[Gameday XIII] Demonic Afterparty (Inactive)

Game Master Michael Hallet

Sparkin had a thought that surely the array of gems concentrated the light and would cause burns to those in the area when activated. At the last moment he realized that focusing enough light through this device would require some magic, which definitely is not there.

Avoided a critical failure by 1.

Beautiful mahogany shelves line the walls, filled with an assortment of books ranging from rare editions of famous literature to racy novels. A thick plush rug covers most of the floor, its beauty dimmed by age and dust. Sitting at a desk covered in stacks of papers is a human man who looks comfortable as he flips through a thick tome titled One Thousand Voices in My Flesh.

The man looks up in surprise, adjusting his spectacles. “Ah, intruders! Should I scream? Or are you the sort that’s open to intelligent conversation?”

A small, squat demon stands next to the man, while four tiny winged demons are perched, one on the desk, and three on the 10-foot tall bookcase.

"That bug knight out there wasn't all that conversational, so it's a nice change of pace." Olnik eyes the demon warily.

Recall Knowledge/Identify Creature(Religion): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Lowest/highest save, special defenses/attack

Charlies, seeing the demon, tries to recall something about them. Recall Knowledge about the demon and the winged demons, Religion

"No need to scream." Charlies tells the man. "We are looking for something suspicious activity here. And what are you reading?"

Shayla also looks warily at the creature.

Religion +9, Occultism +8

"No need to scream." Charlies tells the man. "We are looking for something suspicious activity here. And what are you reading?"

Meadow's eyes narrow as she questions the man. "Yeah suspicious activity. Also we hear that people have been skulking about. Who are you and what are you doing here? Have you been skulking?" She gestures towards the demons. "And what are you doing hanging around with these characters? They're almost certainly up to no good."

Meadow has no weapons drawn but she takes the opportunity to study the human carefully. Hunt prey on the human

The winged demons are quasits, often created as familiars for demonologist through a ritual which binds a portion of their soul with a cthonic essence.

The short demon is a pusk or sloth demon. They are often described as slow and cowardly, one of the lesser demons. Their claws are dangerous and can cause bleeding wounds. They are weak to cold iron and holy things.

The PCs may each attempt one skill check to gain information through conversation.
• A PC who succeeds at a DC 21 Religion or DC 19 Demon Lore check shows off their knowledge of demons, particularly Deskari.
• A PC who succeeds at a DC 21 Nature or DC 23 Survival check starts an invigorating discussion about insect life cycles.
• A PC who succeeds at a DC 21 Occultism or a DC 23 Diplomacy or Deception check convinces the entodemonologist of their genuine interest in learning more about the cult’s philosophy.
• A PC who succeeds at a DC 23 Society, DC 21 Arcana, or DC 19 Academia Lore check shows the entodemonologist that the PC is a fellow academic and intellectual.

"Interestin'... " Shayla drawls, "Whatcha studying, though? I only started with doing research myself. Not quite sure what I should be studying, though. Any suggestions for a noob like me?"

Arcana: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

"Clearly there are many interesting things to be gleaned in such a ruin. The techniques of summoners during the Worldwound period, or even records from pre-Mendevian Sarkoris, for instance," Sparkin comments.

Magical History Lore: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
(If you're not down with this Lore, my Arcana bonus is +14)

Religion: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Olnik tries to offer some useful information about demons, but really spirits are more of his thing, "So, demons, eh? Evil little buggers, ain't they?"

DC 21 Religion: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Charlies casually converses with the man about demons but he actually doesn't know that much about it.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

"Seriously though. What are you doing here? We were told that there were cultists here. What does that mean? What makes cultists different from regular worshippers?" She gestures towards the demons once again. "And how can you hang out with those guys. They're bad news aren't they?"

Meadow ponders her words for a moment, then, unnerved by the awkward pause begins speaking to fill the silence. "Okay so maaaaayybe we're weren't told in so many words that there are cultists here. Just some strange goings on and maybe even shenanigans, but come on. This area is famous for demons and cultists and such. If there are shenanigans then there's almost certainly cultists behind it, right? I keep saying cultists. Now the word is starting to lose it's meaning. Cultists, cultists. See? Almost meaningless now. Anyway back to the original topic. Who are you and what are you doing here hanging out with these weird-looking little monster guys. What are they anyway? I'm starting to feel like I'm babbling a little bit. Am I babbling? Hmm...I'll be quiet now."

What are those weird-looking little monster guys anyway?

