Slick finishes off the escaping harpy before it can get too far, then turns to fix his attention on the last of the enemy combatants. He decides that taking out the already wounded harpy attacking Pinebrush would clear the air and allow them all to concentrate on the queen. He flies back as quickly as possible and engages the last of the queen's minions.
Then, even though the Queen is well out of range, Billy sings out inspiration, mostly because he just likes the sound of his own voice.
♫"The harpies, they screech and they squawk.
But most of them no longer talk.
.....Their songs are a-fading.
.....Their power abating.
Is it safe yet to go for a walk?"♫
Courageous Anthem duration: 1 round (Given the battle situation, gonna save the focus point (no Lingering Comp), and maybe not bother with CA at all, if the Queen keeps her distance.)
| HP 233/258 | AC 40 | F+28 s->cs R+34 cf->f, f->1/2 damage, s->cs W+27 s->cs; +1 status vs magic| resist fire 10 | resist environmental damage 9 | weakness cold iron 5 | Perc +27 (+28 if involving sight) | Speed 35 ft | Hero Points 0 | Exploration: Avoid Notice (Stealth +35), Scout while in favored terrain (forests), and Search | Active Conditions: Frightened 1, 4d6 persistent bleed
Pine's magical shield shatters as he's hit, but that is what it was for.
↺ Shield Block -10 to that damage.
"Are you running away from me?" Pine mocks the retreating harpy. He darts after her, trying to throw off her attacks with the show of confidence as he jabs again with his own weapon.
◆ Fly (triggers RS, unfortunately)
◆ Feint Deception:1d20 + 23 ⇒ (20) + 23 = 43. If successful, using Overextending Strike to replace the result with penalties to attack him
◆ Strike Rapier:1d20 + 26 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 26 + 1 = 37 for piercing:3d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2, 3, 3) + 3 + 1 = 12, fire:1d6 ⇒ 6, and precision damage:3d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 3) = 12. On crit, add 1d10 persistent fire and deadly:2d8 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5
◇ Debilitating Strike: Can't use Reactions
◆ Strike Rapier:1d20 + 26 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 26 + 1 - 5 = 25 for piercing:3d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5, 1, 2) + 3 + 1 = 12, fire:1d6 ⇒ 2, and precision damage:3d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 1) = 7. On crit, add 1d10 persisetn fire and deadly:2d8 ⇒ (7, 6) = 13
◇ Debilitating Strike: Can't use Reactions.
↺ Sidestep
(If Purple is down, Pine will have to Fly twice to reach the queen's space and drop the second Strike. He'll also have to use regular Feint since she isn't otherwise Off-Guard, though upgraded by Scoundrel Racket and Distracting Feint.)
The orchestra shatters the ice forming on her as she shrugs off its effects. Slick then ploughs into Purple, cutting her from the air with his first blow.
CG Aasimar Halfling Bard 18 | HP 102/222 | AC 40 (41) | Spd 45' | F+27, R+30, W+32 (Gr. Resolve) (+1 vs magic)| Perc(M) (low-light, gr. darkvision, see invis) +28 (+3 visual, +1 haunts/spirits) | Init: 31 (visual/hearing) | Exp: Search | Hero: 0 | Spell DC 41. Slots: 1□□□, 2□□□, 3☑□□, 4□□□, 5□□□, 6☑□□, 7☑□□, 8□□□, 9☑□□, Focus☑☑□ | Sorc Spells 1□, 2□, 3□, 4□, 5□, 6□ | Staff Charges 9/9 | Harrow Omen: Shields (Fort)| Cond: energy aegis (resist 10), shield (AC 41)
Since Sigourney doing okay, Billy will hold off on the Battle Med and replace it with an interact.
From Billy's previous position, he was already within 60' of the Queen (if she's only 20' up). So Slick and Pine can benefit from CA this round.
Billy blinks as the near harpy gets taken down by the team. With Sigourney not in immediate danger, Billy flies down to make sure everyone will continue to be able to hear his lilting voice, sings out inspiration, and retrieves his Staff of Final Rest, just in case.
◇ Delay for Pine, ◆ Fly, ◆ Courageous Anthem (see prev post), ◆ Interact (retrieve Staff)
Slick blindsides the half-frozen harpy and practically cuts it in half with his sword as he flies past. Without missing a beat, he turns and dives straight for the queen.
I think the following captures all the possible options. I'll leave it to the GM to decide which spoiler to open.
After cutting down Purple Slick charges at the Queen but his blow goes well wide.
With his closest target down Pine flies up into the Queens space. She lashes out at him with her talons but is clearly distracted by Slick. He stabs her in the leg, distracting her!
Thats a hit for 30 damage. I make Pines turn 2 x fly, strike, strike. With Slick threatening you dont need to Feint
Billy relocates and draws his staff.
The Queen cackles and shrieks, Now I have you!. She flies back, taking a viscous blow from Slick in the process and then unleashes a terrifying shriek!
I am going to pause here to see if Billy ants to countersong. It does have the auditory trait. All of you are about to have to make fortitude saves.
Rolls:
Queen Talon RS:1d20 ⇒ 1
Combat Status:
Round 4 - 5
Inspire 1/1
Haste 5/10
Turn Order
Billy
---------------------------------------------
Queen = mid turn
---------------------------------------------
Slick
Pinebrush
Sigourney
Bold to act.
Combat status
Slick 172/203
Billy 139/149
Pinebrush 118/162
Sigourney 65/138, 34 temp HP
Queen, 128 damage, 20' up, no reactions end of Pines next turn, off guard end of slicks next turn
CG Aasimar Halfling Bard 18 | HP 102/222 | AC 40 (41) | Spd 45' | F+27, R+30, W+32 (Gr. Resolve) (+1 vs magic)| Perc(M) (low-light, gr. darkvision, see invis) +28 (+3 visual, +1 haunts/spirits) | Init: 31 (visual/hearing) | Exp: Search | Hero: 0 | Spell DC 41. Slots: 1□□□, 2□□□, 3☑□□, 4□□□, 5□□□, 6☑□□, 7☑□□, 8□□□, 9☑□□, Focus☑☑□ | Sorc Spells 1□, 2□, 3□, 4□, 5□, 6□ | Staff Charges 9/9 | Harrow Omen: Shields (Fort)| Cond: energy aegis (resist 10), shield (AC 41)
Once again, Billy tries to drown out the incessant screeching with his own ditty.
♫"Your screeching, so alarming. My soothing voice disarming."♫
Counter Performance +VirtPerf +Mask:1d20 + 24 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 24 + 2 + 2 = 31 If that's a fail, he'll use one of the following rerolls: Greater Persona Mask allows a Performance reroll (2/day). However, officially it looks like it's a trigger. GMAndrew, if true, does that mean he cannot use it since Counter Performance is using his trigger this round? If he cannot use the Mask reroll, he'll use Halfling Luck.
He clears his throat and tries again...
Counter Performance +VirtPerf +Mask:1d20 + 24 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 24 + 2 + 2 = 41
Cost: 1 Focus Point. Counter Performance: Billy and all allies w/in 60' may use the better of his Performance roll or their own saving throws.
Cond: | Female, Resistance 5 Poison, Acid, Cold, electricity, fire, force, sonic, void, vitality.| N Skilled Human Silence in Snow Witch 18 | HP 108/206| AC 40| F+28, R+29, W+30 (S>CS), (+1 saves vs magical effects)| (Climb) Speed 40 ft |Perc(M) +27 (+2 visual)| Init +30 (+2 if scouting)| Exp: Detect Magic| Hero: 1| Spells DC 41. Slots: 1□□□, 2□□□, 3□□□, 4□□□, 5□□☑ +☑ , 6□□□, 7□□□□, 8□□□, 9□□□, Focus□☑☑| Staff Charges: 9+5 (14 net)| KnifeWand Uses: □☑|Focus recharges □ | ✋Knifewand✋✋| Quicken Spell ☑|
Sigourney's long hair is buffeted and blasted by the harpy's song, but she seems unharmed due to the vitality she stole from the Purple Harpy. She gives Billy a thumbs up as she slowly trudges down the staircase, speeding up when she reaches flat ground.
She sustains the Phantom Orchestra and torments the Queen and hopefully only the queen, she's trying not to hit Pine with the echoes of Billy's most recent song. "Screeching...Screeching...Screeching..." Billy's voice echoes in the cacophonous burst.
