GAMEDAY #8-25: Unleashing the Untouchable - GM Nowruz (Inactive)

Game Master noral

Hrrmm. Master Daathiel, heroism would help. Provided it lasts for the remainder of our journey.

I was thinking we had 45mins left at the 100' speed of steeds. Does it double for the slower 50' lion air-walk?

Heroism will last 140 minutes, and Daathiel can re-cast it if needed.

Lichaam believes that the ruined building on the cliff is very old and probably was once designed for patrols in the region.

How do you want to proceed?

"From what I can tell the spells didn't seem to be impacted by the planar conditions." says Kyron.

Leaving his mount a safe distance away Kyron will cautiously fly up to the top of the cliff and take a closer look at the ruins, keeping an eye out for any potential dangers.
perception + CE: 1d20 + 27 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 27 + 2 = 47

Kyron sees that the ruined building on the cliff contains the charred bodies of a missing patrol from Lodehollow that predated the Society’s interest in the region.

The heat-baked oread corpses have the consistency of crumbly, dry clay and
much of their gear is likewise destroyed.

A pair of bracers of volcanic might has survived, and you also find a pair of arachnid goggles.

"I hope you don't mind?" Kyron says to the corpses, as he requisitions the magic items. "Just it would seem like a bit of a waste to simply leave these here. I promise I'll send someone to retrieve you when I get back to civilization.".

He pulls out his notebook and scribbles down a reminder to himself for later.

Once Kyron has finished looking around the ruin he will fly back to the rest of the party.

"Not much in there other than some unfortunate, long dead oreads. I'm guessing from Lodehollow, we should probably send someone to get them once we are back there."

"Oh... and there was also this..." he says holding out the magic items. "Probably both best for someone who is likely to be getting into melee."

"I guess we should probably get moving again?"

Agreed: put that on the melee folks, including the lion if no one else wants them

Fendahl will take the bracers if none other will want them.

”Hrrmm. Interesting bracers. I wear spellguard bracers if another would wear during the mission. The goggles I will not wear. “

"Take them and use them well Fendahl. The magic of my bracers serve me in the aid of others. I cannot dishonor The Inheritor by putting my glory in combat above the needs of my allies."

I have magic bracers already. Go to town my friend!

You continue your travels!

KANDIRION’S PYRE

You already know that centuries ago, Kandirion’s Pyre was a sprawling complex both aboveground and below, but particularly devastating trueflame flare scoured nearly the entire surface flat.

You also know that from now onwards the Planes of Earth and Fire push against each other, releasing gouts of elemental energy much like two tectonic plates slip against one another to create earthquakes. This liminal region has the planar traits of both planes. (See slides for details and please remember that when you use the appropriate effects mentioned.)

What little remains of the pyre are a handful of molten stone ruins and the slagheap of a ziggurat that once served as the primary entrance to the Pyre.

There are two major areas of interest on the surface of Kandirion’s Pyre.

I) One is Kandirion’s Gate, a crumbling ziggurat from which a thousand-foot-tall plume of fire erupts, surrounded by a field of ash and bones several hundred feet wide.

II) The other noteworthy feature is a collection of outbuildings that—much like the ruin in you saw earlier after he fight —are now little more than brittle beams, crumbling walls, and vitrified foundations.

You jointly observe the buildings in the second area and can find an old entrance mostly sealed by a slag flow several feet thick.

You could also try to just enter the ziggurat.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 17 + 2 = 29 Regarding the pillar of fire (should be +2 higher)
T10 Knowledge (Arcana): 10 + 32 + 2 + 2 = 46 Regarding the pillar of fire
T10 Knowledge (Planes): 10 + 32 + 2 + 2 = 46 Regarding the pillar of fire
Lichaam casts a cautious glance up towards the pillar of flames.

T10 Knowledge (Planes): 10 + 32 + 2 + 2 = 46 Regarding the slag flow
T10 Knowledge (Geography): 10 + 26 + 2 + 2 = 40 Regarding the slag flow
"Should we take the back door, then?" he asks, gesturing to the slag flow. "I think that's standard procedure for sneaking into places, and clearing it should only take 10 minutes or so with the help of Fossilblight." He considers the state of the phantom steeds before adding "The steeds should last another 45 minutes after that, so they could help if there are magma flows to cross."

Daathiel automatically succeeds at the Knowledge (Planes) check.

"I agree, Lichaam. The main entrance should be more heavily guarded and perhaps warded.
Now, there is the concern that if we make too much noise with our excavation they will send reinforcements to this rear door... in which case we'd probably still be no worse off than if we had gone in the front."

Fendahl swaps his bracers as described

***

Fendahl nods and hefts Fossilblight.

