"Oh...I wasn't trapped here under the sands. I came willingly once it was revealed. I am devoted to Moloch but I cannot tell you of any of what awaits you. You won't survive standing against his wishes anyways!" Gali unwaveringly adamant in not giving any information on what awaits on the bridge.
---
The door to the next room easily pushes open to reveal a large hall, completely ransacked. Scarlet drapes lie in tatters on the floor, obsidian pedestals are smashed, and shards of red and black clay cover the floor.
The southeast corner is the only exception—a large table sits there undisturbed. On it, the cultists have reconstructed an idol of Moloch: a large, armored flame creature with the head of a bull.
Looking closely, aside from the idol there is nothing of note in the room aside from a more obvious viewing hole leading into the central chamber that Gali was hiding in.
Just in an effort to move us forward, going to go over the next room.
With Gali neutralized, the group is able to safely examine the remainder of rooms around the citadel. Both the armory and the trophy hall lead into a reception chamber.
It is a richly-adorned room to receive the cultists following Moloch. Against the east wall sits an ornate brass throne, sculpted to resemble an enormous hand of flame. Wood painted to resemble tendrils of smoke rising from behind the throne merge into a detailed mural of Moloch’s idol on the wall. Beautiful tapestries line the other walls, depicting a grand battle between soldiers of flame and the dervishes of Sarenrae.
DC 10 Knowledge (History):
You can determine that this does not depict an actual battle.
When Katswiri joins the others in examining the room, she spots a secret door behind the throne. Aside from that, the reception chamber has nothing of value or note.
Male NG Tiefling Occultist (Geomancer) 3 | HP 17/17 | AC 18 T 11 FF 17 | CMB +4, CMD 15 | F: +4, R: +1, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +6, SM: +4 | Speed 20 ft | Mental Focus 2 Div, 2 Terr, 4 Trans | Spells: 1st 4/4 | 1 Reroll | Active conditions: None
Òxọ́lé studies the mural, but can't figure out anything specific about it. He draws his sword and casts heightened awareness on himself, intending to expend it the next time initiative is rolled.
Claremguard | Male LG Medium Human Paladin 5 | Aura: courage (10 ft.; +4 to saves of allies v. fear)| Immunities: disease, fear | HP 47/47| AC 22, T 11, FF 21 | CMD 19| F +8 R +5 W +7; | Init +1 | Perc +0; Sense Motive +8 | Speed 20ft | Active Conditions: None.
Skills:
Acrobatics -3 (-7 to jump), Diplomacy +11, Handle Animal +7 (+9 vs. Horse, heavy (combat trained) while worn), Knowledge (nobility) +10, Knowledge (religion) +10, Ride +1
"Expecting more trouble, My Friend?" asks Claremguard as he observes the tiefling drawing his sword and casting a spell. The paladin holds tight to his own blade and looks around, ready to defend his allies if necessary or to follow their lead when a door opens.
Claremguard | Male LG Medium Human Paladin 5 | Aura: courage (10 ft.; +4 to saves of allies v. fear)| Immunities: disease, fear | HP 47/47| AC 22, T 11, FF 21 | CMD 19| F +8 R +5 W +7; | Init +1 | Perc +0; Sense Motive +8 | Speed 20ft | Active Conditions: None.
Skills:
Acrobatics -3 (-7 to jump), Diplomacy +11, Handle Animal +7 (+9 vs. Horse, heavy (combat trained) while worn), Knowledge (nobility) +10, Knowledge (religion) +10, Ride +1
Carlin Ember wrote:
Any idea what those murals mean? History isn't my strong suit... Carlin asks the others as she examines the murals.
If someone opens the door, I can blast whatever is on the other side...
"That battle depicted is no true history--at least not one that I am aware of. And while I may not be a historian, as a knight of Taldor I do have more than a passing familiarity with warfare," Claremguard replies to the aasimar.
Male N Ratfolk | Swashbuckler 1, Occultist 5 | Panache 6/6 | Chaldira Reroll 1/1 | T-Shirt Reroll 1/1 | HP 67/67 | AC 23 T 16 FF 18 | CMB (Trip, Disarm, Sunder) +10, CMD 15 | F: +9, R: +10, W: +5 | Init: +5 | Bluff (Deceive) +9, Dipl. (Influence) +14, Perc +10, SM +3 Spells 1st 6/6, 2nd 3/3 | Transm. Impl. MF 3/3 | Abj. Impl. MF 7/7 | Illusion Impl. MF 2/2 | Speed 20ft (40ft on riding dog)| Active conditions:
Tabar nods vehemently.