DC 32 Fort Save, Sonic:8d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4, 6, 4, 6, 1, 4, 1) + 1 = 30
Assuming that all harpies seem to have deficient fortitude, she invokes the power of her Shadow Signet to convert her Needle Darts into projectiles that target the Queen's constitution! "You should have run away when we got here, Harpy. Have a taste of this!" As she speaks, the dagger at her side magically disintegrates and reforms into darts that fly right at the errant birdwoman. With a purple flash from Sigourney's signet, the projectiles take on a translucent glow, becoming semi-solid in nature.
Gentle LandingTrigger: A creature (Sigourney or one of her allies) within range is falling.
Cloud Dragon's CloakTrigger: You or an ally within 60 feet are targeted by a ranged attack.
Interposing EarthTrigger: You are the target of a Strike or would attempt a Reflex save against a damaging area effect. Duration: 3 rounds.
Recognize Spell.Trigger: A creature within line of sight casts a spell that you don’t have prepared or in your spell repertoire, or a trap or similar object casts such a spell. You must be aware of the casting. Note: Sigourney can perform this as a free action if the spell is on the arcane or primal lists.
Hexing Jar.Activate [reaction] envision Frequency once per hour; Trigger You roll a critical success on an attack roll with a witch spell, or your target rolls a critical failure on its saving throw against a witch spell or hex you cast; Effect The thing in the jar becomes more energetic—glowing, dancing, rapping on the glass, or some other action appropriate to its appearance. It encourages you until the start of your next turn, granting you and your familiar a +1 status bonus to AC and saving throws and a +2 status bonus against mental effects.
Breath of Life.Cast [reaction] ; Trigger A living creature within range would die, Range 60 feet; Targets the triggering creature.
Your blessing revives a creature at the moment of its death. You prevent the target from dying and restore 5d8 Hit Points to the target. You can't use breath of life if the triggering effect was a death effect or an effect that leaves no remains, such as disintegrate.
After taking a chunk out of her, Slick chases the queen and continues his unremitting assault on the creature. "Not so fast, Your Majesty. We have yet to finish our little tête-à-tête."
The Queen shrugs off the worst of Sigourney's noisy instrumentalists but this clearly distracts her as the needles slice through her leg.
41 damage in total
Slick charges in and lands a single powerful blow.
Crit for 62 damage
Pine then sends his rapier shooting into the air, impaling the poor Queen in the knee. Unable therefore to continue with her duties she promptly dies and crashes into the stairs!
Rolls:
Queen fort:1d20 ⇒ 19, pass
COMBAT OVER
With the stairs secured the party has time to loot the bodies and explore the rest of the location. You find the following loot:
Each of the 5 harpy warbirds carries the following: +1 striking halberd, +1 composite shortbow (20 arrows)
The Queen carries the following: +1 striking composite shortbow (20 arrows), +1 striking falchion, jewelry worth 150 gp
Investigating the southern statue head you locate the harpy nest. The room is foul and the stench is nearly unbearable but in the midst of the squalor you find a magical ring with a snowflake design.
DC32 Identify Magic:
Its a major ring of cold resistance
The north statue is much different. The domed ceiling of this circular room reaches a height of twenty feet, while a single, strange niche framed in silvery metal sits in the otherwise featureless west wall, directly opposite the only entrance into the chamber from the east.
Examining the niche you realise this is where the power crystals would have been inserted to power the weapon. You think it would have also caused the head to become transparent, but only to those inside, giving a fabulous, panoramic view of the Stairs and the Plateau.
Checking out the landing, you can root through the various barrels, chests and storage from some poor unsuspecting merchant who was killed by the mercenaries. Amongst them you find a wand made from a human rib bone and stained with dried blood.
DC28 Identify Magic:
Its a wand of vampiric exsanguination.
However, in doing so you also disturb the jars and a horrible swarm of undead skulls come boiling out of them. You quickly dispatch them.
Not bothering to run this fight. The main risk here is you fight them before dealing with the guards either side and chain the fights together.
Ok, at this point you have secured control of the stairs. At some point Drustan will return and you will have to deal with him but you probably have a day or two before that happens. You can restore all of your abilities, change spell choices and make whatever preparations you want for his arrival. Let me know what you want to do. Given I am away from Friday I probably wont start that encounter until I am back next week. You can easily sell stuff and make purchases as you have quick access to Absalom through Harrowheart.
Cond: | Female, Resistance 5 Poison, Acid, Cold, electricity, fire, force, sonic, void, vitality.| N Skilled Human Silence in Snow Witch 18 | HP 108/206| AC 40| F+28, R+29, W+30 (S>CS), (+1 saves vs magical effects)| (Climb) Speed 40 ft |Perc(M) +27 (+2 visual)| Init +30 (+2 if scouting)| Exp: Detect Magic| Hero: 1| Spells DC 41. Slots: 1□□□, 2□□□, 3□□□, 4□□□, 5□□☑ +☑ , 6□□□, 7□□□□, 8□□□, 9□□□, Focus□☑☑| Staff Charges: 9+5 (14 net)| KnifeWand Uses: □☑|Focus recharges □ | ✋Knifewand✋✋| Quicken Spell ☑|
Sigourney dusts off her hands and pulls Reginald out of her sleeve. "While it was intelligent for you to escape and avoid taking a beating like I did, you still should not be doing that. I would like you to actually contribute to a fight one day." She chides the rat, who is still shivering in fear. "Also, why am I the most injured and Slick the least? This makes no logical sense." She complains to herself.
Sigourney notices magic items and spends a few seconds each giving them a look.
DC 32 Arcana:1d20 + 22 ⇒ (20) + 22 = 42
"If it was not obvious from the snowflake on the ring, this is clearly a major ring of cold resistance. I am not sure it will help me much. Maybe Slick or Pine can wear it so that when they inevitably run into my howling blizzard they'll take less damage..." Sigourney muses to herself.
DC 28 Arcana:1d20 + 22 ⇒ (16) + 22 = 38
"A wand of vampiric exsanguination? Interesting spell. I do appreciate the effect of draining life from my enemy, but it is redundant with my Psychic prowess. Perhaps you could use it, Billy?" Sigourney hands the wand to Billy.
Noticing a swarm of undead Sigourney just blasts a bunch of 3-action Heals out to eliminate the threat. Once the skulls are nothing more than dust in the wind, Sigourney starts discussing with the group a plan as to how to deal with Drustan.
I'd like to go back to town and buy a scroll of Earthbind, just because everything in this chapter seems to fly and I'd like to circumvent that. If Reginald eats the scroll I learn it immediately. Also, Sigourney would like a Level 3 Jolt Coil so she doesn't have to prepare electric arc every day. Maybe Billy could get one too? I've been wondering what spellhearts are good for the party. I'll post my detailed thoughts re: purchases or battle strategy either in the Discussion tab or in the chat.
Slick is momentarily irritated that he cannot land a killing blow on the queen. "You have some impressive moves, Your Majesty..." From the corner of his vision, he sees Pine ready his attack. "...but my little friend here would like a word with you."
Once the queen expires and crashes to the steps below, Slick flies up to her nest. Before his flying ability leaves him, he finds the magical ring and flies back down. As he rejoins his friends, he looks it over.
Arcana (Identify Magic) vs DC 32:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19
He doesn't recognize it and shrugs. "Maybe Sigourney can figure it out." He hands it over to her when he lands. "A ring of cold resistance you say? Might come in handy if we end up in Iobaria again." He then gathers the rest of the loot from the harpy bodies.
Loot sheet updated.
The Ring of Energy Resistance has been remastered as a Charm of Resistance. A Major version is 4400gp (so 2200gp when sold). Probably not worth holding onto. Same goes for the wand.
I'll put together a loot accounting post when I get some time. That way people can go shopping during the time we have off (both IRL and in-game).
CG Aasimar Halfling Bard 18 | HP 102/222 | AC 40 (41) | Spd 45' | F+27, R+30, W+32 (Gr. Resolve) (+1 vs magic)| Perc(M) (low-light, gr. darkvision, see invis) +28 (+3 visual, +1 haunts/spirits) | Init: 31 (visual/hearing) | Exp: Search | Hero: 0 | Spell DC 41. Slots: 1□□□, 2□□□, 3☑□□, 4□□□, 5□□□, 6☑□□, 7☑□□, 8□□□, 9☑□□, Focus☑☑□ | Sorc Spells 1□, 2□, 3□, 4□, 5□, 6□ | Staff Charges 9/9 | Harrow Omen: Shields (Fort)| Cond: energy aegis (resist 10), shield (AC 41)
When Slick and Pine cut down the Queen, Billy relaxes. He pulls out a hand-held mirror and checks his hair. As usual, he's happy with what he sees and stows the mirror.
Pretty sure all damage to Billy was sonic damage from the screeching ...
