DM Brainiac's Stolen Fate: Table 2

Game Master Brainiac

Arodeth perks up a bit. "I have been looking into this ancient ruin itself. Did you know that those two enormous statues of Runelord Karzoug that flank the Storval Stairs are powerful weapons? These tablets describe special crystals—grown in a hidden chamber on the other side of the stairs—that, when socketed in place behind the statue’s eyes, allow the statue to direct beams of fire and ice to strike at foes below. It's quite fascinating."

Targrish's curiosity is piqued. "Eh? Research? What do you study?"

"Aside from this ruin, I have been looking into the nature of ancient prophecies," Ardoeth says. She sighs before launching into a lengthy story. "A long time ago, my father, Lord Garron of Cheliax, discovered a tome of prophecies called the Book of 1,000 Whispers. He had been a devout follower of Aroden before the god's death--indeed, he named me in Aroden's honor. He believed that death had been a cosmic error. By ensuring the prophecies in the Book of 1,000 Whispers came to pass, my father believed he could correct the error and Aroden would return.

"And now, here I am. A failure twice over. The Band of Blades are all I have now, and so I must do all I can to preserve them and ensure their prosperity. I have faced too many failures. I cannot lose again. And who knows?"

"How very tragic, darling. But as a fortune teller of some ability, I can tell you that prophecy is well dead and gone. It isn't your failure, dear, but your father's, I'm afraid to say, that he led you here," Vashta says gently.

"And not to be blunt, but perhaps you might have learned your lesson about stealing with your misadventures with the Pathfinder Society," she adds. Nothing wrong with a little theft, but you need to be good at it. You're just using brute force banditry here. No subtlety at all! "What you're doing here will not end well for your Band of Blades. You would do better to find gainful employ. Many people seek mercenaries, but no one likes a bandit. They might even ask people like us to find a way to deal with them."

Diplomacy (master): 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (15) + 26 = 41

And if it matters, I have Lie to Me: You can use Deception to weave traps to trip up anyone trying to deceive you. If you can engage in conversation with someone trying to Lie to you, use your Deception DC if it is higher than your Perception DC to determine whether they succeed. This doesn’t apply if you don’t have a back-and-forth dialogue, such as when someone attempts to Lie during a long speech.

Arodeth sighs. "You're right, of course. I am amenable to vacating this site peacefully, but before I go, I would ask you something. The Band of Blades is a large organization. I have heard reports that one of my mercenaries might have faced off people matching your description in Absalom, but I haven't authorized any actions in that city. I hope you might be able to shed some light on the encounter?"

"Well, we are glad you're being quite reasonable, dear. We did have an encounter in Absalom recently," Vashta agrees. "Three warriors, with a devil. They were no match for us, of course."

She describes the encounter. Not sure this is the one she's talking about, but maybe? (Plus I've got to head out shortly.)

Yes, that's the one.

Arodeth scowls angrily. "Drustan. I might have guessed. The organization is only hanging by a thread already. Rogue actions impair our survivability.

"Lord Drustan an angry and vengeful ex-noble. Although he has eschewed his native Cheliax, he maintains connections with several powerful devils. His undeniable might and leadership ability made him a valuable lieutenant despite his unpleasant demeanor and unsavory associations. However, it seems he has been pursuing his own goals. The last I remember, Drustan talked about some 'like-minded seekers' who were looking for parts of some extraordinarily powerful artifact."

"Well, dear, he won't cause you any further problems, unless Pharasma spits him back out," Vashta says. "But if you know anything further about him or perhaps these 'like-minded seekers,' we would certainly be interested in learning it."

"Did he usually hole up in Cheliax, then?" Targrish fishes for information.

"Oh, no, you misunderstand," Arodeth says. "The tiefling mercenary you defeated was a man named Vharnev the Butcher. Drustan should be returning from his travels at any moment, actually."

"Returning here? Interesting." The dwarf glances around the room, looking for defensible positions.

"Will you confront him about his 'extracurricular activities'?"

Arodeth taps her chin. "Now that you mention it, I think I will. But I know he will not be happy about that. Thus, I propose an alliance. Let us work together to punish Drustan for his indiscretions. Help me to confront him, and I will give you something in return. I discovered this among my possessions recently. I'm not sure how it got there, but it is a magical item of no small power."