”Hrrmm. Masters Daathiel and Lichaam yes. Let me know if this is the plan. Attracting guards while digging would be unfortunate. “

"Attracting- oh, I suppose it could." Lichaam considers the suggestion. "Let me check something."

Lichaam climbs down from his floating steed, remaining airborne himself. He floats over to the slag wall and examines the material (cross-referencing with a book from his bag), then checks the layout of their surroundings.

T10 Knowledge (Dungeoneering): 10 + 27 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 43 Rock composition and how well it dampens digging noise
T10 Knowledge (Engineering): 10 + 27 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 43 Identify any major sources of echos or natural amplification

He also considers the effect of a powerful artifact of Earth being used here, and whether the Planes were likely to react to the intrusion.
T10 Knowledge (Arcana): 10 + 32 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 48
T10 Knowledge (Planes): 10 + 31 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 47

You assume that tremors could be sensed but it seems safe to dig.

"I don't see anything that would cause the sound to carry. The vibrations of the digging would only be felt for around sixty feet."

Lichaam pulls out a scroll. "I have this, if you think it's important to minimize the vibrations. It won't be any faster than using Fossilblight, though, and there will likely still be some digging to do."

"Given all of the noise and seismic activity going on around here, using Fossilblight seems pretty low risk, so I think we should be good without using the scroll."

"If we're going to be here for a little while I may also take the opportunity to memorise an additional spell or two, to make sure I don't run short later on."

Assuming we do go with the plan to excavate the blocked entrance, Kyron will also plan to cast extended see invisibility and heightened awareness on himself once the party are ready enter.

"I have prying eyes prepared. Once you make a small hole, I can begin casting that. Even if it's dark inside, the sensors can make their way by feel. That should give us a better idea of what waits ahead."

Once a small hole has been made, cast Prying Eyes and send them through that hole. Give them the following command: "Explore carefully ahead. Split into groups and backtrack to explore all possible corridors. If attacked, having spent one hour, or inside the Pyre, return immediately."

You wield the mythic adamantine weapon to create a small hole.

The prying eyes spell reveals a path beyond the seal.

The path travels along a twenty-foot-wide tunnel of smooth, rippling stone that once carried high-pressure magma up from the Plane of Fire.

The winding passage opens into the demolished remnant of some subterranean complex. Rivers of magma flow from fissures in the walls, collecting into a sea of bubbling molten rock far below. What remains of this chamber’s floor has collapsed into a makeshift bridge of partly intact masonry and crumbling debris.

Overhead, part of a collapsed second floor is visible, though it is little more than exposed stairways and narrow ledges.

See map. Assume 20 minutes have passed.

Fendahl completes the digging with Fossil blight and then remounts Rajah in the entry into the complex.

”Hrrrmmm. This is done. If we gain the attention of others we will learn soon enough. “

Lichaam describes to the others what the eyes have shown him. Apparently the chamber ahead was a sunken portion of the Pyre itself, which triggered the eyes' return. It was unfortunate that the spell's matrix couldn't support more detailed commands, but such was life. Just one more thing to research later.

"The phantom steeds should last another thirty minutes," he says, "and the path seems wide enough for them. Before that, allow me to give everyone darkvision."

He casts Communal Darkvision through Kyron's rod of Extend. The spell settles on five of the Pathfinders and Rajah, giving everyone except Daathiel at least four hours (he and Kyron get five.) After a few seconds of consideration, he also tops up his False Life from a wand and casts See Invisibility on himself.

TempHP: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Once into the pathway, Fendahl will cast extended (rod) Atavism on Rajah for an extra boost.

"If the complex discovered by your eyes is part of the Pyre then I'd expect that is where we are going to start to need to be a bit more cautious. This buried entrance will hopefully help us get past anything guarding the perimeter, but I'm guessing there may well be additional threats at the Pyre itself."

Once the party are ready to leave Kyron will cast extended see invisibility on himself with the help of his meta-magic rod. He will also cast heightened awareness (which he will use next time initiative is rolled).

Depending on the situation, he may well cast some additional spells just before the party reaches the complex found by Lichaam's eyes.

The eyes saw nothing moving in the cavern except of the elemental forces at work.

Daathiel will cast Good Hope on the party. This will last 14 minutes.

Just making certain that everyone (and their pets) are at full HP (or better). If not, Cad will top everyone off before entering.

With sword and shield in hand, the paladin nods his readiness to venture forward.

Fendahl was down 10hp. Rajah was full.

That damage would have been absorbed by Cad in two rounds via Life Link. He healed himself well over that amount, so pretty sure we are all good to go.

You travel the path along a twenty-foot-wide tunnel of smooth, rippling stone that once carried high-pressure magma up from the Plane of Fire. The winding passage opens into the demolished remnant of some subterranean complex. Rivers of magma flow from fissures in the walls, collecting into a sea of bubbling molten rock far below.