With his attire still pristine, Billy calls out to Slick, "Baines is gonna be pleased ... until he sees you." He grins and quickly finds something useful to do.
The bard helps the group catalog new items, happily letting Sigourney handle any magical identification, while he refocuses. Realizing the snow witch has taken over as primary healer, Billy retrieves two scrolls from his bandolier. "Sigourney, why don't you hang onto these Restoration scrolls. Two fewer things for me to carry!" He hands her the 2nd-rank and 4th-rank scrolls.
Back at Harrowheart, when the group is talking about shopping, Billy asks, "Before we divide up the loot, should we buy a 6th-rank scroll of Sure Footing for 300gp?" He explains, "It would help if any of us get paralyzed or petrified."
Each morning, Billy activates The Carnival harrow card. During these daily visits, he specifically looks for any performer who might represent Drustan. When he suspects something, he alerts the group.
No purchases for Billy at the moment. He needs to be level 14 for the stuff he wants.
Several days after the group dispatch the harpies you are roused by the blaring of trumpets. Dashing outside you see a large force has breached the gate below. A tall, powerful looking warrior, stands below. He glares up at you. I see that you have helped me dispose of Arodeth. For that you have my thanks. But now I shall take full control of the stairs. Depart now and we will say no more.
At his side the dwarf Endlo snarls, You said you would kill them and recover the card!
The man cuffs him snapping, Silence worm
Well, what say you? Leave and keep your lives and what loot you have stolen or remain and die?
From your position you can see that Drustan has arrived backed up by the dwarf Endlo who has clearly dumped Arodeth as well as his stone giant companion. There are also two large groups of warriors (clearly troops) as well as pair of fiendish beings flying 40' above and armed with bows. Billy recognises Drustan from his use of the Carnival, in general he realises he is a vicious and dangerous man but, if he gives his word on something that can be trusted.
Cond: | Female, Resistance 5 Poison, Acid, Cold, electricity, fire, force, sonic, void, vitality.| N Skilled Human Silence in Snow Witch 18 | HP 108/206| AC 40| F+28, R+29, W+30 (S>CS), (+1 saves vs magical effects)| (Climb) Speed 40 ft |Perc(M) +27 (+2 visual)| Init +30 (+2 if scouting)| Exp: Detect Magic| Hero: 1| Spells DC 41. Slots: 1□□□, 2□□□, 3□□□, 4□□□, 5□□☑ +☑ , 6□□□, 7□□□□, 8□□□, 9□□□, Focus□☑☑| Staff Charges: 9+5 (14 net)| KnifeWand Uses: □☑|Focus recharges □ | ✋Knifewand✋✋| Quicken Spell ☑|
Sigourney wordlessly stares past the pompous warrior as he bloviates. Tuning out his droning, she focuses on the only thing that matters...Fiends. She sees two fiendish beings flying behind Drustan. Instantly, her expression sours. Reginald's reaction is more pronounced - he audibly hisses at the fiends, before his natural cowardice takes over and he jumps into her sleeve. Sigourney bites her tongue for now, waiting for the rest of the party to say their piece.
CG Aasimar Halfling Bard 18 | HP 102/222 | AC 40 (41) | Spd 45' | F+27, R+30, W+32 (Gr. Resolve) (+1 vs magic)| Perc(M) (low-light, gr. darkvision, see invis) +28 (+3 visual, +1 haunts/spirits) | Init: 31 (visual/hearing) | Exp: Search | Hero: 0 | Spell DC 41. Slots: 1□□□, 2□□□, 3☑□□, 4□□□, 5□□□, 6☑□□, 7☑□□, 8□□□, 9☑□□, Focus☑☑□ | Sorc Spells 1□, 2□, 3□, 4□, 5□, 6□ | Staff Charges 9/9 | Harrow Omen: Shields (Fort)| Cond: energy aegis (resist 10), shield (AC 41)
With his musical accompaniment and carrying his jug, Billy holds his hands up non-threateningly, and calls down, "My friend, where are your manners? I mean, starting in with threats isn't very neighborly, is it?" The halfling smiles, "I'm Billy, quite-renowned in many parts of Absalom. Perhaps you've enjoyed one of my performances?"
The affable bard continues, "You must be Drustan. Sorry things went south with your former associate." He pauses and says, "But good news on that front, Sir! We negotiated amicably with Arodeth. No need for you (and your blood-thirsty dwarf companion there) to come to any harm. We're reasonable people." Glancing at Slick and Sigourney, he quickly adds with a grin, "Well most of us!" Indicating Endlo, the halfling asks "Is his name really 'Worm'? An odd name for a dwarf. Is that because he's height-challenged like me?" He shrugs and smiles.
Returning his attention to Drustan, Billy implores, "Good Sir, we represent the locals who simply desire peaceful access to and from their lands. Perhaps you'd care to join me for a drink, and we can discuss in a civilized manner?"
If allowed an attempt to Make an Impression... Diplomacy to Make an Impression, +Cloak +Jug +Music:1d20 + 24 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 24 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 48 Haha...a nat-20! Even if allowed, prob won't make a difference, but nice to have a little fun...
I'll worry about upgrading equipment at the same time as I level Slick up after this encounter.
Slick looks down at the enemy forces lined up against them and nods appreciatively. In a voice that carries only to his friends, he says, "Finally! Looks like this might turn out to be a good fight."
Seeing what looks like some of Drustan's fiendish friends flying around above, he reaches into a pouch and brings out a tube of Silver Salve which he proceeds to apply liberally to his greatsword. While he works the creamy substance onto his weapon, he smiles broadly at the thought of what is to come.
Slick was about to try his hand at intimidating the annoying Drustan and his friends into backing down, but Billy beats him to it. Instead, he bites his tongue; he'll let his halfling friend play the good cop for the time being, but he prepares himself to become the bad cop if the bard's engaging manner doesn't provide the required results.
Drustan looks unimpressed with Billy's pontificating. I have never heard of you and frankly dont care. I see you have chosen death. With a wave of his hand he announces, Kill them all
From high above one of the fiends swoops forward and launches a pair of arrows at Sigourney. Both miss, although not by much and Sigourney's hair is scorched by the flaming arrows!
Endlo casts a spell and walks forward, rising into the air! Drstan draws a potion and drinks it. He then draws his rather unpleasant looking bastard sword and commands his troops to unleash hell!
The blue troop form up and advance a little way up the stairs. They promptly draw their bows and unleash a barrage of arrows against the group!
Cond: | Female, Resistance 5 Poison, Acid, Cold, electricity, fire, force, sonic, void, vitality.| N Skilled Human Silence in Snow Witch 18 | HP 108/206| AC 40| F+28, R+29, W+30 (S>CS), (+1 saves vs magical effects)| (Climb) Speed 40 ft |Perc(M) +27 (+2 visual)| Init +30 (+2 if scouting)| Exp: Detect Magic| Hero: 1| Spells DC 41. Slots: 1□□□, 2□□□, 3□□□, 4□□□, 5□□☑ +☑ , 6□□□, 7□□□□, 8□□□, 9□□□, Focus□☑☑| Staff Charges: 9+5 (14 net)| KnifeWand Uses: □☑|Focus recharges □ | ✋Knifewand✋✋| Quicken Spell ☑|
Turn is taken on the assumption that Billy does a CA and a group Haste. Thanks for buffing, Billy!
◇ Delay for Billy.
Sigourney moves with preternatural reflexes and speed, dodging hails of arrows from the fiends and the troop. She is so focused on the effort of dodging that she barely even notices that her hair has been scorched by the fiend's arrows. When Sigourney is sure no more attacks are coming, she effortlessly considers what she knows about troops of soldiers like these.
Using Assured Knowledge to, as a free action, Recall Knowledge with Assurance on Blue Troop if I can do so with my Academia Lore (29), Arcana (29), Society (29), Nature (29), or Crafting (27). Question to ask: What's their lowest defence between AC, Fortitude, Reflex and Will?
Sigourney wracks her brain thinking about the fiendish creatures.
She tries to Recall Knowledge about what she overheard at any point in time about the fiendish creature with the bow and it's weakest defence. She wants to know its weakest defence between AC, Fortitude, Reflex and Will of the fiendish creature.
As she stares at the fiend who had the temerity to fire upon her, a flash of inspiration comes upon her. She might have read about this kind of fiend in a book once! She Recalls Under Pressure what information she knows from the books she's read. Ironically, she feels The Fiend boosting her ability to think! I repeated a non-Strike action I previously took (Recall Knowledge) in the same round. +2 item bonus to my Academia Lore.
If the information I recall ends up being helpful and positive in an obvious way before I take my next turn, let me know how I can draw a random Harrow Card. I can determine if I gain a +1 status bonus to saving throws for the remainder of the combat encounter.
