On a critical hit, the weapon flares with hellfire and deals an extra 2 points of fire damage and 2 points of evil damage for the attack. However, on a critical miss, the weapon burns the wielder, dealing the extra damage to them instead.
Male Human Inventor 10 | HP 128/128 | AC 29/31 | F+18 R+16 W+16, +2 circ to saves vs spells that target him while Shield Raised; slashing resist 5 cold and fire resist 5/7 Void resist 1| Perc +13 (Initiative +15) | Shield Hardness 9 HP 76/76 | Speed 30 ft | Hero Points 1 | Exploration: Defend| Active Conditions: None
Fire resistance from Phlogistonic Regulator blocks the fire damage. Physical resistance from inspire defense reduces piercing by 1, and Shield Block by another 8, though the remaining 3 also damages Liam's shield. Evil damage only hurts him, because the shield is neutral.
Liam uses his shield to push the doggo back, limiting the damage. "Enough of that," he mutters, whipping his mace at the beast again. He then snaps it to the side, trying to catch the bodyguard as well.
Inspire Defense (+1 AC, Physical Damage Resistance 1) is active until Turn 7 Xun's turn
The part of the map with broken doors is difficult terrain. The section in white with the caption "Mirror Shards" will deal piercing damage if you fall prone in its area.
”Fingo Canvas” | Male NG Human Cleric 4 | HP 44/44 | AC 20 | F +9 R +6 W +10 | Perc +8 | Default Exploration (Detect Magic) | Speed 25ft | Active Conditions: None
Fingo winces as the cold hits him, yet gives Aydrian his best smile.
If this is all you have left, you could as well surrender. Your allies are falling like... well... flies, I guess, and... maybe you'll be better off in our hands than in those of the Queen, no?
He winks, envelops himself in healing energy, then tries to strike the dog -- only slightly less embarrassingly than a second ago
NG Male Half-Orc Bard 7 | HP 75/75 | AC 26 | F +10 R +15 W +13 (+1 vs magic) | Perc +13 (low-light vision, +2 init) | Stealth +4 | 25 ft. | Spells 1st: 3/3 2nd: 3/3 3rd: 0/3 4th: 0/2 | Focus Points 2/2 | Hero Point 2 | Exploration: Scout | Active Conditions: ---
Charlies begins the carefully practiced somatic motions needed to cast his magic. The bodyguard reacts accordingly.
Bonk:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23 Bludgeoning:1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Charlies persists and grabs the man's hand, forcing him to focus on ignoring the pain. The man is too focused to pay attention to Xun's threatening posture. An errant rock thrown in the dog's direction doesn't help things, either.
Will Save:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Fingo mocks Aydrian Thrune before healing himself and missing the dog. She sneers. "Oh please! The fly told me everything. You're here to take me and the Count back to the Queen and betray your precious Society in the process! If you ally with me, we can both take him to someone with much more power than that dolt sitting upon the throne."
Aydrian's shadow splits in 3 before rising about her. You're not sure which one is the real Aydrian and which one is an illusory image. Each of the 4 Aydrians conjure a swirling black shield.
The bodyguard notes a target rich environment and decides to trip someone with his long staff.
1 is Dreadfang, 2 is Liam, 3 is Charlies:1d3 ⇒ 1 Athletics vs Reflex DC:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Then he goes for the kill. His staff bursts into flame as he swings.
Bonk 1:1d20 + 12 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 12 - 5 = 9 Bonk 1:1d20 + 12 - 10 ⇒ (13) + 12 - 10 = 15
Well, at least he knocked Dreadfang prone. He prepares to parry incoming attacks.
With Dreadfang prone, the dog starts biting him.
Bite:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29 piercing:1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 fire:1d6 ⇒ 5
Inspire Defense (+1 AC, Physical Damage Resistance 1) is active until Turn 7 Xun's turn
The part of the map with broken doors is difficult terrain. The section in white with the caption "Mirror Shards" will deal piercing damage if you fall prone in its area.
