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

Game Master Agent Eclipse

"IT'S STICKY-PROOF!"

Boomy retrieves his long hammer whilst still beyond the reach of the ranseur, then steps forwards and thrusts...

Dropping blunderbuss

raging hammer vs devil: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

GM, I think Claremguard still has Smite vs the devil?

Feeling like a complete idiot for being the only one not packing a reach weapon for this fight, Òxọ́lé tosses a weapon at the enemy in hopes of possibly nicking a wing or something.

Chakram: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Slashing Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Just go away, beast! I ture if your presence! Carlin yells as she fires a pair of missiles again.

sr: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22mm: 2d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3, 2) + 2 + 1 = 8

It appears that is indeed correct, as far as I can tell.

Some latent holy energy was in the arrowtip from Claremguard that finally flares up battering the creature, before he is rocked by force missiles. He curses one last time as he begins to fall, reaching out with claws digging into the bridge but ultimately tumbling down on the rocks below.

---

Encounter Over

With a moment to spare, the group looks over the divide before them. Roughly seven feet across but the rubble and debris create plentiful handholds. (DC0 Climb checks)

While looking Carlin spots a steel shield crammed into one of the windows. And across the gap is a door, very warm to the touch but otherwise easy to push open.

Good riddance!the sorceress sats as she blows a few stray hairs out of her face.

How bad are you guys hurt? That thing had sharp claws... she inquires as she sees the shield.

Huh....that's weird... she tries to pull the shiekd out, struggling as she is not the strongest. But with determination and a few select curse words that would make a sailor blush, she manages to wiggle it free.

Anybody want a new shield?

spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

“I hate these evil creatures! Thanks for the healing lady! At least you see that we smaller people are not useless!!“

"Phew!" Boomy pants as he recovers from the fight.

"It's not the size of the pathfinder in the fight that matters, Tabar, it's the size of the fight in the pathfinder!"

Boomy reloads his blunderbuss. "No more entangling shot, so I hope we don't face more flying devils!"

"Can everyone manage to get over the bridge? It looks fairly easy, but then I have surprisingly long vines." The leshy crinkles his face up, his crude features forming an odd woody smile.

"I am capable of crossing this pit now that we are not being harried. Not that I seem capable of anything else just now..."

The shield appears to be a +1 heavy steel bashing shield, and just as surprising is the bulging bag of treasures behind the shield. Inside are a dozen baubles and and smooth stones but buried within is a book.

Written in common, it is an account from a slave of the cult. It describes in detail her recruitment, enslavement, and a description of the initial assault by Sarenites. Graphically described is how the dervishes cut down the Qadiran slaves but the introduction makes it clear that this one was still fervently for the cause of the Molochian cultists.

(For an old faction goal but the description was interesting)

Assuming everyone takes 10 and doesn't have massively negative climb modifiers, the group manages to cross with ease and enter the citadel proper.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 - 10 ⇒ (7) + 7 - 10 = 4

The red glow of lava dimly lights this vast room. Rivulets of molten rock thread the hall’s floor, fed by streams of lava flowing down the walls. Four enormous forges are spaced evenly around the room, with large hammers, bellows, anvils, and tanks of water dripping on the lava below. A circular ramp rises gently near the center of the room, looping above the lava channels before disappearing into the gloom above.

On one of the anvils in the room is a dwarven smith, working on the point of a spear. He doesn't notice the group over the clang of metal and hiss of steam.

New Map is up.

Boomy digs a woody elbow in Claremguard's back and nods towards the dwarf.

"A molochite?" Boom Sticks mouths to the paladin.

Tabar moves forward.

“Hello!! We’re Pathfinders. Could we ask you questions regarding this place? We had lots of fighting here so hopefully you are peaceful Mr. Dwarf?“ he asks with a smile.

“Ehh … I’m a ratfolk by the way! But you surely know … i mean both our races lived beneath the earth, right? Oh … I’m babbling again. So … ehh … ok I stop talking … “

diplomacy : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

This character has Valley of Veiled Flame, but not applied yet, so sometime in the future he will have a very interesting discussion about smithing techniques he's witnessed.

Òxọ́lé will enter the room cautiously and add, "We do not wish to interrupt your work, if it is truly yours."

Diplomacy, Aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Carlin reads the parts about the Sarenite warriors dealing with the slaves.

I've heard of such warriors...even met a few initiates at the abbey where I had a did some studying. I had no idea about this kind of action...if it is true. If it is written by a true believer in Moloch, there's no telling what kind of slant they'll put on it. We should take it back to the priests...they might value such a record...

now at the forge[ooc]

Carlin moves into the room, unaffected by the heat. She eyes the surroundings carefully.

A craftsman hard at work...must be lonely....[ooc]auto aid diplomacy

Anybody want a new shield?