Is Bulak going to roll? It could make a difference one way or the other.

Based on his knowledge of the Worldwound, Sparkin recognizes the title, One Thousand Voices in My Flesh, as that of Deskari's unholy book.

nature: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

"I'm finding the insect life cycles around these parts rather interesting in figuring all these things out honestly. Like the others said, we didn't know why cultists were here, are they literally studying insects for nefarious reasons? What can you tell us?

nature with hero point: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

“I was told you’d be persistent but didn’t mention what wonderful conversationalists you’d be. Shame that the others couldn’t meet you, but our finances areca bit drained, you see. Isn’t it amusing how a common foe can unite so many. If my lady breathes word of fighting the Whispering Way, why I bet they’d let her into the very heart of Absalom and shower her in gold. Once our coffers are restored, we can really make some headway. Lord Deskari will not remain dead.” He laughs and adds that
Hesla would be displeased with him for oversharing.

"It matters not though. Here is the part where you die so that we may live on."

⬤ Study Round 1 ⬤
Party Condition(s): Rallying Anthem Round 2 of 3 - (+1 status bonus to AC/saving throws, and resistance to physical damage)
Terrain Feature(s): Stairs are difficult terrain; bookshelf is 10 feet tall
Map Link: ENCOUNTER MAP
Note(s): ☘️: Hero Point, OG: Off-Guard

CHARACTER IN ➤ BOLD TYPEFACE CAN ACT! STRIKETHROUGH NAMES ARE ELIMINATED.
➤ Bulak the Wanderer (AC 23) (HP 82/82) |
➤ Sparkin Spellrig (AC 18) (HP 58/58) |
➤ Meadow (AC 24) (HP 74/74) |
⠀⠀⠀Silence (AC 23) (HP 52/52) |
Tiny Blue Demon (HP -) |
➤ Olnik Shadowstone (AC 21) (HP 64/64) |
➤ Shayla Quickfingers (AC 24) (HP 74/74) |
Tiny Purple Demon (HP -) |
Charlies (AC 24) (HP 86/86) |
⠀⠀⠀Estes (AC 24) (HP 86/86) |
Red Demonologist (HP -) |
Tiny Yellow Demon (HP -) |
Tiny Green Demon (HP -) |
Small Black Demon (HP -) |

Shayla squeezes past Bulak. Her arm pumps twice as a pair of axes fly at the Red demonologist.

+1 Striking Hatchet, 20' range, OG: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33 for Slashing Damage: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 2) + 3 = 6 plus Sneak: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5
Critical Hit: Double Damage + Crit Specialization
+1 Striking Hatchet, MAP, Agile, 20' range, OG: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 for Slashing Damage: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 3) + 3 = 12 plus Sneak: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12
Critical Hit: Double Damage + Crit Specialization

2 dmg to black the 33 is a crit (crit spec for axe)

◈ Step
◈◈ Strike x2
↺ Nimble Dodge (+2 AC)

Do the names Hesla and Deskari ring any bells? Those names were said before we went into initiative, so not sure if we'd get knowledge checks on it without spending actions.

Olnik bangs his drum menacingly.

◇ Cast: Lingering Composition
Performance: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
◈ Cast: Courageous Anthem

That should be a success, so courageous anthem will last for 3 rounds. The earlier rallying anthem would be well expired by now. Everyone gets +1 attack/damage/fear saves

◈◈ Cast: Sound Burst
Resonating with the anthem he's playing, he bangs on the drum again and a pulse of sound blasts across the room, slamming into the wall near the demonologist.
It is a 10 foot burst, I believe I can place it so that it will hit the demonologist and the black, purple, & blue demons, as well, without hitting any allies. DC 22 Fort save. In addition to adjusting damage, deafened on a failure and deafened/stunned on crit failure.
sound burst damage (sonic) w/ courageous anthem: 2d10 + 1 ⇒ (7, 8) + 1 = 16

That's the last of my Level 3 spells...

Bulak will move to the wall to aim for the demonologist (one action), hunt prey (one action) and then attack (reach 10).

Striking Halberd: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
bludgeoning: 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (4, 9) + 4 = 17
precision: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Leaving the necromancer to his cohorts, Sparkin begins picking away at the summoned fiends.

Stride, Cast slashing gust at green and blue.

spell attack: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 1 = 18 for slashing: 3d4 + 1 ⇒ (1, 4, 3) + 1 = 9
spell attack: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 1 = 20 for slashing: 3d4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4, 2) + 1 = 10

"It matters not though. Here is the part where you die so that we may live on."

