[PAIZOCON] PFS2 2-19: Enter the Pallid Peak (Inactive)

Game Master Eric Parker 82

Zantal says:There's what, twenty combinations left? How long could it take to just try them all? For real though?

As Scragatha moves down the corridor to look at the Torches that seem to be burning forever, she can look through one of the passages and see a lake of lava.

Where to from here?

"I think there is only one of the dials left ... two weapons and three sacred animals as options, so a mere 6 combinations. I believe if we enter incorrectly, the wheels all spin to random positions, but with this few unknowns it is not unreasonable to just guess ... If only I could remember more lore about the other Dwarven gods." Highwire shrugs. "I am game to try the six combinations and see what happens."

Scragatha seems unimpressed by the magic braziers. "Ah, of course magic."

She sees the Lava at the end of the hallway. "Well that explains the heat."

To Zantal and Highwire, she shrugs. "Eh, we can look at it again on the way out. Let's stop wasting time in here, it's too hot to be standing around."

She starts to continue walking down the corridor. "Come'on! There's got to be something else in here."

Continuing South

Crumbling stone weapon racks, now empty, line the walls of this long, wide hall stretching north and south. About two-thirds of the way down, a wall protrudes across much of the passage, creating a natural chokepoint for anyone trying to move through. Chunks of stone cover a bin built into the obstruction. To the south, a passageway leads to a long tunnel.

The tunnel south leads into a dark, unworked passage. Note: The passage is marked “Beyond the scope of this adventure.”
.
The bin contains a brass plate worth 6 gp that bears an inscription in Common and Dwarven:

“May no enmity pass through this gate from Kazhlik, western doorway to the empire of Tar Khadurrm.”

Highwire is fairly sure that they are flexible enough to squeeze through the dark, unworked passage, but have just enough wisdom to realize that this is probably not a wise move, nor particularly necessary to completing the objectives of the Society.

They put the plate in with the rest of the supplies, to be restored to be turned over along with their eventual report.

Once giving up on the southern passage, Highwire moves stealthily toward the lava pit, staying behind the walls as best they can to peek around and see what is visible nearer to that. Zagnut perks out of Highwire's hair, panting from the increased heat, and wipes sweat from his own furry little forehead.

Highwire notices the area in front of him covered in a Brown Mold, which seems to absorb the heat and keep the lava from bubbling over and splashing people in this area.

A river of lava glows sullenly as it cuts through this ruined chamber, looking like a portal to the Abyss. The air shimmers above the melted stone as waves of heat pour off it. Crumbling mortar fills gaps and cracks on the broken basalt walls, and a granite bridge connects the shattered eastern and western halves of the room. (Map Left from Highwire's current location. He can also see another bridge in the distance, running North/South, Map left to right)

The Blue outlined squares you can see are covered in the mold. Disable check is two actions, DC 14 Nature or Survival or DC 17 Thievery to clear your square and all adjacent squares of the mold; the churning lava does not target creatures in cleared squares with its spatter attack, but the hazard is not destroyed until every square has been cleared of mold.

I moved the group closer just in case something might happen.

Assuming he is able to act...

Zantal attempts to clear the closest square of mold. Thievery to disable mold: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21.

Is there any reason we shouldn't try just going around first? Maybe we'll find some dwarven anti-mold suits.

Scragatha wipes her brow from the heat as everyone observes this partnership. "Ooo is that brown mold?! Perfect. This stuff is great for keeping drinks cold."

She tries to scoop some up in a metal flask.

thievery: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

But removing the small sample doesn't do much to reduce the sheer amount of mold in the area and she tries to gently push more of it out of the way.

Hero point Thievery: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Creatures around the corner see Zantal's action to clear the mold and are not pleased.

Initiative Round 1

Bold May Act

Scragatha
Zantal
Mephit, Yellow
Galindie
Ra'uf Steelwheels
Ankhef Hammerstone
Highwire
Mephit, Red
Mephit, Green

Feel free to make minor adjustments to your position before you act. For example, Rauf may have moved up when Zantal did.

Grumble I hate it when I get everything drafted and then don't hit "Submit"

Zantal melodically sings "do not fear, my friends." ◆ Inspire Courage. He will then fire his Heavy Crossbow + 1 at the nearest Mephit. ◆ Strike with Heavy Crossbow + 1 to hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27 Damage on hit: 1d10 ⇒ 10

Zantal then retreats. ◆Stride.

Did combat start before Scragatha's attempts? Ie, does she still have her hero point?