“You are correct Claremguard! Don’t make yourself small. You are worthy! Never let them discriminate you just because these others think they’re smart!!“ the ratfolk says with a stern look.
The group gathers around the throne and carefully pushes the door open. It opens onto a covered bridge forty feet across. The entire structure appears to be carved from a single red
stone, but the centuries-long burial in sand has levied its toll. Long cracks line the walls and ceiling, and twenty feet along the bridge a seven-foot gash splits the floor in two, through which the dark orange stone of the valley below is visible. Spaced every ten feet on the walls are a series of massive carved heads: a pair of screaming fire elementals, a pair of humans clad in armor, and a pair of bull-headed men, each flanked by massive torches. The arch’s far end is carved into the shape of a massive leering face, with golden double doors in place of its mouth.
While imposing, the group does notice a refreshing breeze blowing through the decaying bridge.
Male NG Tiefling Occultist (Geomancer) 3 | HP 17/17 | AC 18 T 11 FF 17 | CMB +4, CMD 15 | F: +4, R: +1, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +6, SM: +4 | Speed 20 ft | Mental Focus 2 Div, 2 Terr, 4 Trans | Spells: 1st 4/4 | 1 Reroll | Active conditions: None
Òxọ́lé steps out on the bridge and examines it. "This is beautiful - or was - but not what I would have expected here. That gap is a bit long for me to cross comfortably..."
Claremguard | Male LG Medium Human Paladin 5 | Aura: courage (10 ft.; +4 to saves of allies v. fear)| Immunities: disease, fear | HP 47/47| AC 22, T 11, FF 21 | CMD 19| F +8 R +5 W +7; | Init +1 | Perc +0; Sense Motive +8 | Speed 20ft | Active Conditions: None.
Skills:
Acrobatics -3 (-7 to jump), Diplomacy +11, Handle Animal +7 (+9 vs. Horse, heavy (combat trained) while worn), Knowledge (nobility) +10, Knowledge (religion) +10, Ride +1
Not equipped to lead the way across a damaged bridge, Claremguard draws his sword and proceeds cautiously.
Move action Readied action to attack any hostile that appears within 5 ft.
Vine Leshy Barbarian (savage technologist) 3 / Gunslinger 1 | current AC 22 T 18 FF 17 | HP 42/42 | F +8 R +7 W +4 (Rage = +2 R/W); trap sense +1 | CMD 22 | Init +3 |Rage 6/10| Grit 2/2 | Perc +7, lowlight, darkvision
"I could jump that easily enough. I have strong roots! And I have a rope I can sling back to help the rest of you over. But I don't want to be attacked when I'm on my own on the other side! Although I'm sure I could jump back just as easily.
So, let me know when you're all ready and I'll do it!"
female | human | oracle 6 | HP 39/39 | AC 21, FF 18, T 13 | CMB +4, CMD 12 | Init -4 | Perception +11, -4 Opposed, Auto Fail Hearing | F +4, R +9, W +6 (+12 vs. Mind Effect) | Focused Trance 1/3 | Natural Divination 2/2 | Spells: 4/7 1st, 1/6 2nd, 2/4 3rd Mage Armor, Communal Resist Energy Acid, Eagle's Splendor, Shield of Faith, Communal Resist Energy Electricty
"The bridge from my vision, I'm sure of it. I fear the guardian of the place lurks nearby."
Katswiri eyes the gap with obvious trepidation. "I have always had a slow and steady gait, and have historically been very poor at jumping. During my confirmation mission, I tried to jump over a five foot wide stream, and slipped and fell straight into it. Rather embarassing, though much less dangerous than this fall would be. I would be much happier to cross if we could get a few ropes tied off to hold."
"Let me shield you, Boomy, in case you are attacked after crossing."
Katswiri will cast Shield of Faith to give Boomy a +2 Deflection bonus to AC for 5 minutes. She will cast the same spell on herself.
Claremguard | Male LG Medium Human Paladin 5 | Aura: courage (10 ft.; +4 to saves of allies v. fear)| Immunities: disease, fear | HP 47/47| AC 22, T 11, FF 21 | CMD 19| F +8 R +5 W +7; | Init +1 | Perc +0; Sense Motive +8 | Speed 20ft | Active Conditions: None.
Skills:
Acrobatics -3 (-7 to jump), Diplomacy +11, Handle Animal +7 (+9 vs. Horse, heavy (combat trained) while worn), Knowledge (nobility) +10, Knowledge (religion) +10, Ride +1
Katswiri wrote:
"The bridge from my vision, I'm sure of it. I fear the guardian of the place lurks nearby."
At his ally's warning, Claremguard concentrates, attempting to sense any evil presence.