She reaches into a pouch and produces a Harrow card: The Rakshasa.

Targrish glances at the others in the group with eager eyes--as much for the possible information that could be wrung from Drustan as for the Harrow card.

"Let us discuss that, briefly. Your leiutenant has caused us a deal of trouble, and we'd like to get to the bottom of his activities."

Aicard steps up to Arodeth and inspects the card. His dark beady eyes are drawn to the powerful card. Something stirs inside him and whispers that he ought to take the card. The urge is like an itch, but Aicard behaves and takes a step back. "It is wise that you wish to part with this card in a peaceful manner."

"You will find in us faithful allies. When Drustan appears, he will be dealt with."

Vashta agrees with her companions. "We have a deal then, my dear. Perhaps you can start by telling us a little more about what we can expect from Drustan?"

"Drustan is a tyrant devoted to Asmodeus. He is a terror on the battlefield, putting his flaming bastard sword to deadly use. As you have seen, he trucks with devils and their ilk, so you may have to fend off his infernal allies as well."

Vashta nods, and prepares herself for a fight. Will cast heroism on Targrish and Aicard when we think Drustan is ready to appear, and glibness on myself.

Oro approaches Targrish humming a low chant and bearing in one hand a small dish upon which some fragant herbs lie smoking. With the other hand he offers a wicker fetish on a length of twine.

"For the battle to come," he says. "Call on this when you feel yourself being tested."

Root Magic: +2 circumstance bonus to the first save you make against a spell or haunt.

As Arodeth predicted, it isn't long after you make your preparations that Lord Drustan arrives. He approaches on horseback from the west at the base of the Storval Stairs, accompanied by a small band of mounted soldiers and two gray-skinned devils with black feathered wings.

"Arodeth! Come out and speak to me!" Drustan declares in an arrogant tone. "We have much to discuss!"

"Well, darling, he certainly doesn't seem to think you are in charge," Vashta says lightly, waiting to see how Arodeth wants to play this.

Aicard will cast Heroism on Vashta. It's 'only' a +1 bonus.

In anticipation of Drustan's arrival, Aicard has dismissed the illusionary magic he normally uses to hide his bulky armor. For once, Aicard's foe ought to see who he is up against, a proud member of the Divine Dare with foul demonic blood coursing through his veins. Eager to get things started, Aicard leans forward using his shield as a makeshift stand.

"Indeed," Arodeth replies. "No good will come from talking to him. Strike now, and strike hard."

As Drustan gets closer, he pauses and sneers up at you. "You. You are the ones who snatched the cards from the Deck of Destiny out from under me in Absalom. Those cards are mine by right! I'll tell you a secret about them. You can't hold them if you're dead. So you can either try to keep them, and die, or you can give them to the Unmatched, and die."

He hops off of his horse as he draws his bastard sword.

Everybody may act first! You can start the battle as close to or as far from the enemies as you would like.

"Darling, that's no secret," Vashta says in a voice as sweet as it is deadly. "How do you think we got them, after all. Your pet demons certainly couldn't stop us."

She pulls a card out of thin air. "The Marriage. It represents a union of peoples, ideas, or kingdoms. Or us and our cards. Or maybe it's a marriage of you and Pharasma. Though I can't imagine she's all that eager to meet you. I know I've only known you for a few seconds and find myself incredibly bored, darling."

And she casts unraveling blast.

Harrow cast, unraveling blast on Drustan
Harrow suits: 1d6 ⇒ 6
1. Hammers (Str), 2. Keys (Dex), 3. Shields (Con), 4. Books (Int), 5. Stars (Wis), 6. Crown (Cha)
Card: 1d9 ⇒ 2
Lore (fortune telling) (expert): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24
Unraveling blast mental damage (DC 32 Will save): 20d4 ⇒ (3, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 4, 4, 3, 3, 2, 3, 3, 4, 3, 3, 3, 2, 4, 3) = 56

Crown: Crown The spell’s magic is hidden and subtle, and observers may not realize you’re doing anything more than manipulating cards in your harrow deck. Attempt a Fortune‑Telling Lore check against all observer’s Perception DCs. If your check is successful against an observer’s Perception DC, that observer doesn’t notice you are Casting a Spell, even though normally spells have sensory manifestations. This hides only the spell’s spellcasting actions and manifestations, not its effects.