Scragatha draws her Alchemical Crossbow and fires at the Green Mephit and reloads.

"Lookie here, this place isn't entirely deserted!"

Alchemical Crossbow attack: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 1 = 16 Piercing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9Cold Damage: 1d6 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3 2/3 charges left

◆Interact to draw weapon ◆Strike ◆Reload

Not a full update, but I will let Scragatha know that the combat started before your attempt to clear the square, so you still have your Hero Point. You can also Retcon your turn, since the Mephit you targeted died before you acted and the others are not in line of sight yet.

Zantal's Heavy Crossbow bolt strikes the Mephit between the eyes and it immediately dies.

Retcon!

"Lookie here, this place isn't entirely deserted!"

"Great shot Zantal! Now watch me!"

◆Interact to draw weapon ◆◆Ready Action, Fire when another target appears in range.

GM's choice:

Another Mephit comes around the corner and gets hits by Scragatha's Alchemical crossbow bolt, for a Solid hit. The Cold portion of the damage seems Super Effective!

The Yellow Mephit is still moving, however, and it breaths molten stone at the

◆ Stride (fly around the corner

◆◆Breath Weapon [two-actions] (arcane, earth, fire) The scorched earth mephit breathes molten stone in a 15-foot cone that deals 2d4 fire damage and 1d4 persistent fire damage to each creature within the area (DC 17 basic Reflex save). The scorched earth mephit can’t use Breath Weapon again for 1d4 rounds.

Fire Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5

Recharge time: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Initiative Round 1

Bold May Act

Scragatha (DC 17 basic Reflex save or 5 Fire damage, 1d4 Persistent fire)
Zantal
Mephit, Yellow (-14 HP)
Galindie
Ra'uf Steelwheels(DC 17 basic Reflex save or 5 Fire damage, 1d4 Persistent fire)
Ankhef Hammerstone
Highwire (DC 17 basic Reflex save or 5 Fire damage, 1d4 Persistent fire)
Mephit, Red
Mephit, Green

Ref save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

"It's already lava hot in here! What do you think that's gonna do?!"

Botting Ankhef Hammerstone

◆ Cast Bless

◆ Stride Forward

◆ Cast Bless

Botting Galindier Cyndoral, at their request

Galindier pulls out his shortbow to engage from a distance

◆ Pull out shortbow

◆ Shoot at Yellow
Attack roll at Yellow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Piercing Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

◆ Shoot at Yellow
Attack roll at Yellow: 1d20 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 5 = 2
Piercing Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Slightly nicking the creature

Initiative Round 1

Bless up around Ankhef

Bold May Act

Scragatha (-2 HP, 1d4 Persistent fire)
Zantal
Mephit, Yellow (-15 HP)
Galindier
Ra'uf Steelwheels(DC 17 basic Reflex save or 5 Fire damage, 1d4 Persistent fire)
Ankhef Hammerstone
Highwire (DC 17 basic Reflex save or 5 Fire damage, 1d4 Persistent fire)
Mephit, Red
Mephit, Green

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Ugh, really don't want to use my last hero point yet.

Ra'uf presses through the flames to face the enemy.

◆ Step

◆ Strike

+1 Greataxe: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Slashing Damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

◆ Strike (unless Yellow is down, in which case Stride to Red)

+1 Greataxe: 1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 10 - 5 = 7
Slashing Damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Persistent Fire Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
DC 15 Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 13

↺ Liberating Step the first time an enemy damages, Grabs, or Grapples your ally, and both are within 15 feet of you.

Ra'uf's strike with the Greataxe splits the Yellow Mephit in twain! Unfortunately, Ra'uf is concentrating so hard on the strike, the Molten stone from the Mephit's breath attack catches him full in the face. Critically fail the save

Confirming whether Ra'uf really want to stride into the blue squares and trigger the hazard Scragatha and Zantal were clearing? It looks like it will spurt lava at you every round.

Initiative Round 1

Bless up around Ankhef

Zantal cast Inspire Courage

Bold May Act

Scragatha (-2 HP, 1d4 Persistent fire)
Zantal
Mephit, Yellow (-15 HP)
Galindier
Ra'uf Steelwheels (-11 HP, 1d4 Persistent fire) one action
Ankhef Hammerstone
Highwire (DC 17 basic Reflex save or 5 Fire damage, 1d4 Persistent fire)
Mephit, Red
Mephit, Green

Reflex: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Thanks for the clarification on the hazard. I wasn't really clear on why the mold was a problem. It looks like yellow is dead, so I am moving that one off to the left side of the map.