"Perhaps, if I had had such a shield, I would have fared better against that vile creature," Claremguard concedes. "Though my weapons had no effect on it."

Happy to take the shield if no one else wants it.

"A molochite?" Boom Sticks mouths to the paladin.

Upon spying the dwarf, Claremguard looks him over for signs of possible devotion.

When the ratfolk engages the dwarf, Claremguard offers a few words. "You certainly seem skilled."

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

"Hmm?" the dwarf mutters as he turns to see the group before giving a obsequious smile. He then takes the time to put down his tools and introduce himself. As he turns the group can notice a large scar and missing eye.

"The name is Vulcus...you don't look like one of Hafshi's lot. Might be a good thing. Pays me so poorly I might as well still be a slave. I just want to smith but they told me to stop any outsiders...ridiculous. If only my employers were gone." he sighs looking at the group warily.

Umm...no...we're not with Hafshi. I'm Carlin. I know where you can ply your trade...and make a decent wage as well. There are a number of places looking for a decent smith...

"Oh yes! And if you can manage the heat here you might like to meet my friends from the elemental plane of fire!"

"So... who are your current employers?" Boomy enquires, wondering if the Concordance would be able to help.

Does the dwarf have any elemental connections, GM? There might be a faction card goal applicable.

He is but a normal Qadiran dwarf.

"That sounds lovely I was a slave...then I chose a bit of freedom for work here...turns out they are a bit loopy. I dunno about being in a literal plane o' fire but I'd give anything a try. Currently employed by that loopy fellow upstairs...if he could be convinced to free me..." he says with a wink and motioning upwards.

"Loopy - how exactly?" Boom Sticks enquires, scrunching up his face. "I met a crazy space ghost once. It killed a friend of ours so we had to kill it right back."

"Angry, fiery, obessed with some horned demon that probably just wants ta burn him up. Sounds pretty loopy to me but at least that kind of person has need fer smithin. I need ta get back to work though...in case he finds ya first and fries ya up, don't be needin that."

”It seems as if you want balance and freedom!! Why don’t you fight at our side!? You are capable!! Don’t be small! Be big! You don’t have to let yourself get oppressed by these humans! no!“ he says.

diplomacy : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

The bladesman has a point....no pun intended. is fighting for your freedom not better than just asking for someone to do it for you? Join us...and the freedom will feel a bit better...

auto aid diplomacy...

"And if you will not join us, is there anything you can tell us about the master of this place? This Hafshi, is he a priest of Moloch? Are there other minions or worshippers here that would defend him, and what powers might he have?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

"Fightin isn't what I do but I can at least shut off all these steam vents. That will make it a bit more bearable up there. And she is a nasty one, beats those that step out of line with her whip or even a big ol mace if they get too close. Gave some of us a few burns to boot too. Thats all I can do though. I can't risk anything else in case yall cant deal with it." he says as he moves to shut off each of the steam vents in the room, resulting in already a cooler temperature as it dissipates.

Tabar bows.

”Thank you! Then we’ll go and meet this powerful woman! At least gender equality is important in this cult!!“ he says quite pleased.

"I bought a powerful scroll of protection against fire just for such an encounter. I believe it will be prudent to employ it as a percautionary measure. Please, everyone, come close so I can cast this on everyone."

Caster Level Check, DC 8: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Katswiri casts Communal Protection From Fire on the group. Everyone and Tabar's dog will absorb the next 84 fire damage they take.

That works...thanks, Vulcus... Carlin says to the dwarf before turning to the others.

Let's go see this Hafshi...

"Much appreciated. Let's go see the boss, now."

Boom Sticks nods in agreement. "We'll deal with it, one way or another."

Upon hearing that Hafshi is a fire-user, Boomy swaps out the ammunition in their blunderbuss, replacing the dragon's breath cartridge with a flare shot.

Prepare a cold iron shot if you have one, Boomy...in case she's of fiendish heritage. If she's immune to fire, that's going to limit my effectiveness, but I'm not a quitter...

"My pepperbox has cold iron bullets!" Boom Sticks taps their secondary firearm. "And silver too! Six chambers, six rounds! A flare shot can blind an enemy when you need it."

plus he has a cold iron lucerne hammer and a silver cestus :)

"I bought a powerful scroll of protection against fire just for such an encounter. I believe it will be prudent to employ it as a percautionary measure. Please, everyone, come close so I can cast this on everyone."

"I am much obliged,"[/b\] says Claremguard humbly as he approaches. [b]"I fear that I may have little to offer in the battle to come."

The smith looks over his shoulder and nods as the group files up the winding stairs to the levels above. Prepared for a fight, and proceeding cautiously the group doesn't spot any traps but on the next level they are met with a winding corridor. Luckily the stairwell has widened enough to allow two members to proceed at a time.