Claremguard immediately senses a strong aura from below the bridge with Carlin's senses feeling a magical aura rising up as well. However, a figure rises up on four sickly ochre wings which reveal a horned, skinless head with snarling visage. Through its chattering fangs drifts noxious yellow fumes and dark crimson saliva.
The devilish creature has profane speed but the group had time for some preparation thanks to the divination of Katswiri.
If anyone other than Katswiri (who has already applied a buff) would like to have made a prepared buff, please go ahead.
Knowledge (Planes) DC 16 (Every 5 you beat it by you can ask questions about the creature):
This creature is a Greater Host Devil called a Magaav. They are hunters of souls that now belong to Hell. Typically they gather in massive swarms that can number into the thousands. They carry wicked weapons but their natural attacks and breath can prove just as deadly.
This breath is specifically what was shown in the divination of Katswiri, if it takes the time to pour out it's breath on an enemy they will need Fortitude to overcome the sickness (Sickened). They can only breath on those with it's reach.
---
The creature cocks it's head as it looks each of the party up and down, snapping his fangs at some of the less armored members but he thrusts his ranseur at Claremguard while hovering over the hole.
Vine Leshy Barbarian (savage technologist) 3 / Gunslinger 1 | current AC 22 T 18 FF 17 | HP 42/42 | F +8 R +7 W +4 (Rage = +2 R/W); trap sense +1 | CMD 22 | Init +3 |Rage 6/10| Grit 2/2 | Perc +7, lowlight, darkvision
Boomy uses the time gained from Katswiri's vision to apply the Oil of Bless Weapon that he found earlier to his lucerne hammer. When the fiend appears, he steps forwards to defend Claremguard and the other pathfinders.
female aasimar sorceror 6 HP 32, AC/T/FF 12, 12, 10, F +5, R +5, W +6 Init +6, Perc +13
before...
Something's coming...be ready... Carlin warns as summons flames to dance on her fingers.
is my mage armour still up? if not i'll recast it...
now...
Burn, mongrel! she yells as she shoots a ray of flame at the creature.
scorching ray
touch:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 174d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1, 5, 2, 5) + 4 + 1 = 18 the +1 is from Havoc of the society trait...gives +1 per damaging spell, +4 from my bloodline arcana...+1 per die for fire spells...half the damage is force for DR/resistance purposes...
Claremguard | Male LG Medium Human Paladin 5 | Aura: courage (10 ft.; +4 to saves of allies v. fear)| Immunities: disease, fear | HP 47/47| AC 22, T 11, FF 21 | CMD 19| F +8 R +5 W +7; | Init +1 | Perc +0; Sense Motive +8 | Speed 20ft | Active Conditions: None.
Skills:
Acrobatics -3 (-7 to jump), Diplomacy +11, Handle Animal +7 (+9 vs. Horse, heavy (combat trained) while worn), Knowledge (nobility) +10, Knowledge (religion) +10, Ride +1
Wounded, Claremguard makes his way to the creature. Blade in hand, he calls upon the divine, "Lady of Valor, guide my hand!" 5 ft. step Melee longsword w/smite evil:1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 = 21 Damage (S) w/smite:1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 2 = 13 If the target of smite evil is an outsider with the evil subtype, an evil-aligned dragon, or an undead creature, the bonus to damage on the first successful attack increases by 2 points of damage and the attack automatically bypass any DR the creature might possess.
Male NG Tiefling Occultist (Geomancer) 3 | HP 17/17 | AC 18 T 11 FF 17 | CMB +4, CMD 15 | F: +4, R: +1, W: +3 | Init: +1 | Perc: +6, SM: +4 | Speed 20 ft | Mental Focus 2 Div, 2 Terr, 4 Trans | Spells: 1st 4/4 | 1 Reroll | Active conditions: None
Knowledge Planes DC 16:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
"I've heard about these... usually they come in packs. It's a kind of devil that can sicken you with its breath. Unfortunately, I don't recall what harms them most effectively."
Òxọ́lé uses a point of focus to turn his sword into a +1 (legacy weapon) and moves forward.
Boomy crashes the hammer down on the devilish creature as sparks of holy energy tear through its defenses.
Carlin's ray blasts the creature in the wing but it appears that some of it harmlessly runs off the flesh.
The of the previous attack may have caused Claremguard to wince at the last second, missing his strike.
Tabar slides into an open spot and thrusts at the creature causing it to shriek while pushing it away.
Katswiri is able to inform the group about more about the creature. It is immune to fire and poison, highly resistant to acid and cold, shakes off attacks that are not good aligned, has a high spell resistance (17), and has the ability to cast Greater Teleport as a spell-like ability.
