[OutPost V] GM Eclipse's The Citadel of Flame (Inactive)

Game Master Agent Eclipse

Claremguard fearlessly stands before the roaring red elemental, slicing away flames and flesh alike.

Claremguard Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Claremguard Crit Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Carlin returns the previous attack with powerful bursts of force energy that spin that knock the creature about. She then feels soothing energy flow over the bruises, taking away her pain.

Papa misses the elemental just barely as the flames swirl about.

---

Tabar rides up to the crackling blue creature and thrusts his rapier deep into the core, as flames begin to flicker and wane from the icy strike.

Boomy rallies against the flames without worry and sends a crushing blow into the creature...it dimming to a spark as the swirling smoke drains what little energy it had left. With a hiss it dissipates back to its home plane.

---

The last elemental attempts to fight off the ratfolk cavalier before them...

Slam: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

...but is batted away and suffers from about thrust that freezes the creatures core, shattering as it dissipates.

---

Combat Over

Active Conditions:
Boomy (-6)

As the dust, smoke, and clamor of battle clears...the Pathfinders are left looking before them at the bull-headed statues leering down on the valley while the flame-carved hoodoos rise gracefully far above the canyon floor.

Claremguard fearlessly stands before the roaring red elemental, slicing away flames and flesh alike

As I am playing a paladin, I must be straightforward and fair, so I will point out that most elementals are not subject to critical hits.

yes...elementals tend to be immune...will try to kill it...

Thanks Kat...luckily I have the Dawnflower protecting me.. Carlin call over her shoulder as she fires a blob of acid at the remaining elemental.

touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 111d3 ⇒ 1

lol..nope

"Yes, yes! See what a ratfolk from the Hao Jin Tapestry can do! What I can do as well as you big ones here!" the little ratfolk says proudly.

craft : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
linguistics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

"Yes, yes! See what a ratfolk from the Hao Jin Tapestry can do! What I can do as well as you big ones here!" the little ratfolk says proudly.

craft : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
linguistics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Linguistics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

"This place is dedicated to Moloch. These words would be used to ask to light oneself on fire... or one's enemies."

Sorry about that, it is always the traits that sneak by me because I have to go to another page to see what exactly they do. Even without the critical damage, the fire elemental is on it's last legs.

Slam vs. Boomy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 Just to check, he doesn't get off another swing, if the group wants to roll for swarming the poor thing.

---

Wait...what? Praying to be set on fire? I've seen a few performers doing stuff like that, but not be completely set ablaze. That's crazy... Carlin says as she looks around, dumbfounded by that fact.

The group all spots older, more ancient carvings that are in Kellish. Signs and prayers to Sarenrae.

Also, as the group looks towards the gateway further in, a few members spot a pair of mummified corpses with pouches containing 4 oils of bless and 4 holy +1 arrows.

Is there anything else the group would like to do before proceeding?

Through the gateway is the citadel proper. To fit better the map has been rotated, the East is at the top of the map.

Beyond the arch, the red stone hoodoos open up to a massive
citadel. The stronghold appears to have two parts: the nearest
is a squat, square fortress covered in decaying plaster and
topped by an enormous minaret from which a thin plume of
smoke escapes. The plaster walls are richly decorated with
intricate geometric carvings of dancing flames, and smaller
minarets rise from the corners. At the east end of that building,
the valley floor drops suddenly and a windowless second
structure perches on a plateau beyond, rising gracefully from
the void in a tangle of minarets and spires. Even though
centuries of sand have scoured away most of the gold leaf
that once decorated the structure, the sunlight reflecting off
the deep red stone of the citadel makes the entire structure
glow like a massive bonfire. A delicate, red, enclosed bridge
links the first fortress with the second one beyond. A pair of
massive brass doors covered in a flowing decorative script
blocks access to the near fortress.

I take it those are oils of bless weapon, GM?

Boomy grabs a magical Oil and then asks their fellows to patch their burns up.

clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 Boomy's own wand - assuming someone activates it.

"Oh! Look, that might be the bridge with the guardian! But we have to get through these doors first. Does that writing mean anything?"

Bless Weapon, indeed!

"Let us hope those are the last elementals we shall see," Claremguard says as he sheathes his blade. "Shall we proceed through the double doors?"