"Ha! I don't think so Fathead! Not unless you can 'live on' with a bunch of arrows sticking out of you. Silence! Get him! Routine 9!"

Meadow scoffs at the bespectacled man, taking the time to mockingly form air quotes with her fingers.

◆ Command an Animal

"Screech!" Silence circles around to strike at the man from across the protective railing surrounding the platform.

◆ Fly, ◆ support

Bird Companion

"How do you expect to kill us anyway? Your shoelaces are untied."

deception-create a diversion: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Grinning to herself at her clever ploy, Meadow draws her bow and fires.

quick draw-shortbow vs red, CA: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 15 + 1 = 26
piercing: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 3) + 1 = 6
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 3

precision: 1d8 ⇒ 2 extra damage on the first hit.

◆ create a diversion,◆ Quick Draw

Meadow has already hunted prey on the man while everyone was talking.

Fort demonologist: 1d20 ⇒ 18

The combined might of the Pathfinders brings down the demonologist. The demons, freed from the control of their summoner begin to wantonly pillage the shelves. It only takes you a few more moments to clean up.

I think he was down to 2 hp but with Charlies and Estes to go before he acts, I'm just going to call it.

You have the other high-traffic area to explore and the lesser traveled place.

Olnik shakes his head down at the body of the demonologist. "I don't normally mock or disrespect the dead, but ... that was just embarrassing."[b]

He motions toward the high-traffic area. [b]"Let's go clear that out, then? Anyone want to put some coin on whether we find Hesla there?"

"I'm not sure what he expected, worshiping a dead god," Sparkin comments. "Of course, people held on to the worship of Aroden for years."

This small library is rather sparse, most of its shelves gutted and empty. The few remaining books stand together in a lonely line, and the solitary desk is covered in a thick layer of dust with clean empty spaces, the only evidence that it was ever used.

Charlies searches the area for more clues. He even looks into the desk's drawers, if it has one. He skims over the remaining books to see what they are about.

Perception to Search: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

Shayla joins Charlies and looks over the area.

Perc: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Sparkin examines the dusty books.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33

In addition to people searching, Bulak will try to track and see if anyone and anything (and if so, what) was in the area recently

survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Olnik casts a quick detect magic to make sure they aren't missing anything on that front, and then assists with the searching.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

Once everyone has had time to search the area, he motions toward the remaining area and heads in that direction.

Meadow examines the area carefully.

perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

The stealth modifier for this hazard is definitely wrong. So I'm going to use the new directives to fix that.

Bulak sees signs that the area between this library and the study where the demonologist were encountered were well-traveled. Perhaps this is where the man stored his books.

As Sparkin examines the shelves, he spies some pages tucked into some of the tomes that are oddly folded. He immediately suspects some sort of trap if the books are opened.

Disable DC 23 Thievery to carefully tear up the pages, or DC 21 Arcana (trained) or dispel magic (3rd level; counteract DC 25) to render the magic inert.

Charlies has untrained Thievery +3 and untrained Arcana +0. And does not have Dispel Magic spell to counteract the item.

"Not really into traps and all..." Charlies looks at his allies, perhaps they have better solutions.

Shayla pulls out a knife and begins to carefully tear the pages up.

Thievery: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

"Is that it?" she appears to be nonchalant about it but careful examination shows that she's nervous...

Charlies rolls his eyes at her nonchalant remark but is fairly impressed.

"Well done. Let's see what is written on them."

Oh man, these are not my strengths. If there is anything I can do, let me know.

Bulak will take a look at the texts.

The books don't appear to be anything interesting or important at first glance. A few things are written in the margins that make little sense. You suspect these might be some sort of code, but deciphering it would take days.

All that is left is the one last corner of the complex.

Even before the eye can perceive torchlight, the mouth and nose inhale the sharp burn of ozone; the acrid afterburn of powerful magic. The large chamber’s floor is lined with impressive chalk symbols drawn by a meticulous hand, practiced in their work. The foul symbol of Deskari weaves throughout the intricate lines, and a few scattered locusts chirp in the corners.

From the shadows emerges a monstrous creature of the Outer Rifts, smiling wide with bloodlust. Behind the demon stand cultists who raise their weapons with fanatical determination. The demon laughs, an ugly sound that echoes in one’s nightmares. “Thank you, foolish adventurers, for crawling so deep down into the belly of the earth. I will enjoy your flesh.”