What remains of this chamber’s floor has collapsed into a makeshift bridge of partly intact masonry and crumbling debris. Overhead, part of a collapsed second floor is visible, though it is little more than exposed stairways and narrow ledges.

Knowledge (Engineering): 1d20 + 26 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 26 + 2 + 2 = 31 Outer spoiler
Knowledge (Engineering): 1d20 + 26 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 26 + 2 + 2 = 46 Inner spoiler
"The bridge seems weak" Lichaam tells the others softly.

He takes a moment to consider it more carefully. "Yes, definitely. Stay in the air if possible, or avoid those areas." He gestures to various spots on the bridge.

See weak areas on the map. Blue areas. .

without a steed, Fendahl would ride airwalking Rajah the lioness when possible.

If he had to dismount earlier, Fendahl would remount Rajah at the first sign of the opening.

Survival, hope : 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 15 + 2 = 31

Perception,hope : 1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 21 + 2 = 27

”Agreed. “

Shortly before the party reach the chamber (based on the information provided by Lichaam's eyes), Kyron will cast Mirror Image on himself.
number of images: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

***...If our foes had any guardians watching this route to the Pyre, the chamber ahead would certainly be a good place to watch the path and potentially lay an ambush... best keep an eye out for trouble...*** he says telepathically.

Kyron looks around to see if he spots (or hears) any potential threats...
perception + CE + HA + GH: 1d20 + 27 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 27 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 50 (with darkvision and see invisibility)

Kyron sees movement of a humanoid body atop the stairs hiding!

See map. DC 33 perception to see them.

***...It looks like we may have company at the top of the stairs...***

Do they look hostile and can I work out what they are?

Kn religion : 1d20 ⇒ 6

These nearly skeletal figures wield a pistol in each hand. Their garb is dusty and weathered.

They are waiting currently with drawn weapons. These are NE Medium undead (fire subtype). Defensive Abilities: channel resistance +4; DR 10/bludgeoning and magic, 5/—; Immune fire, undead traits; SR 21; Weaknesses vulnerability to cold.

With Kyron's spell and warning, Lichaam takes a moment to cast his own mirror image and looks around from where he's at.

Mirror Image Count: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Perception (clear ear, heightened awareness, good hope): 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 17 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 26

***I don't see anything. Should I begin to call the power of the Opal? *** he mentally replies.

***...Evil fire based undead... They are waiting with drawn, ranged gunpowder weapons... I'm guessing that they do not have benevolent intentions towards us... I think a preemptive strike may be in order before they realise they have been spotted...***

I'll let other people respond to what is going on first, before I initiate any potential hostile action.

Daathiel tries to spot the figures. Perception, Heroism, Heightened Awareness: 1d20 + 16 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 16 + 2 + 2 = 27

Failing to do so, he will cast Mirror Image for 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 images.

Fendahl cannot spot them. He tries to determine if they are level with the party or if he needs to look higher or below the rock bridge.

waiting until he can see something happen...

Perception, HA: 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 19 + 2 = 35

Yanndu observes the undead silently and mentally activates his powers of invisibility.

mentally casting Greater Invisibility upon spotting the undead gunslingers

** spoiler omitted **

With Kyron's spell and warning, Lichaam takes a moment to cast his own mirror image and looks around from where he's at.

***I don't see anything. Should I begin to call the power of the Opal? *** he mentally replies.

PLEASE ALL NOTE: All other actions that you posted after Lichaam cast his spell have not been done yet! Initiative is rolled immediately after that.

As soon as Lichaam casts his spell the whole room begins to shake with movement!

Suddenly, from the magma at the bottom of the chamber flies up a blazing conflagration that is vaguely humanoid in shape that is huge in size ... its horned visage is almost too bright to look upon!

It immediately flies in your direction to engage you and terror fills your hearts!

@Everyone:
- I make a Will save DC 18 for you to speed things up. If you fail the check then Rajah, Caduceus and Yanndu are panicked but all others would be shaken for 5d6 rounds. Frightful presence is a mind-affecting fear effect. Please use your reroll if you want.

Dathiel is clearly shaken and Rajah is severely panicked!

- Please remember the effects in the slides "Where Earth and Fire Overlap"!
- Floor to ceiling on bridge level is around 30 ft in the cavern.
- The undead shooters are on platforms 20 ft up.
- The magma pits are around 60 ft below the bridge.

The creature roars at you.

The creature moves beneath you ... and you all feel that the heat is unbearable!

The elemental creature looks straight at Fendahl at the front and hits him really hard with her fire fist!