Highwire ducks the gout of lava from the mephit. "I cannot get to it, without triggering the lava-spitting mold."[b] Seeing nowhere even that they can safely jumps, they step out of the way and enter their crane stance, then cast the shield spell on themself.

[b]"With apologies, if someone could clear some space for maneuverability here ..."

No fire, please. Ra'uf will Step closer instead.

The hazard is a little hard to explain, as it involves Brown Mold (which absorbs heat) keeping the temperature balance in the area. Disturb the Mold, and the lava bubbles at you, but when you clear the mold, the lava stops bubbling? It seems odd to me, but it is what it is. Needless to say this become much more complicated if you miss the perception check and walk into the hazard.

Thanks for moving Yellow. I was updating around work and other things today and missed it.

The Red Mephit? flies over and breathes Molten rock on Ra'uf, Highwire, and Scragatha.

The Red Mephit flies around the corner and breathes molten rock down the corridor

◆ Stride (fly) around the corner

◆◆Breath Weapon [two-actions] (arcane, earth, fire) The scorched earth mephit breathes molten stone in a 15-foot cone that deals 2d4 fire damage and 1d4 persistent fire damage to each creature within the area (DC 17 basic Reflex save). The scorched earth mephit can’t use Breath Weapon again for 1d4 rounds.

Fire Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6

Recharge time: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Initiative Round 2

Bless up around Ankhef (+1 status bonus to attack rolls)

Zantal cast Inspire Courage (+1 status bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves against fear effects)

Status Bonuses do not stack, but can apply to different rolls

Bold May Act

Scragatha (-2 HP, DC 17 basic Reflex save or 6 Fire damage, 1d4 Persistent fire)
Zantal
Mephit, Yellow (-15 HP)
Galindier
Ra'uf Steelwheels (-11 HP, DC 17 basic Reflex save or 6 Fire damage, 1d4 Persistent fire)
Ankhef Hammerstone
Highwire (-2 HP, DC 17 basic Reflex save or 6 Fire damage, 1d4 Persistent fire)
Mephit, Red
Mephit, Green

Zantal shouts to the group: You're so resilient! You've got this!
((◆Inspire Courage))

Then he sings a little song for Rauf. ((◆◆ Cast Hymn of Healing, Rauf gains fast healing 2 and 2 temporary hit points, can be sustained up to four rounds)).

Reflex save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Ouch ...

Unlike on the last assault, Highwire's attempt to sidestep the next blast of flame goes awry and they step right into it. Highwire's hands begin to glow with power as they invoke the mystical power of their ki, then lash out in a series of strikes at the remaining mephit.

◆ Cast ki strike
◆ Flurry of Blows
◆ Strike

Fist strike 1 attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Fist strike 1 damage (bludgeoning) : 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 + force damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Fist strike 2 attack, multiattack: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 9 - 4 = 10
Fist strike 2 damage (bludgeoning) : 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 + force damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Fist strike 3 attack, multiattack: 1d20 + 9 - 8 ⇒ (9) + 9 - 8 = 10
Fist strike 3 damage (bludgeoning) : 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 + force damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Reflex: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Side note, I think the persistent damage is also affected by the basic save (ie, it should be halved if the save was made)

"Have you heard of the phrase hat on a hat? Stop it with the fire breathing!"

She reloads the modified crossbow and takes another shot at the remaining creature.

Alchemical Crossbow attack: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 = 27 Piercing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5Cold Damage: 1d6 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3 (1/3 charges left)

◆Reload ◆Strike ◆Reload

Persistent Fire check: 1d20 ⇒ 12 Still on fire

Scragatha, I tried to look this up, and it isn't clear, so I am not doubling/halving the persistent damage based on the save. A Critical success would be an exception, since you take no damage and I would rule that if you take no base damage, there is no persistent damage. I think Ra'uf would appreciate that based on his first Critical Fail on the Reflex save.

Highwire's first attack staggers the Mephit, and Scragatha's Alchemical Crossbow finishes it off.

There are no more enemies on the board, but we are staying in initiative until the Persistent damage is resolved for everyone.