"Pharasma shouldn't worry herself. This one is going straight to Asmodeus!" Targrish uses his own means of seeing Drustan's destiny, then moves in to ensure it with his sharp blades.

Exploit, Stride, Strike
Exploit Vulnerability: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (18) + 23 = 41

kukri: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (8) + 25 = 33 for slashing: 2d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (2, 6) + 5 + 4 = 17
Plus and Weakness

Reaction: I'll use Amulet the first time he hurts someone to reduce the damage by 15, then by 5 for the rest of the turn

"Ha!" Aicard claps his hands and then points at Drustan. "Ain't he a funny guy? Well, just because you're so funny, we'll kill you last, Drustan!"

Aicard will opt to go lost, and uses his 'Big Debut' feat. See spoiler for the rules.

Feeling less brash than his peers, Oro tries to discern their fate in the blowing breeze, then considers his foes.

Devise a stratagem: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Society: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (2) + 24 = 26

Saoc Astrology: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Oro's plan is sound but the stars do not favor it. He fire a shot, watching with equanimity as fate nudges his arrow from Drustan's heart.

Strategic Strike result is 41 (19+23-1

2d6 + 1 + 3d6 ⇒ (6, 6) + 1 + (2, 4, 2) = 21

Actions: Devise a Stratagem, Saoc Brethren, Strategic Strike

Will vs Big Debut (Drustan, Devils, Troop): 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (7) + 24 = 311d20 + 20 ⇒ (12) + 20 = 321d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 331d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26

The devils seem unimpressed by Aicard's dramatic delay, but Drustan and the mercenaries shiver with antici-...

...

...-pation!

Will vs Unraveling Blast: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (15) + 24 = 39

Drustan resists Vashta's unraveling blast. His armor protects him from Targrish's kukri, but Orozomoc's arrow finds its mark, wounding the armored warrior.

Behind you, Arodeth raises her hands as she casts a spell, causing lightning to strike Drustan and chain to all of his allies!

Reflex vs Chain Lightning DC 34: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (18) + 25 = 431d20 + 22 ⇒ (4) + 22 = 261d20 + 22 ⇒ (4) + 22 = 261d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Damage: 8d12 ⇒ (7, 8, 4, 7, 10, 1, 9, 10) = 56

Coming back to his senses, Drustan sneers. "Kill them all! Show no mercy!" he declares. He raises his shield and slashes at Targrish with his burning bastard sword.

Bastard Sword vs Targrish: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (12) + 29 = 41
Damage: 3d8 + 11 ⇒ (6, 6, 6) + 11 = 291d6 ⇒ 5

The devils take to the air, firing flaming longbows at Vashta.

Flaming Longbows: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (19) + 23 = 421d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 261d20 + 23 ⇒ (10) + 23 = 331d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30
Damage: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (7, 7) + 6 = 201d6 ⇒ 41d6 ⇒ 42d8 + 6 ⇒ (1, 1) + 6 = 81d6 ⇒ 11d6 ⇒ 2
Deadly: 1d10 ⇒ 4

The mounted knights launch a volley of arrows!

Arrow Volley: 4d8 ⇒ (7, 2, 1, 8) = 18

29 slashing and 5 fire damage to Targrish, as well as 1d6 persistent bleed damage. 52 piercing, 9 evil, and 10 fire damage to Vashta. Aicard and Vashta take 18 piecing damage (DC 23 basic Reflex save).

Reflex (expert): 1d20 + 21 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 21 + 1 = 28

Vashta lets out a cry of pain as she's pincushioned, quickly casting again, despite the fear they may have underestimated this challenge.

Reach Spell, cast confusion vs. one of the devils, DC 32

"Stay behind me, Vashta! I got you!"