Inspire Defense (+1 AC, Physical Damage Resistance 1) is active until Turn 7 Xun's turn
The part of the map with broken doors is difficult terrain. The section in white with the caption "Mirror Shards" will deal piercing damage if you fall prone in its area.
NG Male Half-Orc Bard 7 | HP 75/75 | AC 26 | F +10 R +15 W +13 (+1 vs magic) | Perc +13 (low-light vision, +2 init) | Stealth +4 | 25 ft. | Spells 1st: 3/3 2nd: 3/3 3rd: 0/3 4th: 0/2 | Focus Points 2/2 | Hero Point 2 | Exploration: Scout | Active Conditions: ---
Xun looks at the bodyguard and begins to yell at them
"You are a worm that will burn in the flames of my rage, you are like chunk of timber thrown into the bonfire, the pure hatred of my will make you set on fire."
While Xun doesn't affect the dog, his words are so piercing the bodyguard's body actually starts to overheat and burst into flame.
Bodyguard Will Save:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Dreadfang takes advantage of the commotion to defeat the bodyguard, overwhelming his stance with brute force.
Inspire Defense (+1 AC, Physical Damage Resistance 1) is active until Turn 7 Xun's turn
The part of the map with broken doors is difficult terrain. The section in white with the caption "Mirror Shards" will deal piercing damage if you fall prone in its area.
Male Human Angelic Avenger Summoner 8 | EidolonEstes | Eidolon Contact | HP 112/112 (+1 HP/min), AC 26 (27 w Shield raised), Fortitude** +15, Reflex* +14, Will** +15, Perception** +15, Stealth +3 | Speed 25 ft. | Exploration Activity Defend | Active Conditions Void Resistance 1 | Tracker | ◆◇↺
Charlies draws out a moderate healing potion and drinks it. He then raises his shield.
Moderate Healing Potion:3d8 + 10 ⇒ (5, 3, 8) + 10 = 26 HP for Charlies
◆ Interact to draw potion
◆ Activate potion
◆ Raise a Shield
Male Human Inventor 10 | HP 128/128 | AC 29/31 | F+18 R+16 W+16, +2 circ to saves vs spells that target him while Shield Raised; slashing resist 5 cold and fire resist 5/7 Void resist 1| Perc +13 (Initiative +15) | Shield Hardness 9 HP 76/76 | Speed 30 ft | Hero Points 1 | Exploration: Defend| Active Conditions: None
Liam decides to continue focusing on the doggo. Perhaps Thrune will surrender once her allies are down.
She's also well enough defended that it's just more efficient. But she's also cornered herself.
With just one nearby enemy to focus on, Liam puts the full force of his enhanced armor into his swing--a new feature!
”Fingo Canvas” | Male NG Human Cleric 4 | HP 44/44 | AC 20 | F +9 R +6 W +10 | Perc +8 | Default Exploration (Detect Magic) | Speed 25ft | Active Conditions: None
Seeing that the rest of the group as the doggo well in hand, Fingo ◆ ◆ ◆ Stride through the debris and behind Aydrian.
That fly has been lying to you, Lady Thrune. It is true that the Queen wants you, but we never agreed to deliver you. We very specifically declined to agree, in fact. You should be worried that your own allies are apparently trying to force you to fight us to the death. Why would they do this? Let's be honest here... these images are only delaying the inevitable. Our concern is for the Count, not the Queen.
With a quick flick of the mace Liam puts a dog down. Aydrian stands alone.
"Hmpf! Liar!" Her hands glow with eldritch energy. "The Queen has sent all sorts of spies after me ever since my new ally arrived and gifted me with great power. Power she fears. Even your so-called Count caught wind of my machinations! So I took him. You'll never get him back, you hear me! NEVER!"
Spell Attack:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Fingo sees the first signs of panic and paranoia as Aydrian's magic goes wide. She raises a magical shield in desperation.
Inspire Defense (+1 AC, Physical Damage Resistance 1) is active until Turn 7 Xun's turn
The part of the map with broken doors is difficult terrain. The section in white with the caption "Mirror Shards" will deal piercing damage if you fall prone in its area.