Slam, burn: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (14) + 23 = 372d8 + 8 ⇒ (6, 1) + 8 = 152d10 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8 Fendahl: Please also make a DC 22 Reflex save or catch fire, taking 2d10 (please roll yourself) damage for an additional 1d4 rounds (please roll yourself) at the start of your turn. A burning creature can attempt a new save as a full-round action. Dropping and rolling on the ground grants a +4 bonus on this save.

~

Please note: Creatures that hit the fire elemental with natural weapons or unarmed attacks take 2d10 fire damage per hit (roll yourself) as though hit by the burning creature and must make a DC 22 Reflex save to avoid catching on fire for d4 round (roll yourself) for 2d10 fire damage at the beginning of your turn.

~

@Everyone: The fire of this elemental ignores all fire resistance for all its abilities! Additionally Shroud of Flame (Ex): Any creature within a mythic fire elemental’s reach must succeed at a DC 22 Reflex save at the start of its turn or take 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7 points of fire damage. I will roll the reflex now as this is speeds things up.

Fendahl, Kyron and Yanndu burn by the creature's presence!

~

Initiative

SAKRISKA

Daathiel, shaken 14 rounds

BURNING STRANGER, yellow
BURNING STRANGER, white
BURNING STRANGER, orange

Lichaam

BURNING STRANGER, red
KEFITAK

Yanndu, -7
Kyron, -7
Caduceus
Fendahl, -30, DC 22 Reflex save at the start of turn or 2d10 fire damage with no resistance
Rajah, panicked 18 rounds

BOLD is up!

Lichaam tries to identify the sudden intruder as his spell speeds his reaction time.

***It's a fire elemental, with additional mythic power. I don't believe the horses will last long at this range, so be ready for them to vanish.***

Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 31 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 31 + 2 + 2 = 49 Includes Clear Ear and Good Hope
Preferred information: Resistances, vulnerabilities, special defenses, special attacks, immunities

Fyi - Rajah has atavism running and Good hope as well.
If they stack, and timing was before triggering init…then adds +4 to saves.

Perfect! Then he’s not panicked. :-)
@Lichaam: I changed the initiative as you got the +4 from HA.
Preferred information: DR 10/—; Immune elemental traits, fire; Weaknesses vulnerable to cold; special defenses/attacks:
* Inferno (Ex): A mythic fire elemental can expend one use of mythic power as an immediate action to lose its vulnerability to cold for 1 round. During this time, any fire damage it deals ignores fire resistance and fire immunity.
* Shroud of Flame (Ex): Any creature within a mythic fire elemental’s reach must succeed at a DC 22 Reflex save at the start of its turn or take 2d6 points of fire damage. The elemental can suppress or reactivate this ability at will as a free action. The save DC is Constitution-based.
* Smoke Cloud (Ex): As a swift action, a mythic fire elemental can create a choking cloud of smoke. This cloud is equivalent to that of pyrotechnics and lasts 1 minute. Fire elementals are immune to the effects of this ability., special attacks, immunities.
* Burn (2d10, DC 22)

Daathiel does have a Folio reroll, as well as a class ability to Take 10 on any 1d20 roll 2/day, but I don't think I need to use those here. Shaken is not really a big deal for him.

Knowledge (Planes), Heroism, Shaken: 1d20 + 30 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 30 + 2 - 2 = 40
I am pretty Lichaam will get everything of interest. Daathiel just needs to make the check to use Naturalist.

Daathiel begins advising the party on how to fight such a monstrosity.
NATURALIST +3 insight bonus to attacks, AC, and saves against its abilities.

Then he casts Mirror Image as he had planned to do (before it was pre-empted by combat starting), gaining 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 images.
Auto-passes the DC 19 Concentration check to cast defensively.

Kyron will use his Heighten Awareness to increase his initiative roll by 4.

Knowledge (planes) + CE + GH: 1d20 + 27 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 27 + 2 + 2 = 51
Key information he is after (in order of importance and if we don’t know it yet): Immunities, Saves, Special Defenses, Resistances, Weaknesses.

Fendahl grunts in pain from the burning slam to his chest

Reflex, hope: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 + 2 = 24 vs burn.

@Kyron: You additionally know saves but all others I already noted. Additional info based on your total kn planes checks at random:
Fort medium, Ref high, Will low
Melee 2 slams +23 (2d8+8 plus burn)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 16th; concentration +16)
At will—produce flame
5/day—flame arrow, wall of fire
Feats Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes M, Dodge M, Improved Initiative B, Iron Will M, Lightning Stance, Mobility, Spring Attack, Weapon Finesse B, Wind Stance

Caduceus is immune to Fear. His Aura of Good also provides an additional +4 morale bonus to saves versus fear if that makes a difference to any outcomes.