Reflex vs 23: 1d20 + 18 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 18 + 1 = 36
Action 1) Enter Everstand Stance | Action 2) Lay on Hands Vastha | Action 3) Raise Shield
Vasha gets 42 hp back, and a +2 status bonus to AC for 1 round. Aicard now has his shield raised and can use his two reactions to shield block and or liberating command.

Targrish intensifies the power of his implements and slashes away at the fiend master.

Intensify, Strike, Strike

kukri: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (19) + 25 = 44 for slashing: 2d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 5 + 4 = 14
kukri: 1d20 + 25 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 25 - 4 = 23 for slashing: 2d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 5 + 4 = 14
Plus any weakness

AC 35 and concealed vs Drustan

Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 16

He bleeds a bit, but the wound quickly closes.

Reflex: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22

Oro's ill-omen continues to bedevil him. He dives left when he should've gone right and takes a bolt of lightning straight to the heart.

He rolls, coughing, clutching his chest and stumbles to Vashta where he tries to apply a tourniquet...

battle medicine DC 30: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (8) + 25 = 33
...but with shaking hands can't get it right.

Lastly, he tries to take the measure of Drustan, but can't see a way to land a shot.
1d20 ⇒ 4

With his heart going into dangerous and painful spasms, he applies the tourniquet meant for Vashta to himself.

Battle Medicine: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (19) + 25 = 44
healing: 4d8 + 53 ⇒ (3, 7, 8, 5) + 53 = 76

Actions: Doctor's Visitation, Devise a Stratagem, Battle Medicine

Will vs Confusion: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (4) + 21 = 25

Aicard heals Vashta and raises his shield as the sorceress confuses one of the devils! Orozomoc heals himself, and Targrish slices Drustan with his kukri! The tyrant reacts by commanding the dwarf kneel before him!

Targrish must either kneel, dropping prone as a free action, or take 4d6 mental damage and 5 persistent evil damage.

Arodeth casually fires a beam of disintegration at Drustan. The spell hits, but the tough warrior resists the worst of it.

Disintegrate vs Drustan: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (18) + 26 = 44
Damage: 12d10 ⇒ (10, 6, 7, 5, 8, 10, 4, 2, 7, 5, 9, 1) = 74
Drustan Fortitude: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (10) + 26 = 36

Drustan channels his unholy power into his blade, smiting Targrish before raising his shield.

Concealed DC 5: 1d20 ⇒ 8
Smite Good: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (19) + 29 = 48
Damage: 3d8 + 11 ⇒ (2, 6, 7) + 11 = 261d6 ⇒ 68 = 8

The confused devil fires arrows at Targrish.

Random Target (Aicard, Oro, Targ, Vash, Drustan, Devil, Troop): 1d7 ⇒ 31d7 ⇒ 3
Longbow: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (13) + 23 = 361d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27
Damage: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (5, 6) + 6 = 171d6 ⇒ 61d6 ⇒ 2
Will vs Confusion: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30

The other devil shoots at Vashta again, but the lingering protection from Aicard's lay on hands keeps her safe from harm.

Longbow: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (11) + 23 = 341d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32

The members of the troop form up before charging up the stairs, stabbing at Targrish with their lances!

Lance Charge: 3d8 + 13 ⇒ (1, 1, 4) + 13 = 19

Targrish takes 52 slashing, 12 fire, and 16 evil damage from Drustan's critical hit, as well as 1d6 persistent bleed damage. The devil's arrow deals another 17 piercing, 6 fire, and 2 evil damage to him. He then takes 19 piercing damage from the troop (DC 26 basic Reflex save).

I'll stay on my feet and take the damage. I'm getting torn apart! :)
Mental: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 3, 4) = 10
Amulet reduces the crit to 38 slashing
Reflex: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (14) + 22 = 36
44/166

Targrish suffers some serious wounds, though he dodges the charge of the troop.

He calls on the power of his implements against and slashes at the devilish commander.

Intensify, Strike, Strike
kukri: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (9) + 25 = 34 for slashing: 2d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2) + 5 + 4 = 13
kukri: 1d20 + 25 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 25 - 4 = 36 for slashing: 2d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (3, 5) + 5 + 4 = 17
Plus weakness

Persistent Evil: 5
Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 15
Make that 34/166. But I stop bleeding

Still reeling, Oro calls on the stars and tries to patch Vashta up again.