She communicates the information she gains to the others.
"Oh? You're approaching me?" She drily remarks. "Then get as close as you'd like. Darkness Sign - Eclipse Burst!" She waves her hand and the elements answers to her invocation. The temperature drops dramatically as a burst of pure cold darkness envelops all of the enemies!
DC 32 Reflex save, Eclipse Burst, 8d10 Cold damage and 8d4 Void damage, Courageous Anthem:8d10 + 8d4 + 1 ⇒ (5, 6, 3, 2, 8, 8, 2, 3) + (3, 3, 3, 2, 1, 1, 3, 1) + 1 = 55 60 foot burst, epicentre on Drustan. This should hit every single enemy on the map. Critical failures are blinded permanently.
With haste in her step, she bravely retreats, creating some distance between herself and the approaching fiends.
◇ Delay for Billy, ◇ Assured Knowledge (Recall Knowledge on Troop), ◆ Recall Knowledge on Fiend, ◇ Recall Under Pressure, ◆◆ Eclipse Burst, ◆ Stride (Hasted)
Reactions - Note to GM: If I get targeted with a projectile Sigourney will prioritise using Cloud Dragon's Cloak before Interposing Earth:
Gentle LandingTrigger: A creature (Sigourney or one of her allies) within range is falling.
Cloud Dragon's CloakTrigger: You or an ally within 60 feet are targeted by a ranged attack.
Interposing EarthTrigger: You are the target of a Strike or would attempt a Reflex save against a damaging area effect. Duration: 3 rounds.
Recognize Spell.Trigger: A creature within line of sight casts a spell that you don’t have prepared or in your spell repertoire, or a trap or similar object casts such a spell. You must be aware of the casting. Note: Sigourney can perform this as a free action if the spell is on the arcane or primal lists.
Hexing Jar.Activate [reaction] envision Frequency once per hour; Trigger You roll a critical success on an attack roll with a witch spell, or your target rolls a critical failure on its saving throw against a witch spell or hex you cast; Effect The thing in the jar becomes more energetic—glowing, dancing, rapping on the glass, or some other action appropriate to its appearance. It encourages you until the start of your next turn, granting you and your familiar a +1 status bonus to AC and saving throws and a +2 status bonus against mental effects.
Breath of Life.Cast [reaction] ; Trigger A living creature within range would die, Range 60 feet; Targets the triggering creature.
Your blessing revives a creature at the moment of its death. You prevent the target from dying and restore 5d8 Hit Points to the target. You can't use breath of life if the triggering effect was a death effect or an effect that leaves no remains, such as disintegrate.
CG Aasimar Halfling Bard 18 | HP 102/222 | AC 40 (41) | Spd 45' | F+27, R+30, W+32 (Gr. Resolve) (+1 vs magic)| Perc(M) (low-light, gr. darkvision, see invis) +28 (+3 visual, +1 haunts/spirits) | Init: 31 (visual/hearing) | Exp: Search | Hero: 0 | Spell DC 41. Slots: 1□□□, 2□□□, 3☑□□, 4□□□, 5□□□, 6☑□□, 7☑□□, 8□□□, 9☑□□, Focus☑☑□ | Sorc Spells 1□, 2□, 3□, 4□, 5□, 6□ | Staff Charges 9/9 | Harrow Omen: Shields (Fort)| Cond: energy aegis (resist 10), shield (AC 41)
Billy is a little injured that Drustan hasn't heard of him. But the audacity to say he doesn't care. Billy sighs, "I suppose we have chosen death. Yours." He inspires the group.
♫"Drustan's a very mean dude.
And his dwarf has a bad attitude.
.....It borders absurd.
.....Of me, he's not heard!?!?
Let's crush him for being so rude."♫
He follows it up with a quick diddy.
♫"Drustan's here at last. Let's finish this fight fast."♫
Billy casts Haste (heightened to 7th), targeting the good guys, including Reginald.
In what has become a rather traditional, maybe even cliched move, Billy hastes and inspires his companions. Meanwhile Sigourney engulfs the enemies in utter cold!
Endlo screams and clutches at his eyes. The two groups of troops are blasted almost completely away and barely hold their cohesion. Drustan remains unaffected in the midst of the conflagration and points his bastard sword at Sigourney. Prioritise killing the damn witch!
Examining the effects of her magic Sigourney realises that the troops are rather slow and clumsy (Reflex is lowest defence).
As for the fiends she recognises these as a form of devil. Their defences are pretty even across the board but their minds are slightly more susceptible to attack (Will is their weakest defence).
The now blind troop manages to hold its nerve. It forms up, advancing a little way up the stairs and launches a volley of arrows at the same area as the first. However, being much diminished in numbers it only hits Billy (this is an AoE so doesnt care about Blinded). Billy gets lightly peppered with arrows.
Rolls:
Reflex saves, order is Drustan, Endlo, Jagrikka, Red Troop, Blue Troop, Red Fiend, Blue Fiend
7d20 ⇒ (18, 2, 18, 4, 6, 18, 4) = 70
Drustan, crit pass, 0 damage
Endlo, crit fail, 110 damage and blind
Jagrikka, pass, 27 damage
Red Troops, crit fail, 120 damage and blinded
Blue Troop, crit fail, 120 damage and blinded
Red Fiend, pass, 27 damage
Blue Fiend fail, 55 damage
Like a general from a hilltop, Slick watches the troops advancing up the stairs. When they unleash their storm of arrows, he covers his head with his arms, but a couple of the arrows still manage to hit home, eliciting a grunt of mild discomfort.
As he prepares to join in the festivities, he sees Sigourney cast a spell and is most impressed with the resulting fireworks, as well as the smoldering condition in which they left the bad guys. "Good job softening them up for me there Sigourney. I guess it's time to go mop up what's left."
He trots down the stairs until he's sure all his enemies are within 60' of him. Casting an apologetic shrug at the poor singed soldiers, he mentally triggers The Trumpet harrow card to unleash its sonic powers at all the bad guys.
Action 3 & 4 (◆◆): Activate an Item: The Trumpet - Sonic Blast [L13]; 60ft cone; 16d6 sonic damage; Basic Fortitude Save vs DC 32 or deafened 1 round or 1 minute on crit fail
Sonic Blast Damage:16d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 1, 2, 1, 4, 5, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 5, 3, 6, 6) = 57vs DC 32 basic Fortitude save
Dropped a 60ft cone onto the stairs. Looks like I managed to get eeryone in it.
Slick unleashes terrifying noise on the enemy! Both groups of warriors promptly collapse, loosing all cohesion and scattering. Drustan snarls at them, Cowards, you will pay with your lives for desertion!
The red fiend flies forward and brings its bow to bear on Sigourney. She promptly surrounds herself in clouds but they do not save her and she is pierced twice!
49 damage, let me know if you have any resist
The giant also advances up the stairs and throws a couple of rocks at Sigourney but both go wide as she is protected by her magic.
Rolls:
Fort saves, order is Drustan, Endlo, Jagrikka, Red Troop, Blue Troop, Red Fiend
6d20 ⇒ (8, 18, 13, 6, 4, 9) = 58
Drustan, pass, 29 damage
Endlo, pass, upgraded to a crit pass, 0 damage
Jagrikka, pass, 29 damage
Troops, both fail, 68 damage
Red Fiend, pass, 29 damage
| HP 233/258 | AC 40 | F+28 s->cs R+34 cf->f, f->1/2 damage, s->cs W+27 s->cs; +1 status vs magic| resist fire 10 | resist environmental damage 9 | weakness cold iron 5 | Perc +27 (+28 if involving sight) | Speed 35 ft | Hero Points 0 | Exploration: Avoid Notice (Stealth +35), Scout while in favored terrain (forests), and Search | Active Conditions: Frightened 1, 4d6 persistent bleed
"They're not deserting," says Pine indignantly, "they're dying!"
Well, really!
Ick. Demons. It would be nice if they came a little closer, so he could disappear and stab them. He doesn't want to disappear yet. That would discourage them from approaching.
He needs a properly subtle approach. "How come nobody prioritizes killing me? I feel left out!"
He plucks a bead from his necklace and hurls it towards the giant as he scurries towards the side of the stairs, drawing his sword.
◆ Pluck bead
◆ Hurl bead. Should hit Jagrikka and Endlo. DC 30 basic Reflex against fire damage:12d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 5, 6, 1, 2, 6, 3, 5, 3, 6, 4, 6) + 1 = 50
◆ Stride
◆ Draw rapier
Pine engulfs the bottom of the stairs in flames and both scream in agony.