---
As the group closes in, it pushes backwards before striking out at Claremguard once again.
It cackles as the paladin falls before twisting its neck unnaturally at a new focus, darting between those with no armor or what appears to be weaker armor.
Infernal:
"Moloch will burn what's left...come here girl I can smell the taint of the heavens on you...or maybe you little green creature."
Claremguard | Male LG Medium Human Paladin 5 | Aura: courage (10 ft.; +4 to saves of allies v. fear)| Immunities: disease, fear | HP 47/47| AC 22, T 11, FF 21 | CMD 19| F +8 R +5 W +7; | Init +1 | Perc +0; Sense Motive +8 | Speed 20ft | Active Conditions: None.
Skills:
Acrobatics -3 (-7 to jump), Diplomacy +11, Handle Animal +7 (+9 vs. Horse, heavy (combat trained) while worn), Knowledge (nobility) +10, Knowledge (religion) +10, Ride +1
Vine Leshy Barbarian (savage technologist) 3 / Gunslinger 1 | current AC 22 T 18 FF 17 | HP 42/42 | F +8 R +7 W +4 (Rage = +2 R/W); trap sense +1 | CMD 22 | Init +3 |Rage 6/10| Grit 2/2 | Perc +7, lowlight, darkvision
Ok, I think I have a better idea than stepping back.
Boom Sticks viney limbs reach out and coil around Claremguard's feet. In a flash, the little leshy hauls the fallen warrior out of danger and lays his unconscious form next to Katswiri.
"His sap is leaking out! Can you help him?!"
Boom Sticks employs a Reposition combat manoeuvre on Claremguard. Whilst this would provoke from Claremguard, I don't believe Claremguard being moved provokes from the devil creature.
Boom Sticks returns his attention to the bridge guardian.
Standard action to Reposition, free to maintain rage. No move.
Vine Leshy Barbarian (savage technologist) 3 / Gunslinger 1 | current AC 22 T 18 FF 17 | HP 42/42 | F +8 R +7 W +4 (Rage = +2 R/W); trap sense +1 | CMD 22 | Init +3 |Rage 6/10| Grit 2/2 | Perc +7, lowlight, darkvision
"If I can get a clear shot I can bring it down!"
Boomy drops his blessed hammer Feel free to pick it up and use it anyone - it's a small lucerne hammer with 10' reach and Bless Weapon applied.
The angry leshy draws his blunderbuss forth, and aims the barrel upwards towards the devil. He pulls the trigger, and a mess of sticky tar erupts from the funnel-shaped barrel!
tangling shot vs devil touch AC, rage:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26damage:1d6 ⇒ 2 Damage is halved for entangling shot and it isn't going to go through DR, but that's not what Boomy's trying to do here ;)
"BOOM!"
If this attack hits, the devil must pass a DC15 Reflex save or be Entangled. A creature flying with wings cannot fly when it is entangled, and will drop - at least that's what the tanglefoot bag description says, the same wording is missing from the Entangling Shot Cartridge rule so it's a GM call. Worst case, if it fails the save it's entangled for 2d4 rounds. Best case, failing the save makes it plummet to the ground :)
Claremguard | Male LG Medium Human Paladin 5 | Aura: courage (10 ft.; +4 to saves of allies v. fear)| Immunities: disease, fear | HP 47/47| AC 22, T 11, FF 21 | CMD 19| F +8 R +5 W +7; | Init +1 | Perc +0; Sense Motive +8 | Speed 20ft | Active Conditions: None.
Skills:
Acrobatics -3 (-7 to jump), Diplomacy +11, Handle Animal +7 (+9 vs. Horse, heavy (combat trained) while worn), Knowledge (nobility) +10, Knowledge (religion) +10, Ride +1
Claremguard regains consciousness, surprised to now find himself in a different location. "My sword!" he cries, realizing that his blade was left near the gap in the bridge.
Claremguard | Male LG Medium Human Paladin 5 | Aura: courage (10 ft.; +4 to saves of allies v. fear)| Immunities: disease, fear | HP 47/47| AC 22, T 11, FF 21 | CMD 19| F +8 R +5 W +7; | Init +1 | Perc +0; Sense Motive +8 | Speed 20ft | Active Conditions: None.
Skills:
Acrobatics -3 (-7 to jump), Diplomacy +11, Handle Animal +7 (+9 vs. Horse, heavy (combat trained) while worn), Knowledge (nobility) +10, Knowledge (religion) +10, Ride +1
Claremguard takes a step back and let's loose an arrow!
Ranged (shortbow):1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Damage (P):1d6 ⇒ 4 Confirm crit?:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