1d4 ⇒ 4

Battle Medicine DC 30: 1d20 + 25 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 25 + 4 = 42
Healing: 4d8 + 53 ⇒ (7, 4, 1, 1) + 53 = 66

Then he fires a shot at Drustan.

1d20 + 23 ⇒ (6) + 23 = 29
2d8 + 3 ⇒ (3, 7) + 3 = 13

Doesn't count Battle Medicine from Oro's last action yet, just in case it's disrupted somehow.

"Targrish" Vashta calls out, marshaling her magical power. Realizing Drustan is the biggest threat -- and that his allies could well flee if they can deal with him -- she turns her attention to the nephilim. "Fate is finished with you!" she tells him coldly, bring the power of the Harrow to bear.

Harrow suits: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Shield: As the spell’s magic takes effect, it heals you as well, restoring Hit Points equal to 2d6 + the spell’s level. If your harrow omen is Shields, the Hit Points restored increases to 4d6 + twice the spell’s level.
2d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 4) + 7 = 13

Unraveling blast mental damage (DC 32 Will save): 20d4 ⇒ (4, 2, 1, 3, 3, 1, 2, 4, 4, 2, 4, 4, 2, 4, 1, 3, 1, 1, 3, 2) = 51

Aicard will use 'Liberating Step' to reduce the damage Targrish takes from Drustan's critical hit by 15 for *each* damage type, reducing it to 38 damage in total. Since Targrish moved, Aicard can't shield block for him.

Seeing yet another friend subjected to magic and violence, Aicard dashes forward to remedy the situation. For now, he dedicates himself to defending Targrish.

Action 1) Stride to Targrish | Action 2) Lay on Hands Targrish | Action 3) Raise Shield
Targrish gets 42 hp back, and a +2 status bonus to AC for 1 round. Aicard has his shield raised and can use his two reactions to shield block and or liberating command. Aicard is now out of focus points.

Thanks, team. I think I'm at 118/166 now (Aicard prevented 42 and healed 42), AC 35, Concealed to Drustan

Will vs Unraveling Blast: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (19) + 24 = 43

Aicard moves to heal Targrish as Vashta targets Drustan with a powerful spell. Unfortunately, the tyrant resists with a great effort of will! Drustan then blocks both of Targrish's attacks with his shield and sidesteps Orozomoc's arrow!

"You fools! You are too weak to defeat me!" Drustan taunts. "I will have those Harrow cards, and then the Unmatched will be in control of fate itself!" He utters a litany of depravity, calling into question all Targrish holds dear as he smites the dwarf again! Targrish barely manages to dodge Drustan's first attack, then the thaumaturge's mirror distracts Drustan and throws off his aim!

Concealed: 1d20 ⇒ 101d20 ⇒ 1
Bastard Sword: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (5) + 29 = 34

The confused devil fires at Vashta and Drustan, hitting neither of them.

Random Target: 1d7 ⇒ 41d7 ⇒ 5
Longbow: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (1) + 23 = 241d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24
Will vs Confusion: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (3) + 21 = 24

The other devil shoots Targrish twice, Drustan's litany making him vulnerable to the evil-infused arrows

Longbow: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (15) + 23 = 381d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37
Damage: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (5, 2) + 6 = 131d6 ⇒ 61d6 ⇒ 32d8 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 6 = 111d6 ⇒ 61d6 ⇒ 2

The mounted knights swing their swords at Targrish and Aicard!

Swing From Saddle: 3d6 + 13 ⇒ (2, 6, 1) + 13 = 22

Targrish gains weakness 7 to evil for 1 round. Thus, he takes 13 piercing, 13 evil, and 3 fire damage from the first arrow and 11 piercing, 13 evil, and 2 fire damage from the second. Targrish and Aicard take 22 slashing damage (DC 23 basic Reflex save).