The Blue fiend, noting Sigourney's protections, swoops forward and shoots at Billy. The arrow wings him in the arm and scorches his fine clothing.
23 damage, let me know if you have any resist
It then telepathically broadcasts to its allies and Sigourney.
For Sigourney:
Endlo, the witch is between the northernmost doors of the western wall, cowering. Immolate her!
He takes the Point Out action allowing Endlo to target an area easily.
Endlo remains standing on the air. He growls, Burn Witch and drops a pillar of flames on Sigourney! Fortunately it just misses Billy.
A measly 9 spirit damage
He then casts a healing spell on himself.
Drustan grumbles, Must I do everything myself! He takes to the air and flies forward, landing on the stair below Slick. He strikes twice with his bastard sword, leaving vicious, bleeding wounds and setting Slick on fire, although he doesnt seem to notice. Drustan howls in rage like a demented fiend!
71 damage and 1d12 bleed, you can roll your own bleed and recovery at the end of your turn.
Drustan attack 1:1d20 ⇒ 17, crit
Drustan attack 2:1d20 ⇒ 18, hit but so very close to another crit. I should have allowed Endlo to cast Heroism on him as they approached.
Damage 1:3d8 + 11 ⇒ (7, 5, 4) + 11 = 27 +Fire:1d6 ⇒ 4 doubled 54 slashing -3 resist and 8 fire which is negated. He also adds 1d12 bleed and 1d10 fire which your resist negates. Finally, his crit puts you off guard until the start of his next turn.
Damage 2:3d8 + 11 ⇒ (6, 1, 5) + 11 = 23 +Fire:1d6 ⇒ 3 for another 20.
Combat Status:
Round 2
Inspire 2/4
Haste 2/10
Turn Order
42 Blue Fiend
40 Endlo
37 Drustan
--------------------------------------------------
36 Billy
32 Sigourney
30 Slick
--------------------------------------------------
29 Red Fiend
29 Jargikka
--------------------------------------------------
25 Pine
Bold to act.
Combat status
Slick 112/203, 1d12 bleed, FF start of Drustans round turn 2
Billy 113/149
Pinebrush 162/162
Sigourney 80/138
Endlo, 15' up, 132 damage, blind
Blue Fiend, 40' up, 55 damage
Red Fiend, 40' up, 56 damage
Jagrikka, 106 damage
Red Troop, dispersed
Blue Troop, dispersed
Drustan, 29 damage
Cond: | Female, Resistance 5 Poison, Acid, Cold, electricity, fire, force, sonic, void, vitality.| N Skilled Human Silence in Snow Witch 18 | HP 108/206| AC 40| F+28, R+29, W+30 (S>CS), (+1 saves vs magical effects)| (Climb) Speed 40 ft |Perc(M) +27 (+2 visual)| Init +30 (+2 if scouting)| Exp: Detect Magic| Hero: 1| Spells DC 41. Slots: 1□□□, 2□□□, 3□□□, 4□□□, 5□□☑ +☑ , 6□□□, 7□□□□, 8□□□, 9□□□, Focus□☑☑| Staff Charges: 9+5 (14 net)| KnifeWand Uses: □☑|Focus recharges □ | ✋Knifewand✋✋| Quicken Spell ☑|
Sigourney is tempted to think a snide comment back towards the fiend who called her a coward. She easily dodges the spiritual blast from the blinded Endlo. Ultimately, she decides that discretion is the better part of valour and surveys the battlefield.
The harsh sound of bastard sword clashing against full plate is audible even from all the way in the back of the battlefield. She hears Drustan slash Slick silly with his evil looking sword. She strides up to Drustan and points her knifewand at him, invoking the magic her patron has given her just for moments like these.
"Drustan, you have allied with dark forces and put others in terrible plights. By ending you, I set things right...Fire Sign - Holy Light! She pronounces judgment on him in a loud, clear voice. A bright and terrible beam of light shines out of the knife, partially wrapped in the same shadowy substance Sigourney used for her Needle Darts. The resulting half-light, half-shadow ray hits Drustan right in his thick skull!
Rank 4 Holy Light versus Drustan Reflex DC:1d20 + 22 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 22 + 1 = 43 That's a natural 20! Double both the fire and (if applicable) Spirit Damage against Unholy creatures.
I know this book was published pre-remaster and so holy and unholy as traits didn't exist at the time. I'm not sure if Drustan is so evil that he should have the Unholy trait, but he does work with and command devils. He did lie to our face about letting us go, he did punch a dwarf for talking back to him and he did send devils after us to take our cards (if I understand the AP correctly). The Unholy trait says "Effects with the unholy trait are tied to powerful magical forces of cruelty and sin. They often have stronger effects on holy creatures. Creatures with this trait are strongly devoted to unholy causes, and often have weakness to holy. If a creature with weakness to unholy uses an unholy item or effect, it takes damage from its weakness." Would Drustan be cruel, sinful and devoted enough to Unholy causes to get the Unholy trait?
If the spell attack was a crit:
Sigourney's patron is obviously happy with the damage she's caused. The diminutive white lizard inside the Hexing Jar starts putting its hands together, as if clapping with its tiny webbed appendages. Sigourney feels her patron's approval shine down on her, bolstering her defenses.
Hexing Jar.Activate [reaction] envision Frequency once per hour; Trigger You roll a critical success on an attack roll with a witch spell, or your target rolls a critical failure on its saving throw against a witch spell or hex you cast; Effect The thing in the jar becomes more energetic—glowing, dancing, rapping on the glass, or some other action appropriate to its appearance. It encourages you until the start of your next turn, granting you and your familiar a +1 status bonus to AC and saving throws and a +2 status bonus against mental effects.
Happy with the damage she's caused, she strides away from Drustan, hoping to bait him up the stairs so that Slick can get a hit in on him.
◆ Stride to get LOS on Drustan, ◇ Activate Shadow Signet, ◆◆ Rank 4 Holy Light, ↺ Hexing Jar reaction, ◆ Hasted Stride away. Path marked in blue on map.
Reactions (doesn't matter, already used unless the natural 20 was not a crit):
Gentle LandingTrigger: A creature (Sigourney or one of her allies) within range is falling.
Cloud Dragon's CloakTrigger: You or an ally within 60 feet are targeted by a ranged attack.
Interposing EarthTrigger: You are the target of a Strike or would attempt a Reflex save against a damaging area effect. Duration: 3 rounds.
Air Bubble.Trigger: A creature (Sigourney or one of her allies) within 60 feet enters an environment where it can't breathe.
Hidebound.A creature within 60 feet is hit with a Strike that deals physical damage.
Recognize Spell.Trigger: A creature within line of sight casts a spell that you don’t have prepared or in your spell repertoire, or a trap or similar object casts such a spell. You must be aware of the casting. Note: Sigourney can perform this as a free action if the spell is on the arcane or primal lists.
Hexing Jar.Activate [reaction] envision Frequency once per hour; Trigger You roll a critical success on an attack roll with a witch spell, or your target rolls a critical failure on its saving throw against a witch spell or hex you cast; Effect The thing in the jar becomes more energetic—glowing, dancing, rapping on the glass, or some other action appropriate to its appearance. It encourages you until the start of your next turn, granting you and your familiar a +1 status bonus to AC and saving throws and a +2 status bonus against mental effects.
Breath of Life.Cast [reaction] ; Trigger A living creature within range would die, Range 60 feet; Targets the triggering creature.
Your blessing revives a creature at the moment of its death. You prevent the target from dying and restore 5d8 Hit Points to the target. You can't use breath of life if the triggering effect was a death effect or an effect that leaves no remains, such as disintegrate.
1/day: +1 AC for that attack and 5 resistance to the damage.
Billy then sings out,
♫"Destruction fills the mind. The harpies were impressed!
Your manners unrefined. A trait that bards detest."♫
Billy casts Phantasmal Calamity in a 30' burst to catch Endlo, Drustan, and the Giant.
With Endlo 15' up (nearly same elevation as Drustan?) he should easily be able to include those 3 and not Slick. If he can also include the Red fiend, he will, but don't think he can.
Mental Damage +Dangerous Sorcery:11d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 5, 3, 2, 2, 2, 1, 6, 5, 6, 1) + 6 = 41 Basic Will DC 32. On crit fail, also Reflex save vs stunned.
Billy then swaps his jug for his Staff of Final Rest and moves a little to the south so Slick can benefit from his inspiration.
Sigourney ducks forward and blasts Drustan in the face with holy fire. He screams, a mixture of rage, pain and just general stroppiness!
That is a crit, Drustan is most definitely unholy and so takes both lots of damage for 100 total.