⬤ Ritual Room Round 1 ⬤
Terrain Feature(s): Stairs and benches are difficult terrain.
Map Link: ENCOUNTER MAP
Note(s): ☘️: Hero Point, OG: Off-Guard

CHARACTER IN ➤ BOLD TYPEFACE CAN ACT! STRIKETHROUGH NAMES ARE ELIMINATED.
➤ Sparkin Spellrig (AC 18) (HP 58/58) |
➤ Meadow (AC 24) (HP 74/74) |
➤⠀⠀⠀Silence (AC 23) (HP 52/52) |
➤ Bulak the Wanderer (AC 23) (HP 82/82) |
Green Fanatic (HP -) |
Olnik Shadowstone (AC 21) (HP 64/64) |
White Demon (HP -) |
Red Fanatic (HP -) |
Shayla Quickfingers (AC 24) (HP 74/74) |
Charlies (AC 24) (HP 86/86) |
⠀⠀⠀Estes (AC 24) (HP 86/86) |
Yellow Fanatic (HP -) |
Purple Fanatic (HP -) |

Sparkin tries to remember what he can about the demon.

He fires off a beam of divine energy at the demon.

holy light: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17 for fire: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 2, 2, 3) = 16 & spirit?: 5d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 3, 2, 5) = 16

Can we see over the shelves or does Ugly tower over it?

From the description I would assume that we can see over the shelves but I agree GM clarification is in order.

They are benches, not shelves and are difficult terrain.

"Ha! Look at all these symbols all over the floor! These guys gotta be cultists, right? Silence, go get that guy with the ugly purple hat. He's just asking to have an owl in his face."

◆ Hunt prey, ◆ Command an Animal

Silence hisses menacingly and flies out to strike at the man in the purple hat.

◆ Fly, ◆ Support

Bird Companion

"Eat arrow Ugly Hat!" Meadow quickly fires an arrow at her target.

Quick Draw-shortbow vs purple: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
piercing: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 2

precision: 1d8 ⇒ 4 extra damage on the first hit.

◆ Quick Draw

Bulak moves to red (left), hunts prey and attacks (reach 10).

Striking Halberd: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20
bludgeoning: 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (1, 7) + 4 = 12
precision: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Note: If she needs to move up another 5 because of whatever that wooden line is, she can do so,

Sparkin and Bulak are unable to hit their targets, but Meadow's attack sticks the cultist.

The cultist in green rushes up to Estes and stabs with his dagger.

◆◆◆ Frenzied Assault: Stride + 3 Strikes at +1/+2

Dagger: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 1 = 25
Piercing: 2d4 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1, 3) + 7 + 2 = 13

Dagger: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 1 - 4 = 10

Dagger: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 8 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 1 - 8 = 23

⬤ Ritual Room Round 1 ⬤
Terrain Feature(s): Stairs and benches are difficult terrain.
Map Link: ENCOUNTER MAP
Note(s): ☘️: Hero Point, OG: Off-Guard

CHARACTER IN ➤ BOLD TYPEFACE CAN ACT! STRIKETHROUGH NAMES ARE ELIMINATED.
Sparkin Spellrig (AC 18) (HP 58/58) |
Meadow (AC 24) (HP 74/74) |
⠀⠀⠀Silence (AC 23) (HP 52/52) |
Bulak the Wanderer (AC 23) (HP 82/82) |
Green Fanatic (HP -) |
➤ Olnik Shadowstone (AC 21) (HP 64/64) |
White Demon (HP -) |
Red Fanatic (HP -) |
Shayla Quickfingers (AC 24) (HP 74/74) |
Charlies (AC 24) (HP 73/86) |
⠀⠀⠀Estes (AC 24) (HP 73/86) |
Yellow Fanatic (HP -) |
Purple Fanatic (HP -11) | bleed 1d4, dazzled (bleeding) |

Olnik plays a rousing beat to inspire his allies to greater valor.

◇ Cast a Spell: lingering composition
◈ Cast a Spell: courageous anthem

Performance: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 15 + 1 = 26
+1 to attack, damage, & fear saves for 3 rounds. 1 focus point spent.

As he continues to play, the sound from his drum manifests as a shimmering image of light, spirit, and sound vibrations, manifesting near the demon in the form of a warhammer, which swings at the foul beast.

◈◈ Cast a Spell: spiritual weapon
spiritual weapon attack on white demon w/ courageous anthem bonus: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 1 = 31
spiritual weapon damage (force) w/ courageous anthem bonus: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11