Initiative Round 2

Bless up around Ankhef (+1 status bonus to attack rolls)

Zantal cast Inspire Courage (+1 status bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves against fear effects)

Status Bonuses do not stack, but can apply to different rolls

Bold May Act

Scragatha (-5 HP, 1d4 Persistent fire)
Zantal
Mephit, Yellow (-15 HP)
Galindier
Ra'uf Steelwheels (-11 HP, 2 Temp HP, Fast Healing 2, DC 17 basic Reflex save or 6 Fire damage, 1d4 Persistent fire)
Ankhef Hammerstone
Highwire (-8 HP, 1d4 Persistent fire)
Mephit, Red
Mephit, Green

Botting Ankhef and Galinder. Hopefully, both will be back soon.

Galinder moves forward and tries to help Scragatha put out the Persistent fire.

◆ Stride

◆◆ Assisted Recovery for Scragatha

Ankhef moves forward and tries to help Ra'uf put out the Persistent fire.

◆ Stride

◆◆ Assisted Recovery for Ra'uf

Scragatha and Ra'uf can each make another roll to end the Persistent Damage once per turn outside of the roll at the end of your turn.

I am going to go ahead and rule in advance that the Assisted Recovery action will reduce the DC of the Flat Check to 10.

Initiative Round 2

Bless up around Ankhef (+1 status bonus to attack rolls)

Zantal cast Inspire Courage (+1 status bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves against fear effects)

Status Bonuses do not stack, but can apply to different rolls

Bold May Act

Scragatha (-5 HP, 1d4 Persistent fire) Assisted Recovery Roll DC 10
Zantal
Mephit, Yellow (-15 HP)
Galindier
Ra'uf Steelwheels (-11 HP, 2 Temp HP, Fast Healing 2, DC 17 basic Reflex save or 6 Fire damage, 1d4 Persistent fire) Assisted Recovery Roll DC 10
Ankhef Hammerstone
Highwire (-8 HP, 1d4 Persistent fire)
Mephit, Red
Mephit, Green

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Ra'uf will treat some of his own wounds.

Battle Medicine: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Healing: 2d8 ⇒ (1, 8) = 9

Persistent Fire: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Flat Check DC 10: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Flat Check DC 10: 1d20 ⇒ 16

I believe this leave Ra'uf at 37/39 with up to three rounds of fast healing left.

I critically failed the save, so I think I took 12 damage instead of 6, putting me at -14. Forgot my persistent fire, though ...

Persistent fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Did you want us to roll out own persistent Fire damage?

Persistent Fire Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Highwire, you are right. I missed that your save was a natural 1, so you are right about your damage.

You can roll your own persistent damage, since it occurs at the end of your turn. It is easier for everyone that way

I think I have the status right for everyone. We have two people still taking Persistent Fire damage, but once you have that dealt with we can move on.

Scragatha, you had another Flat check to put out the Persistent Fire due to Galinder's Assisted Recovery action last round.

Initiative Round 3

Bold May Act

Scragatha (-6 HP, 1d4 Persistent fire) 1 extra Assisted Recover Flat Check, DC 10
Zantal
Galindier
Ra'uf Steelwheels (-2 HP, Fast Healing 2)
Ankhef Hammerstone
Highwire (-15 HP, 1d4 Persistent fire)

Galindier will gladly continue to assist Scragatha (or if no longer on fire, he'll rush to Highwire's aid).

Ra'uf will attempt to heal Highwire next.

Battle Medicine: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Healing: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

...

Scragatha, you had another Flat check to put out the Persistent Fire due to Galinder's Assisted Recovery action last round.

...

Persistent Fire: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Scragatha is slightly on fire but is more focused on other things. As Galinder tries to help her out she doesn't stand still.

Round three with Galinder's help again
Persistent Fire: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Helpful Flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Finally getting a hold of the bouncy goblin, the flames are smothered. "Hey woah, what are you doing there Gal- oh. I was on fire. Thank you. Not the first time that's happened."

One last person on fire. Highwire, if you want to go ahead and roll, you can assume one of the others will provide Assisted Recovery, provide and additional check and reduce the DC to 10.

With Galinder's help, the flames from the molten rock engulfing Scragatha finally go out. Ra'uf provides healing to Highwire.

Initiative Round 3

Bold May Act

Scragatha (-11 HP)
Zantal
Galindier
Ra'uf Steelwheels
Ankhef Hammerstone
Highwire (-7 HP, 1d4 Persistent fire)

Zantal runs to Highwire and attempts to help him douse the flames. flat check to aid recovery: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Some healing for Scragatha.

Battle Medicine: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Healing: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7

Scragatha smiles as Ra'uf tends to her burns. "Thank you Ra'uf, that feels much better."