She then, quite sensibly, withdraws.
Billy unleashes terrifying nightmares on the enemy. Endlo goes white as a sheet as he sees his weapons and armour rusting away before his eyes. The other two seems less affected.
If an 18 with -5 for MAP and a +1 for Heroism would just crit Slick's 35 AC with a -2 for Off-Guard, then Drustan is... (taps away on calculator x+18-5+1=(35-2)+10)... +29 to hit with what appears to be a Wounding Flaming Longsword. Ugh!
Slick is a little disappointed by his trumpet blast. Sure, it wiped out what was left of the troops, but he was hoping to sweep the nasty little dwarf from the battlefield as well. "I guess I'll have to finish the little squirt in person."
But just then, Drustan finally decides to join the fray and flies up the stairs at him. Slick prepares himself for the attack, but even he is a little surprised by how hard the man can hit. As he staggers under the blows, Slick realizes that Drustan is going to be a harder nut to crack than he'd expected. Here was an opponent that was at least his equal, and likely slightly stronger.
Slick considers a tactical withdrawal and some healing, or perhaps ignoring Drustan to try and finish off the wounded dwarf or giant. But after Sigourney nearly blasts Drustan to a well deserved place deep in Hell, Slick reconsiders. With some lucky hits, he might be able to finish the severely wounded fiend-loving leader of this motley crew.
He rams his sword into the man before him...
Using piercing damage to get around any slashing resistance he may have from Armor Expertise.
So the options seem to be: (1) Stay standing, take the bad things that will happen, then possibly get 3 more actions with no penalty; (2) go prone and possibly get 3 more actions at -2 to attack; (3) go prone, Stand, and possibly get 2 more actions with no penalty.
Option (1) likely means he takes a chunk of damage he can't afford to or ends up with some debilitating condition that diminishes his attacks... or both. Thus his 3 no-penalty actions are not guaranteed. Option (2) means he ends up prone and is thus more likely to miss his attacks against a high AC and have nothing to show for it. Looks like option (3) is the best bet, especially since having spent his reaction, Drustan won't AoO Slick when he Stands.
When Drustan demands his obeisance, Slick snorts. "Ha! Fat cha... uh. Hold on..." Slick's mind feels the force of the command like a ton of bricks. He can either fight it and risk his mind in the process, or accept the inevitable and fall to his knees. He chooses the latter, but keeps his grip tight on his sword. Once on the ground, the force of the command fades (right?) and hopping back to his feet, proceeds with the fight.
Action (◇): Release: Slick releases his knees as commanded. He falls prone.
The target is off-guard until the end of your next turn (Grievous).
The Shove uses the same success criteria as the Strike.
If Crit Success:
You push your target back 10 feet. You can Stride after it, but you must move the same distance and in the same direction.
If Target <= Huge: The target is off-guard until the end of your current turn (Powerful Shove & Brutish Shove).
If Success:
You push your target back 5 feet. You can Stride after it, but you must move the same distance and in the same direction.
If Target <= Huge: The target is off-guard until the end of your current turn (Powerful Shove & Brutish Shove).
If Failure:
The target is off-guard until the end of your current turn (Brutish Shove).
Slick crumples to the ground under the force of Drustan's will, perhaps with a sense of shame as well? He struggles back to his feet, assuming Drustan cannot react to such movement (an assumption which may prove not to be true, enemies can have multiple reactions the same as PCs). Fortunately this time he is right. He strikes again, landing a second glancing blow on Drustan and driving him back a step.
That is 2 hits for 40 damage total. Slick takes 9 bleed but heals 42.
Conscious of Sigourneys tricks the red fiend flies forward and launches a pair of arrows at Billy instead. One of them slices into his thigh.
The Giant rumbles something to Endlo in Jotun.
Jotun:
The little singing imp is on the centre of the platform, between the two doors
And then throws a pair of rocks at Billy, but both go well wide.
Rolls:
Red attacks
Attack 1:1d20 ⇒ 15, hit
Attack 2:1d20 ⇒ 13, miss
Damage:2d8 + 6 + 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 6 + (5, 1) = 18
Jagrikka attacks
Attack 1:1d20 ⇒ 6, miss
Attack 2:1d20 ⇒ 8, miss
Combat Status:
Round 2
Inspire 2/4
Haste 2/10
Turn Order
42 Blue Fiend
40 Endlo
37 Drustan
--------------------------------------------------
36 Billy
32 Sigourney
Slick
--------------------------------------------------
29 Red Fiend
29 Jargikka
--------------------------------------------------
25 Pine
Bold to act.
Combat status
Slick 145/203
Billy 100/149
Pinebrush 162/162
Sigourney 80/138, Hexing Jar +1AC and Saves
Endlo, 15' up, 173 damage, blind, FF start of Drustans round turn 2
Blue Fiend, 40' up, 55 damage
Red Fiend, 40' up, 56 damage
Jagrikka, 126 damage
Red Troop, dispersed
Blue Troop, dispersed
Drustan, 189 damage
| HP 233/258 | AC 40 | F+28 s->cs R+34 cf->f, f->1/2 damage, s->cs W+27 s->cs; +1 status vs magic| resist fire 10 | resist environmental damage 9 | weakness cold iron 5 | Perc +27 (+28 if involving sight) | Speed 35 ft | Hero Points 0 | Exploration: Avoid Notice (Stealth +35), Scout while in favored terrain (forests), and Search | Active Conditions: Frightened 1, 4d6 persistent bleed
Huh. My token was indeed missing. I dunno.
Pine unfurls his wings. The fiend in front of him may be high above the stairs, but at the top of the stairs he can just about look it in the eye. Drustan's... just a little too far for him to reach quickly. Next priority.
Though he calls out to the giant first.
Jotun:
"Are you afraid of singing? Not so tough at all!"
He zips towards the monster, flying circles around it, using that speed to attack from an unexpected angle.
↺ Sidestep. Might come up before the end of Pine's turn if the monster has RS.
◆ Energize Wings. Flight Speed 30 for 1 minute
◆ Fly into Red Fiend's space. By my count it and Pine are at the exact same elevation, since he's 40 feet up the stairs.
◆ Feint. Deception:1d20 + 23 ⇒ (2) + 23 = 25. Oof, I'll use my last Harrow reroll: Critical Book:1d20 + 23 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 23 + 4 = 37. On a success against its Perception DC, it's Off-Guard to all of Pine's melee attacks until the end of his next turn, and takes a -2 circumstance penalty to Perception and Reflex from Distracting Feint. If it's a crit, it's Off-Guard to everyone's melee attacks instead.
◆ Strike Spicy Toothpick:1d20 + 26 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 26 + 1 = 44 for piercing:3d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1, 3) + 3 + 1 = 12, fire:1d6 ⇒ 3, and precision damage:3d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 1) = 8. On a crit, add 1d10 persistent fire and deadly damage:2d8 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8
◇ Debilitating Strike. If it did use a Reactive Strike, block reactions. Otherwise 3d6 persistent bleed
Pine flies rings around the fiend and then stabs him in the knee. He howls in rage!
Successful feint, critical hit, 38 damage after resist, it ignores the fire.
The blue fined flies forward again and shots a pair of arrows at Billy, but they go well wide.
Endlo drops another massive column of fire onto the central platform, hitting Sigourney and Billy this time. He then heals himself again!
Drustan growls, Right you, come here, time to die! He steps up to Slick, unfortunately he slips on the step and his first blow goes wide. Correcting his stance he reverses and stabs Slick but his armour deflects the blow.
Rolls:
Fiend attacks
Attack 1:1d20 ⇒ 6, miss
Attack 2:1d20 ⇒ 2, miss
Cond: | Female, Resistance 5 Poison, Acid, Cold, electricity, fire, force, sonic, void, vitality.| N Skilled Human Silence in Snow Witch 18 | HP 108/206| AC 40| F+28, R+29, W+30 (S>CS), (+1 saves vs magical effects)| (Climb) Speed 40 ft |Perc(M) +27 (+2 visual)| Init +30 (+2 if scouting)| Exp: Detect Magic| Hero: 1| Spells DC 41. Slots: 1□□□, 2□□□, 3□□□, 4□□□, 5□□☑ +☑ , 6□□□, 7□□□□, 8□□□, 9□□□, Focus□☑☑| Staff Charges: 9+5 (14 net)| KnifeWand Uses: □☑|Focus recharges □ | ✋Knifewand✋✋| Quicken Spell ☑|
Sigourney dodges the column of fire again. She's had quite enough of the giant and this blind dwarf throwing spells and rocks at those at the back of the battlefield, so she decides to do something about it. She moves up to get a better view of the battlefield. Once she gets a good look at her targets, she points at the faltering dwarf and says "Look, I can throw around magic too. Try and dodge this!" A chain of lightning bounces from her fingertips to the dwarf, and potentially to all his allies.