Reflex vs 23: 1d20 + 21 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 21 + 1 = 34
Aicard uses Liberating Step against the first attack versus Targrish, which reduces it to zero damage, and then uses Shield Block against the second attack, which reduces the damage by 17. I don't know in what order it reduces it, but I imagine the physical part comes first, meaning Targrish takes 7 evil and 2 fire damage. Is that then modified by another 7 from his vulnerability?

Aicard avoids the knights' attacks altogether. He then retaliates against Drustan, pouring every ounce of disgust and loathing he feels for Drustan into the attack.

Action 1+2) Blade of Justice (two extra damage die, all damage is dealt as 'good' damage) | Action 3) Everstance Strike (if it hits, Aicard raises his shield)
Blade of Justice - Strike: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (17) + 26 = 43
Good Damage: 4d8 + 7 ⇒ (4, 2, 5, 6) + 7 = 24
Everstance Strike: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35
Blunt Damage: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (6, 5) + 7 = 18
203/203 HP, Heroism, if the second strike hits, Aicard raises his shield.

Oro takes aim at Drustan...

Devise: 1d20 ⇒ 12

...then thinks the better of it.

He clicks his heels together, causing his boots to spread couatl's wings. Oro soars to position himself behind Targrish.

Actions: 1) devise a stratagem, 2) activate winged boots, 3) Stride

Reflex: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (1) + 22 = 23
I'll keep it, blah.

With the help of his allies, Targrish weathers the attacks and continues to slash away at the nephilim.

Intensify, Strike, Strike
kukri: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (17) + 25 = 42 for slashing: 2d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (1, 5) + 5 + 4 = 15
kukri: 1d20 + 25 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 25 - 4 = 28 for slashing: 2d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (5, 4) + 5 + 4 = 18
Plus weakness

AC 35, Concealed to Drustan

Her wounds magically healed -- the shield Harrow and Oro's ministrations working together in unison -- Vashta tries again to bring the nephilim down.

Harrow cast, last unraveling blast
Harrow suits: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Hammer: The force of the spell is enhanced. This effect only enhances single-target offensive spells that require you to make a successful spell attack or require a saving throw from the target to resist. If you hit the target, or if they fail their saving throw, the spell inflicts additional force damage equal to the spell’s level. This additional damage doubles if your harrow omen is Hammers.

Unraveling blast mental damage (DC 32 Will save): 20d4 + 7 ⇒ (4, 1, 1, 3, 4, 1, 2, 2, 1, 4, 1, 2, 4, 1, 1, 1, 4, 3, 2, 4) + 7 = 53

Will vs Unraveling Blast: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (19) + 24 = 43

Sorry, Vashta, it's just not meant to be!

Drustan once more ignores Vashta's magic. Both Targrish and Aicard hit the warrior, though, badly wounding him and eliciting an imperious command from Drustan!

Both Aicard and Targrish must choose to either drop prone as a free action or take damage (4 mental damage for Targrish, 4d6 mental damage and 5 persistent evil damage for Aicard).

Arodeth maneuvers to catch only Drustan and the mounted troop in the cone of her prismatic spray! Drustan resists the effects of the green beam that hits him, but the red beam incinerates the knights and their horses, burning the lot of them!

Prismatic Spray (Drustan, Troop): 1d8 ⇒ 41d8 ⇒ 1
Drustan Fortitude, Troop Reflex: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (12) + 26 = 381d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Snarling with fury and spitting blood, Drustan continues to smite Targrish! He cuts the dwarf before raising his shield.

Concealed: 1d20 ⇒ 61d20 ⇒ 16
Bastard Sword: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (11) + 29 = 401d20 + 24 ⇒ (5) + 24 = 29
Damage: 3d8 + 11 ⇒ (7, 2, 7) + 11 = 271d6 ⇒ 36 = 6

The confused devil fires on Vashta and Arodeth, scoring critical hits on both! Afterwards, it finally regains its senses.

Confused Targets: 1d7 ⇒ 41d7 ⇒ 7
Longbow: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (19) + 23 = 421d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38
Damage: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (6, 1) + 6 = 131d6 ⇒ 41d6 ⇒ 32d8 + 6 ⇒ (1, 1) + 6 = 81d6 ⇒ 41d6 ⇒ 3
Deadly: 1d10 ⇒ 41d10 ⇒ 4
Will vs Confusion: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (18) + 21 = 39

The other devil scores another hit on Targrish.