She pulls a minor elixir of life and pulls the cork with her teeth. "Let's see if we can't speed the recovery process along a bit."

minor elixir of life: 1d6 ⇒ 5

"Ahh.. better."

Round 2 of fire
Persistent damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 4
-15 + 8 - 4 = -11 HP

Zagnut has had enough of this inferno, and leaps free from Highwire's hair, scurring along the wall. Highwire continues to pat themself and rolls on the ground, but all this movement seems to be aggravating the flames. Ra'uf's attempt at healing, while appreciated, backfires somewhat as the bandages themselves catch fire. Highwire pulls out a waterskin and begins pouring water on the flames.

Round 3 of fire
Persistent damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 12
I believe that makes it, if the DC of the flat check is now 10. Back to -15 HP though.

Highwire backs away from the lava, leaning against the wall. They take out the lesser healing potion that they got from their school before leaving and drink it. "Zantal," they say softly, "If I could borrow those healing tools you mentioned earlier, I would most appreciate it." Once getting the supplies, they begin working to tend to the wounds, far away from the dangerous lava.

Medicine: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Nice!
Healing: 4d8 ⇒ (2, 8, 8, 1) = 19

Over the course of 10 minutes, they deftly bandage themself, finally jumping up from the ground in a series of kicks and flips. "I feel excellent now!" They look around to see if the others have cleared a path through the dangerous mold yet.

Zagnut, wary, continues to stay along the wall.

Any chance of another 10 minutes to Refocus, as well? Or do we seem in a rush?

We're not technically in a rush, but if we stay in the area for more than allotted we will get fatigued from the heat. I can't recall what the timeline on that was though

The timeframe for fatigue in most of the "dungeon" is four hours. You are currently in an area immediately adjacent to the lava and in extreme heat, which drops the time to 10 minutes. You can back into the corridor with the relief sculpture and the everburning sconces to avoid the extreme heat.

A more important timeline is the IRL one where I need to have this completed and report No Later Than 12 July, preferably by 11 July. So much time, so little to do. No, wait. Reverse that.

With the Mephits defeated, you have a bridge to the South (Map Left) a room you bypassed coming here (marked with a Blue rectangle) or the rooms to the East of the room where you came in (Map down from there)

And we're moving (as soon as you tell me which way.)

Can we see the bridge directly south of us, running west to east? We could take the bridge first then possibly hit the eastern and blue rooms on the way back around. Otherwise blue would be my favored option.

After everyone stops being on fire, Scragatha moves on towards the bridge. "Listen, I'm running out of frost vials and I am sweating up a storm. Let's keep moving!"

I will use my familiar ability for Zagnut to give me a focus point back without having to use the 10 minute Refocus action

Highwire nods and, once bandaged, agrees with going over the bridge, and darts ahead, staying low to the ground ... not merely because they're a gnome, but also because they're a somewhat sneaky gnome. Zagnut runs a few paces behind, also trying to be stealthy.

Avoid Notice w/ Stealth +7 to check out what's on the other side of the bridge.

Speaking of time: With 2 encounters down, a reminder to the GM (since I know I forget all the time) that it might be about time to hand out a hero point.

Good point Highwire. Hero Point to Zantal for obliterating one of the Mephits with a Max damage crit with a heavy crossbow. Hero Point to Highwire for critting one of the constructs in the first room.

As you enter this room

A plinth in the center of this room holds sheets of hammered metal etched with writing and illustrations of bridges, though scratches obscure much of the work. Steel sheets covered in Dwarven writing hang on the walls, reinforcing the damaged surfaces.

Does anybody speak dwarven?

I checked and Ankhef speaks dwarven, so. . .

A note in Dwarven on the plans reads, “Rebuild Kazhlik for the good of Tar Khadurrm—King Garbold,” though the final four words are scratched out and replaced with “Droskar.” “Any Road to Glory” is written large in Dwarven at the top of the four plates on the walls, while smaller letters give a series of a dozen commands, such as “serve” and “toil,” and elaborations
in poetic terms.

Highwire recognizes the phrase as a common Droskari aphorism and the smaller writing as the Droskari scripture Book of Chains.

Scragatha also reads dwarven. Sometimes they got good explosives.

Scragatha looks over the sheets of hammered metal, hoping for something exciting.

"Hmm, well, I guess if we get bored we can learn to build some bridges. Oh and look here. It essentially translates to "work,work,work". Zzzz." She dismissively waves her hand at the metal as everyone checks out the area. "Pff"