◆ Stride (hasted), ◆◆ Chain Lightning, ◆ Life Boost Slick,
Reactions:
Gentle LandingTrigger: A creature (Sigourney or one of her allies) within range is falling.
Cloud Dragon's CloakTrigger: You or an ally within 60 feet are targeted by a ranged attack.
Interposing EarthTrigger: You are the target of a Strike or would attempt a Reflex save against a damaging area effect. Duration: 3 rounds.
Air Bubble.Trigger: A creature (Sigourney or one of her allies) within 60 feet enters an environment where it can't breathe.
Hidebound.A creature within 60 feet is hit with a Strike that deals physical damage.
Recognize Spell.Trigger: A creature within line of sight casts a spell that you don’t have prepared or in your spell repertoire, or a trap or similar object casts such a spell. You must be aware of the casting. Note: Sigourney can perform this as a free action if the spell is on the arcane or primal lists.
Hexing Jar.Activate [reaction] envision Frequency once per hour; Trigger You roll a critical success on an attack roll with a witch spell, or your target rolls a critical failure on its saving throw against a witch spell or hex you cast; Effect The thing in the jar becomes more energetic—glowing, dancing, rapping on the glass, or some other action appropriate to its appearance. It encourages you until the start of your next turn, granting you and your familiar a +1 status bonus to AC and saving throws and a +2 status bonus against mental effects. for the next hour unavailable
Breath of Life.Cast [reaction] ; Trigger A living creature within range would die, Range 60 feet; Targets the triggering creature.
Your blessing revives a creature at the moment of its death. You prevent the target from dying and restore 5d8 Hit Points to the target. You can't use breath of life if the triggering effect was a death effect or an effect that leaves no remains, such as disintegrate.
CG Aasimar Halfling Bard 18 | HP 102/222 | AC 40 (41) | Spd 45' | F+27, R+30, W+32 (Gr. Resolve) (+1 vs magic)| Perc(M) (low-light, gr. darkvision, see invis) +28 (+3 visual, +1 haunts/spirits) | Init: 31 (visual/hearing) | Exp: Search | Hero: 0 | Spell DC 41. Slots: 1□□□, 2□□□, 3☑□□, 4□□□, 5□□□, 6☑□□, 7☑□□, 8□□□, 9☑□□, Focus☑☑□ | Sorc Spells 1□, 2□, 3□, 4□, 5□, 6□ | Staff Charges 9/9 | Harrow Omen: Shields (Fort)| Cond: energy aegis (resist 10), shield (AC 41)
Fluent in Jotun, Billy calls out in an injured tone, "An imp? An imp? My Aasimar father is turning in his heavenly grave." He corrects the enemies, "I'm a halfling. An insulted halfling." He casually moves north from his previous spot, in part to avoid the blinded Endlo, but also to make sure his inspiration can be heard by all allies.
Then, after seeing how effective Sigourney's holy attack was against Drustan, Billy turns his attention to the leader. Saying a quick prayer to Desna for True Strike, he sings out to cast his lone divine offensive sorcerer spell, Holy Light.
♫"Upon the stairs I stand. Your insults: none too bright.
Manners maketh the man. A bard with holy light!"♫
Sigourney blasts the group of enemies. Endlo staggers but does not fall. Jagrikka crumples to the group and does not move. Drustans body if briefly illuminated inside his armour before it crashes to the ground, a charred lump.
I assume Billy redirects to Endlo
Billy promptly incinerates Endlo!
With their allies all dead the two remaining fiends will flee, never to be seen again!
Rolls:
Reflex saves
3d20 ⇒ (11, 8, 1) = 20, fail, fail, crit fail
COMBAT OVER
With Drustan and his allies defeated you now have complete control over the stairs. You are easily able to look the various bodies, finding the following loot:
+2 greater striking wounding bastard sword, +1 striking composite longbow (20 arrows), +1 resilient full plate, The Mountain Man, potions of flying (2), moderate sturdy shield (Hardness 13, HP 104, BT 52), virtuoso musical instrument (lyre)
A steel-colored bird feather token, +1 striking greatsword, +1 resilient half plate, religious symbol of Gorum
+1 striking greatclub, sack with 5 2 rocks
Some days later a delegation from the Hawk Clan arrives. They are thankful that you have driven off the mercenaries and pledge that if you ever need their help you simply have to ask.
Returning to Harrowheart Baines is, as ever, waiting for you. He seems surprised that your gear is not covered in gore, acid burns or viscera although he does tut a little at the blood stains on Slick who was rather close to Drustans impressive implosion.
Back home things return to normal. The demiplane seems to be growing. The castle is now fully repaired and the town below has gained several new buildings, including a large Inn, blacksmiths, and town gaol.
Thus concludes part 1 of the AP. Level up and take 30 days of downtime.
Cond: | Female, Resistance 5 Poison, Acid, Cold, electricity, fire, force, sonic, void, vitality.| N Skilled Human Silence in Snow Witch 18 | HP 108/206| AC 40| F+28, R+29, W+30 (S>CS), (+1 saves vs magical effects)| (Climb) Speed 40 ft |Perc(M) +27 (+2 visual)| Init +30 (+2 if scouting)| Exp: Detect Magic| Hero: 1| Spells DC 41. Slots: 1□□□, 2□□□, 3□□□, 4□□□, 5□□☑ +☑ , 6□□□, 7□□□□, 8□□□, 9□□□, Focus□☑☑| Staff Charges: 9+5 (14 net)| KnifeWand Uses: □☑|Focus recharges □ | ✋Knifewand✋✋| Quicken Spell ☑|
Sigourney grins at the sight of the sheer scale of the destruction the magic the party invoked has caused. Truly, Nethys smiles (or half-smiles, it's quite difficult to tell) upon her today. She moves up to the smoking, charred corpse of Drustan and murmurs a few words in a language that is definitely not Common.
Infernal:
Mhmm...somehow, I wonder if I would have been in your position if things turned out differently. We are bound to our respective benefactors, are we not? For good and for ill.
Sigourney muses to herself.
Infernal:
Anyways, from one patron to another, here's a message for yours. I trust you'll be able to deliver it.
Sigourney leans in and whispers into Drustan's ear (well, what's left of it, anyways).
Draconic:
I will have vengeance.
She casts Curse of Death on Drustan, just to make sure he isn't coming back. She then starts looting the corpses.
At some point in time, Reginald falls out of her sleeve. He seems to be so worked up with fear and aggression that his body has collapsed into strings. Sigourney stifles a smile at the admittedly quite funny sight. She gently scoops up Reginald and makes sure he's alright before wondering to herself, "How can I weaponise this?"
When she gets back to Harrowheart, she immediately asks Baines about crafting facilities around the heart and to bring her every single piece of information around the realm about tattoos. As soon as she acquires a loan from Billy, she then locks herself in her room to do research, only exiting to do some shopping and pop out to Absalom to look for Arodeth. Reginald follows her, now taking on a humanoid form so that he not only does not scare the housekeep, but also so that he can carry all of Sigourney's stuff.
Sigourney spends her first week looking for Arodeth at the Pathfinder Lodge, preparing nothing but Restorations, Sound Body, Clear Minds and Cleanse Affliction (at the highest ranks especially) so she can fulfil her end of the bargain. Oh, and also a 6th rank Marvelous Mount so she can ride a flying vehicle over the heads of the non-magical folk of Absalom.
Slick was about to try something a little new against Durstan, but Sigourney and Billy are faster off the mark and the field of battle is cleared before he can so much as raise his sword once more.
He kicks Durstan's charred and armored body. It promptly collapses in a puff of ash leaving behind his weapons and armor. "I hope old Drumstick here enjoys hot weather because I expect it'll be very toasty indeed where he's heading."
He then takes hold of Drustan's bastard sword and swings it around to get a feel for the balance and quality. "Nice!" He then brings his thumb near the edge of the blade and a small cut appears almost before he reaches it. "I thought so. Those wounds he gave me seemed a little too bleedy to be natural."
With the help of the others, he collects the rest of the loot and transports it back to Harrowheart for sorting, identification and later disposal in the Grand Bazaar of Absalom.