"It seems likely that is bridge from my vision, either with a guardian or leading to it. Regardless, that seems likely to be where we need to go." Katswiri inspects the script on the door, looking to see if it is simply ornamental or has some meaning.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

I really must study languages more...i just don't have the patience to do so...yes..let's go through there.. Carlin says as she points to the doors. She activates a wand and a shimmering suit of chainmail covers her.

mage armour...

"This is really nice!! So much work was put into building this! And all covered by sand? Incredible!" the little ratfolk says quite fast.

Tabar checks for traps and then opens the door.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

The group looks over the door and does not spot any traps, and on the door are more prayers to Moloch in a similar verse to the previous ones but this time in a form of Ignan.

While the group attempts to open the door, it appears stuck...perhaps from time and sand. It will require some amount of brute force to get inside.

DC 20 Strength.

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Claremguard tries to force the door, but he can't get any traction in the sand.

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Òxọ́lé gets his fingertips in, but is straining against the door and it is not moving yet.

"I'll try and get my roots in!" Boomy offers.

STR: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

This might be a check we have to take 20 on :)

ETA: or not :D

The group works together, heaving against the door but it is Boomy that is able to maneuver his roots in for a strong grip. The brass squeals as it moves along the hinges, slowly. As the interior is revealed...a wave of intense heat washes over the group. Stepping in means the heat threatens to overcome the Pathfinders.

Every hour within the building, currently, each individual will need to make a DC 15 Fortitude check that increases by 1 each hour. Those in armor suffer a -4 penalty to this check.

Once the doors are completely open, the citadel is preserved and in fantastic condition. The rows of stout pillars are carved to appear as flames reaching to the ceiling, a minaret above has a spiral staircase leading up to it with no rails or walls. A large bonfire casts light into the room which showcases the prayers written in gold filigree along the walls.

DC 25 Linguistics to discern the message.

Also along the wall are fearsome faces of efreet, carved intricately with gaping maws and sharp eyes. Massive obsidian benches are space between them.

A layer of sand covers the floors and furniture...with a set of footprints leading up the spiral staircase.

"This reminds me too much of home."

Linguistics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

"Can someone help me conjugate this verb here?"

woukd Endure Elements stop that?..i'll burn the charges...din't mind

It is from extreme heat that seems to permeate the building so I would say it works to stave off the ill effects.

Katswiri coughs at the wave of extreme heat that rolls out of the building, then gestures and touches her forehead as a ripple of magic moves across her body.

Katswiri will cast Endure Elements for herself, but the wand is probably best for the larger group.

Inside, Katswiri looks around the room, then comes over to examine the script at Papa's request. "Let me take a look. My second sight should reveal its meaning, though this might take a minute. Hm....ah, yes."

Focused Trance Rounds: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Katswiri pauses for 36 seconds, her eyes moving back and forth looking at something only she can see, before refocusing with a smile.

Linguistics, Focused Trance: 1d20 + 12 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 20 = 36

linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

As the interior is revealed...a wave of intense heat washes over the group. Stepping in means the heat threatens to overcome the Pathfinders.

Every hour within the building, currently, each individual will need to make a DC 15 Fortitude check that increases by 1 each hour. Those in armor suffer a -4 penalty to this check.

Claremguard brings an armored gauntlet to his forehead to wipe the beading sweat from his brow brought on by the heat. "I was prepared to walk through bouts of flame, but not for such constant, oppressive oven-like heat."

Wouldn't turn down a tap of endure elements, were it offered.

The script means little to the Taldan, but the footprints suggest to him urgency. He draws his sword. "Shall we advance up the steps?"

"Whoever made that bonfire didn't do it for heat!" Boomy remarks. "Oh, unless it's a magic everlasting bonfire and it is what's heated this room up! Maybe it's been burning for centuries!"

"Look, footprints! Someone else is here already."

May we assume Endure Elements from Carlin?

Endure elements would be great! Thanks

huh..another lost post...yes, I'll cast EE on everyone...Tabar, does your mount need it too? I don't mind...

Hmm..anyone have an idea what might have made those prints? I'm not a tracker... Carlin says as she looks around, scanning the area for magical auras.

detect magic

No, leave the mount.

fort riding dog : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

The golden script appears to speak of more prayers and requests of Moloch. They ask for his boons and are answered with calls to give themselves to the flames.