”Fingo Canvas” | Male NG Human Cleric 4 | HP 44/44 | AC 20 | F +9 R +6 W +10 | Perc +8 | Default Exploration (Detect Magic) | Speed 25ft | Active Conditions: None
Fingo starts punching at the images, attempting to figure out which one is Aydrian.
Fingo destroys 2 shadowy images and then...
Fingo punches a Mirror Image:1d2 ⇒ 1 Fist:1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Punches the real Aydrian with the power of compassion. Shayla helps destroy the final image.
Inspire Defense (+1 AC, Physical Damage Resistance 1) is active until Turn 7 Xun's turn
The part of the map with broken doors is difficult terrain. The section in white with the caption "Mirror Shards" will deal piercing damage if you fall prone in its area.
Male Human Inventor 10 | HP 128/128 | AC 29/31 | F+18 R+16 W+16, +2 circ to saves vs spells that target him while Shield Raised; slashing resist 5 cold and fire resist 5/7 Void resist 1| Perc +13 (Initiative +15) | Shield Hardness 9 HP 76/76 | Speed 30 ft | Hero Points 1 | Exploration: Defend| Active Conditions: None
"Listen," Liam says as he approaches their cornered quarry, "you clearly have this coming--from all sides, it seems--but we prefer not to gang up on a person and beat them. You might be able to relate." Might. "You're outnumbered now, just stand down."
He hesitates to move through the broken glass until he has a chance to push through. He keeps his shield up instead, prepared for the diabolical noble to respond to his offer.
* Stride
* Stride
* Raise Shield; I don't have enough movement left to get into flanking position this turn anyway.
NG Male Half-Orc Bard 7 | HP 75/75 | AC 26 | F +10 R +15 W +13 (+1 vs magic) | Perc +13 (low-light vision, +2 init) | Stealth +4 | 25 ft. | Spells 1st: 3/3 2nd: 3/3 3rd: 0/3 4th: 0/2 | Focus Points 2/2 | Hero Point 2 | Exploration: Scout | Active Conditions: ---
Xun moves closer to the shards and tries to intimidate Aydrian
The team begins to close in on Aydrian as her plans crumble before her. Liam and Fingo make rational arguments; could the fly have lied? A double agent, perhaps? The Queen was always skilled at twisting allegiences. Xun and Dreadfang represent an immediate danger, frightening her.
Will Save:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
And Charlies was able to get into her head.
Whatever she had hoped and aimed for, it clearly wasn't happening. "Wh-where are you? Help me. Now!" She calls out to no one in particular. She strides around Dreadfang, looking at the walls. "I know you're seeing this- help me!" She cups her hands as they burst into flame and shoot over Dreadfang and Fingo.
Burning Hands:2d6 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6
Round 6 Shayla (20 damage)
Fingo (4 damage, Reflex Save DC 21 vs 6 Fire Damage)
Liam (22 Damage, Raise Shield)
Charlies (8 damage, Cocytan Filth)
Xun (11 damage)
Dreadfang (34 Damage, Reflex Save DC 21 vs 6 Fire Damage)
Aydrian (7 damage)
Inspire Defense (+1 AC, Physical Damage Resistance 1) is active until Turn 7 Xun's turn
The part of the map with broken doors is difficult terrain. The section in white with the caption "Mirror Shards" will deal piercing damage if you fall prone in its area.
Male Human Inventor 10 | HP 128/128 | AC 29/31 | F+18 R+16 W+16, +2 circ to saves vs spells that target him while Shield Raised; slashing resist 5 cold and fire resist 5/7 Void resist 1| Perc +13 (Initiative +15) | Shield Hardness 9 HP 76/76 | Speed 30 ft | Hero Points 1 | Exploration: Defend| Active Conditions: None
"Ah, so you aren't alone," says Liam as he picks his way through the broken glass, "I don't feel as bad about this, then."
Once she's in reach, Liam snaps his mace towards her. Twice--his shield isn't as helpful against a mage anyway.
”Fingo Canvas” | Male NG Human Cleric 4 | HP 44/44 | AC 20 | F +9 R +6 W +10 | Perc +8 | Default Exploration (Detect Magic) | Speed 25ft | Active Conditions: None
Reflex save:1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 = 15
She is done for. And there is much we could gain interrogating her. Let's not be hasty to kill.