While the map is flat, there is a noticeable slant as you proceed through the room as if it is winding upwards.

The corridor’s walls are decorated with mosaics of a female pilgrim’s journey. Throughout these scenes, a small golden idol of Moloch perches on her shoulder.

The innermost loop is covered in a large mural that shows a devotee of Moloch abandoning her family to begin a pilgrimage to the Citadel, as well as her journey through the Qadiran desert, with sandstorms, steadfast refusal of water, and a heat-induced vision of Moloch. At the point marked with a red circle, a dormant vent of air from the forge sits below the mural. Next
to it lays a pile of black sand.

The group spots a mural nearby depicting a scene where pilgrims place a handful of sand above the vent and allow it to scour their bare faces.

Tabar casts mirror image and shield again.

images : 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

“Does anyone want to become enlarged?!“ he asks the team.

He then moves forward.

“Does anyone want to become enlarged?!“ he asks the team.

"I am not opposed to the prospect," Claremguard concedes, gripping his sword. He peers around the corner.

Tabar casts enlarge person on Claremguard and also a shield spell!

"Yeah! I knew you'd like that!" he says clapping his hands.

Enlarged with +2 Str, -2 Dex, -1 AC from size and +1 CMD/CMB and reach +5 ft and also +4 shield bonus to AC.

"I thought you said size didn't matter?" Boom Sticks says to Tabar quietly.

"Perhaps we should smear our faces too?". He takes a handful of sand, and absent any gust of air from the vent he throws it over his woody face and wipes it in.

"Come on. We need to find Hafshi. Maybe we can negotiate?"

I wouldn't hold your breath, Boomy...I have a feeling this Hafshi is beyond reason or negotiation...especially if she is a zealot...

Tabar smiles shyly at Boom.

"Ehh .. only for combat you know ... for some ... not me! No discrimination! Equality! Balance!"

Katswiri will also dab some of the sand on her cheeks, then toss a handfull into the vent.

"Perhaps we should smear our faces too?". He takes a handful of sand, and absent any gust of air from the vent he throws it over his woody face and wipes it in.

"If you think it helpful," Claremguard replies tentatively. He picks up some sand and does the same.

"When in Taldor..."

Òxọ́lé sands himself.

Whatever...Carlin say as she puts a small amount of ash on her face.

The group attempts the ritual as seen in the mural but doesn't feel anything of note aside from some scratches due to the jagged sand. As they move further in the middle loop illustrates the passage through the hoodoo maze:

On the mural the pilgrim encounters increasingly large fire creatures, but in each case she prostrates herself to them and is allowed to pass. At the center of the hall, an obsidian statue of a towering bull-headed man looms over mosaics of pilgrims kneeling before it.

---
Further, the outermost loop shows the final judgment of the pilgrim. The golden idol looms over the entire Lava Temple, reflected in every torch, lava pool, and smoke plume...

The pilgrim immolates herself by placing her hand in a bonfire of blue flame. A much smaller brazier of blue flame stands on an ornate sconce in the passage.

---

At the top of the Pilgrim Passage sits an ornate spiral stair leading up. The murals here depict Malebolge, where the pilgrim has been reborn as a fiery warrior clad in black armor and standing in a paradise of water and palm trees (though hints of darker skies and fiery storms can be seen in the distance, reflecting the true nature of Malebolge). Along the walls, choirs of fire creatures sing in celebration, and a frieze on
the ceiling shows the golden idol of Moloch smiling over his hordes.

All that is left after interacting with the murals, as you see fit, is to head up the imposing stairs.

Seeing no significance in the golden idol, Claremguard considers the murals atop the spiral stair.
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

"T'is a cultist’s ideal of Moloch and his domain of Malebolge," the enlarged paladin declares. "Though, I suspect that the truth is far darker and much more sinister."

"I fear more that the staircase will be a tight fit," he adds. "It may be better if another leads the way upward."

untrained know.engineering (architecture): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

"The murals show the layout of the temple" Boomy notices "but I don't think it's a good idea to set fire to ourselves. And anyway, it wouldn't work with Kat's spell protecting us. I think."

The little leshy steps forwards. "I'll lead, Claremguard".

Boomy takes point.

"You are really a great plant! You are an example that everything is equal and we all have rights! Plants as well! Not only humans!" he says looking at Boomy with a thumbs up!

"Now let us go up there and get this evil lady!"

Yes...and the faster we get out of here, the better...this place is making my skin crawl... Carlin says as she follows the others.

Katswiri nods. "Agreed. Though I may wish to come back and transcribe this mural after we have dealt with Hafshi. This should be preserved for the pathfinder chronicles." Katswiri will follow the others up the stairs.