear

bite: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 27, damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 = 12

And the orange snake falls still.

MADDENING MANIFESTATION
Round 1

As the orange snake falls to the ground, the haunt begins to manifest. But Anthys and Claudia's displays of faith prevent it from fully forming!

The blue snake bites at Tika and misses!: bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Round 1 Summary
• Claudia: Makes a display of faith
• Anthys: Makes a display of faith
• Marcus: Full defense, aid another
• Kalia: killer kitty pounce!, branch spear
• Kelson: Inspire, Glitterdust
• Snake, Orange: unconscious and bleeding out
• Haunt: fails to manifest
• Snake, Blue: bite and miss!

Effects in play
• Bardic performance +2

MADDENING MANIFESTATION
Round 2

Initiative (Bold may go!)
• ==> Claudia <==
• ==> Anthys <==
• ==> Marcus <==
• ==> Kalia <==
• ==> Kelson <==
• Snake, Orange (unconscious)
• Haunt
• Snake, Blue

"We're more protected if we stick together!"
Anthys advances to help out Tika and Kalia.

As a reminder, the Lastwall Phalanx feat that is shared through Tactician depends on how many adjacent allies you have. This might help against the Haunt's effects.

He readies to attack the remaining snake as soon as someone else hits it so that Blood for the Empire will trigger.

Kelson continues to sing and casts charm monster on the last snake.

"Anthys I'll try to charm it! If not then I'll attack it!"

dc 18

MADDENING MANIFESTATION
Round 2

Anthys moves strategically and readies an action.

Kelson's singing takes on a magical lilt. Sadly, the emperor cobra shakes off the effect. Though, it does begin to bounce its head along with the rhythm of the bard's music.

snake save v charm monster: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Initiative (Bold may go!)
• ==> Claudia <==
• Anthys: move, ready action
• ==> Marcus <==
• ==> Kalia <==
• Kelson: perform, charm monster
• Snake, Orange (unconscious)
• Haunt
• Snake, Blue

Effects in play
• Bardic performance +2

Marcus hustles up, defending the leopard with his shield.

Move, Total Defense: +7 cover bonus to AC to the Leopard.

Claudia continues to talk about her big brother and the wondrous things he has told her about his Lady.

intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

MADDENING MANIFESTATION
Round 2

Marcus moves and protects Tika.

Claudia makes another display of faith.

Initiative (Bold may go!)
• Claudia: display of faith
• Anthys: move, ready action
• Marcus: move, total defense
• ==> Kalia <==
• Kelson: perform, charm monster
• Snake, Orange (unconscious)
• Haunt
• Snake, Blue

Effects in play
• Bardic performance +2

Botting Kalia.

Tika's pupils are still large. Seeing the second snake's head wobble, she thinks: "MOAR TOYS!"
bite: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 25, damage: 1d6 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 = 9
claw: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 30, damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10
claw: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 31, damage: 1d3 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 = 9

28 damage total from Tika!

Kalia follows Tika, again, with her branch spear

spear: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 13, miss!
__________

Anthys' readied action is triggered, and he finishes off the second snake. It is now unconscious. Both snakes are bleeding out, but alive.
__________

In the face of another display of faith, the haunt fails to completely manifest. It's clear to the party that you can stymie the haunt this way for a short while, but not forever. You can still damage it while it has not fully formed.