As to crafting stuff, I believe we epitomized some of the Harrow cards to upgrade the crafting facilities in Harrowheart. Sigourney should check out the Epitome sections of The Brass Dwarf (+2 to Crafting checks and a bunch of armor rune formulas) and The Vision (+2 to Borrow a Spell, Identify * or Learn a Spell). In fact, I suggest that everyone have a look at the Epitomes of all the Harrow cards that we've collected to see if there is anything there that might be of interest (Sigourney in particular seems likely to be able to take advantage of some of them). It's been a while since we messed with that sort of thing.
| HP 233/258 | AC 40 | F+28 s->cs R+34 cf->f, f->1/2 damage, s->cs W+27 s->cs; +1 status vs magic| resist fire 10 | resist environmental damage 9 | weakness cold iron 5 | Perc +27 (+28 if involving sight) | Speed 35 ft | Hero Points 0 | Exploration: Avoid Notice (Stealth +35), Scout while in favored terrain (forests), and Search | Active Conditions: Frightened 1, 4d6 persistent bleed
"Wait, come back! I had a good one about singing versus stinging! I must be too scary."
Pinebrush makes sure to land before the magic fades from his wings of light. And when it does, it leaves real, physical wings behind. "About time! They say Wingless secretly have the most beautiful wings of all sprites, but we need to grow very strong before they'll manifest. I'm powerful!"
Slick Silvertongue wrote:
"I thought so. Those wounds he gave me seemed a little too bleedy to be natural."
Taking to the air again (now that he can do so without limit), Pine looks over Slick. "Yeah, um, let me take a look at that."
Once they've settled back into Harrowheart and returned to their usual routines, Slick goes back to his job as bouncer at The Gutless Griffin and thus being close enough to make sure that his friend Billy doesn't get himself into any trouble. During his time off, he works hard on his training at Harrowheart.
A crit failure at Level 10 is good nothing.
A failure at Level 10 is good for 0.7gp per day.
A success at Level 10 for a Master should be good for 6gp per day.
A crit success at Level 10 for a Master should be good for 8gp per day.
Athletics (Earn Income) vs Level 10: DC 27:1d20 + 25 ⇒ (12) + 25 = 37
The crit success result for 10 days is 10 * 8gp = 80gp
Athletics (Earn Income) vs Level 10: DC 27:1d20 + 25 ⇒ (13) + 25 = 38
The crit success result for 10 days is 10 * 8gp = 80gp
Athletics (Earn Income) vs Level 10: DC 27:1d20 + 25 ⇒ (8) + 25 = 33
The success result for 10 days is 10 * 6gp = 60gp
Total pay for 30 days: 220gp (80 + 80 + 60)
At the end of the month, Slick collects his wages from the proprietor, Fronsac Shimm. He bounces the pouch of gold in his hand to feel the weight. "Good thing this isn't my primary source of income."
CG Aasimar Halfling Bard 18 | HP 102/222 | AC 40 (41) | Spd 45' | F+27, R+30, W+32 (Gr. Resolve) (+1 vs magic)| Perc(M) (low-light, gr. darkvision, see invis) +28 (+3 visual, +1 haunts/spirits) | Init: 31 (visual/hearing) | Exp: Search | Hero: 0 | Spell DC 41. Slots: 1□□□, 2□□□, 3☑□□, 4□□□, 5□□□, 6☑□□, 7☑□□, 8□□□, 9☑□□, Focus☑☑□ | Sorc Spells 1□, 2□, 3□, 4□, 5□, 6□ | Staff Charges 9/9 | Harrow Omen: Shields (Fort)| Cond: energy aegis (resist 10), shield (AC 41)
Returning to Harrowheart, Billy looks through his cards, finds The Vision and says, "Sigourney, this was clearly meant for you." He hands her the card, and stows his remaining three cards.
Billy spends much of the next month at The Gutless Griffin, comforted knowing that Slick is nearby, keeping an eye on things. The affable bard is either on stage, strumming his lute, or in his favorite corner booth performing harrow readings for tourists and locals alike.
As always, he attempts to Earn Income at his current level.
Near the end of the month, back at Harrowheart, Billy calls his companions, one at a time over the course of 4 evenings, into the Parlor, so he can perform The Harrowing ritual for each.
Performing in the same order as last time: Slick, Billy, Sigourney, and Pinebrush. And at the same level 4, to avoid crit fails.
| HP 233/258 | AC 40 | F+28 s->cs R+34 cf->f, f->1/2 damage, s->cs W+27 s->cs; +1 status vs magic| resist fire 10 | resist environmental damage 9 | weakness cold iron 5 | Perc +27 (+28 if involving sight) | Speed 35 ft | Hero Points 0 | Exploration: Avoid Notice (Stealth +35), Scout while in favored terrain (forests), and Search | Active Conditions: Frightened 1, 4d6 persistent bleed
Pinebrush spends some time arranging his comfy little room at Harrowheart.
No longer able to deny Billy's fortune-telling, he sits for another reading.
Taking Will, Fortitude, Skills, and strikes
He tries to find this Rabbit Prince Sigourney keeps talking about, but he finds no evidence that such a creature exists. It's probably a prank.
Stealth:1d20 + 25 ⇒ (2) + 25 = 27
Pine spends the rest of the time singing when Billy isn't on stage. He's still not sure why Billy is more popular than he is.
Performance (Earn Income level 12):1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24 Failure. 6 days (one spent pursuing Rabbit Prince) x 9 sp = 5.4 gp
Performance (Earn Income level 12):1d20 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21 Critical Failure.
Performance (Earn Income level12):1d20 + 20 ⇒ (6) + 20 = 26 Failure. 7 days x 9 sp = 6.3 gp.
Total of 11.7
People really liked his performance during the second week. They threw food at him! They asked him to stop singing for a while because everyone was too overwhelmed.
And he got coins, too!
Wow, Pine. That is quite the string of crappy rolls there.
The GM has told us that we will not run out of terrains to epitomize all the terrain-bound Harrow cards. He's also told us that traveling around the realm is a safe activity and that we don't have to worry about travel time issues. There is now no reason not to epitomize all the cards as we receive them.
As far as I can tell, we've already epitomized the following cards:
The Brass Dwarf (Harrowheart) The Carnival (farmland) The Paladin (Harrowheart) The Rabbit Prince (forest) The Theater (Harrowheart) The Vision (Harrowheart)
The following cards have not yet been epitomized:
The Big Sky (desert) The Empty Throne (lake) The Fiend (Harrowheart) The Juggler (Harrowheart) The Liar (Harrowheart) The Locksmith (Harrowheart) The Mountain Man (mountains) The Publican (Harrowheart) The Rakshasa (Harrowheart) The Silent Hag (Harrowheart) The Snakebite (swamp) The Trumpet (Harrowheart)
One fine day, Slick wakes up in a good mood and after a filling breakfast from Emile Buca to fuel him up, decides that today is a good day to epitomize all the remaining Harrow cards.
First, he starts by epitomizing all the cards that provide improvements to either Harrowheart or the surrounding town. This includes The Fiend, The Juggler, The Liar, The Locksmith, The Publican, The Rakshasa, The Silent Hag, and The Trumpet. Even though he knows deep down that the new arrivals he's just epitomized into existence are yet more simulacrums, he can't help but feel a small sense of accomplishment; the kind of accomplishment that a child might feel when filling their dollhouse with yet more furniture or figurines.
He then chases down his friends and asks whether they would like to join him on a jaunt around the Harrow Court to check out certain areas that they haven't yet visited. As they traipse across the nearby desert, they epitomize The Big Sky; when they reach the edge of a lake, they epitomize The Empty Throne. The Mountain Man is next to be epitomized after a trek up the side of a mountain; and finally it is the turn of the Snakebite when they come upon a swamp.
With all the cards so epitomized, and with Pinebrush taking a shot at finding The Rabbit Prince and almost catching it (you get a +4 circumstance bonus to your Stealth check the next time you try to find the rabbit), they return triumphant to Harrowheart for another good meal from their inestimable Galtan chef.
Sigourney makes quite a show of herself, flaying around Absalom on what I assume looks like a Draconic mount. She is the talk of the salons for at least a day and a half before some new diversion attracts the attention of the chattering classes.
Several days later she receives a message to visit the Grand Lodge. Arriving she finds it full of excitable Pathfinders scurrying about. It seems some new escapade is afoot, although what is not at all clear.
Entering the central tower of Skyreach she is directed to a chamber of the 3rd floor. Skyreach is normally the domain of the Venture Captains and the mysterious Decemvirate who run the society. Sigourney finds the elderly Arodeth ensconced in a private room, quite an honour for an outsider.
She gives Sigourney a small smile, although it lacks much warmth. So my dear, you wanted to discuss the sharing of spells I understand. Tell me, why should I share my knowledge with you, what do you have to offer me?
For very long posts, especially ones with masses of rolls, please use spoilers to split things up.