Fingo moves to flank with Liam, then attempts to knock Aydrian out.
NG Male Half-Orc Bard 7 | HP 75/75 | AC 26 | F +10 R +15 W +13 (+1 vs magic) | Perc +13 (low-light vision, +2 init) | Stealth +4 | 25 ft. | Spells 1st: 3/3 2nd: 3/3 3rd: 0/3 4th: 0/2 | Focus Points 2/2 | Hero Point 2 | Exploration: Scout | Active Conditions: ---
Xun yells at the foe "Fall to the ground and beg for mercy!"
Aydrian Will:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24 Aydrian Will:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
With Shaylya's axe, Liam's mace, Charlies's words and Fingo's fist, Aydrian feels herself on the edge of consciousness. Dreadfang's elbow is the last straw as she tilts over and passes out. Out of her hands slips a strange misty crystal. It shatters across the ground, exploding into a shadowy spray that sucks the life out of Dreadfang and Liam.
Negative Damage:4d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 1, 5) = 12
Liam and Dreadfang, make a Reflex Save, DC 19 vs 12 Negative Damage Liam (22 Damage)
Dreadfang (40 Damage)
Male Human Inventor 10 | HP 128/128 | AC 29/31 | F+18 R+16 W+16, +2 circ to saves vs spells that target him while Shield Raised; slashing resist 5 cold and fire resist 5/7 Void resist 1| Perc +13 (Initiative +15) | Shield Hardness 9 HP 76/76 | Speed 30 ft | Hero Points 1 | Exploration: Defend| Active Conditions: None
Reflex:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 Liam has Negative Resistance 1 due to resonant power of his aeon stone.
"Think she was bluffing, or is there really somebody else here? Down this little tunnel, maybe?"
Liam keeps his shield up, and peeks down the side tunnel.
”Fingo Canvas” | Male NG Human Cleric 4 | HP 44/44 | AC 20 | F +9 R +6 W +10 | Perc +8 | Default Exploration (Detect Magic) | Speed 25ft | Active Conditions: None
My bet is that she was working with... or for someone? And that of they were going to intervene, they'd already have. Could be wrong though... Fingo says, keeping his weapons ready despite his reassurances.
NG Male Half-Orc Bard 7 | HP 75/75 | AC 26 | F +10 R +15 W +13 (+1 vs magic) | Perc +13 (low-light vision, +2 init) | Stealth +4 | 25 ft. | Spells 1st: 3/3 2nd: 3/3 3rd: 0/3 4th: 0/2 | Focus Points 2/2 | Hero Point 2 | Exploration: Scout | Active Conditions: ---
Xun uses his healing songs to heal others. Using hymn of healing to heal others just like lay on hands
Aydrian Thrune's body still breathes, although the woman is clearly unconscious and still bleeding. The shadowy crystal that erupted around Liam and Dreadfang left scratches across her body, dark as night.
You have the opportunity to save her life, but otherwise she will die here.
Liam finds an earthen tunnel filled with soot, ash, and a few bones with canine teeth marks. But nothing of value.
Charlies finds Aydrian carried a simple dagger upon her, as well as a magical ring. But more intriguing is what's behind the curtain at the end of the corridor. A sleeping cot and some kind of journal.
The writing is a mix of multiple languages, none of which are the Common Tongue. It would take weeks to fully decipher it, but maybe someone could decipher enough.
You can spend an hour trying to glean contents from the journal. Make a DC 25 Society check. If you know either Shadowtongue or Infernal, the DC is 22. If you know both, the DC is 20.
While Shayla's wounds close, she grimaces (regeneration isn't necessarily painless, you know!). But she spends the time searching for loot... She takes one look at the journal and makes a face. "If I wanted to pore through stuff like that, I would have been a bard like my sister!"