Longbow: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (18) + 23 = 411d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23
Damage: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (2, 1) + 6 = 91d6 ⇒ 11d6 ⇒ 1

A total of 27 slashing, 9 piercing, 4 fire, and 7 evil damage to Targrish. Vashta takes 30 piercing, 8 evil, and 6 fire damage. Arodeth takes 20 piercing and 6 fire damage.

Damn it!

Frustrated that Drustan appears to be able to resist fate itself, Vashta turns to one of her more standard spells.

"You can't beat us, darling. You do realize that, don't you?"

Harrow cast, cast spirit blast (DC 32 Fort save)
Harrow suits: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Key Some of the magic remains behind, infusing your defenses. Until the start of your next turn, you gain a +1 status bonus to your AC and all saving throws. If your harrow omen is Keys, this increases to a +2 status bonus.

16d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 1, 6, 4, 3, 5, 1, 6, 3, 1, 2, 5, 4, 6, 1) = 59

Oro flies up a bit, positioning himself to keep the frontliners out of the coming blast. Clear of Targrish, he clutches the wicker fetish talisman and bids one of the spirits there to be free. It escapes with a terrible roar.

Basic Will save vs DC 22
Sonic: 13d4 ⇒ (4, 4, 4, 4, 2, 3, 4, 3, 4, 1, 2, 4, 4) = 43

Targrish uses his amulet to absorb some of the damage from the leader.

"Your evil ways won't avail you! Who are these Unmatched?!"

Demoralize, Amplify, Strike

Intimidation: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25

kukri: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (7) + 25 = 32 for slashing: 2d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (3, 4) + 5 + 4 = 16
Plus weakness

Mental damage: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 6, 5) = 19 plus 5 evil damage
Aicard shield block+liberating steps on Targrish, reducing the damage he took from that strike to ... 0

"Aicard, remember the name," the tiefling says matter-of-factly as he raises his shield and prepares to smack Drustan into Pharasma's arms.

Actions 1+2) Blade of Justice (on Drustan, but if he goes down, drop the raise shield third action and replace it with stride as Aicard moves to a devil)| Action 3) Raise Shield
Blade of Justice: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (2) + 25 = 27
Damage: 4d8 + 7 ⇒ (7, 1, 2, 8) + 7 = 25
Recovery vs Persistent Evil Damage: 1d20 ⇒ 1
203/203 HP, Heroism, if the second strike hits, Aicard raises his shield.

Fortitude vs Spirit Blast: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (8) + 26 = 34
Will vs Spirit's Anguish: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (6) + 24 = 301d20 + 21 ⇒ (10) + 21 = 311d20 + 21 ⇒ (15) + 21 = 36

Drustan fends off Aicard's and Targrish's attacks. However, Vashta's spirit blast leaves him reeling, then the shrieking of Orozomoc's talisman finally overwhelms his body! The tyrant groans and crumples to the floor! The devils are also wounded by the scream, one more than the other.

"Splendid! Lets finish those fiends off," Arodeth says, casting a spell and causing electricity to arc between the two devils.

Electric Arc: 7d4 + 5 ⇒ (2, 1, 1, 2, 2, 1, 3) + 5 = 17
Reflex: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (9) + 22 = 311d20 + 22 ⇒ (6) + 22 = 28

The fiends shift their aim to Oro, shooting him twice!

Longbow: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (12) + 23 = 351d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 201d20 + 23 ⇒ (17) + 23 = 401d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25
Damage: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (3, 1) + 6 = 101d6 ⇒ 21d6 ⇒ 22d8 + 6 ⇒ (7, 6) + 6 = 191d6 ⇒ 21d6 ⇒ 3

A total of 29 piercing, 4 evil, and 5 fire damage to Orozomoc.

Targrish shifts his attention to one of the devils, looking for its weaknesses, then approaching and slashing at it.

Exploit Vulnerability, Stride, Strike

Esoteric Lore: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (12) + 23 = 35

kukri: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (4) + 25 = 29 for slashing: 2d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (5, 5) + 4 + 4 = 18