As the others are deciding what to do, it is Carlin that spots something odd about the Efreeti face opposite of the entrance. The stonework doesn't match up perfectly, possibly concealing a door or passage.

Shortly after that, the group hears the sound of something being dropped in the chamber up the stairs.

As they hear the sound, most of the group feels there was something amiss with the sound...but Tabar and Claremguard are sure they heard something.

Is this a surprise round action?

Tabar steers his dog to move in the direction of the sound.

"Come on! something's going on upstairs and we'd better investigate"

Boom Sticks advances to the foot of the stairs, hammer at the ready.

Happy for anyone else to go in front if they like.

No combat currently.

Katswiri follows after Boom Sticks. "What's going on? Is there trouble?"

There's a sound...not sure what it is... Carlin says as she points to her ear to show Kat what she's saying.

There's a sound...not sure what it is... Carlin says as she points to her ear to show Kat what she's saying.

"I heard it as well. I believe it is coming from up the stairs," Claremguard says. With sword in hand, he follows Boom Sticks up the steps.

Map is revealed as the group goes up the stairs.

A set of graceful spiral stairs, constructed of black marble
veined with scarlet, wind upward. The bonfire in the entry
hall sends waves of intense heat flowing upwards, along with
thick black smoke. Directly above the flame, at the level of the
chamber’s ceiling, is a wide capstone concealing the interior of
the hall’s large minaret. The stairs wrap around the capstone
and end in a small landing adjacent to an egg-shaped enclosure
suspended inside the minaret. The chamber’s exterior walls
are wreathed in smoke flowing in wide ribbons toward the
minaret’s peak. A squat stone door leads inside.

"Was this the door where the sound came from? Lets get it open and see what we find." Katswiri gestures, casting Bless on the group before the door is opened.

Up the stairs it is then...lead on Clarem.

Blade in hand, Òxọ́lé heads up the stairs, on the lookout for other dangers.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Boomy checks the door, then opens it if there's nothing amiss. Looks like Boom Sticks and Tabar are at the front.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Up the stairs it is then...lead on Clarem.

The paladin considers correcting the woman's pronunciation of his name, but thinks better of it. Instead, he simply nods, but does not push his way forward.

Though Claremguard usually takes lead, among this party he appears to be the squishiest.

Boom finds that the door easily pushes open, the stone grinding through loose sand on the ground but what comes next is a surprise.

Tabar and Boomy need to roll a DC 14 Reflex save to halve 6d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 5, 3, 4, 5) = 19 Fire damage.

An explosion of flames bursts through the minaret and through the open doorway, enveloping those unfortunate enough to be up front. Aside from the crackling of a few flames remaining, silence falls over the room. From the doorway the room is revealed to be some sort of ritual sauna.

The sauna itself is dark and bare of any furnishings, although the walls are decorated with a large mural of the Qadiran desert. The bonfire below heats the floor, which is cleverly designed to radiate its heat
throughout the chamber.

Arcane sigils decorate the ceiling. Blood stains the floor, and any liquid spilled on it boils in a small gout of flame.

tabar reflex : 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
riding dog reflex : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

“Argg!! That hurt!!“ he shouts and also pets his riding dog that got burnt.

“Can of you adapt at healing use my wand on us please?“ he says bows after both are fully healed.

clw : 4d8 + 4 ⇒ (1, 8, 3, 7) + 4 = 23

Knowledge Geography: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Linguistics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

"Strange," Òxọ́lé says. "The landmarks on this map are being depicted as covered by sandstorms."

And then he translates the text as the exact opposite of what it really says.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

"I think that you have to to some linguistic training my friend Papa! The battle mural is a complicated series of coded glyphs that detail complicated instructions for using the Sacred Sauna (and a blood sacrifice) to summon the sandstorms."

He takes a couple of steps back on his riding dog.

"I will not be sacrificed just because I am not human!!" he says in terror.

reflex, trap sense: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 = 24

"Phew, that was close!" Boomy is still protected by his Resist Fire potion

"Have you been traumatised by human-beans, Tabar? Fleshies are strange creatures to be sure. Why would they want to spill their sap deliberately?"