Male Human Inventor 10 | HP 128/128 | AC 29/31 | F+18 R+16 W+16, +2 circ to saves vs spells that target him while Shield Raised; slashing resist 5 cold and fire resist 5/7 Void resist 1| Perc +13 (Initiative +15) | Shield Hardness 9 HP 76/76 | Speed 30 ft | Hero Points 1 | Exploration: Defend| Active Conditions: None
"Here, I'll take it," Liam offers, stowing his weapon and reaching for the journal. "Let's see, if any of this is written in..."
Society:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
"I think it might be code. I'd say 'someone was paranoid,' but here we are trying to read it so I guess she was right."
”Fingo Canvas” | Male NG Human Cleric 4 | HP 44/44 | AC 20 | F +9 R +6 W +10 | Perc +8 | Default Exploration (Detect Magic) | Speed 25ft | Active Conditions: None
Society:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Fingo attempts to look at the books, but this is all mumbo-jumbo to him.
Hopefully someone at the lodge will know how to make sense of this he sighs. In the mean time... well, we still need to free our poor Captain.
If there is time, Fingo will have a look at the magic ring as well.
NG Male Half-Orc Bard 7 | HP 75/75 | AC 26 | F +10 R +15 W +13 (+1 vs magic) | Perc +13 (low-light vision, +2 init) | Stealth +4 | 25 ft. | Spells 1st: 3/3 2nd: 3/3 3rd: 0/3 4th: 0/2 | Focus Points 2/2 | Hero Point 2 | Exploration: Scout | Active Conditions: ---
Xun keeps on playing, which might seem like a distraction but Liam feels inspired by it
It takes some time, but with Xun's music puts Liam in the right mood to study. He's able to get the gist of Aydrian Thrune's writings. Much of her casual writing is dedicated to looking good, her favorite cloaks, backstabbing weaker relatives and of course, bears. She also mentions her "benefactor", although she never mentions them by name.
A few years ago:
My new benefactor handed me a gift. A shard of raw black crystal. They said it was a reward for my hard work. Also, probably because my father came from Nidal, and I inherited his shadowy hell magic. This benefactor wants to see results. Hopefully I don't inherit my father's knack for attracting assassins.
With this crystal, the shadows dance at my command. Yesterday I was able to dress them up as a chair, and my bodyguard fell through it when he tried to eat lunch. Hehe. To his credit he didn't even yelp. The monastery did guarantee a vow of secrecy.
A few months ago:
Another assassin dead. Loyal to the end, my benefactor had to force the truth out him. The queen isn't happy about my last few excursions near the border. But the shadows are so strong out here. I've seen that diva Cinder hovering near me, thinking she can hide and watch my every move. The queen's personal lapdog is so annoying.
My benefactor gave me a great suggestion last night: Count Varian Jeggare, the Open Secret of the Pathfinder Society. Wastes his time treating his staff with respect. His stupid dog and his butler Radovan fetch secrets for the Pathfinders. I bet they're sharing our secrets with the Bears. And he speaks so openly with everyone despite being a complete mystery. Is he a fighter, a wizard, a druid? The stories I've read are so confusing!
But if I can capture him and break him, the queen will be quite pleased. The Glorious Reclamation will certainly try to contact him and beg for support. That's when I can snatch him away.
Yesterday:
Fort Dracobellum has fallen, and this idiot Count has kept his mouth shut. The Pathfinders who overturned the fort are on their way, I can feel it. The Count thinks the Ursine Alliance will save him, bah! He speaks in riddles. More pain will loosen his tongue.
Skull, doll, spider: these foci are loaded with shadow magic. As long as they are intact my benefactor can keep the Count in place. He'll tell me what I need to know or he'll wish he were dead.
Fingo spends the hour studying the ring. An Arcana or Nature check will help you discern its ability.
Male Human Inventor 10 | HP 128/128 | AC 29/31 | F+18 R+16 W+16, +2 circ to saves vs spells that target him while Shield Raised; slashing resist 5 cold and fire resist 5/7 Void resist 1| Perc +13 (Initiative +15) | Shield Hardness 9 HP 76/76 | Speed 30 ft | Hero Points 1 | Exploration: Defend| Active Conditions: None
"We should check the other wings still. Don't want anything coming out behind us. North first, since something came from that way before?"
